Are you in the process of planning a vacation with your wife or husband? Congratulations! You’ve come to the right place.
Golfing with your spouse can be a beautiful thing. And even more power to those who can take a couples vacation together centered around playing golf. Consider yourself lucky that you both share the common love of golf. There’s definitely a lot to take into consideration though.
Planning your couples golf trip.
What exactly goes into planning a golf trip? Well, a lot. Here are a few questions to ask yourself:
As you can see, there really is a lot of planning that needs to happen for a successful trip. Couples golf vacations aren’t for everyone, especially those who can’t get on the same page when it comes to preparing for the trip.
We already took the time to write a long post on planning your golf vacation. Take a look, you’ll be happy you did.
Further down the page, you’ll see we review the best golf resorts for couples and the best destinations for golf vacations for couples. Afterall, you will want to find the best resort in the best destination!
These are the best golf resorts for couples.
When we think of a couples trip the first thing that comes to mind is staying at a resort. Why? Because who doesn’t want to stay at a fancy resort with their partner.
Omni Barton Creek Resort in Austin, Texas
I mean, this place looks gorgeous. Set in the rolling hill country of Austin, you couldn’t ask for a more picturesque backdrop. The resort boasts four top-ranked courses, including two designed by the legendary course designer, Tom Fazio. Many publications name the Omni Barton Creek as one of the best golf resorts in the Southwest. Just take a look at pictures and imagine yourself sending a tee shot down the fairway.
Beyond the scenic golf to be had, there are also some really fantastic food options. Guests of the Blind Salamander enjoy great service and even better flavors with their upscale offerings including lighter Texas fare and seasonal seafood dishes.
The stay comes at a steep price though. Depending on what time of year you travel, golf packages start around $900/night for a room with two adults and golf at any of their four courses. Also keep in mind, you’re ten minutes outside of Austin, Texas and any of their live music or foodie destinations. Keeping a balance between golfing and other activities will make sure both guys and gals are having a good vacation.
Horseshoe Bay Resort in Horseshoe Bay, Texas
If the Omni Barton Creek resort is a little pricey, but you want to be in the Austin area, then you should check out the Horseshoe Bay Resort. Slightly more affordable, but still not cheap at around $2,300 for a room with two people booked for three nights.*
Nestled along the shores of Lake LBJ, this resort has three award-winning golf courses of their own, designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. There’s actually also a fourth course too, designed by Jack Nicklaus, open only to members.
Since you’re on a lake, the resort offers a bunch of watersport activities like boating and kayaking. You’re also near a bunch of state parks, vineyards and only an hour from Austin. There’s lots of fun to be had outside of golfing here.
*Note: There were a couple of different packages listed on their site at the time of writing this. We checked out the lower priced package, which included one round of golf per person (per night on package) on any of three Robert Trent Jones Sr. golf courses and shuttle service between them.
La Quinta Resort & Club in La Quinta, California
This is definitely a luxury golf destination, and an iconic one at that. Originally constructed in 1926 as a desert golf getaway, the resort has since grown but has always kept its charm.
The resort now has almost 800 casitas, which are small dwellings, suites and villas, over 41 pools, and 53 hot tubs sprawled across the property. There is also a huge spa facility, which we’re guessing will please the women on the trip. Relaxing by the pool, getting pampered at the spa, and playing a round of golf on world-class golf courses is the perfect break from reality for you and your partner.
Outside of the resort there is still a bunch to do. Shopping, nature reserves, atv experiences, art museums, palm springs aerial tramway, and much more will keep you and your partner occupied.
A fun fact that might just seal the deal… ABC filmed the 2020 season of the Bachelorette here, since much of the hospitality industry was shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
As for the price, their website lists a golf vacation package around $1,850 for two guests for three nights and three rounds of golf included. Which, compared to other options we’ve reviewed, is on the lower price end
Secrets Puerto Los Cabos Resort in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Let’s talk about Cabo for a moment. If you’ve never been, it’s a seaside resort city set on the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja peninsula. It offers absolutely stunning scenery and has wonderful weather year-round. There’s also great nightlife and fun times. It’s safe to say there are plenty of things to do besides golfing, which as we’ve been hinting at, is a recipe for success on your couple’s vacation.
The resort is built along the Pacific coast, with pools and beach chairs lining the property. Pool and beach wait service is provided for guests throughout the resort. There are almost a dozen food options right on the resort, from fine dining to casual and take-away food, all of which are unlimited.
You really are taking a romantic getaway, with some golf on the side. Speaking of golf, Puerto Los Cabos Golf Course is a beautiful, 27-hole, seaside course designed by golf course architectural legends Jack Nicklaus and Greg Norman. Definitely an unforgettable round and Instagram-worthy scenery. Some more food for thought, there are a total of 14 golf courses in the Cabo area, some of them award-winning. Suffice to say, there’s plenty of great golf to be played.
Four Seasons Resort in Hualalai, Hawaii
There’s something about taking a vacation to Hawaii. Maybe it’s the warm welcome at the airport. Either way, who wouldn’t want to go to Hawaii on a couples vacation?
The Four Seasons Resort, located on the Big Island, is widely regarded as the best resort in all of Hawaii. Not too shabby of a claim if you ask us. As you can see in pictures, the resort is gorgeous. There are lots of food options with four restaurants on the resort. The price wasn’t cheap though… even with their unlimited golf package, pricing at the time of writing was close to $5,000 for two nights. If you have the budget, this is our pick for couples.
There’s also so much to do outside of golf like snorkeling, helicopter tours, pools and some of the world’s best beaches. It’s safe to say there are plenty of things to do on and off the resort.
As for the golf, the 18-hole, Jack Nicklaus designed championship course is set on flowing greens with expansive ocean views. There is also black lava scattered throughout the course, offering unique appeal and contrast. There are also practice facilities, night gold, and a Top Golf Swing Suite to get some extra swings in on your golf vacation.
—
Staying at any one of these resorts would be one heck of a golf vacation. A great, but expensive vacation that is. For some, it may make sense to plan your trip around the destination, and then find accommodations that fit their budget. Consider these vacation destinations…
Our pick for best destinations for golf vacations for couples.
Golf is one of those activities that you can play anywhere. That said, not all places are created equal. Especially if you want to travel with your wife (or husband). Our thinking is that for the average couple, golf will be one of many components of your vacation. Food, nightlife, spa, and lounging by the pool make for a great trip just as much as the golf aspect. That’s why we’ve outlined the best destination for couples to take a golf vacation.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Myrtle Beach has some of the best golf in the country, all within about a 90 mile radius. Staying at a resort isn’t a necessity, however, if you are primarily focused on playing golf everyday then you’ll get the best deal with a stay and play package. We recommend checking out the Barefoot Resort.
If you’re looking to stay at a separate hotel from where you plan on golfing, you can also check out the True Blue Golf Club or the Caledonia Golf & Fish Club. Both are considered jewels of the area and will provide rolling terrain and expansive views of the Pawley’s Island area. That way you can stay wherever, and still play top-notch golf courses.
Beyond the celebrity designed golf courses, Myrtle Beach offers 60+ miles of coastline and beaches, sure to please any beach loving couple. There are also plenty of excellent dining experiences and shopping areas.
Scottsdale, Arizona
Scottsdale is awesome especially for the golf loving couple. If you’ve never been, we highly suggest it. There are over 200 golf courses in the Scottsdale area! Luxury resorts are abundant as well. There are also lower cost accommodation options throughout the city and surrounding area for the budget minded couple. For resorts and hotels, check out this list, it should get your research going in the right direction.
Our recommendation is to stay at the Talking Stick Resort and play a round at the course there.
Ranking as one of the top golf clubs in Scottsdale, Talking Stick is also a great course for couples because the layout is suitable for all skill levels, something we look for when considering golf with partners. The course is fairly flat and there are no forced carries (when you need to hit it over a hazard to make your shot). Always a plus to have less opportunity to lose your ball… our thinking is you will be a happier couple when you both are playing well and not losing your ball!
Other items worth noting… be sure to check out Old Town Scottsdale. Lots going on over there and could provide a couple fun nights for you and your spouse. Traveling a little further outside of the city, there are plenty of outdoor activities like biking and hiking. There’s also a rather large pool party scene too, if that’s your thing.
Anywhere in France
Just about everywhere you go in France there are historic buildings with stories to be told. And you can just about go anywhere in France quickly via train, with their train à grande vitesse, or “very fast train. France is also the most-visited country in the world, especially speaking for couples. What’s not to love about the land of cheese, sex, and stunning countryside views?
In recent years the French golf scene has really grown in popularity. There is great golf all year round, making trip planning much more flexible. Over 700 golf courses, at a variety of prices and landscapes, provide the average golfing couple plenty of choices for golfing.
There are many stay and play options along the French coast at top notch resorts. Take the Hôtel Barrière l’Hôtel du Golf Resort for instance. Set on top of Mont Canisy, the resort and golf course provide incredible views of the bay of Deauville.
Or you could travel to the romantic city of Reims, outside of Paris. Visit any of the famous champagne houses and risk being too tipsy to play golf that day.
Sonoma County, California
Relax, drink some great wine and take a little golf in too. With 18 golf courses in Sonoma County, it has plenty of options. Take the Links at Bodega Harbor for instance, designed by world-renowned golf course architect Robert Trent Jones Jr. The public course sits on the Pacific Ocean and provides a breathtaking experience, unmatched by many. There’s also the Top 100 Course in the World, private Mayacama Golf Club, designed by Jack Nicklaus.
A quick google search shows accommodation options from affordable to luxury. We recommend taking a look and finding something that suits you and your partner’s taste.
Hot Springs Village, Arkansas
Hot Springs Village is our little hidden gem. No really. We did a ton of research for this article and didn’t find many other sites reviewing this area. We’re not sure why though, as it’s the largest private, gated community in North America and is home to 12 lakes and 9 professionally designed golf courses. The golf is great and very cheap too, from our research rounds averaged around $40-$55.
Suffice to say, there’s plenty to do here, especially if you and your partner love lake activities and relaxing by the water. There is also biking, nature walks, fishing, tennis, shipping and a plethora of other activities.
It’s not all seniors either, if that’s what you’re worried about. Latest census data indicate roughly 60% are retired or over the age of 65, but that leaves 40% who aren’t. Plus, many families and young couples choose Hot Springs Village as their vacation spot of choice given the recent rise in popularity.
We checked out Los Lagos at Hot Springs Village and the pricing was very affordable. Between $100-$200 a night depending on when you visit, even in peak summer times, makes this a great option.
