Picture this: You're standing on the first tee at a course you've only seen on TV, your buddies beside you, and you didn't have to take out a second mortgage to get there. That's not a fantasy—it's what smart weekend golfers discover when they find the right golf trip packages.
Here's the thing about golf vacations: The golf tourism market hit $25.34 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $41.87 billion by 2030. Translation? More options than ever for weekend golfers who know where to look. But with over 12 million Americans traveling for golf each year, the real question isn't whether you should book a trip—it's how to find packages that deliver maximum value without the premium price tag.
I've spent countless Saturday mornings hearing buddies talk about "someday" trips to Myrtle Beach or Scottsdale. The ones who actually go? They're the ones who discovered that golf vacation packages exist specifically for golfers like us—weekend players with normal budgets and big dreams.
Not all packages are created equal, and that's something every weekend golfer needs to understand before pulling out the credit card. The best golf trip packages combine three essential elements: quality courses that match your skill level, accommodations that don't feel like punishment, and pricing that won't have you eating ramen for the next three months.
According to Premier Golf, the PGA of America's Official Golf Vacation Partner, you need to answer two critical questions before booking: Where do you want to play, and what's your realistic budget? Everything else flows from those answers.
Stay-and-play packages bundle accommodations with a set number of rounds at partner courses. These are typically your best value because resorts negotiate bulk rates you can't get booking separately. Best value golf vacation packages often include extras like complimentary range balls, discounted replay rates for 36-hole days, and free group organizer spots.
All-inclusive resort packages take it further, covering lodging, meals, drinks, and unlimited golf. The upfront cost looks higher, but when you factor in $15 airport beers and $30 resort lunches, the math works in your favor. Plus, knowing exactly what you'll spend before you leave home? That's peace of mind worth paying for.
Group packages reward bringing the foursome with perks like free rounds for trip organizers or added amenities. When you're booking for eight or more golfers, these deals can slash per-person costs by 20-30%. That's the difference between playing three rounds or five on the same budget.
I'm not totally sure why this works so well, but after booking a Tampa package through a golf specialist instead of piecing it together myself, Dave actually asked me how I found such a good deal.
Myrtle Beach didn't earn its "Golf Capital of the World" nickname by accident. With nearly 100 courses packed into the Grand Strand, this is where budget golf trips meet championship-quality golf.
Golf Digest calls Myrtle Beach the Holy Grail of budget golf trips, and the numbers back it up. You'll find stay-and-play packages starting around $200 per person for two nights and three rounds. That's not promotional pricing—that's year-round reality at dozens of courses.
Barefoot Resort delivers four championship courses designed by Pete Dye, Tom Fazio, Davis Love III, and Greg Norman. The Dye Course ranks among America's 100 Greatest Public Courses, featuring classic Dye bunker complexes that give low-handicappers risk/reward decisions while offering playable options from forward tees for higher handicappers.
The Legends Golf Resort showcases Tom Doak's early design work at Heathland, a Scottish links-style layout with open, rolling terrain. Shot options abound with well-placed bunkering and patches of dense native grasses demanding thoughtful strategy.
Packages typically bundle resort accommodations with golf at multiple courses, letting you experience diverse layouts without changing hotels. Many include breakfast, cart rental, and unlimited range balls. Some even throw in twilight rounds or discounted replays.
Spring and fall deliver perfect weather and lower rates. Summer brings heat and humidity but rock-bottom prices if you don't mind sweating through your polo. Winter offers decent weather with the lowest rates and smallest crowds—perfect for weekend golfers who can sneak away mid-week.
When Golf Digest highlights Scottsdale for budget-conscious travelers, you know you're not sacrificing quality for savings. The Valley of the Sun packs world-class desert golf into packages that won't require a second mortgage.
TPC Scottsdale's Champions Course offers that TPC experience at reduced rates compared to the Stadium Course. Built in 2007, it's playable for higher-handicappers while still challenging better players. Pair it with courses like We-Ko-Pa or Legacy Golf Club, and you've got a trip worth bragging about at your regular Saturday game.
Stay-and-play packages in Scottsdale range from $400-600 per person for three nights and three rounds during summer (yes, it's hot, but the savings are real). Winter packages run higher but deliver perfect weather for impressing your buddies with your best ball-striking.
The dramatic elevation changes and mountain vistas provide that "this is why we play golf" feeling. Desert courses demand accuracy over distance, which actually levels the playing field between long hitters and accurate iron players. You might finally beat that buddy who always crushes it past you.
I'm not sure if this makes sense, but playing Scottsdale during our regular foursome's January trip, Jim said the desert golf completely changed his approach to course management.
Orlando solves a problem many weekend golfers face: balancing golf with family vacation demands. With over 200 courses in the area plus theme parks for non-golfers, these packages keep everyone happy.
Reunion Resort delivers three championship courses designed by Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, and Tom Watson. Stay-and-play packages bundle villa accommodations with unlimited golf, letting you play 36 holes some days while your family hits the water park or theme parks on others.
Orange County National offers on-site lodging with two championship courses—Crooked Cat and Panther Lake. Packages starting around $300 per person for two nights and three rounds include options to add rounds at nearby courses like MetroWest or Rio Pinar.
Bay Hill Club & Lodge, Arnold Palmer's home course and PGA Tour venue, offers packages that let weekend golfers walk the same fairways the pros play. This is how you earn serious bragging rights while staying within budget through smart Florida golf packages.
Premier Golf recommends booking 12-18 months ahead for peak seasons like spring break. But if you can travel during school weeks, you'll find 30-40% lower rates and far smaller crowds at both courses and theme parks.
Vegas delivers big on fun and value, combining top desert courses with endless post-round entertainment. TPC Las Vegas, Rio Secco, and Bali Hai create the golf foundation, while the Strip provides everything else.
According to Golfbreaks, Vegas ranks among the best for budget golf entertainment, especially during summer when hotel deals drop rates dramatically. A four-night package with three rounds averages $500-700 per person—including accommodations on or near the Strip.
TPC Las Vegas hosted the PGA Tour's Shriners Hospitals for Children Open, giving weekend golfers a chance to test themselves on a proven championship layout. The course winds through desert terrain with stunning Red Rock Canyon views, challenging without being punishing from the appropriate tees.
What sets Vegas apart is the value equation: Play great golf during the day, hit top restaurants and shows at night, and never feel like you're choosing between golf and entertainment. Many packages include show tickets or dining credits, making the total experience greater than the sum of its parts.
From what I've noticed, Vegas packages work best for groups who want variety. Play golf in the morning, pool in the afternoon, steak dinner and show at night. That's how you create the trip everyone talks about for years.
Golf Digest consistently ranks Northern Michigan among the best states for public golf, and the value proposition proves why. This region packs championship courses into packages that cost half what you'd pay in more famous destinations.
Bay Harbor Golf Club's Links/Quarry combination ranks among America's 100 Greatest Public Courses. Packages bundling accommodations at nearby Inn at Bay Harbor with golf at Bay Harbor, Crooked Tree, and other area courses start around $400 per person for three nights and three rounds.
Greywalls at Marquette Golf Club showcases architect Mike DeVries's work over rugged terrain with granite outcroppings and Lake Superior vistas. The course scampers up and plunges down dramatic topography that makes every hole memorable.
Grand Traverse Resort and Spa offers three championship courses—The Bear, The Wolverine, and Spruce Run. Stay-and-play packages include resort accommodations, breakfast, and golf on multiple courses. The Bear, a Jack Nicklaus design, challenges with tiered greens and deep pot bunkers while Spruce Run provides the most player-friendly option.
Peak season runs June through August when weather is perfect and courses are pristine. Shoulder seasons in May and September offer nearly as good conditions with 25-30% lower rates. This is where smart golf vacation planning pays immediate dividends.
It might just be my swing, but after trying Greywalls during our regular Saturday foursome's Michigan trip, Mike asked what I'd changed about my course management approach.
Alabama's Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail delivers 468 holes across 11 facilities with packages that redefine value. This is championship golf at prices that make you check the invoice twice to make sure it's correct.
Capitol Hill offers three courses—The Judge, The Legislator, and The Senator. The Judge lunges off a cliff nearly 100 feet downhill on the opening hole, setting the tone for dramatic golf along the Alabama River backwaters. Packages including three nights and six rounds start around $350 per person.
Ross Bridge outside Birmingham features a layout exceeding 8,000 yards from the tips with wide landing areas and large greens accommodating all skill levels. The waterfall separating the ninth and 18th greens provides a stunning backdrop for the finishing holes.
Cambrian Ridge showcases three nine-hole loops—Canyon, Loblolly, and Sherling—with vast elevation changes and pristine lakes. Large, undulating greens emphasize precise iron play while extraordinarily tall pines create one of the Trail's most scenic settings.
The Trail was built specifically to promote golf tourism in Alabama, which means the pricing reflects community investment rather than profit maximization. You're getting courses that would cost $200+ per round in other markets for $60-80. That's the kind of value that makes earning buddy respect while staying on budget possible.
Southern Utah and Nevada deliver some of the most dramatic rock formations you'll find on a course, with packages that prove spectacular doesn't require expensive.
Sand Hollow Resort's Championship Course features holes playing along the edge of jagged cliffs, with three holes making Golf Digest's America's 100 Greatest Holes ranking. The views alone justify the trip, but the golf backs it up with strategic design that rewards smart play.
Wolf Creek Golf Club clings to stark canyon hillsides with holes plunging down narrow ravines. This fantasy calendar come to life finished third in Golf Digest's survey of Best New Upscale Public Courses of 2001 and now ranks among America's 100 Greatest Public Courses.
The Ledges of St. George offers stunning vistas of red rocks, ledges, and mountains with shorter par 4s that create drivable opportunities for longer hitters. The playable layout balances challenge with accessibility—perfect for groups with mixed skill levels.
Packages bundling three nights and four rounds at multiple courses start around $500 per person. That includes courses you've seen in magazines, accommodations, and memories that last far longer than the weekend. For weekend golfers looking to earn bragging rights, this delivers maximum impact per dollar spent.
Could be luck, but our foursome's Utah trip last spring had everyone asking about the courses for weeks after we got back.
Knowing great destinations is half the battle. The other half is booking smart to maximize value without sacrificing experience. Here's what actually works for weekend golfers operating on normal budgets.
Premier Golf recommends this timeline for popular destinations during high season. Spring in the Southeast, winter in Arizona, summer for international trips—these windows fill fast. Early booking locks in lower rates and guarantees tee times at marquee courses.
But here's the nuanced part: Last-minute deals exist for off-peak travel. If you have flexibility, waiting until 2-4 weeks out can uncover packages trying to fill unsold inventory. This works better for less popular times like summer in Florida or winter in Michigan.
Afternoon and twilight rounds typically run 30-40% cheaper than morning slots. According to Premier Golf, replay rates for 36-hole days offer even deeper discounts. If you're serious about maximizing rounds per dollar, this is how you do it.
The tradeoff? Potential to not finish all 18 holes during shorter winter days. But during summer at destinations with 8pm sunsets? You'll finish with time to spare while saving serious money for better post-round dinners.
Late spring and early fall deliver nearly peak conditions at 25-35% lower rates. You'll avoid the crowds, get better course conditions than peak season (less wear), and save enough to add an extra round or upgrade accommodations.
Golf Digest's budget trip guide specifically calls out this strategy. The courses are in great shape, the weather is generally excellent, and you're not fighting four-hour rounds because of overcrowding. Smart weekend golfers who understand this earn more golf per vacation dollar.
Life happens. Understanding a course or package's cancellation policy protects your investment if work, weather, or emergencies force changes. Premier Golf advises purchasing golf travel insurance for trips booked far in advance or during weather-uncertain seasons.
Free cancellation windows typically close 7-14 days before arrival. Some resorts offer more flexibility for a small fee. Reading the fine print before booking saves frustration later, especially for group golf trips where coordinating four to eight schedules already creates complexity.
What seems to work best is treating booking like you'd plan any important purchase. Research, compare, and commit when the value equation makes sense for your budget and schedule.
Not all packages bundle the same items, and understanding exactly what you're paying for prevents surprise costs that blow your budget. Here's what to verify before clicking "book now."
Hotel packages offer basic lodging near courses you'll drive to each day. Resort packages bundle on-site lodging with on-property golf courses. Rental homes or villas give you space for larger groups with kitchen access to save on meals.
Each has tradeoffs. Hotels cost less but add driving time and hassle. Resorts maximize convenience but limit course variety unless you leave the property. Rentals offer the most flexibility and space but require more planning for tee times and meals.
Premier Golf notes that eight-person cottages with stay-and-play deals at places like Crooked Tree in Michigan deliver exceptional per-person value while giving groups privacy and flexibility.
"Three nights, three rounds" is common, but verify which courses are included. Some packages let you choose from multiple courses; others assign specific courses on specific days. Top-tier courses might require supplements even within packages.
Unlimited golf packages exist at some resorts, letting you play 36 or even 54 holes daily if your body holds up. For weekend golfers serious about maximizing rounds, these deliver unbeatable value. Just remember to pack the ibuprofen and practice injury prevention.
All-inclusive packages typically cover three meals daily plus drinks, sometimes including alcohol. Standard packages might include breakfast only or no meals at all. Golf-specific inclusions like range balls, cart rental, or tee gifts vary widely.
Read the itemized breakdown. If cart fees, range balls, and resort fees aren't included, add $30-50 per person per day to your mental calculation. What looked like a $400 package suddenly becomes $550-600 once the add-ons appear at checkout.
Few packages include airfare or rental cars—those are typically separate bookings. Some resorts offer airport shuttles, others expect you to arrange transportation. Factor in rental car costs, Uber expenses, or shuttle fees when comparing total trip costs.
Club shipping runs $100-150 round-trip through services like Ship Sticks. Club rental at destinations costs $50-75 per day. Checked bag fees on airlines range from $30-75 each way depending on carrier and status. Do the math for your specific situation to determine the most economical option. Having the best golf travel bag can also make transportation easier regardless of which method you choose.
I'm not sure if this is obvious, but after shipping clubs to Scottsdale instead of checking them, Dave mentioned how much easier travel felt without lugging bags through airports.
Learning from other golfers' expensive lessons beats making them yourself. These mistakes drain budgets, create frustration, and turn dream trips into regrettable experiences.
Booking that 7,400-yard championship course from the tips sounds great until you're shooting 115 and slowing down the group behind you. According to Covington Travel, mixing course difficulty throughout your trip maintains energy and confidence.
The solution? Play one marquee championship course from appropriate tees, then balance it with more playable layouts. You'll enjoy the golf more, play faster, and actually have stories about good shots instead of just survival tales.
Resort fees, cart fees, range ball charges, gratuities, and tax can add 30-40% to advertised package prices. Premier Golf warns about this specifically, noting some Florida resorts advertise $200/night but add $60+ per day in fees and taxes.
Get the out-the-door price before booking. Ask specifically about cart fees, range ball access, resort fees, and local taxes. What looks like a $500 package can balloon to $700 once reality sets in. Smart weekend golfers confirm total costs upfront to avoid budget-busting surprises.
The ambitious "five courses in four days" plan sounds great until day three when you can barely lift your arms. According to Haversham & Baker, sometimes the best thing you can plan for a golf trip is a day with no golf.
Your body needs rest, especially if you're playing unfamiliar courses that demand extra mental energy. Plus, exploring the local area creates balance and memories beyond just golf. Plan 3-4 rounds over 3-4 days, not 5-6 rounds in three days unless you're training for the PGA Tour. Smart injury prevention for weekend players means knowing when to take a break.
Booking Scottsdale in July means 110-degree heat. Choosing Orlando in August brings afternoon thunderstorms. Winter golf in Northern Michigan isn't really a thing unless you enjoy frozen fairways.
Research typical weather for your destination during your travel window. Factor in what you can actually tolerate. Some weekend golfers love desert heat; others wilt. Know yourself and plan accordingly rather than suffering through conditions that ruin the experience.
The best packages mean nothing if your regular foursome can't agree on destination, budget, or schedule. Here's how smart weekend golfers coordinate group trips that actually happen instead of dying in the group chat.
According to Premier Golf, this is the critical first step. Get everyone's honest budget range before researching destinations. Someone saying "I can do $600-800" while another says "$1,200-1,500" creates friction that kills trips before they start.
Once you know the range, pick destinations that fit. Don't try making Pebble Beach work on a Myrtle Beach budget. Choose realistic options where everyone can participate comfortably without financial stress ruining the experience. Understanding what defines true value in golf packages helps set realistic expectations from the start.
Haversham & Baker notes that too many cooks spoil the golf trip. Designate one person to handle golf and travel logistics, another for food and entertainment. This prevents the chaos of four people booking different things or nobody booking anything.
The organizer gets perks at many destinations—free rounds, room upgrades, or resort credits. That's fair compensation for doing the work. Everyone else follows the plan, shows up on time, and expresses gratitude for not having to research and coordinate.
Mixed skill groups need courses offering playable forward tees and challenging back tees. A course measuring 7,200 yards from the tips but only 5,400 from the most forward tees creates frustration for higher handicappers while boring better players.
Look for courses with 5-6 tee boxes spanning 1,500+ total yards from shortest to longest. This lets everyone play from distances that create proper challenge without punishment. The goal is everyone having fun and playing their game, not watching low handicappers wait or high handicappers struggle.
Smart groups also discuss pace expectations upfront. If someone plays quickly and another takes practice swings between each shot, addressing it before the trip prevents conflict on the course.
Even the most dedicated golfers appreciate variety. According to Golf Digest's trip planning guide, the best trips balance golf with local experiences, dining, and relaxation.
Schedule one "off" day for sightseeing, spa treatments, or just hanging by the pool. This lets bodies recover while creating shared experiences beyond comparing scorecard numbers. For trips including non-golfing partners, this balance becomes essential for everyone enjoying the vacation.
Between work and kids, coordinating our annual foursome trip six months out with two backup dates made it actually happen instead of falling apart like previous years.
You've got the knowledge now to book packages that deliver value without compromising quality. The key is matching your budget and skill level to destinations built for weekend golfers who want great experiences without great expense.
Myrtle Beach, Scottsdale, Orlando, Vegas, Northern Michigan, Alabama's RTJ Trail, and the Utah/Nevada border region all offer championship golf at prices that won't require explaining to your spouse why the credit card bill looks like that. These aren't budget alternatives to "real" golf destinations—they're smart choices that maximize value while delivering unforgettable experiences.
Book strategically: 12-18 months ahead for peak seasons, target shoulder seasons for best value, consider twilight rates, and always read the fine print on what's actually included. The difference between a $600 package and an $800 package might be $200 in fees you didn't see coming.
Coordinate with your foursome by establishing budget first, assigning clear planning roles, and choosing courses that accommodate mixed abilities. The best golf trips aren't about who shot the lowest score—they're about creating memories and stories that last far beyond the weekend.
This is how weekend golfers who live by the manifesto improve their own game through varied course experiences while impressing buddies with smart planning and earning the right to brag about both the golf and the deals.
You're just one booking away from the golf trip that changes how you think about vacation golf. Make it count.
How far in advance should I book golf vacation packages?
Premier Golf recommends booking 12-18 months ahead for popular destinations during peak seasons like spring in the Southeast or winter in Arizona. This locks in lower rates and guarantees tee times at marquee courses. For off-peak travel, booking 2-4 weeks out can sometimes uncover deals on unsold inventory, though course selection may be limited.
What's typically included in stay-and-play golf packages?
Most stay-and-play packages bundle accommodations with a set number of golf rounds, but specifics vary widely. Always verify whether cart fees, range balls, resort fees, meals, and gratuities are included. Standard packages often include lodging and golf only, while all-inclusive packages cover meals, drinks, and sometimes unlimited golf. Read the itemized breakdown before booking to avoid surprise costs.
Are golf trip packages actually cheaper than booking separately?
Yes, packages typically save 15-30% compared to booking accommodations and tee times separately. Resorts negotiate bulk rates they pass along to package buyers. The savings increase with group packages for 8+ golfers, which often include free rounds for organizers or added amenities. However, always compare total package costs including fees against separate bookings to verify actual savings.
What's the best time of year to find cheap golf vacation packages?
Shoulder seasons offer the best value—late spring and early fall deliver nearly peak conditions at 25-35% lower rates. Summer brings rock-bottom prices in hot destinations like Florida, Scottsdale, and Vegas if you don't mind heat. Winter packages to warm-weather destinations run highest but still offer value compared to peak spring rates. Each destination has optimal booking windows based on weather and demand patterns.
How do I choose between Myrtle Beach, Scottsdale, and other popular destinations?
Consider your budget, preferred weather, and course style preferences. Myrtle Beach offers maximum variety with nearly 100 courses and lowest overall costs. Scottsdale delivers dramatic desert golf with mountain vistas but higher summer temperatures. Orlando works best for groups mixing golf with family activities. Vegas combines great golf with entertainment beyond the course. Match destination characteristics to what your group values most.
Should I ship golf clubs or rent them at the destination?
Club shipping costs $100-150 round-trip through services like Ship Sticks. Rental clubs at destinations run $50-75 per day. Airline checked bag fees range from $30-75 each way. For trips under four days, renting often costs less than shipping or checking bags. For week-long trips, shipping saves money while eliminating travel hassle of lugging clubs through airports.
What makes a golf package good value for weekend golfers?
Good value combines three elements: quality courses matching your skill level, comfortable accommodations, and total costs fitting your budget without hidden fees. Look for packages at courses with multiple tee boxes spanning 1,500+ yards, allowing proper challenge for all abilities. Verify what's included upfront—cart fees, range balls, resort fees, and taxes can add 30-40% to advertised prices.
Can I customize golf vacation packages or are they fixed?
Many package providers offer customization, mixing and matching courses, accommodations, and add-ons. Premier Golf specializes in custom packages tailored to group preferences and budgets. Some resort packages are fixed with specific courses on specific days, while others let you choose from multiple partner courses. Custom packages typically cost slightly more but deliver better fit for your group's specific needs.
Planning your golf trip is just the beginning. Check out these additional resources to make the most of your golf vacation experience: