You'd think an area known for its Bentleys and billionaires would be too pricy for a golf getaway, but nothing could be farther from the truth. Yes, there are many exclusive private clubs in Palm Beach, but there are far more courses in the affordable category, including some outstanding municipals—one even designed by Jack Nicklaus.  And then there are the resorts, which offer a good mix of classic and contemporary designs by the likes of Tom Fazio and Pete Dye. No matter where you choose to play, you'll get the built-in pleasures of Florida golf — water, sand, birds, gators, ocean breezes, palms — plus ideal year-round weather and easy access to off-course diversions, from beaches to baseball.

Charleston is a great fit for golfing families, couples and buddies. If you're looking for resort-based golf, where your choice for the day is what designer course to play, Kiawah and Wild Dunes fit the bill with seven courses between them. For courses with a rich history, and the lush Lowcountry setting of pines and oaks and rivers and marshes, you don't have to venture far to find golf clubs with ties to the Revolutionary and Civil wars and the cotton and rice plantation economy that once dominated and forever defined the area. Best of all, there is really no bad time to play here. Winters are typically mild, and although the summers can heat up, deals abound and there's usually a breeze to keep playing conditions pleasant.

Royal Birkdale Golf Club gets its 10th Open Championship on July 20-23. Take a hole-by-hole tour of the 2017 Open venue.