As the sweltering summer heat begins to fade, golfers everywhere eagerly anticipate the arrival of fall. Why? Because autumn brings with it the perfect conditions for a golf getaway. The crisp air, colorful foliage, and less crowded courses make it an ideal time to hit the links. So as autumn begins to take center stage, join us as we take you through the 5 best fall golf destinations of 2023.
Savor the Season at the 5 Best Fall Golf Destinations
1. The South Carolina Coast
For golf aficionados, South Carolina needs no introduction. With its reputation as the “Golf Capital of the World” in Myrtle Beach and the golfing sanctuary of Kiawah Island (and beyond), South Carolina continues to reign supreme as one of the best fall golf destinations.
Myrtle Beach
Autumn is an optimal season to tee off on Myrtle Beach’s impressive selection of over 90 golf courses. With the summer crowds gone, mild temperatures prevailing, and courses in impeccable condition, embarking on a journey to the Grand Strand is a surefire way to enjoy a memorable golf getaway. Some must-play courses in this area include:
- Barefoot Resort & Golf: Barefoot Resort & Golf is the most acclaimed multi-course golf destination in the area. Crafted by legendary players and visionary architects, including Greg Norman, Davis Love III, Tom Fazio, and Pete Dye, their collective vision was clear: to fashion distinctive, visually captivating, and joyfully playable courses.
- Legends Golf Resort: Legends Golf Resort boasts five premier championship golf courses. Situated conveniently off Highway 501, the Heathland, Moorland, and Parkland courses are nestled within the captivating Scottish-inspired Legends Golf Resort. Further afield, Oyster Bay Golf Links resides on the northern end of Myrtle Beach’s Grand Strand in Sunset Beach, N.C., and The Heritage Club is located on the southern end in Pawleys Island, S.C.
- Caledonia Golf & Fish Club / True Blue Golf Club: Nationally renowned and positioned at the southern tip of the Grand Strand, these two remarkable courses, both designed by Mike Strantz, are distinctive in their own right. True Blue features formidable bunkering and expansive fairways, providing a challenging golfing experience. In contrast, Caledonia offers a more intimate layout, winding its way through picturesque marshland and beneath majestic live oak trees.
Charleston & Kiawah Island
Known for its cobblestone streets, historic homes, and vibrant culinary scene, Charleston is not only a golfer’s paradise but also a cultural delight. And with the incredible Kiawah Island golf scene just twenty miles outside of downtown Charleston, there’s no denying this fall golf destination is a standout among others. Some must-play courses in this area include:
- Kiawah Island Golf Resort: Home to Osprey Point, Oak Point, Cougar Point, Turtle Point, and the legendary Ocean Course, Kiawah Island Golf Resort remains at the pinnacle of golf in the greater Charleston area.
- Wild Dunes Resort: Wild Dunes Resort, a gem recognized by Golf Digest as one of South Carolina’s finest golf destinations, undoubtedly lives up to the accolade. Nestled in this coastal haven, visitors have the privilege of experiencing 36 holes of golfing excellence, masterfully crafted by the renowned Tom Fazio.
2. The North Carolina Sandhills
North Carolina’s fall golf scene is a harmonious blend of striking scenery, comfortable climate, and exceptional golf courses – most notably in the world-famous Sandhills Region. Known for its rolling terrain, lush pine forests, and rich golf history, it’s long been regarded as one of the best fall golf destinations.
Pinehurst
Pinehurst is a place where golf transcends a game; it becomes an experience, a tradition, and a way of life. This notion is fully embraced at Pinehurst Resort, home to nine golf courses (with a 10th on the way). Some must-play courses in this area include:
- Pinehurst No. 2: Standing as the crown jewel of Pinehurst Resort, No. 2 is a must-play on a golf trip to Pinehurst. It has hosted numerous major tournaments, including the U.S. Open, solidifying its reputation as one of the world’s premier championship venues.
- Pinehurst No. 4: Equally as impressive as No. 2 with slightly less fame, No. 4 is another fabulous track at Pinehurst Resort. It winds through the natural Carolina hills, affording stunning panoramic views. Pinehurst No. 4 boasts undulating fairways, strategic bunkering, and imaginative green complexes, making it an enjoyable yet challenging round for golfers of all levels.
Southern Pines
Southern Pines in the fall is an invitation to savor the beauty of the season and the joy of golf in perfect harmony. The blend of ideal weather, world-class courses, and breathtaking natural surroundings creates an irresistible setting. It’s indisputably one of the best fall golf destinations. Some must-play courses in this area include:
- Southern Pines Golf Club: Debuting in 1906, Southern Pines Golf Club proudly stands as one of the earliest masterpieces conceived by the legendary architect, Donald Ross. Meandering gracefully through a landscape of knolls and ridges, this course seamlessly integrates with the natural contours of the Sandhills region.
- Mid Pines Inn and Golf Club: Mid Pines Golf Course is a rare gem, remaining true to Donald Ross’s 1921 design and beautifully restored by Kyle Franz in 2013, earning accolades like GOLF Magazine’s Best U.S. Resort Renovation and Restoration of the Year. This “pure Donald Ross” course seamlessly blends with its natural surroundings, showcasing Ross’s signature approach.
- Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club: Pine Needles holds the distinction of being the first in the nation to host four U.S. Women’s Open Championships, a testament to its unmatched quality and prestige in the golfing world. Ranked an impressive #4 among golf courses in the state by Golfweek, this timeless course is a masterpiece that bears the signature of legendary architect Donald Ross, who crafted it back in 1927. In 2017, a meticulous restoration by the talented Kyle Franz breathed new life into the course, ensuring it remained true to Ross’s original vision.
3. The American Southwest
With sun-drenched fairways framed by rugged mountains and dotted with cacti, courses in Arizona and Nevada provide golfers with an unforgettable backdrop for their rounds. From the renowned layouts of Scottsdale’s desert oases to the luxurious resort courses of Las Vegas, the American Southwest presents a diverse array of golfing adventures.
Phoenix / Scottsdale
With over 200 courses and a year-round temperate climate, it’s no wonder this region is one of the best fall golf destinations. Beyond the golf, the area’s world-class resorts, spas, and dining establishments ensure that golfers enjoy a complete and luxurious experience. Some must-play courses in this area include:
- We-Ko-Pa Golf Club: We-Ko-Pa Golf Club offers golfers an unparalleled experience in the heart of the Sonoran Desert. Boasting two exceptional courses, the Cholla, designed by Scott Miller, and the Saguaro, a creation by Coore/Crenshaw, We-Ko-Pa stands out as one of the best fall golf destinations in the region.
- Troon North Golf Club: Troon North Golf Club in Scottsdale epitomizes the essence of desert golf with its two renowned 18-hole courses winding through natural ravines and foothills beneath Pinnacle Peak’s imposing shadow. The Monument and Pinnacle courses consistently rank as must-play tracks, and recent renovations by original designer Tom Weiskopf have revitalized the layouts to align with his original vision.
- TPC Scottsdale: Home to two championship courses, the Stadium Course and the Champions Course, TPC Scottsdale is a must-play during your golf trip to Arizona. The Stadium Course is the highlight, known for its iconic par-3 16th hole, affectionately called the “Coliseum,” where raucous crowds gather during the Waste Management Phoenix Open.
Las Vegas
When most people think of Las Vegas, they envision the glitz and glamour of the famous Strip. However, beyond the neon lights and bustling casinos, the Las Vegas region offers an unexpected treasure for golfers. As autumn descends on the desert, it transforms into an ideal season for golf, characterized by mild temperatures, abundant sunshine, and low humidity. Some must-play courses in this area include:
- Wynn Golf Club: Amidst the dazzling lights and excitement of the Las Vegas Strip, the Wynn Golf Club offers a serene escape into a golfer’s paradise. The re-envisioned 18-hole championship course, a collaborative effort between Tom Fazio and his son, Logan, delivers a golfing experience unlike any other in Las Vegas.
- Las Vegas Paiute Golf Resort: Nothing quite compares to the scenery around Las Vegas Paiute Golf Resort. It’s located about 25 minutes outside of the Strip, making it easily accessible, and features three championship courses all designed by Pete Dye.
4. Northern Michigan
When the leaves in Northern Michigan turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold, it signals the arrival of an extraordinary golf season. The pristine landscapes, crisp autumn air, and an array of top-tier golf courses make Northern Michigan an enchanting fall golf destination. Some must-play courses in this area include:
- BOYNE Golf: One resort, ten golf courses. That’s what makes BOYNE Golf one of the best fall golf destinations. With designs by renowned architects like Arthur Hills and Robert Trent Jones Sr., golfers can immerse themselves in classic and modern golfing traditions. Whether you seek the panoramic views at Bay Harbor Golf Club, the challenging links of The Heather, or the timeless elegance of The Moor, BOYNE Golf promises an exceptional golf adventure amidst the splendor of Michigan’s rolling hills, pristine lakes, and lush forests.
- Arcadia Bluffs Golf Club: The Bluffs Course at Arcadia Bluffs offers a world-class golf experience on a captivating links-style layout. This course is celebrated for its windswept native grasses, sod-walled bunkers, expansive fairways, generous greens, and breathtaking views of Lake Michigan. The South Course, born out of a desire to create a distinctive golfing experience, strategically positions elements that appear serene, but mask the underlying complexity of the course’s challenges.
- Treetops Resort: 81 holes of spectacular golf await you at Treetops Resort, home to four 18-hole championship designs and a nine-hole course. Treetops Resort boasts dramatic elevation changes, deep ravines, water hazards, and undulating greens, creating a formidable test of golfing skill and strategy.
5. New England
New England is renowned for its splendid fall foliage, attracting visitors from all over the world. Imagine teeing off amidst a backdrop of fiery trees and crisp, cool air—it’s an experience that only New England can offer. From coastal layouts with ocean views to mountain courses nestled in the heart of the region, New England boasts a diverse collection of golf courses.
Maine
Fall golf in Maine is a sensory feast for golfers. As the vibrant foliage paints the landscape with rich hues of red, orange, and gold, golf courses become a picturesque backdrop for an unforgettable round. With fewer crowds and pleasantly mild temperatures, autumn is the perfect time to experience the natural beauty and challenging courses that make Maine a hidden gem as one of the best fall golf destinations. Some must-play courses in this area include:
- Sugarloaf Golf Club: Sugarloaf Golf Club, Maine’s foremost golf destination, is an absolute must for golfers seeking a memorable experience. Crafted by renowned architect Robert Trent Jones Jr., this course offers golfers breathtaking panoramic views of the majestic mountains that surround it. From the very first tee shot to the last putt, Sugarloaf Golf Club promises an unforgettable and awe-inspiring journey through the natural beauty of Maine’s rugged landscapes.
- Sunday River Golf Club: Sunday River Golf Club, designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., is among New England’s most scenic courses. Nestled in the Maine woods, it offers dramatic elevation changes and stunning mountain views. The course’s natural flow harmonizes challenge and playability, creating an unforgettable golf experience overlooking the Sunday River Valley and the majestic Mahoosuc range.
New Hampshire
New Hampshire’s fall golf scene is nothing short of spectacular. The changing leaves transform the landscape into a kaleidoscope of colors, creating a mesmerizing atmosphere for a round of golf. The Granite State’s courses are known for their diverse terrain, ranging from mountainous layouts to scenic lakeside holes. Some must-play courses in this area include:
- Omni Mt. Washington Resort: Omni Mount Washington Resort boasts two exceptional championship golf courses, one 18-hole and one nine-hole track, set amidst spectacular surroundings. The Mount Washington course, designed by the legendary Donald Ross in 1915, is a testament to his mastery in utilizing natural elements to craft renowned courses worldwide.
Vermont
The Green Mountain State doesn’t stay very green once fall rolls around. In fact, its stunning symphony of foliage makes it one of the best fall golf destinations to explore. With its charming villages, covered bridges, and world-class golf, Vermont beckons golf enthusiasts to savor the picturesque beauty and exceptional courses that make autumn in the state truly remarkable. Some must-play courses in this area include:
- The Club at Spruce Peak: The Mountain Course at Spruce Peak is a renowned gem that climbs to over 1,800 feet in elevation, treating golfers to a landscape adorned with rugged rock outcroppings, abundant wildlife, and breathtaking vistas of both Spruce Peak and Mt. Mansfield.
- Ekwanok Country Club: Established in 1900, Ekwanok’s golf course was a pioneering 18-hole layout in the United States, drawing favorable comparisons to renowned UK courses. Designed by Walter J. Travis and John Duncan Dunn, it features strategic bunkering, contoured greens, and a unique routing where no more than two holes point in the same direction.
As we wrap up our journey through some of the best fall golf destinations, it’s clear that autumn is a golfer’s dream season. Whether you’re drawn to the stunning foliage of New England, the desert beauty of Las Vegas, the tranquil courses of Northern Michigan, or the coastal charm of the Carolinas, each region offers a unique and memorable golfing experience.
So, whether you’re planning a solo golf escape or a getaway with loved ones, consider these best fall golf destinations for your next adventure. Pack your clubs, embrace the changing seasons, and let the fairways guide you to an unforgettable golfing experience amidst the beauty of autumn. Your perfect fall golf trip awaits!
Looking for more best golf trip destinations to add to your bucket list? Peruse more travel inspiration and golf trip ideas on the Ship Sticks blog.
