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    The 50 best golf trip destinations for women

    June 26, 2024
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    Illustration by Chloe Zola

    As more women join the game — 800,000 from 2019 to 2023, according to the National Golf Foundation — more realize one of the greatest experiences for any golfer: Gathering your friends and taking your collective love of golf on the road. To help you and your friends plan your next great golf trip, we talked to women golfers and instructors across the country to curate this list of 50 destinations in the United States that would all make a great choice for a women’s golf trip.

    We know that every group is looking for something different in a golf getaway, which is why this list is full of unique experiences. Do you and your friends want to travel and only play golf? You’ll find that here. Want to play golf and mix in some other activities? Or maybe easy access to a top-notch spa? We have you covered. Is fine wine and dining a necessity? We’ve found those trips, too.

    Each resort featured here provides women-friendly environments, many with golf school options if you want to work on your game while you’re away. From the mountains of the Northeast to the beaches of Hawaii, here are the 50 best resorts for women’s golf trips.The only question now is, where will you go first?

    WEST COAST/HAWAII

    Aviara Golf Club
    Public
    Aviara Golf Club
    Carlsbad, CA
    4
    31 Panelists

    Hugging the Pacific, this resort features a variety of wellness options. Plus, it’s within 30 minutes of museums, food and shopping.

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    Bandon Dunes
    Stephen Szurlej
    Public
    Bandon Dunes
    Bandon, OR

    It lacks the luxurious appointments and nongolf diversions of some resorts but more than makes up for it with six world-class courses and an all-are-welcome vibe.

    View Course
    The Boulders Club
    Courtesy of the Boulders Resort & Spa
    Public
    The Boulders Club
    Carefree, AZ
    3.8
    16 Panelists

    Visually stunning desert resort offers a pair of 18s with multiple women’s tees and plentiful restrooms. Off-course activities include rock climbing lessons, horses, hot-air ballooning.

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    The Broadmoor Golf Club
    Dick Durrance II
    Private
    The Broadmoor Golf Club
    Colorado Springs, CO

    Elegant hotel has two courses and a spa overlooking the Rockies. It’s also popular for women’s fly-fishing getaways.

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    Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course
    Brian Walker
    Public
    Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course
    Stateline, NV

    Dramatic finishing holes feature gorgeous views of Lake Tahoe with the Sierra Mountains as a backdrop.

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    Fairmont Grand Del Mar
    Courtesy of Fairmont/Brian Oar
    Private
    Fairmont Grand Del Mar
    San Diego, CA
    3.7
    4 Panelists

    There are tee options for every level of player at the Grand Del Mar, including forward tees at less than 5,000 yards. The women's lounge is undergoing a massive renovation, which will be completed in Summer 2024. New additions to the women's lounge will include an indoor/outdoor bar and infrared sauna.

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    Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
    Private
    Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
    Kailua Kona, HI
    3.9
    9 Panelists

    When you're not playing golf amongst stretches of black lava and along the ocean, you can snorkel in the resort's cement pond to see native fish up-close. Swim out to the beach and you'll find sea turtles.

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    Half Moon Bay Golf Links
    Smith Collection/Gado
    Public
    Half Moon Bay Golf Links
    Half Moon Bay, CA
    2.7
    5 Panelists

    Just 30 miles from the San Francisco airport, two seaside courses are framed by cliffs and wildflowers. Admire all from the five-star hotel’s Adirondack chairs and fire pits.

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    Kapalua Golf
    Courtesy of Dave Sansom
    Public
    Kapalua Golf
    Lahaina, HI

    There are two incredibly scenic courses with a history of women’s golf and all the activities that make Maui great, from beaches and hiking to shopping and fine dining.

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    La Quinta Resort and Club
    Orlando Ramirez
    Private
    La Quinta Resort and Club
    La Quinta, CA
    4.2
    7 Panelists

    If you need a break from the five golf courses, your group can switch things up and hit the tennis courts or one of the 41 pools on the resort, or take a trip to the spa or salon. The La Quinta has a wide range of experiences that will meet any itinerary.

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    Ojai Valley Inn
    Joe Sohm/Visions of America
    Public
    Ojai Valley Inn
    Ojai, CA
    3.8
    6 Panelists

    Its secluded course has tested pros and celebrities—but it’s the spa, artist cottage and apothecary that make this destination stand out.

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    Paiute
    BRIAN OAR - FAIRWAYS PHOTOGRAPHY
    Public
    Paiute
    Las Vegas, NV
    3.8
    10 Panelists

    If you want the Las Vegas experience with golf, Paiute is about half an hour from the Las Vegas Strip with three stellar courses that all made our recent ranking of the Best Courses You Can Play in Las Vegas. Lessons on site with head teaching professional Kristen Allard range from a 15-minute tune-up to a nine-hole playing lesson.

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    Pebble Beach Golf Links
    Sherman Chu
    Public
    Pebble Beach Golf Links
    Pebble Beach, CA

    This legendary resort has a history of women’s golf, starting with the 1940 Women’s U.S. Amateur. It also just had the ’23 U.S. Women’s Open.

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    The Resort at Pelican Hill
    Public
    The Resort at Pelican Hill
    Newport Coast, CA
    4.3
    15 Panelists

    Magnificent views abound at this coastal resort with two 18s, luxurious locker rooms and a five-star spa.

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    Juniper Preserve
    Courtesy of Evan Schiller
    Public
    Juniper Preserve
    Bend, OR

    From spa to upscale dining, every detail is designed to enhance the high-desert landscape. Home to two beautiful courses, one by Jack Nicklaus, the other by Tom Fazio.

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    Silverado Resort
    Courtesy of the resort
    Private
    Silverado Resort
    Napa, CA
    3.3
    9 Panelists

    Located in Napa Valley, the great wine tasting experiences is a no-brainer, but the golf experience, with two courses, is worth the visit. One of the two teaching pros on staff, Kayla Walter, regularly hosts women-only clinics if you're looking to work on your game while on your trip.

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    Sunriver Resort
    Martin Miller
    Public
    Sunriver Resort
    Sunriver, OR
    3.3
    1 Panelists

    Set among lush woodlands, meadows and wetlands, four courses change with the seasons, just like the innovative menus at the on-site restaurants.

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    Terranea
    Ben Horton
    Public
    Terranea
    Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
    5
    1 Panelists

    Many of the rooms and casitas have ocean views—as does the golf course. Enjoy walking paths and the views from the spa's outdoor pool when you're not on the course. The dining options are extensive and excellent.

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    Troon North Golf Club
    Public
    Troon North Golf Club
    Scottsdale, AZ
    4.2
    23 Panelists

    Navigate elevation changes, tricky bunkers and challenging greens on your own or with help from a caddie/forecaddie. You won’t find many better golf shops for women’s merchandise.

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    Wailea Golf Club
    Matthew Thayer
    Public
    Wailea Golf Club
    Kihei, HI
    4.1
    17 Panelists

    Enjoy breathtaking ocean views on almost every hole of the resort’s three courses and unwind at gorgeous, gold-sand beaches, the luxurious spa and dozens of restaurants and lounges.

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    Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach
    Leon Bennett
    Public
    Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach
    Dana Point, CA
    3.2
    6 Panelists

    On the course, you'll experience links-style golf with ocean views. At the resort, many of the rooms have ocean views as well. It's a five-star resort, and the accommodations reflect that. After your round, get a massage at the newly-renovated spa and then enjoy dinner around a firepit at the beach club.

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    MIDWEST

    Big Cedar Lodge
    Evan Schiller
    Public
    Big Cedar Lodge
    Hollister, MO

    This resort is located in the Ozark Mountains, overlooking Big Rock Lake. You have access to the lake and water sports for when you're not playing on one of the five golf courses.

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    Boyne Resorts
    Evan Schiller
    Public
    Boyne Resorts
    Harbor Springs, MI
    4
    12 Panelists

    With extra daylight on the edge of EST, visitors can pack days with 10 courses, lakeside bike rides and carriage rides on old-timey Mackinac Island.

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    Crystal Mountain Resort
    Bill Hornstein/Crystal Mountain
    Public
    Crystal Mountain Resort
    Thompsonville, MI
    3.8
    1 Panelists

    The Mountain Ridge course offers panoramic views and high elevations; Betsie Valley presents narrow fairways and protected greens. Forward tees take out any forced carries.

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    Forest Dunes
    Evan Schiller
    Public
    Forest Dunes
    Roscommon, MI
    4.4
    25 Panelists

    This woodsy getaway has two top courses, one of them the “reversible” Loop, and a welcoming attitude. Women get discounted green fees midweek.

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    French Lick (Ind.) Resort
    courtesy of French Lick Resort
    Public
    French Lick (Ind.) Resort
    French Lick, IN

    Midwestern gem has LPGA ties dating to the 1960s. There are weekly women’s clinics, a Legends Tour Hall of Fame, two undulating courses and a nonsmoking casino.

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    Grand Traverse Resort
    Brian Walters Photography
    Public
    Grand Traverse Resort
    Williamsburg, MI
    3.6
    6 Panelists

    The Bear is demanding, with 11 forced carries, but two other 18s ensure variety. Afterward, try the spa, axe-throwing, casino, Wine Coast or Traverse City lights.

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    Inn at Bay Harbor
    Brian Walters Photography
    Public
    Inn at Bay Harbor
    Bay Harbor, MI
    3.8
    11 Panelists

    There are 45 holes on-site, but if that's not enough for your group, you also have access to the Inn at Bay Harbor's sister resorts. In total, you can play at 10 different golf courses. The resort is set on Little Traverse Bay, giving you beach access and the option to paddle board, fish or take a private boat ride.

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    Island Resort
    Brian Walters Photography
    Public
    Island Resort
    Harris, MI
    4.1
    4 Panelists

    The resort has hosted an Epson Tour event for the last two decades, so they do a phenomenal job catering to women. Here you'll find good food and good golf, all at an affordable pricepoint.

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    Sand Valley Golf Resort
    Courtesy of Jeffrey R. Bertch
    Public
    Sand Valley Golf Resort
    Nekoosa, WI

    Unpretentious lodging and food combine with two courses on our Second 100 Greatest (Sand Valley and Mammoth Dunes) and one of the best par-3 courses in the country. On the two 18-holers, five of the six tees are rated for women.

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    Shanty Creek Resort
    Public
    Shanty Creek Resort
    Bellaire, MI
    4
    6 Panelists

    Northern Michigan aesthetic is unmatched with five distinct courses, a small-yet-cosmopolitan village and upscale dining—all at a nice price.

     

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    Whistling Straits/Blackwolf Run
    Public
    Whistling Straits/Blackwolf Run
    Sheboygan, WI

    These are tough courses—forced carries abound, even from forward tees. World-renowned spa, luxurious rooms and excellent dining offer a soothing antidote.

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    SOUTH

    The Breakers
    Jeff Greenberg
    Private
    The Breakers
    Palm Beach, FL
    3.1
    2 Panelists

    This upscale spot appeals to group trips and family getaways with golf academies, indoor-outdoor spa, kids-activity center and dining options for any palette.

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    Cabot Citrus Farms
    Jeff Marsh
    Public
    Cabot Citrus Farms
    Brooksville, FL
    4.1
    18 Panelists

    Though the resort is still in the beginning stages, with its second course opening in September, women golfers we trust who have played it rave about the experience. And knowing Cabot's other locations outside of the U.S. (Cape Breton and St. Lucia), not including Cabot's first U.S. property felt like a miss. The property has two 18-hole courses, a 10-hole course and an 11-hole, lighted par-3 course. Trips to Cabot locations are golf-centric: Play epic courses, eat well, and stay in luxury accomodations.

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    Grand Hotel Golf Resort and Spa
    Buyenlarge
    Private
    Grand Hotel Golf Resort and Spa
    Point Clear, AL

    The resort is set on the Gulf Coast, so there are great pool and beach options here. Onsite there are two courses, and if you want to venture away from the resort, the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail is nearby. If you want to partake in other activities, there are bikes for rent so you can cruise around bike paths, and country club sport options: pickleball, tennis and croquet.

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    The Greenbrier
    Public
    The Greenbrier
    White Sulphur Springs, WV

    Come for the iconic Dorothy Draper decor, expansive locker room and spa; stay for three scenic, playable courses and more than 55 indoor/outdoor activities.

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    Horseshoe Bay Resort
    Private
    Horseshoe Bay Resort
    Horseshoe Bay, TX
    3.8
    2 Panelists

    The golf school offers half and full-day instruction options, which will be bolstered by the completion of its new golf academy building. The 3,000-square-foot academy will feature indoor and outdoor hitting bays and will be completed at the end of 2024. Located on a lake, this resort offers boat rentals for a fun post-golf activity.

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    Kiawah Island (S.C.) G. Resort
    Carlos Amoedo
    Public
    Kiawah Island (S.C.) G. Resort
    Kiawah Island, SC

    The Ocean Course is famously difficult, but there are four other fine 18s, and the Sanctuary hotel lives up to its name. Proximity to lively Charleston is another plus.

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    Pinehurst (N.C.) Resort
    Stephen Szurlej
    Public
    Pinehurst (N.C.) Resort
    Pinehurst, NC

    Multiple female PGA pros help set the women-friendly tone at sprawling resort. Bonus: Rolling sandhills courses don’t demand many forced carries.

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    Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club
    Dom Furore
    Public
    Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club
    Southern Pines, NC

    Perfect your game and enjoy complimentary cocktails as part of the women’s “Golfari”—all on the course that was home to the 2022 U.S. Women’s Open.

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    Reynolds Lake Oconee
    Private
    Reynolds Lake Oconee
    Greensboro, GA
    4.2
    10 Panelists

    There are five courses, with multiple sets of tees, and an equally wide variety of lodging choices—from cottages to condos to hotel suites.

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    Ritz Carlton Naples (Fla.)
    Dave Sansom
    Public
    Ritz Carlton Naples (Fla.)
    Naples, FL
    4.3
    4 Panelists

    Year-round destination is home to three tour events, but don’t let that intimidate you. The Black course has tees less than 4,000 yards—great for beginners.

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    Ross Bridge, RTJ G. Trail
    unknown
    Public
    Ross Bridge, RTJ G. Trail
    Birmingham, AL
    4.1
    9 Panelists

    It’s among the world’s longest courses, at 8,191 yards. Ignore that and pick shorter tees that let you focus on the lakes, waterfall and stunning par 3s.

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    Sea Island
    Stephen Szurlej
    Private
    Sea Island
    Saint Simons Island, GA

    Sea Island features two five-star resorts and three golf courses, each unique to challenege different parts of your game and ensure everyone in your group is happy no matter what style of golf they prefer. Sea Island hosts women's tournaments and women's golf schools, creating a welcoming environment catered to women.

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    The Sea Pines Resort
    Public
    The Sea Pines Resort
    Hilton Head Island, SC
    4
    20 Panelists

    Perfect for groups looking to relax with daily bike rides around the idyllic Lowcountry. This resort offers weekly women’s clinics and a two-day school.

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    Streamsong Resort: Black
    LC Lambrecht
    Public
    Streamsong Resort: Black
    Bowling Green, FL

    This resort has three acclaimed 18s, a two-acre putting course and a seven-hole short course to accommodate most skill levels and trip lengths.

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    NORTH EAST

    Equinox Resort
    Courtesy of Equinox Resort
    Public
    Equinox Resort
    Manchester Village, VT
    3.6
    7 Panelists

    The course at this historic resort was built in 1927 because women weren't originally allowed on the golf course nearby. Keeping to that history, the long-time head professional Joan McDonald has curated an inclusive environment at Equinox. The course has recently undergone renovations to bunkers and green complexes. Go in early October to enjoy the foliage in the mountains that surround the resort.

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    Nemacolin
    Public
    Nemacolin
    Farmington, PA

    A mainstay on our ranking of the Best Resorts in the Northeast, Nemacolin offers five different, high-end lodging options. The two courses, the Mystic Rock and Sheperd's Rock, are both ranked among the Best Courses in Pennsylvania. And for any other non-golfer or to vary the itinerary, other outdoor activies including horseback riding tours. Your group can also experience wine tastings and cooking classes.

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    Omni Bedford Springs Resort
    Courtesy of Omni Hotels & Resorts
    Public
    Omni Bedford Springs Resort
    Bedford, PA
    4.1
    10 Panelists

    This is a historic hotel, with a golf course dating back to the 1800's. There are trails around the resort for hiking, and a firepit to make s'mores while you recount the day's action on the course.

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    Primland Resort
    Courtesy of the club
    Public
    Primland Resort
    Meadows of Dan, VA

    Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the expansive property, which incldues the Highlands course, ranked in the top 25 public courses in the country, offers unparalleled views. The lodging options are all high-end, and you can even go for the unique experience of staying in one of the property's treehouses. The resort is known for its extensive wine cellar. Tennis, mountain biking and horseback riding can fill your non-golfing hours.

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