Planning a golf trip sounds simple until you have a group of friends to coordinate, different playing abilities to accommodate, tee times to book, and a long list of things everyone wants to do after the 18th hole.
The best golf trip destinations make that planning easier. They offer quality courses, convenient accommodations, good restaurants, and plenty to do when you’re finished playing. Whether you’re organizing a bachelor party, birthday celebration, annual guys’ trip, or simply a weekend away with friends, choosing the right destination can turn a few rounds of golf into a memorable getaway.
From the desert courses of Scottsdale to the live music scene in Nashville, these five destinations combine great golf with plenty of options off the course.
Add Something Extra to the Golf Experience
Golf doesn’t have to be the only entertainment on your itinerary. For groups celebrating a bachelor party, birthday, or guys’ weekend, adding a little extra entertainment to the round can make the day feel more like an event.
Golf Caddie Baddies can accompany groups during their round, assist with clubs and carts, pour drinks, and help keep the atmosphere social. They are friendly, beautiful, and professional, and groups can choose their favorite local baddies. It’s an option for groups looking to create a more memorable experience while still enjoying the game.
If you’re considering outside entertainment, always check the individual course’s guest and entertainment policies before making arrangements. Rules vary between properties, and confirming in advance helps keep the day running smoothly.
With that in mind, here are five destinations worth considering for your next golf getaway.
1. Austin, Texas
Austin is an easy choice for a golf trip with friends because it combines scenic Hill Country courses with a food, live music, and nightlife scene that gives groups plenty to do after the round.
The city also offers a good range of golf experiences. You can book a luxury resort course, play a historic municipal course, or head into the Hill Country for a scenic day away from downtown.
Barton Creek Fazio Canyons Golf Course
Located at Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa, Fazio Canyons is a premium Hill Country experience designed by Tom Fazio. The course is known for dramatic elevation changes, limestone formations, strategic bunkering, and expansive views.
Its resort setting makes it particularly convenient for groups that want golf, dining, pools, and other amenities in one location. Because access is generally geared toward resort guests and members, check availability and booking requirements before planning your round.
The Golf Club at Star Ranch
Star Ranch offers 27 holes divided into three nine-hole loops: Canyons, Lakes, and Ranch. The flexible layout allows groups to customize their day, whether they want a traditional 18-hole round or a longer golf outing.
Rolling fairways, elevation changes, bunkers, and water hazards provide plenty of variety, while the on-site bar and grill make post-round drinks easy.
Horseshoe Bay Resort
For a full golf getaway, Horseshoe Bay Resort offers multiple championship courses along with restaurants, pools, spa services, and access to Lake LBJ.
The resort works particularly well for groups that want to spend several days in one location rather than arranging separate golf, dining, and leisure activities around Austin.
Extra Activities to Add to an Austin Golf Trip
Austin is a destination where you can easily fill an entire weekend without playing golf every day. After your round, consider exploring the city’s craft brewery scene, booking a barbecue tour, or checking out one of the many food halls and local restaurants.
For something more outdoorsy, groups can spend an afternoon on Lady Bird Lake, rent kayaks, or explore the Barton Springs area. In the evening, Austin’s live music venues and downtown bars provide an easy way to continue the night.
For a bachelor party or guys’ weekend, a combination of golf during the day, barbecue or a brewery stop in the afternoon, and live music at night can make for a well-rounded Austin itinerary.
2. Scottsdale, Arizona
Scottsdale is one of the most popular golf destinations in the Southwest for good reason. The area has a high concentration of quality courses, dramatic Sonoran Desert scenery, luxury resorts, and a lively nightlife scene.
For groups, the biggest advantage is variety. You can play a premium desert course one day and a more relaxed public course the next without spending hours traveling between destinations.
Talking Stick Golf Club
Talking Stick features 36 holes designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw. The wide fairways, open sightlines, and lack of residential development around the layouts create an appealing setting for groups.
Its proximity to Talking Stick Resort adds restaurants, pools, casino entertainment, and other activities to the itinerary, while Old Town Scottsdale is also within easy reach.
Troon North Golf Club
Troon North offers two 18-hole courses, Pinnacle and Monument, surrounded by rugged desert scenery and dramatic rock formations.
Both layouts provide a challenging but rewarding golf experience, making Troon North a strong choice for more experienced groups that want the golf itself to be a highlight of the trip.
We-Ko-Pa Golf Club
Located just outside Scottsdale, We-Ko-Pa features two 18-hole courses, Saguaro and Cholla. Both offer expansive desert views without the residential development found around many urban courses.
The two-course setup makes it particularly convenient for groups planning multiple rounds or a full 36-hole day.
Extra Activities to Add to a Scottsdale Golf Trip
Scottsdale makes it easy to build a golf trip around other popular experiences. Groups can book a desert ATV or UTV tour, take a guided hike around the Sonoran Desert, or spend an afternoon at the pool.
Old Town Scottsdale is another natural addition to the itinerary, with restaurants, cocktail bars, and nightlife all within a compact area. For groups looking for something more relaxed, a spa afternoon or a visit to a local brewery can balance out a busy golf schedule.
A sunset desert experience is another good option, particularly for groups who want to see the landscape after the heat of the day has eased.
3. Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville is best known for country music and nightlife, but it also makes an excellent golf destination for groups that don’t want to spend the entire weekend on the course.
Several public courses are within a manageable drive of downtown, making it easy to combine a morning or afternoon round with dinner, live music, and a night out.
Gaylord Springs Golf Links
Located near Nashville International Airport, Gaylord Springs offers a Scottish links-inspired layout with rolling fairways, bunkers, and water features.
Its convenient location makes it particularly useful for groups trying to fit golf into a busy Nashville itinerary. Larger groups should reserve ahead during popular weekends and golf seasons.
McCabe Golf Course
McCabe features 27 holes across three nine-hole layouts, giving groups flexibility when planning their rounds. Its proximity to downtown is another major advantage.
Because the course is popular with locals, groups should plan ahead for desirable weekend tee times.
Harpeth Hills Golf Course
For a more scenic round, Harpeth Hills offers rolling terrain and mature trees near Percy Warner Park. The elevation changes provide more variety than some of Nashville’s flatter public courses.
It’s a good fit for groups that want a traditional golf experience and don’t mind being a little farther from the center of downtown.
Extra Activities to Add to a Nashville Golf Trip
Nashville is one of the easiest destinations for combining golf with other experiences. A brewery or distillery tour can be a good afternoon activity, particularly for groups that want something more relaxed between rounds and nightlife.
Of course, live music should be high on the list. Groups can spend an evening exploring Broadway, catch live music at a smaller venue, or book a private music or honky-tonk experience. A Nashville food tour is another option for groups that want to experience the city’s barbecue, hot chicken, and Southern food scene.
For a more active day, consider kayaking or another outdoor activity before getting ready for a night out.
4. Palm Springs, California
Palm Springs and the surrounding Coachella Valley are ideal for groups that want golf, sunshine, resorts, and time by the pool.
The area offers everything from relaxed public courses to upscale championship layouts, with the San Jacinto and Santa Rosa Mountains providing a dramatic backdrop.
Escena Golf Club
Escena is a public championship course with views of the San Jacinto Mountains. Its layout combines wide fairways with water hazards, bunkers, and desert landscaping.
It’s an excellent choice for groups that want scenic destination golf without needing to stay at a private club.
Classic Club
Classic Club offers an upscale championship-style experience with rolling terrain, extensive water features, sculpted fairways, and mountain views.
Multiple tee options make the course suitable for different skill levels, while the clubhouse and dining facilities make it easy to turn the round into a full social outing.
Desert Willow Golf Resort
Desert Willow features two 18-hole courses, Firecliff and Mountain View. Firecliff provides a more demanding desert-style layout, while Mountain View offers wider landing areas and a more forgiving experience.
Having two courses at one property makes it convenient for groups planning multiple rounds.
Extra Activities to Add to a Palm Springs Golf Trip
Palm Springs is ideal for adding a few slower-paced activities between rounds. A pool day, spa treatment, or afternoon at a resort can give the group a chance to recharge before another evening out.
For groups that want to explore the area, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway offers dramatic mountain views, while Joshua Tree National Park is an option for hiking and sightseeing. Architecture tours are another popular way to experience the city’s distinctive mid-century modern style.
The area also has plenty of restaurants, cocktail lounges, and nightlife options, so you can easily transition from a round of golf to dinner without making the evening feel rushed.
5. San Diego, California
San Diego is a strong choice for groups that want golf without giving up the rest of a Southern California vacation.
The region combines inland championship courses with easy access to beaches, breweries, restaurants, boating, and nightlife. That makes it especially appealing for groups that want a mix of activities rather than a golf-only itinerary.
Maderas Golf Club
Located in the hills of northern San Diego, Maderas is a scenic championship course designed by Johnny Miller and Robert Muir Graves.
The layout features elevation changes, creeks, waterfalls, lakes, and natural landscaping, making the course itself one of the highlights of the trip.
Steele Canyon Golf Club
Steele Canyon offers 27 holes across three nine-hole layouts: Canyon, Vineyard, and Ranch. Groups can combine the nines in different ways, giving them some flexibility when planning their round.
The course is known for elevation changes, rolling terrain, and scenic views.
Singing Hills Golf Club at Sycuan
Singing Hills offers 54 holes, including the Oak Glen and Willow Glen championship courses and the shorter Pine Glen course.
The variety makes it a good option for groups with different skill levels or those planning multiple rounds. The clubhouse, practice facilities, and dining options also make it easy to spend an entire day at the property.
Extra Activities to Add to a San Diego Golf Trip
San Diego gives groups plenty of ways to break up their golf schedule. A brewery tour is a natural choice, particularly around neighborhoods such as North Park, Miramar, or other areas known for their craft beer scenes. Groups can also book a luxury party bus for the brewery tour, making it easier to travel between local golf courses and breweries safely and keep the experience social.
Beach time is another easy addition. Groups can spend an afternoon in Pacific Beach, Mission Beach, La Jolla, or Coronado, depending on where they are staying. Harbor cruises, private boat charters, and sunset cruises are also popular options for groups celebrating a special occasion.
For something more active, consider surfing lessons, kayaking, or a coastal hike. In the evening, restaurants and nightlife in the Gaslamp Quarter, Little Italy, and other popular neighborhoods provide plenty of options after a day on the course.
How to Plan a Golf Trip Your Group Will Actually Enjoy
A little planning can make a big difference when organizing a group golf getaway.
Book tee times early: Reserve ahead for larger groups, weekends, and peak seasons, especially if you want multiple rounds.
Choose courses for your group: Consider different skill levels and look for courses with multiple tee options so everyone can enjoy the round.
Stay conveniently: Choose accommodations close to your courses, restaurants, and nightlife to minimize travel time.
Leave room for fun: Don’t overpack the itinerary. Allow time for meals, pool days, sightseeing, or simply hanging out between rounds.
Plan post-golf activities: Look for local experiences such as breweries, wineries, live music, boat trips, or nightlife to make the trip about more than golf.
Check course policies: Before bringing additional guests or entertainment such as Golf Caddie Baddies, confirm the course’s rules regarding outside guests, riders, alcohol, and entertainment.
About the Author
Liz Hahn is the Founder and CEO of BACH Party Group Inc., the parent company of Bad Girl Productions. With more than 30 years of experience in the entertainment and private events industry, Liz brings extensive expertise in event planning, entertainment, and creating memorable experiences for groups across the country. Her industry knowledge and hands-on approach have helped establish Bad Girl Productions as a trusted name in private party entertainment.
