Planning your first golf trip is a milestone. It’s more than just booking a tee time somewhere new. It’s about bringing the right people together, choosing the right courses, and setting the tone for a tradition that could last for years.
The destination you choose will shape the entire experience. Get it right, and you’ll already be talking about next year before the trip is even over. Get it wrong, and it might be a one-and-done. Here’s how to make the right call.
1. Know Your Group
Every golf trip lives or dies by the group dynamic. Ask yourself:
– Are you traveling with scratch players chasing bucket list courses, or buddies who just want sunshine and cold beers between shots?
– Does your group want nightlife, or are they happy with a patio, fire pit, and replaying the round?
– Is this about high-end resort vibes, or a budget-friendly run of solid public tracks?
Your destination should match the group’s personality.
2. Keep Travel Easy
For your first trip, skip the red-eye connections and epic layovers. Look for destinations with major airports within an hour of the courses. Shorter travel means more energy for the golf and less chance of starting the trip with complaints.
Pro tip: destinations like Scottsdale, Orlando, and Myrtle Beach make it simple because everything is clustered close to the airport.
3. Balance Golf and Lodging
It’s tempting to book the best course you’ve ever heard of and call it a day. But where you sleep (and hang out after the rounds) matters just as much. A bad hotel can sink the trip vibe.
Look for destinations where the lodging is set up for golf groups, such as on-site villas, resort stays, or rentals close to multiple courses. That way you don’t spend more time driving than playing.
4. Don’t Over-Schedule
It’s your first trip, so resist the urge to jam 36 holes every day. Leave room for a long lunch, a dip in the pool, or just hanging on the deck. Trust me, your body (and your group’s morale) will thank you.
5. Choose a Destination With Flexibility
Life happens. Flights get delayed. Weather rolls in. Make sure your first golf trip spot has backup options, like more than one great course in the area, activities off the course, and lodging that’s flexible with group changes.
6. Start With a Proven Golf Hub
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, here’s the cheat code: pick a destination that’s already famous for golf trips. Scottsdale, Hilton Head, Pinehurst, Branson, Northern Michigan. These places are built for exactly what you’re trying to do.
Final Thought
Your first golf trip doesn’t need to be perfect. It just needs to work. Pick a destination that fits your crew, keeps travel simple, and balances the golf with everything else. Nail that, and the second trip will practically plan itself.
👉 Want help finding the right spot for your group? That’s where I come in. Reach out and let’s start planning your first golf trip the right way.