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9 Winter Golf Destinations: Escape the Cold and Tee Off in Paradise

Updated: Nov 16

Where to golf in the winter


When winter arrives and temperatures drop, too many golfers stash their clubs and spend months dreaming of warmer weather. Alas there are sunny skies, warm breezes, and pristine fairways to be found! From tropical islands to desert oases, here are some of our favorite winter golf destinations that keep the swing going and offer a escape from the cold.


1. Puerto Rico


Why It’s Great in Winter: Puerto Rico is a tropical golf destination that offers warm winter weather, with temperatures in the 80s (F) and plenty of sunshine. The island is home to a variety of championship courses designed by some of the biggest names in golf. As a U.S. territory, you won’t need a passport to travel here, making it a convenient getaway.




Top destination resort : Ritz Carlton and TPC Dorado Beach East – One of the most prestigious courses in Puerto Rico, this Robert Trent Jones Sr. design offers stunning ocean views, tropical landscaping, and challenging water hazards. For stay and play - the luxury Ritz Carlton property has an additional course the Sugarcane course also by Robert Trent Jones. With lakes and rivers throughout it provides unique challenges and beauty.


Additional resorts worth considering: Also on the North Coast is the boutique resort, Royal Isabela, with its spectacular oceanfront course setting that includes thrilling shot making opportunities throughout a wind filled adventure. On the South Coast is the Hilton Ponce Golf & Casino Resort which offers a vast array of amenities and 27 holes of golf including an island green. This can be paired with a Chi Chi Rodriquez design an hour east at El Legado.



The East Coast features a number of resorts including the Grand Reserve which is home to the Puerto Rico open. The Wyndham Grand Rio Mar features two courses the Ocean course by the Fazio's and the Norman designed River course. Whichever part of the island you desire to explore there is exciting golf options that await.



2. Scottsdale, Arizona


Why It’s Great in Winter: Scottsdale is a desert golf paradise, and winter is the perfect time to visit, with daytime temperatures in the 60s and 70s. You’ll find endless sunshine, luxurious resorts, and stunning courses that wind through the desert landscape. Scottsdale is home to some of the top public courses in the U.S., offering challenging play and scenic views.



Possible course mixes: Troon North Golf Club – The Monument and Pinnacle courses at Troon North are two of the best desert courses in Arizona, featuring dramatic elevation changes, towering saguaros, and rugged boulder formations. Pair with We-Ko-Pa which provides two natural and challenging layouts that weave through the desert without any residential development.


In winter TPC Scottsdale will likely be setup with some version of the grandstands for the WM Open, play the 16th in stadium style. Pair with Quintero or Wickenburg Ranch.





For a resort style home base - The Camelback resort by JW Marriott features two courses, Ambiente by Jason Straka and Padre by Arthur Hills - both courses combine Sonoran Desert views with challenging layouts. This is an ideal home base with other fantastic golf facilities like Grayhawk, home of the Raptor and Talon courses, less than 25 minutes away.


3. Palm Springs, California


Why It’s Great in Winter: Palm Springs is synonymous with winter golf. Located in the Coachella Valley set against the Santa Rosa mountain range it offers a warm, sunny escape with temperatures in the 70s (F). Known for its more than 100 golf courses, you’ll find everything from championship layouts to beginner-friendly tracks. Palm Springs is also a hub for luxury, with upscale resorts, spas, and dining to complement your golf trip.





Top Course: With five resort courses, there is plenty to explore at PGA West. With courses designed by game legends Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman, and Pete Dye, PGA West is a must-visit golf complex. The Stadium Course, with holes named San Andreas Fault, its famous island green and deep bunkers, is one of the toughest tests in the desert. The Norman and Nicklaus courses feature stunning mountain backdrops and unforgettable layouts. The La Quinta Resort & Club provides luxury accommodations and 41 pools less than a mile from the course, a perfect home base.


Additional golf itineraries: Indian Wells - with two courses the Celebrity and the Players course, Indian Wells provides a private club experience for visitors to the area. Desert Willow also offers two underrated courses set against mountain backdrops that provide excellent playability for varying levels of skill.





Don't miss: The Lights at Indio Course - a par 3 fully lit up for play well into the night. From holes ranging 100 to 250 yards the opportunity to play desert night golf is a truly unique experience not to miss


4. Naples, Florida


Why It’s Great in Winter: Naples offers warm winter weather, with temperatures in the 70s and 80s (F.) Known as the “Golf Capital of the World,” Naples is a hotbed of golf courses both private and public. Don't let the private tags push you away as there are access passes available for the majority of courses. On the resort front two top options are Tiburon and Lely golf. Outside of golf there are luxury indulgences abound from shopping and dining to fan boat tours of the Everglades.





Top Course: The top of the bunch is Tiburón Golf Club – Home to two Greg Norman-designed courses (the Gold and Black), Tiburón is a favorite winter golf destination. The course is also home to the PGA Tour’s QBE Shootout, and it offers a challenging layout with water features and natural hazards. Set amongst the Florida wetlands and multiple nature preserves the property offers sanctuary and relaxation with Spas and waterparks in addition to the outstanding golf.





Lely Golf Resort hosts two premier courses, Flamingo Island and The Mustang. The resort has villas and resort style accommodations to fit any group preference. To round it out Spanish Wells Country Club is a bonus property to check out with 27 holes and an excellent logo...


5. Cabo San Lucas, Mexico


Why It’s Great in Winter: Cabo has quietly become a golf destination mecca - with 18 courses dotting the coastline the blend of desert coastal views will capture your heart. If you’re looking for a tropical escape, Cabo San Lucas offers beautiful winter weather, with temperatures in the 70s and 80s (F), along with stunning golf courses that overlook the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez. Cabo’s dramatic desert-meets-ocean landscapes create breathtaking settings for golf, and the region has plenty of resorts for a luxurious stay.



A true golf retreat with excellent resort options including: Questro Golf Resort - Home to three world-class golf facilities, designed by three different legends of the game, Nicklaus, Norman and Robert Trent Jones II. The three courses weave through the magnificent Baja desert, backdropped by the majestic Sierra Madre mountains, you’ll enjoy breathtaking ocean views throughout your round. Resulting in a unique golf experience, infused with Mexican culture and hospitality.


Palmilla Resort - Secluded on the Baja peninsula, luxury awaits with oceanfront suites and villas, incredible dining and 27 holes of picturesque golf. With the first Nicklaus design in Latin America, the courses have views of the Sea of Cortez on every hole.



Quivira Golf Club – Designed by Jack Nicklaus, the Old Lighthouse Course at Quivira features spectacular cliffside holes with ocean views, challenging elevation changes, and unforgettable scenery. Dubbed the Pebble Beach of Mexico, It's a bucket-list course for winter golf enthusiasts.


6. Maui, Hawaii


Why It’s Great in Winter: Maui offers year-round golf, but winter is an especially great time to visit due to its comfortable weather (temperatures in the 70s and 80s F) and whale-watching season. Maui’s courses are known for their lush, tropical settings and ocean views, offering a unique island golf experience. Between rounds, you can enjoy beautiful beaches, snorkeling, and world-class resorts.



Unforgettable "road trip" for the golf nuts: West coast tour: Anchor course: Ka'anapali. Play this gem and stay at one of the many great local resorts as your scenic and relaxing home base. Travel up the coast to Kapalua Plantation Course – Host of the PGA Tour’s Sentry Tournament of Champions, this course offers spectacular views of the Pacific, dramatic elevation changes, and wide fairways that make it playable for all skill levels. Then travel down the coast to Wailea Resort home of 3 incredible courses, Gold, Emerald, and Blue. The Gold course is known for its challenging layout and scenic views of the Pacific Ocean and Mount Haleakalā. The more playable Emerald course features wide fairways and colorful flowers for a slightly more relaxing golf experience. The Blue Course is the oldest and most forgiving of the Wailea courses, with more gentle slopes and ocean views on every hole. If time permits, don't forget the hidden gem of Maui Nui on the way back to Ka'anapali.




Stay and play options: Hawaiian resorts are known for their hospitality and tranquility. If the resort life is your speed there are plenty of great stay and play options with all the amenities at each of the above locations, Wailea, Ka'anapali and Kapalua.


7. Orlando, Florida


Why It’s Great in Winter: For the easy weekend trip, Orlando is convenient for it's accessibility and it's bounty of golf courses. The weather is consistently mild with temperatures in the 70s (F). While perhaps better known for theme parks, Orlando is also home to some excellent golf experiences in Florida, with courses that cater to all skill levels. Winter is the perfect time to enjoy golf and sunshine without the summer humidity.



Top Course: Bay Hill Club & Lodge – Arnold Palmer’s famous course, Bay Hill hosts the annual Arnold Palmer Invitational. It offers a challenging layout with plenty of history, no coincidence that Arnie made this his winter home base. It personifies classic Florida golf with it's Bermuda grass, thick rough, firm, and fast greens, and numerous bunkers and water hazards.


The Reunion resort offers three stellar golf courses—designed by Nicklaus, Palmer and Watson\ A manageable drive to the airport makes this an easy destination to arrive, play and relax. The Palmer Course challenges players with undulating terrain, creating uneven lies in the fairways and rough. It features significant elevation changes, including a 50-foot drop from tee to green at the par-3 second.




Other courses to check out - just avoid the Disney traffic! Southern Dunes offers some unique elevation changes and eye-catching mounding and bunkering. A true and fair test of golf that rewards well placed shots. Orange County National boasts a one of a kind 360 degree driving range that claims to be the largest in the nation along with two championship courses and a short course. There are stay and play, golf villas, and local accommodations available at all spots.





8. The Bahamas


Why It’s Great in Winter: When a tropical vacation is the main goal but the golf itch stills needs to be scratched, The Bahamas is the destination. Perfect for a couples trip or family retreat. The warm, sunny weather and all the amenities that resorts have to offer are tough to beat. The golf isn't too shabby either with stunning views of the turquoise Caribbean waters throughout your round.


Top Course: The Ocean Club Golf Course – Located on Paradise Island, this Tom Weiskopf-designed course offers a beautiful layout with ocean views, challenging bunkers, and wide fairways. It’s the ultimate winter golf destination for those seeking sun and sand. Ocean Club has 7 holes that border the ocean and all but one have direct views of the stunning blue waters of the Bahamas. Stay at the Atlantis or Four Seasons resort for stay and play options.



With three resort options, Baha Mar in Nassau is another tropical paradise that checks all the boxes. The course is uniquely memorable for it's distinct 9s, the front nine of Royal Blue features dramatic views of undulating fairways and rolling white sand dunes. The back-nine transports you to limestone “moonscapes” and elevation changes, making Royal Blue a stunning golf course to see — and a thrilling challenge to play.




Lastly for an all inclusive option is the Grand Lucayan Resort. With drinks, dining and entertainment included and of course unlimited golf, it's another excellent option perfect for families or couples. The Reef Course is a links style Robert Trent Jones design whose open layout invites quite a bit of wind into the game play making for a memorably challenging round.




9. The Big Island, Hawaii


Why It’s Great in Winter: Well, it's Hawaii...home of endlessly beautiful weather and landscapes. We love it and feel The Big Island stands on it's own. It my be a little lesser known than Maui for it's golf, but don't sleep on this as a destination. With the chance to explore beaches and volcanos in the same day and some incredible golf, the big island is truly unique.


The Big Island or home of the par 3 over the Pacific Ocean. Two of our favorite courses showcase incredible holes with ocean carry tee shots that awe, inspire, and intimidate. One tip - the wind tends to pick up in the afternoon significantly!


The first and perhaps most iconic is the 3rd hole at Mauna Kea. Spectacular carry over the ocean waves and lava rocks to a tricky green, don't be surprised if play backs up slightly with all the photographs. You'll understand why when you are there. After your done, the beachfront bars are a perfect spot for reminiscing. Another ideal resort for creating the best all around golf vacation.



Next up is neighboring Mauna Lani resort. The South Course features the par-3 15th hole, which plays across the crashing waves of the Pacific. The resort also has a north course well worth it's own play. Mauna Lani has all the resort amenities and hospitality you would expect from a Hawaiian destination.



Lastly at one of our hidden gems is Kona Country Club Ocean Course – This championship course showcases its own stunning oceanfront holes. The course’s layout takes full advantage of the coastline, offering both beauty and challenge, while the lava rock formations add a unique element to the game.





Winter Golfing in Paradise

Winter doesn’t have to mean the end of golf season. With so many beautiful destinations offering year-round golf, you can trade the snow for sun and enjoy rounds at some of the most stunning courses in the world. Whether you’re looking for a desert escape, tropical beaches, or island greens, these winter golf destinations offer something for every golfer. So, pack your clubs and let us plan your winter get away today!




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