The Best Golf Trip Is the One Your Group Would Book Again.
A great golf trip is not always about the most famous course. Sometimes it is the resort, the group, the weather, the nightlife, the value, or finally getting everyone together.
I use this page to collect useful golf-trip ideas, real recommendations from golfers, and destinations worth researching. It is not a ranking, and it is not a list of places someone paid to promote.
“What is the best golf trip you have ever taken—not necessarily the best course, but the best overall trip?”
That one question became Rob’s Golf Trip Notebook.Most Requested Golf Destinations
Some golfers want the best value. Others want iconic courses, resort comfort, warm weather, nightlife, beaches, or a golf-first getaway with very few distractions. My comparison guide explains why each destination fits a different kind of group and includes typical price ranges—not fixed quotes.
Rob’s Golf Trip Notebook
These are recommendations from golfers who stayed, played, and remembered the trip. I use first names only. The notebook will keep growing as more golfers share the places they would gladly visit again.
Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail
Erin recommended the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail after playing three locations: Capitol Hill in Prattville, The Shoals in Muscle Shoals, and Grand National in Opelika.
- Capitol Hill — three courses
- The Shoals — two courses
- Grand National — two courses and a par-3 course
He remembered the layouts and lodging as excellent. This one stays in the notebook while I continue researching how the different stops fit together.
Bay Hill Club & Lodge
Ken’s answer was simple: Bay Hill in Orlando. He stayed and played there and called it an incredible experience.
That kind of short, confident recommendation is exactly what this notebook is for. Bay Hill remains on my research list as a golf-first Orlando stay.
Northern Minnesota Golf Trip
Joe shared a ten-round route that included Giants Ridge in Biwabik, The Wilderness at Fortune Bay in Tower, and several courses in the Brainerd area.
- Giants Ridge — Biwabik, Minnesota
- The Wilderness at Fortune Bay — Tower, Minnesota
- Cragun’s Lehman Course — Brainerd area, Minnesota
- Deacon’s Lodge — Brainerd area, Minnesota
- The Classic at Madden’s — Brainerd area, Minnesota
His summary was simple: awesome courses. That is exactly the kind of trip that belongs here—strong golf, multiple stops, and a route many golfers may not think of first.
Bandon Dunes Golf Resort
Scott called Bandon Dunes “golf paradise.” Kris described the experience as exceptional, but made it clear that nothing about the trip is easy—the travel, the courses, the tee times, or the cost.
That is part of what makes Bandon memorable. It is not a casual golf weekend. It is the kind of trip a group plans carefully and talks about for years.
Whistling Straits
Scott mentioned Whistling Straits alongside Bandon Dunes when asked about memorable golf experiences. This is one I will continue researching as the notebook grows.
Hamptons Golf
Scott pointed to three incredible courses in the Hamptons: Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, National Golf Links of America, and Sebonack Golf Club.
His warning was just as important as the recommendation: the golf is outstanding, but access can be difficult. This is not the easiest trip to arrange, which makes realistic planning especially important.
Big Cedar Lodge & Payne’s Valley
Greg said that if he were planning a golf trip now, Payne’s Valley and Big Cedar Lodge would be near the top of his list. The combination of memorable golf and a full resort setting is what caught his attention.
Walt Disney World Golf
Greg remembered the Disney courses as exceptional and had played all of them years ago. Disney may not be the first place golfers think of for a dedicated trip, which is exactly why it belongs in the notebook.
It may fit especially well for family trips where some travelers want golf while others want everything else available around Walt Disney World.
Michigan Golf
Scott also pointed out that Michigan has a large number of strong courses, especially in the northern part of the state. This is broader than one resort or course, so it will remain an open notebook topic while I gather more specific recommendations.
What Makes a Golf Trip Work?
The course matters, but it is rarely the only thing that determines whether the group would book the trip again.
A famous course is not automatically the best fit. Travel time, weather, access, lodging, and the group’s budget all matter.
The resort, hotel, or rental becomes the group’s home base. Room setup, location, restaurants, and transportation can make the trip easier—or harder.
More rounds are not always better. The group needs enough time to travel, eat, relax, and enjoy the destination without turning the trip into a race.
Some groups want beaches, nightlife, casinos, resort amenities, or options for non-golfers. Others want nothing but golf. Both can work when everyone agrees on the trip.
Ready to Plan a Golf Trip?
Tell me about your group, the dates you are considering, and the kind of golf trip everyone wants. You do not need to have every detail figured out before you begin.
Plan My Vacation Request→This is an independent golf travel guide from Rob Sturdy Travels. Course, resort, and destination references are provided for travel planning purposes only and are not affiliated with or endorsed by the facilities mentioned.