The 50 best golf trip destinations for women
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
Brian Oar - Fairways+Greens
Brian Oar - Fairways+Greens
Brian Oar - Fairways+Greens
Hugging the Pacific, this resort features a variety of wellness options. Plus, it’s within 30 minutes of museums, food and shopping.
Stephen Szurlej
Stephen Szurlej
Stephen Szurlej
Stephen Szurlej
Stephen Szurlej
Stephen Szurlej
Stephen Szurlej
Stephen Szurlej
Wood Sabold/Courtesy of Bandon Dunes Golf Resort
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.
Courtesy of the Boulders Resort & Spa
Paul Severn
Peter Malinowski
Peter Malinowski
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.
Dick Durrance II
Dick Durrance
Dick Durrance
Dick Durrance II
Dick Durrance
Dick Durrance II
Dick Durrance
Dick Durrance II
Elegant hotel has two courses and a spa overlooking the Rockies. It’s also popular for women’s fly-fishing getaways.
Brian Walker
Dramatic finishing holes feature gorgeous views of Lake Tahoe with the Sierra Mountains as a backdrop.
Courtesy of Fairmont/Brian Oar
Courtesy of Fairmont/Corey Weiner, Red Square Photo
Courtesy of Fairmont/Corey Weiner, Red Square Photo
Courtesy of Fairmont/Corey Weiner, Red Square Photo
Courtesy of Fairmont/Corey Weiner, Red Square Photo
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.
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.
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.
Courtesy of Dave Sansom
Courtesy of Dave Sansom
Courtesy of Dave Sansom
Courtesy of Dave Sansom
Dave Sansom
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.
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.
Its secluded course has tested pros and celebrities—but it’s the spa, artist cottage and apothecary that make this destination stand out.
BRIAN OAR - FAIRWAYS PHOTOGRAPHY
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.
Stephen Szurlej
Sherman Chu
Evan Schiller
Getty Images
Photo by Joann Dost
Keyur Khamar
Stephen Szurlej
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.
Magnificent views abound at this coastal resort with two 18s, luxurious locker rooms and a five-star spa.
Courtesy of Evan Schiller
Courtesy of Evan Schiller
Courtesy of Evan Schiller
Courtesy of Evan Schiller
Courtesy of the club
Courtesy of Evan Schiller
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.
Courtesy of the resort
Courtesy of Silverado Resort
Courtesy of Silverado Resort
Courtesy of Silverado Resort
Courtesy of Silverado Resort
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.
Martin Miller
Martin Miller
Set among lush woodlands, meadows and wetlands, four courses change with the seasons, just like the innovative menus at the on-site restaurants.
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.
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.
Matthew Thayer
Matthew Thayer
Matthew Thayer
Matthew Thayer
Matthew Thayer
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.
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.
MIDWEST
Evan Schiller
Evan Schiller
Evan Schiller
Evan Schiller
Evan Schiller
Evan Schiller
Evan Schiller
Evan Schiller
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.
Evan Schiller
Evan Schiller
Brian Walters
Courtesy of the club
Courtesy of the club
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.
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.
Evan Schiller
Dom Furore
Courtesy of Evan Schiller
Evan Schiller
Brian Walters Photography
Courtesy of Evan Schiller
Courtesy of Evan Schiller
Courtesy of Evan Schiller
Evan Schiller
Evan Schiller
Evan Schiller
Evan Schiller
Evan Schiller
This woodsy getaway has two top courses, one of them the “reversible” Loop, and a welcoming attitude. Women get discounted green fees midweek.
courtesy of French Lick Resort
Brian Walers Photography
Brian Walers Photography
Courtesy of Jon Cavalier
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.
Brian Walters Photography
Grand Traverse Resort and Spa
Grand Traverse Resort and Spa
Grand Traverse Resort and Spa
Grand Traverse Resort and Spa
Grand Traverse Resort and Spa
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.
Evan Schiller
Evan Schiller
Evan Schiller
Evan Schiller
Evan Schiller
Brian Walters Photography
Evan Schiller Photography
Evan Schiller
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.
Brian Walters Photography
Brian Walters Photography
Brian Walters Photography
BRW@MAC.COM
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.
Courtesy of Jeffrey R. Bertch
Courtesy of Jeffrey R. Bertch
Courtesy of Jeffrey R. Bertch
Courtesy of Jeffrey R. Bertch
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.
Brian Walters Photography
C1 SE
Brian Walters Photography
Brian Walters Photography
Northern Michigan aesthetic is unmatched with five distinct courses, a small-yet-cosmopolitan village and upscale dining—all at a nice price.
Carlos Amoedo
Stephen Szurlej
Carlos Amoedo
Stephen Szurlej
Stephen Szurlej
Stephen Szurlej
These are tough courses—forced carries abound, even from forward tees. World-renowned spa, luxurious rooms and excellent dining offer a soothing antidote.
SOUTH
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.
Jeff Marsh
Matt Majka/Courtesy of Cabot Citrus Farms
Matt Majka
Jeff Marsh
Matt Majka
Jeff Marsh
Jeff Marsh
Jeff Marsh
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.
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.
Courtesy of The Greenbrier
Courtesy of DANIEL JAMES MURPHY
Courtesy of DANIEL JAMES MURPHY
Courtesy of DANIEL JAMES MURPHY
Courtesy of DANIEL JAMES MURPHY
Courtesy of DANIEL JAMES MURPHY
Courtesy of DANIEL JAMES MURPHY
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.
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.
Carlos Amoedo
Carlos Amoedo
Stephen Szurlej
Stephen Szurlej
Behind the third green at the Ocean Course.
Uzzell Lambert
Photo by Stephen Szurlej
Stephen Szurlej
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.
Stephen Szurlej
Dom Furore
Stephen Szurlej
Dom Furore
The 13th hole at Pinehurst No. 2.
Courtesy of the resort
Dom Furore
Dom Furore
Multiple female PGA pros help set the women-friendly tone at sprawling resort. Bonus: Rolling sandhills courses don’t demand many forced carries.
Dom Furore
Chris Keane
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.
There are five courses, with multiple sets of tees, and an equally wide variety of lodging choices—from cottages to condos to hotel suites.
Dave Sansom
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.
Courtesy of the club
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unknown
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.
Stephen Szurlej
Photo by Stephen Szurlej
Courtesy of the club
Courtesy of the club
Courtesy of the club
courtesy of Sea Island
courtesy of Sea Island
courtesy of Sea Island
courtesy of Sea Island
courtesy of Sea Island
courtesy of Sea Island
courtesy of Sea Island
courtesy of Sea Island
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.
The Sea Pines Resort/Rob Tipton
The Sea Pines Resort/Rob Tipton
The Sea Pines Resort/Rob Tipton
Laurence Lambrecht
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.
The punchbowl ninth green at Streamsong (Black).
LC Lambrecht
LC Lambrecht
LC Lambrecht
Courtesy of Laurence Lambrecht
LC Lambrecht
Courtesy of Laurence Lambrecht
LC Lambrecht
LC Lambrecht
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.
NORTH EAST
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.
Courtesy of the club
Courtesy of the club
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.
Courtesy of Omni Hotels & Resorts
Courtesy of Omni Hotels & Resorts
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.
Courtesy of the club
Courtesy of Michael Clemmer
Courtesy of the course
Courtesy of the club
Courtesy of the course
Courtesy of the club
Courtesy of the club
Courtesy of the club
Courtesy of the club
Courtesy of the club
Courtesy of Michael Clemmer
Courtesy of the club
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.