Fairways Worth the Flight
If you love golf and travel, you know the right destination can turn an ordinary round into a lifelong memory. From ocean-lined links to desert layouts and tropical fairways, the world is full of places worth planning a golf trip around. Here are 20 of the best golf vacations you’ll want to put on your bucket list.
1. Lisbon Coast, Portugal
Portugal’s Lisbon region blends historic charm with spectacular golf courses that hug rugged coastlines and pine forests. It’s an ideal destination if you want variety and culture in the same trip. Courses around here offer gorgeous vistas and a relaxed vibe you won’t get everywhere.
2. Maui, Hawaii
Hawaii’s lush landscapes and steady sunshine make Maui a no-brainer for golfers and non-golfers alike. Championship courses weave through volcanic terrain and tropical valleys. After your round, beaches and luaus await to keep the adventure going.
3. Banff Springs, Canada
Golf surrounded by soaring mountain peaks sounds unreal until you’re here. Courses near Banff stretch across blue lakes and wild forests, creating stunning visuals every time you tee off. Pair golf with hiking or wildlife watching for a full bucket-list trip.
Tobias Alt, Tobi 87 on Wikimedia
4. Barbados
Barbados pairs championship golf with turquoise seas and laid-back island culture. Golf resorts here also offer luxury stays, beach access, and vibrant cuisine once you leave the greens. It’s a true blend of relaxation and sport.
5. South African Golf Safari
A golf trip here is more than just courses—it’s golf, safari, and luxury rolled into one. Tee off beside wildlife reserves like Kruger National Park, where monkeys and elephants sometimes wander near the fairways. You’ll return home with stories from both on and off the course.
6. Cabot Cape Breton, Nova Scotia
Cabot on Cape Breton Island mixes classic links-style play with ocean views that feel instantly unforgettable. The courses here are woven into the rugged eastern Canadian shoreline, and the seafood alone is worth the trip. It’s the kind of destination where every round feels like a postcard. Many golfers leave already planning a return trip.
7. Sand Valley, Wisconsin
Sand Valley’s natural rolling terrain provides a refreshing take on golf that’s both challenging and fun. Designed to highlight the landscape, its courses invite creativity and strategy. It’s a Midwest gem that’s worth exploring at least once.
8. West Coast Links, Ireland
Ireland’s west coast boasts dramatic links golf with rugged terrain and salty ocean breezes. Fairways here test your skill and heart in equal measure. Between rounds, enjoy cozy pubs and local hospitality that feels like an essential part of the trip.
9. Algarve, Portugal
The Algarve has a reputation as one of Europe’s best golf regions, and it’s easy to see why. Warm weather year-round and courses with Atlantic views make it a dream destination. Plus, the Algarve’s beaches and towns make perfect side trips.
10. Mission Hills, Shenzhen, China
Home to one of the largest golf facilities in the world, Mission Hills has more courses than you can play in a single trip. Each layout brings a different challenge and scenery. It’s a golfer’s paradise where you could spend a week exploring without repeating a fairway.
11. Fancourt, South Africa
Rated among the world’s top golf estates, Fancourt’s Links Course is a must-play if you’re traveling through South Africa. The setting blends forest and fairway with impeccable course design. This vacation pairs golf with luxury living in a way few places can match.
kylefromthenorth™️ on Unsplash
12. Royal County Down, Northern Ireland
Golf here is often described as spectacular and atmospheric thanks to rolling dunes and mountain views. This course makes you feel like each hole could be its own destination. It’s a classic stop for any serious golf traveler.
13. Cape Wickham, Tasmania
Perched on King Island, Cape Wickham delivers dramatic tee shots over ocean cliffs and dunes. Its wild coastal setting makes every round feel cinematic. It’s a destination that belongs on every golfer's checklist.
14. Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai’s golf courses are surrounded by jungle and misty mountains, offering a calm retreat from city life. Add Thai cuisine and local markets to your itinerary for an immersive cultural trip. The fairways here feel like hidden gems.
15. Westman Islands, Iceland
Golf here means hitting shots beneath the midnight sun with ocean views in nearly every direction. It’s unique, beautiful, and unlike most golf vacations you’ll find anywhere else. You’ll talk about this round long after it’s over.
16. Kauri Cliffs, New Zealand
This offshore New Zealand destination blends oceanfront holes with luxury lodge experiences. Every tee box feels like it’s perched above the sea. It’s the kind of trip where golf and scenery merge into one unforgettable day.
17. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Tropical fairways and Caribbean breezes make Punta Cana a perfect climate for year-round golf. The beach is never far from the first tee, and the warm weather keeps spirits high. It’s ideal for combining golf with a full resort vacation.
Michelangelo Azzariti on Unsplash
18. Kingsbarns Golf Links, Scotland
Just a short drive from St. Andrews, Kingsbarns blends historic golf traditions with stunning seaside landscapes. It’s a favorite for players who love golf with dramatic backdrops. Expect great local food, great rounds, and great stories here.
19. Bahamas Golf Resorts
The Bahamas pair turquoise water views with courses designed for sunny play and spectacular backdrops. It’s a classic getaway if you want golf and a beach vacation in one. Each island course offers its own personality and hospitality.
20. Costa Navarino, Greece
This lesser-known European golf destination blends Mediterranean climate with sprawling courses set into rugged terrain. It’s especially rewarding in off-peak seasons when crowds are low, but the weather is still great. Greece’s food and culture make an excellent complement to the rounds you’ll play.
