Golf popularity continues to surge in terms of players, ratings and viewers. The National Golf Foundation reported more than one-third of the U.S. population over age 5 played golf or followed golf in 2023, up 30% since 2016. CBS tournament views are up, and Full Swing has been one of Netflix’s most streamed shows. April marks the official start of the professional golf season with the Masters, the first of the four men's major championships where the winner takes home the illustrious green jacket. For those who may be inspired to pick up some clubs, I’ve rounded up some of the most majestic bucket-list golf destinations for golfers of all skill levels.
The list includes award-winning courses from the rugged Oregon coast to the historic home of golf in Scotland, the golf mecca of Florida, an unexpected floating green in Idaho, dramatic cliffside golf in Mexico, the longest hole in Spain and more.
Zafiro Palace Andratx | Mallorca, Spain
Zafiro Palace Andratx is a newly opened, family-owned 5-star retreat surrounded by the Sierra de Tramuntana mountains with magnificent views of the Mediterranean coastline. The all-suite resort caters to those seeking exclusivity and authenticity with eight dining venues, five garden pools surrounded by nature, spa and wellness center, bespoke amenities, and a striking low-rise architectural design that capitalizes on outdoor spaces. The resort is located next to the prestigious Andratx Golf Course, an 18-hole championship golf course that includes the longest hole in Spain. Golf and stay packages are available exclusively for Zafiro Hotel guests, providing priority access and special rates.
Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto | Loreto, Mexico
Set on the Loreto Bay National Marine Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto by Danzante Bay overlooks the turquoise waters of the Sea of Cortez. The resort includes the exceptional TPC Danzante Bay; four restaurants; 39,000 square foot Sabila Spa; five pools; and an array of suites and penthouses. The only TPC course in Mexico, the 18-hole TPC Danzante Bay from Rees Jones is a truly unique golf experience unlike any other. The 17th hole is in a league of its own for high-stakes drama and jaw-dropping visuals. Travelers can book the Stay And Play Golf Packages and for activities beyond golf, guests enjoy island tours to see enormous schools of spinner dolphins, whales, and manta rays, LED night stand-up paddleboarding, and hotel-led scuba diving tours. Real estate is also available within the Danzante Bay community with lot pricing starting at $359K.
Cabot Highlands | Inverness, Scotland
Cabot Highlands is situated in the Scottish Highlands featuring the iconic Castle Stuart Golf Links, named among the top 100 courses in the world by Golf Digest and Golf Magazine, an art-deco inspired clubhouse, practice facility and putting green. Designed by the late Mark Parsinen and Gil Hanse, Castle Stuart’s rugged natural landscape can be described as a throwback to golf as it once was. A second 18-hole course designed by acclaimed golf course architect Tom Doak will open next year, along with an extended 11,000-square-foot clubhouse with whisky and cigar bar, clubhouse grill bar and chophouse restaurant. Onsite lodging currently includes the Golf Lodge and the Farmhouse with Stay & Play Packages available from £435pp. Beyond golf, the destination offers incredible natural beauty and ample outdoor activities including hiking, cycling, fishing, falconry, horseback riding and more.
The Coeur d’Alene Resort | Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
Located on the shores of beautiful Lake Coeur d’Alene, this award-winning resort has been delighting guests for more than 30 years with 338 luxuriously appointed guest rooms surrounded by nature. The golf experience begins with a thrilling high-speed ride in a sleek mahogany boat across the waters of Lake Coeur d’Alene to a land of meticulously manicured fairways and gorgeous lake views on nearly every hole. The famous 14th hole at The Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course is The Floating Green, which has become an icon in the world of golf. Stay & Play packages are available and guests also enjoy water sports, lake cruises, hiking and biking surrounded by lush forests and sparkling blue waters.
Sand Valley Resort | Rome, Wisconsin
Set among rugged, pre-historic sand dunes and 12,000 acres of pristine beauty in Central Wisconsin, Sand Valley Resort is a four-season destination offering best-in-class hospitality, farm-to-table cuisine, and an abundance of outdoor activities for the whole family. The pet-friendly resort offers a variety of accommodations available from $245 per night. The resort is best known for its four world-class golf courses (including an approachable short course), with a fifth course, Sedge Valley, set to open July 1. Beyond golf, outdoor adventures includes 16 grass tennis courts, fat-tire biking, hiking, birdwatching, fishing, paddle boarding, kayaking, bocce ball, incredible star gazing and more.
Cabot Citrus Farms |Brooksville, Florida
Cabot Citrus Farms, The Cabot Collection’s first U.S.-based resort, is a vibrant 1,200-acre destination known for incredible golf and outdoor activities. An 18-hole course and two short courses opened for preview play in January 2024. The second 18-hole course will open in June ahead of the property’s grand opening in fall 2024. Guest accommodations are now available for bookings and dining options, multiple racquet courts (tennis, pickleball, padel ball), pools, clay shooting, archery, axe throwing and more will be coming soon. Beyond world-class golf, visitors can delight in one-of-a-kind experiences including exceptional hiking, biking, nature trails, spring-fed rivers and bountiful lakes and fishing in the Gulf of Mexico.
Bandon Dunes | Bandon, Oregon
Located on the rugged Oregon coast with primeval grassy dunes that roll to the sea, Bandon Dunes is largely known as one of the best golf destinations in the world. The resort features six distinct award-winning links courses conceived in harmony with the natural environment, all designed for a walk-only, soul-stirring golf experience. Bandon Dunes welcomes guests with accommodations at The Lodge and a collection of 10 onsite dining venues. As the resort prepares to celebrate its 25th Anniversary this year, it continues to evolve with impressive culinary offerings including the new Ghost Tree Grill, an upscale Pacific Northwest inspired steakhouse and raw bar. Outdoor activities include a massage center, fitness center and spa, six miles of hiking trails, fishing and The Labyrinth, a soapstone replica of an 11th century maze on the floor of the Chartres Cathedral in France.
