Get Out on the Green! Great Golf Getaways Near & Far
Posted on 02/04/2025
Get Out on the Green! Great Golf Getaways Near & Far
Golfing isn’t just a sport – it’s a leisure activity that allows its players to enjoy the climate and landscape wherever the course may be. Golfers can take in views of the water and mountains from a different and often secluded perspective, and enjoy luxury amenities and changes of scene.
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.
Dominican Republic
All-inclusive resort lovers always put Dominican Republic in their top picks, and golfers should 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 you can pack what you 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. Just ask your travel advisor about arranging tours like these after he or she locks in your tee times.
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!
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.
Plus, as previously 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 ofFootGolf 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.
Looking to plan a golf getaway, either on your own or with a group? Contact your TRAVELSAVERS/NEST advisor today to get started!
