I started golfing five years ago and it has absolutly ruined my vacation planning — in the best way possible. Every trip now revolves around which courses I can play. The good news? Some of the best golf destinations in the world also happen to have incredible resort vacation deals. My wife gets the pool and spa, I get 18 holes of championship golf, and we both get a resort suite for under $150 a night. Everyone wins.
Why Golf + Resort Deals Work So Well
Many timeshare resorts were literally built around golf courses. Westgate, HGV, Marriott, and Wyndham all operate properties where championship golf is a primary amenity. Some deals even include discounted or complimentary rounds. Even when golf isn't included, the proximity to top courses means you're never more than 15 minutes from the first tee.
Top 10 Golf Vacation Destinations
1. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina — From $89/Night
The golf capital of America. Over 80 courses within 30 minutes of the Westgate resort, with green fees ranging from $30 to $150. Westgate Myrtle Beach deals from $89/night put you in the heart of it. TPC Myrtle Beach, Caledonia, and Tidewater are must-plays. Spring and fall are the best seasons when weather is perfect and rates are reasonable.
2. Scottsdale, Arizona — From $149/Night
Desert golf at its finest. TPC Scottsdale (home of the Waste Management Open), Troon North, and Grayhawk are world-class layouts. HGV has deals from $149/night. The desert scenery makes every hole feel like a postcard, and the October-April weather is perfect for golf. Just bring extra balls — the desert is unforgiving.
3. Hilton Head, South Carolina — From $139/Night
Harbour Town Golf Links hosts the PGA Tour's RBC Heritage every April. The island has over 20 courses, all beautifully maintained and scenic. HGV deals from $139/night. Hilton Head is quieter and more refined than Myrtle Beach — the courses are fewer but the quality is consistenly higher.
4. Orlando, Florida — From $79/Night
Over 100 golf courses within 30 minutes including Orange County National, ChampionsGate, and Shingle Creek. Westgate resorts from $79/night are the cheapest golf base on this list. Winter is prime season when northern golfers escape the cold, but the courses are playable year-round. Green fees average $50-100.
5. Branson, Missouri — From $89/Night
Underrated golf destination with stunning Ozark Mountain course layouts. Top of the Rock, Branson Hills, and Thousand Hills are excellent tracks at reasonable prices. Westgate Branson Woods deals from $89/night. Green fees here are half what you'd pay at comparable coastal courses — $40-80 for championship layouts.
6. Palm Springs, California — From $119/Night
The Coachella Valley has over 100 golf courses including PGA West, Indian Wells, and La Quinta. Wyndham deals from $119/night. The desert climate means year-round golf with virtually no rain. Summer rates drop dramatically (it's hot, but morning rounds before 10 AM are fine). This is where the PGA Tour plays the American Express every January.
7. San Antonio, Texas — From $89/Night
TPC San Antonio (Valero Texas Open venue), The Quarry, and La Cantera are all world-class. Wyndham deals from $89/night make this a budget-friendly golf destination. Green fees are moderate ($50-120) and the courses are uncrowded compared to coastal destinations. Fall and spring are ideal seasons.
8. Cabo San Lucas, Mexico — From $139/Night
Desert-meets-ocean courses designed by Nicklaus, Dye, and Norman. Cabo del Sol, Quivira, and Diamante are bucket-list caliber. Pueblo Bonito all-inclusive deals from $139/night through BookVIP. Green fees are pricier ($150-300) but the courses are truly world-class. The ocean views on every round are worth every penny.
9. Williamsburg, Virginia — From $99/Night
Kingsmill Resort (PGA Tour venue), Golden Horseshoe, and the Royal New Kent are excellent. Westgate Williamsburg deals from $99/night. The area has the historic charm of Colonial Williamsburg plus outstanding golf at reasonable prices. Green fees range from $50-100 for championship courses.
10. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico — From $119/Night
Vista Vallarta (Joe Finger and Nicklaus designs), El Tigre, and Marina Vallarta offer tropical golf with mountain and ocean views. BookVIP has all-inclusive deals from $119/night at El Cid properties. The courses are well-maintained and green fees are reasonable ($80-150) compared to US resort courses.
Golf Destination Comparison
| Destination | Resort Price | Avg Green Fee | # of Courses | Best Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orlando | $79/nt | $50-100 | 100+ | Oct-Apr |
| Myrtle Beach | $89/nt | $30-150 | 80+ | Mar-May, Oct |
| Branson | $89/nt | $40-80 | 10+ | Apr-Oct |
| San Antonio | $89/nt | $50-120 | 30+ | Mar-May, Oct |
| Williamsburg | $99/nt | $50-100 | 15+ | Apr-Oct |
| Palm Springs | $119/nt | $50-200 | 100+ | Oct-May |
| Puerto Vallarta | $119/nt | $80-150 | 5+ | Nov-Apr |
| Hilton Head | $139/nt | $80-200 | 20+ | Mar-May, Oct |
| Cabo | $139/nt | $150-300 | 10+ | Oct-May |
| Scottsdale | $149/nt | $100-300 | 50+ | Oct-Apr |
Golf and resort vacation deals go together like a driver and a downwind par 5. Stop paying $250/night at golf resorts when you can get the same experience for half the price with a promotional deal. Your handicap might not improve, but your wallet certainly will.