Golfing isn’t just a sport – it’s a leisure activity that allows its players to enjoy the climate and landscape where they are. On a golf course, they can take in views of the water and mountains from a different and often secluded perspective, and enjoy more luxury amenities and changes of scene than just at a resort.
In other words, those who travel to golf, we hear ya.
That’s why we’ve compiled some of our favorite multi-course vacation options for those who like to see the world 9 to 18 holes at a time. Here are some of the best spots for golf getaways, as gathered when we Ask a Pro – including the ones on the ALG Vacations® product team – for their favorite recommendations.
Dominican Republic
All-inclusive resort lovers always put Dominican Republic in their top picks, and golfers often do the same. The list of designers who have made a mark on this island nation is a veritable Who’s Who of the golfing world greats: Pete Dye, P.B. Dye, Jack Nicklaus, Robert Trent Jones, Sr., Gary Player, Tom Fazio, Nick Price, Greg Norman are all present and accounted for among 28 golf courses and a total of 86 ocean view holes. All full-length courses are par 72.
Golf enthusiasts should not visit without doing Teeth of the Dog at Casa de Campo, Corales Golf Club, Punta Espada Golf Course, DYE Fore, PGA Oceans, La Cana, and Iberostar Bavaro Golf Club (in decreasing difficulty). Club rentals are available, saving you the oversized checked bag so visitors can pack what they need to have fun between rounds. Deep sea fishing, specialized tours to cigar and rum factories, and rugged excursions like the Saona Island Adventure Tour fill in the gaps well.
Puerto Vallarta
For intermediate golfers or those looking to challenge their skills, this western Mexican destination is it. Sitting at the top of the list are the Vista Vallarta Golf Club – whose Tom Weiskopf Signature Course is the #1 public golf course in all of Mexico and whose Jack Nicklaus Signature Course follows at #6 ranking – and Marina Vallarta Golf Club, designed by Joe Finger and listed frequently as among the top 15 courses to play in the country.
Tee time for both provides use of a GPS-enabled golf course and unlimited use of practice areas, lockers, and showers. Rentals for clubs are available, but just as important are the Stay & Play packages designed in conjunction with various hotels in the Bay, since they offer guests special rates, including for tournaments and corporate events. It also gives golfers access to the many amenities in the area: award-winning restaurants (in-destination sources recommend Café des Artistes, ICÚ, and Tintoque!), spending well-deserved time at a resort spa; shopping across the city; a sunset cruise on a catamaran, sailboat, or yacht; or just spending a day at one of the many beach clubs. A day pass to Casitas Maraika, Majahuitas, and Anima come frequently recommended!
Pro-tip: Book a Luxe by ALG Vacations® property here and our Luxe concierges can help you secure those restaurant and beach club reservations! Full list of participating hotels in Puerto Vallarta and elsewhere here.
Maui
Resilient Maui, delighted to be fully welcoming tourists, is known for a lot of things: the epic drives and the Road to Hana, endless romance on beautiful beaches and lush jungles … and its golf courses. The best golf course in all of Hawaii, winning Golfweek’s lineup for 15 consecutive years, is Kapalua Golf, located in the same resort you’ll find the Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua.
Designed by Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore, the two courses were designed on a grand scale on the mountains of West Maui for dramatic and virtually nonstop ocean views and elevation changes, plus plenty of downhill tee shots for opportunities to shoot the longest drives of your life. So even though it’s challenging enough to host the greats, including PGA TOUR’s The Sentry (on The Plantation Course), this par-73 course is also a delight for average golfers. The celebration of that record drive then easily continues with a chance to enjoy The Club Lounge in the Anuenue Room, Aloloa Lounge, The Banyan Tree, Tales of the Kapa Moe Luau, or the spa.
Two others stand out in our experts’ – and Golfweek’s, per their ranking of 2024’s best resort courses – opinions: the par-71 Royal Ka’anapali Golf Course by Robert Trent Jones, Sr. and par-70 Ka’anapali Kai Golf Course, which was originally designed by Arthur Jack Snyder and recently renovated by Robin Nelson.
Both offer panoramic ocean views that become even more spellbinding as you gain elevation, making every hard-won hit fully worth it, especially since a shared golf cart for two is included in the tee time for paid rounds. And at the end, even more rewards await. At the 19th hole, Maui Brewing Co. at “Maui’s most Hawaiian resort,” OUTRIGGER Kāʻanapali Beach Resort provides one of the best ways to revel in the afterglow of a well-played game.
Additional bonuses of planning a golf getaway here and staying at this resort? Maui’s only nine-hole FootGolf – a hybrid of soccer and golf! – layout with unlimited play for only $15 a player; a monthly fee FitClub where golfers walk and play the first six holes on the Royal Course after 4 PM; and PGA professional-led teaching programs.
Big Island of Hawai’i
Coffee, volcanoes, and golf are some of the most well-known attractions of the archipelago’s largest land mass, and for good reason. But as for the latter, part of it is for the William Bell-designed par-72 course at Kona Country Club, where OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa receive exclusive rates. Eight of its 18 holes are waterfront, and a driving range, pro shop, on-site pro services, and restaurant make it a full day out. Golf cart use is included, and clubs are only $60-$70 to rent, which can save you the cost of an extra checked bag and the hassle.
Plus, as we’d mentioned, this resort brand is known for its authentic Hawaiian spirit and cultural activities, so player can kick back with tours and activities on the property, attend the Feast & Fire Luau, and opt in to an evening manta ray snorkel or viewing to say aloha to true locals.
Orlando
Florida is a magical wonderland for golfers, and it’s only fitting that Orlando is a central hub for the sport. Families can discover their love of the game together in a pleasantly decompressing, uncrowded environment on days off from the many theme parks when they stay and play in Orlando. For instance, Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course, on the other hand, is a wonderful introduction for the next generation of golfers, as a family-friendly 9-hole, par-36 walking course. Junior (and adult) club rentals and no need for advance reservations for clubs and shoes simplify the family outing. The option of FootGolf makes the sport even more accessible.
It's one of four Walt Disney World® golf courses operated by Arnold Palmer Golf Management, one of the premier operators in the entire world, this wide selection lets guests find the fantasy that best speaks to the wish their heart makes. The Disney Magnolia Golf Course, the longest of them all, is a classic Tour-style championship course, and Disney’s Palm Golf Course offers a similar level of play. Disney’s Lake Buena Vista Golf Course is a country club-style course peppered with palmettos, palms, and pastel villas. And bonus! All three of these have hosted a Disney PGA TOUR tournament, so you know they’re serious.
Food and beverage cart service are available on the green, and complimentary lockers and shower facilities are provided, too.
Pro-tip: Disney fans know that they get a host of special perks at the parks when they stay at resort hotels, but not everyone knows that there are golfing benefits, too! Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin guests receive advance tee times to get on the green ASAP.
We recommend taking advantage of and planning around current Walt Disney World® Theme Park ticket promotions for 3-Day, 3-Park tickets and 4-Park Magic Tickets. The specials are available for those who book by 9/18/24 for use by 9/24/24 and those staying at Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin will also benefit from Early Entry and Extended Evening Hours and have access to the pool, beach, watercraft rentals, and the resort’s Mandara Spa.
