Leaves turning color, creating spectacular sight lines, cool mornings into sun filled days, fall is the best time of year for golf. Summer crowds and scorching temps are in the past leaving simply stunning scenery for golf. All that plus the benefit of the leaf rule - don't miss out on fall golf. With cooler temperatures at top southern destinations or gorgeous views and backdrops at northern courses, pack your clubs and experience it with your crew.
Here are a few of our unique and favorite fall destinations for golf.
1. The Greenbrier – White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia
Why It’s Perfect in Fall: Nestled in the Allegheny Mountains, The Greenbrier offers a fall golf experience like no other, with crisp mountain air and brilliant fall colors framing its courses. The resort’s rich history and world-class amenities make it a premier fall destination.
Must-Play Course: The Old White TPC – The oldest course at The Greenbrier, it has hosted the PGA Tour’s Greenbrier Classic and provides a traditional, yet scenic challenge. The fun starts early on no. 3 with a Biarritz green, a long narrow green with a 'valley of sin' swale, a signature of course designer C.B. Macdonald.
2. Vermont
Why Go in Fall: Vermont is known for its picturesque fall foliage, charming small towns, and serene mountain landscapes, making it an ideal destination for a fall golf getaway. With cooler temperatures, stunning scenery, and a range of top-notch courses, Vermont offers golfers the perfect autumn escape.
Must Play Course: Okemo Valley Golf Club – Amidst the Green Mountains, this course offers breathtaking views of the surrounding fall colors. The well-maintained fairways and fast undulating greens make it a must-play for golfers seeking both beauty and a test of skill.
3. Sea Island, Georgia
Why It’s Perfect in Fall: With its coastal beauty and comfortable fall temperatures, Sea Island is a top destination for autumn golf in the Southeast. The fall season brings fewer crowds and picturesque views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Must-Play Course: Seaside Course – This challenging course offers ocean views and has hosted the PGA Tour’s RSM Classic. When you combine the links setting, old school basket flags, and stunning views of the Atlantic Seaside captures a place in your memory.
4. Northern Michigan
Why Go in Fall: Northern Michigan is breathtaking in the fall, as the entire landscape transforms into a sea of red, orange, and gold foliage. With cool weather and fewer crowds, this region offers some of the best fall golf experiences in the country. The natural surroundings of the courses become even more picturesque during the fall months, creating a serene and memorable round of golf.
Must Play Course: Arcadia Bluffs – Perched on the bluffs overlooking Lake Michigan, Arcadia Bluffs is a links-style course with wide fairways, natural dunes, and scenic lake views. The course is fun and adventurous with elevation changes and allows for strategic shot-making.
5. Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada
Why It’s Perfect in Fall: Lake Tahoe’s alpine setting is magical in the fall. The crisp mountain air makes for ideal golfing conditions, while the breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains enhance every round.
Must-Play Course: Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course – Nestled on the shores of Lake Tahoe, this championship course offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Set lakeside on the blue waters of Lake Tahoe surrounded by snow capped mountains, the course meanders through towering pines and provides and excellent finish with two lakeside holes on 17 and 18.
6. Plymouth, Massachusetts
Why It’s Perfect in Fall: Plymouth offers not only beautiful fall foliage but also a rich historical backdrop, making it a great fall destination for golfers. The cool temperatures and striking colors of New England create an unmatched golfing atmosphere.
Must-Play Course: Waverly Oaks Golf Club – This scenic course is nestled in a natural woodland setting and provides challenging play with its undulating fairways and greens, all set against a backdrop of stunning fall foliage.
Checkout our in-depth spotlight on Plymouth HERE
7. Williamsburg, Virginia
Why It’s Perfect in Fall: The historical charm of Williamsburg combined with its rolling landscapes and fall colors make it a prime golf destination in autumn. It’s also a great spot for golfers looking to combine history and culture with their game.
Must-Play Course: Kingsmill River Course - With 3 18 hole courses and a short course, Kingsmill is an impressive destination for those looking for a lot of golf and not a lot of travel between courses. The River Course by Pete Dye is the crown jewel with it's fantastic stretch of finishing holes 16-18 along the James River. Impeccable conditions and fall scenery make it a gem to visit.
8. Kiawah Island, South Carolina
Why It’s Perfect in Fall: Kiawah Island offers a stunning coastal golf experience, and fall is the ideal time to visit with milder temperatures and fewer crowds. The island’s pristine beaches and marshlands create a tranquil and picturesque backdrop for golf.
Must-Play Course: The Ocean Course – This world-renowned course, famous for hosting the PGA Championship and Ryder Cup, provides golfers with a challenging layout and breathtaking ocean views.
9. Branson, Missouri
Why Go in Fall: Branson is an up-and-coming golf destination, and fall is the perfect time to visit. The Ozark Mountains provide a stunning backdrop, especially in the autumn when the trees are ablaze with color. Branson’s collection of championship courses has something for every golfer, from novices to seasoned players.
Top Course: Payne’s Valley – Tiger Woods’ first public course design, Payne’s Valley, is quickly becoming one of the most popular courses in the country. Its rolling fairways, stunning water features, and the iconic “Big Rock” 19th hole make it a must-play, especially in the fall.
Don't let your season end without foliage lined fairways. Whether you're seeking coastal views, mountain landscapes, or historic charm, these destinations offer the perfect combination of breathtaking scenery and challenging courses. Contact us to help plan your fall getaway.
The Golf Trip Guys
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