Whether you’re an experienced player or just starting out, the golf season cooling down to a miserable degree is always a disappointing time of year. After all, time spent on the course isn’t just fun, it’s where you connect with friends and maybe even talk business. Fortunately, there are still plenty of destinations in the U.S. that have year-round weather that’s suitable for 18-hole rounds. Pack your golf bags because we’ve teed-up 10 of the top courses for your winter golf getaway!
Cascata - Boulder City, Nevada
If you’re seeking a unique desert golfing destination, Cascata is where it’s at. Italian for waterfall, the name Cascata is inspired by the 418-foot waterfall that’s prominently featured over the range and becomes a stream running through the entire property. Talk about a desert oasis! Even better, it’s one of Nevada’s best course designs, designed by Rees Jones and ranking 6th on Golf Digest’s latest list for the state. Want a challenging course with rolling terrain, significant elevation changes, and breathtaking views? This course has got you covered.
Bali Hai - Las Vegas, Nevada
Located on the strip just a few blocks from the Bellagio, Bali Hai offers a truly unique and very Vegas golfing experience. A fun course designed by Lee Schmidt and Brian Curley, it’s a perfect golf getaway for the boys. Bali Hai is home to the ParMates program, which pairs you up with a golf-knowledgeable, “friendly, professional, beautiful” lady. Only in Vegas, right? Other notable features include Callaway club rentals and $500,000 in recent enhancement and beautification renovations. If you’re planning a golf-centered bachelor party this winter, Bali Hai won’t disappoint!
Reflection Bay - Lake Las Vegas, Nevada
As the name alludes to, this course is located on a beautiful 320-acre lake just 20 minutes outside of Las Vegas. The only course in Nevada to receive the prestigious Jack Nicklaus Signature Design designation, this course was host to Wendy’s 3Tour Challenge from 1998 to 2007. Starting out with a double water carry tee shot, this course is sure to give you a run for your money. There’s also a wide variety of resort activities along with two hotels – Westin and Hilton – making this resort-style course perfect for visiting Vegas without some of the hassles of staying on the strip.
La Quinta Resort and Club - La Quinta, CA
Featuring a Pete Dye design, this ultra-challenging course features pot bunkers, rock formations, elevations of tee boxes, and well-bunkered greens. Even better, it’s nestled at the base of the Santa Rosa mountains, offering stunning and truly unique views from the green. If you’re someone who loves planning their game in advance, the course website has a handy hole-by-hole breakdown with detailed descriptions and yardage figures per shot. Beyond getting in some serious rounds, the resort this course is part of affords luxurious accommodations for relaxing in comfort with breathtaking backdrops.
Pinehurst No. 2 - Pinehurst, North Carolina
If you’re seeking a golf resort in the Southeast that provides plenty of course options, Pinehurst is definitely top of the list. With nine total courses to choose from, you’re certain to get all the winter golfing that you can handle. One of the most notable courses at Pinehurst is the simply-titled No. 2. Home to numerous major tournaments and slated for five upcoming U.S. Opens, this Donal Ross-designed course is truly legendary. Resort accommodations and activities are top-notch as well, making Pinehurst the perfect destination for those escaping from colder northeastern states.
Palmetto Dunes - Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
One of Hilton Head’s must-play golf venues is the Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort, which touts three 18-hole courses along three miles of ocean frontage. Centered around relaxation, this resort also offers a wide selection of vacation rental homes that are just steps from both the course and beach, making it perfect for a romantic getaway in the winter. When you’re not enjoying the laid-back atmosphere, the golfing will keep you on your toes, with each of the three courses being rated four stars or more by Fodor’s Golf Digest Places to Play.
Ocean Course - Kiawah Island, South Carolina
Site of the 2012 PGA Championship and on-deck for hosting it again in 2021, the Ocean Course on Kiawah Island is the No. 1-ranked course in South Carolina and 24th in the U.S. If testing your golf prowess is your motivation, this is a must-play course. While the views from the raised course are stunning, the sometimes unpredictable ocean breezes from the Atlantic will add an extra-challenging element to your game. The website also provides a nicely-detailed overview of each hole that even includes commentary by Pete Dye – there’s nothing better than getting the lowdown on a course straight from its designer!
Blue Course - Streamsong Resort, Florida
Located about an hour inland from Tampa, the Streamsong Resort offers three courses – Red, Blue, and Black. Recently re-grassed with a new strain of Bermudagrass, the Tom Doak-designed Blue Course is on Golf Digest’s Top 100 list. Features of the course include multiple elevation changes, fairways navigating wild grasses, and deep-water ponds. Boasting an ultra-modern lodge, the resort also boasts natural beauty with a lakeside 12-guestroom clubhouse and a variety of outdoor activities including guided bass fishing, hiking trails, bird watching, and sporting clays.
Copperhead - Tampa, Florida
Part of the Innisbrook Resort, the Copperhead course is home to the annual Valspar Championship and included in Golf Digest’s America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses. Pine tree-lined fairways and rolling terrain define the lengthy 7,200-yard course, making it a great choice for those who love to go long on their hits. You’ll also enjoy some wildlife sightseeing when playing, with glimpses of fox squirrels, alligators, and blue herons. The resort itself provides a luxurious experience, offering first-class accommodations and relaxing spa treatments.
Kapalua Plantation Course - Maui Island, Hawaii
Consistently ranked as the #1 golf course in Hawaii, playing The Plantation Course on Maui a truly special experience. Designed by Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore, the course features dramatic elevations changes and breathtaking ocean views from almost every hole. Home of the PGA TOUR Sentry Tournament of Champions each January so the next time you see it on TV you can reminisce about each hole that you played. Definitely a bucket list course.
While enjoying the breathtaking views and warmer climates this winter, bringing along some tunes on your golf cart really completes the experience. But, keeping a Bluetooth speaker secure on a golf cart can be more hassle than it’s worth. That’s why we designed our G-Rok Speaker with powerful integrated magnets to make secure mounting a snap – just get it close to the metal framing and it instantly fixes itself to your cart. Compact yet rich in sound quality, this little speaker is a must for your next golf trip!
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