9 Top Travel Destinations for Golf

In our last blog, our friend Cindy shared how she transforms her Savvy Girl Signature golf purse into the perfect travel companion. This got us thinking about all the great travel destinations we’ve explored, and the ones we can’t wait to visit. We decided to compile a list of our top 9 travel destinations, all of which create the perfect vacation getaway for golfers—just remember to pack your Signature purse for the trip!

1.Pebble Beach

Number one on our list is Pebble Beach. Surrounded by breathtaking ocean views, freshly manicured greens, and cliffside fairways, this California paradise offers golfers a once in a lifetime experience.

Known as the #1 public golf course in America, this beautiful beach area has welcomed popular golf legends like Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods. It includes five stunning golf courses with sloping greens and a nearby boardwalk with bagpipe performers who play at sunset.

Its close proximity to Carmel-By-The-Sea also puts this destination at the top of our list. Known for its charming boutiques, beautiful art galleries, delicious restaurants, and scenic views, you’ll discover new adventures around every corner.

We traveled to Pebble Beach for our Dad’s 70th birthday and stayed at The Inn at Spanish Bay. We couldn’t have been more pleased with the Inn’s cozy furnishings and gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean. Remember to book your room and tee times well in advance. You can make your reservations at 800.877.5097 or visit the Pebble Beach Resorts website.

2.The Masters

Coming in at number two is The Masters. Although we didn’t play golf here, this destination offers a wonderful getaway for avid golfers like ourselves. While there, we experienced tasty food selections from local vendors and restaurants (all reasonably priced), free parking, endless merchandise stores, and, of course, the chance to see the pros compete.

Visiting The Masters should definitely be on every golfer’s bucket list. The locals are always welcoming and the dining and lodging amenities are more affordable than you might guess.

Wondering how we got our tickets? We entered the lottery. The Master’s lottery is open to everyone. All you have to do is enter your information on their website before June 1st for the following year. It’s well worth the travel investment.

3.Pinehurst

We chose Pinehurst as our number three vacation hotspot. This gorgeous golf destination is located in the heart of the North Carolina Sandhills. Surrounded by majestic pines and overflowing with southern hospitality, Pinehurst is known for its rustic charm and relaxed atmosphere.

It’s a place where guests can enjoy a round of golf at one of 40 courses. We traveled to Pinehurst for my niece’s wedding and stayed at The Carolina Hotel. The sheer elegance of this hotel made me feel like I had literally stepped back in time. I couldn’t get over the beautiful villas that surrounded us and how peaceful the whole experience felt.

If you’re looking to unwind after a day on the green, book an appointment at The Spa at Pinehurst. I felt so rejuvenated after my massage and even more refreshed for another game of golf. For those who love a little relaxation with their play, this destination is for you. To book early, call 855.235.8507 or visit their website.

BONUS DOWNLOAD: A golf checklist for the organized golfer.

4.Kiawah

Kiawah is a magnificent sea island on the Atlantic coast and also our fourth pick. Located in South Carolina, this travel destination is packed with natural scenery, white sand beaches, and five championship golf courses.

Although no one would accompany me on the Ocean Course, especially after seeing the high winds during the Ryder Cup, my friends and I enjoyed practicing a round of golf at Oak Point and at my favorite course, Osprey Point.

During our stay, we rented an affordable condo for the week and enjoyed the resort’s convenient access to Charleston—not to mention over 10 miles of beautiful beaches for fun in the sun and kayaking.

One word of caution Savvy readers: local wildlife is alive and well on this island, so don’t be surprised if you see exotic birds roaming around the greens or even a friendly alligator that locals call Big Al. If he happens to catch your ball, it’s probably a good idea to let him have it. To book your reservation, call 800.576.1570 or reserve online. INSERT IMAGE

5.Hilton Head Island

If you’re ready for an island adventure, visit Hilton Head Island. This is more than a golfer’s paradise; it’s the best destination for outdoor enthusiasts. It’s perfect for jet skiing, windsurfing, parasailing, and so much more.

The Hilton Head Island Golf course includes over 33 championship course fairways—with each course offering its own set of unique characteristics and challenges to keep you ahead of your competition. This destination offers a variety of hotel, resort, and villa accommodations for any size group, as well as easy access to book tee times.

6.Grand Wailea

Say aloha to Grand Wailea and experience a whole new level of luxury. This award winning resort offers convenient access to Maui’s three golf courses: Blue, Gold, and Emerald. Each course offers a varied degree of difficulty and is surrounded by stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.

Whether you’re dining on authentic local cuisine, taking a refreshing dip in the pool, or lounging on the beach, you’ll discover paradise right at your fingertips when you visit this island getaway. To book your reservation, call 1.800.888.6100.

7.Walt Disney World

Every golfer should visit Walt Disney World in Florida at least once. There are four championship award-winning golf courses to chose from that are considered world-class.  We absolutely love staying here because there’s so much to do besides golf. Each hotel has its own unique theme and offers convenient bus service to every Disney location.

Our personal favorite place to stay is Disney’s Animal Kingdom. We upgraded to a suite and lodged in one of the nicest and coziest rooms we’ve ever stayed in.

If you’re ready for a more rustic adventure, try the Wilderness Lodge. We dined at the Whispering Canyon Café and had our taste buds delighted by its large selection of roasted chicken, pork ribs, and citrus glazed rainbow trout.

We have also stayed at the Grand Bohemian Hotel in nearby Celebration, which provided easy driving distance to the PGA show, as well as some great nearby restaurants and local shopping areas. No matter what age golfer you are, Disney World is filled with imagination and endless adventure.

8.Naples, FL

Number eight on our list is also where the Savvy Sisters call home in the winter. Located on the Gulf of Mexico in southwest Florida rests the exciting city of Naples. Overflowing with a variety of restaurants, shopping districts, and white sand beaches, there’s many reasons why we love calling Naples home.

Its ideal climate condition creates the perfect year round setting for golf enthusiasts. With almost 100 golf courses in the area, this city offers the ultimate golf experience.

Our favorite place to visit is the Tiburon Golf Club at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort. Its sophisticated, 18-hole championship courses are home to the PGA Tour’s Franklin Templeton Shootout and the LPGA CME Group Tour Championship.

9.El Conquistador Resort

Finally, coming in at number nine is El Conquistador Resort in Puerto Rico. This enchanting oasis is a private island paradise. Home to the Arthur Hills golf course, guests can play a challenging round of golf or improve their skills with personal PGA instructors.

This Caribbean island offers magnificent rainforest and ocean views and its own private marina. With over 23 delicious restaurants, you’ll please your palette on savory dishes made from fresh local ingredients and exotic spices.

The resort has its own water park and offers five luxurious villages that include elegant guest rooms and suites, all designed with your absolute comfort in mind. This island destination is a vacation you have to experience to believe. To book your suite, call 787.863.1000.