Rarely, if ever, will you be standing on the first tee box of a Caribbean golf course and enjoy the fact that you have the links to yourself. Anyone who has ever squeezed a round into a vacation itinerary knows that many pro shops will stack foursomes on top of each other like luggage in the cargo hold, and there’s always that random twosome in between that you kinda feel bad for because the group in front of them is playing at a snail’s pace.

But there I was, on the only course on one of my favorite islands in the world, smiling like a kid in a candy shop because the fairway in front of me was wide open and the only sounds behind me were those of children receiving their morning lessons. I’ve been told that Royal Turks and Caicos Golf Club is as fun as it is beautiful, but not having to worry about my pace of play had me feeling like this was going to be a very special round.

Sure enough, as I eventually walked off the green of the 18^th hole, I wrote in my personal best seventh par of the day and chuckled as I did the math—an 87. A great golfer I am not, but to break 90 on my first round ever on what is widely considered to be one of the best courses in the Caribbean? That’ll make a good vacation great, and my family retreat to Beaches Turks and Caicos was already on pace to be spectacular.

With that wonderful round behind me, here’s some basic advice I have for the next group on the tees.

Enjoy the Views

Traveling solo as much as I do, I’m often paired with complete strangers when I golf in paradise. I rarely mind it because it’s a great way to meet new people from around the world and appreciate their perspective on travel and regions like the Caribbean, but serious golfers tend to be all about the game and rarely about the moment. Sometimes it’s a little awkward when I stop to get photos and videos from multiple angles and my new friend is itching to get to his second shot.

Playing a course like Royal Turks and Caicos is such a blessing that it blows my mind when other golfers don’t take a moment on every tee box to stop and marvel at the natural beauty. After all, this course was recently named the Best Caribbean Golf Course by USA Today, and it beat out perennial favorites like Teeth of the Dog at Casa de Campo and the magnificent Old Quarry Golf Course in Curacao. 

That recognition alone is all the excuse you need to stop, smell the roses, and take a few dozen selfies so your foursome mates back home envy more than just your short game.

Play It Safe

As a high-handicap golfer who is still overcoming years of detrimental swing tinkering from a variety of contradictory coaches, shooting an 87 on any course is a miracle for me. That’s not to say, however, that this is an easy course. If I’ve learned anything from playing courses like El Camaleon and Quivira, it’s that I treat every design the same—as if it’s the most challenging course I’ve ever played in my life.

So, my approach is always cautious. Hit it low to avoid the sea breezes, play it short until I find my comfort level, and don’t try to Bryson the ball like I do when I’m back home. There are some wide-open fairways on this course, and they’ll tempt you to bust out the boom stick, which I did a few times. Beware of the hidden curves along the way because they’ll take your ball on a journey if you’re not careful.

The Best Golf Bags for Your First Vacation

When you’re visiting a tropical destination, you simply have to play a round. But first you need to choose the right gear to bring.

I’m still thinking about the ProV1 that I lost on the left side of the fairway on Hole 11, as it felt like my best swing of the day. No one can convince me that a little critter didn’t sneak out of the bushes and steal it.

Take it from the Expert

If you want a little more than my amateur advice, let’s turn to Dave Douglas, the Director of Golf at Royal Turks and Caicos for his most important pointers. For starters, one of his biggest pieces of advice echoes my own. “For most of the year we have a 12-to-15-mile trade wind, so a lower ball flight is very valuable to keep the golf ball under the wind,” he explains. 

Aruba this is not, so at some points during my round it felt like the world around me was standing still and I didn’t adjust my swing for the wind. When the ball gets up, it becomes anyone’s guess where it might land, and, more often than not, it wasn’t where I’d aimed and hoped.

The greens at Royal Turks feature platinum paspalum turf grass, which makes sense because it does well in saltwater environments. Now, full disclosure, I didn’t know a thing about this type of grass before playing, so it took me a few holes to get used to it, but it’s great for cautious golfers like me. Especially those of us who chip from around the green because we don’t land on it as much.

“Due to how pure the Platinum Paspalum greens are, from 10 feet and closer, when putting, play less break than you read, as there is little to no grain with Platinum Paspalum grass,” Douglas offers. Once you realize how the ball rolls here, it makes anyone feel like a putting champion.

Let’s Play Two!

When you shoot a good round—which can be a number score or just that feeling you get when you didn’t spend every minute cursing—you’ll get that urge and desire to play the course again. The flow and pace at Royal Turks and Caicos are so smooth and quick that even when it’s a little busier, most golfers will have that moment where they’re like, “How the hell are we already at 17?”

I don’t typically play 36 holes anywhere, let alone on vacation, but when the incredibly friendly starter greeted me on my way back in, he asked, “Wanna play another?” Feeling the buzz of a great round, I laughed and replied, “Why the hell not?” I looked over to the first tee and realized there was still no one around, and I knew the fam would understand if I took a couple more hours to get back.

As for the score, I didn’t keep it this time. Instead, I used my notes to see if I could improve on the holes I shot bogey or worse on the first time, and it worked… a little. At least the views were just as good the second time.

Mind Your Manners

It wasn’t until I reached the tee box on Hole 16 that I spotted one of the only other golfers on the course that morning. He was walking the course with a lightweight Sunday bag and if I hadn’t been in a rush to get back to my family at the pool, I might have copied him and burned more of the calories from my all-inclusive dining.

But this is less about Royal Turks and Caicos and more a tip about Caribbean golf in general. There are a lot of people visiting these courses who have never played before or, like me, aren’t that great and/or want to enjoy the views. Let’s all leave the frantic impatience at the airport and appreciate that we’re all just trying to have a little fun out here.

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It has just started misting on an overcast early morning at El Camaleón Golf Club, and it feels like the sky’s wringing itself out after torrential rainstorms the night before. I’m 208 yards from the green after my drive on Hole 13, and the Titleist 3-wood in my borrowed bag seems like a solid choice given my lie, so I push aside our cart’s rain curtains to grab it and step up to the ball. I’m playing with a translucent turquoise one that’s exuding colorful Mexico vibes and shows up beautifully against the carpet-like green fairways. 

Taking care to complete a controlled, full shoulder turn, I watch my ball sail toward the green, stopping about 8 feet from the cup—and clapping ensues. The sound of celebration is coming from a young boy, crossing the adjacent bridge over the mangroves on his bike, who’d paused to watch what had turned out to be one of proudest shots ever. Smiling and giving him a small wave, I think to myself that this is one of those golf memories that will stick in my mind forever, as he hops back on two wheels and pedals off.

He was probably en route back to Banyan Tree Mayakoba, one of four luxury resorts (also including Rosewood, Fairmont and Andaz-branded properties) that make up the Mayakoba development near Playa del Carmen in Mexico. It’s named for the Mayan word that translates to “village over the water,” which describes it perfectly. Woven into the center of it all is El Camaleón, the Greg Norman-designed jewel that blends seamlessly into the surrounding jungle-like ecosystem.

It was the first PGA TOUR golf course in Latin America when it opened in 2006 and has hosted the annual World Wide Technology Championship every fall since 2007. Beginning in 2023, it will also host Mexico’s first LIV Golf tournament. While it’s open to the public, guests of any Mayakoba resort get priority tee times and discounted green fees.

El Camaleón’s impressive Koba Club House, which overlooks the 18^th hole, feels nearly like a spa, impressing with a signature scent and sleek, modern interiors from your first step inside. There’s plenty of comfortable seating for lacing up your golf shoes, a complimentary grab-and-go snack table, a full bar and a restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows upstairs—offering an expansive breakfast and lunch menu of local cuisine, from chilaquiles to enchiladas—and even a billiards table so you can practice your shot after your round. Tread downstairs to find the pro shop, which offers a nice selection of apparel and gear, as well as high-quality rental clubs. You’ll want to reserve a tee time ahead of your arrival, as the starter and his staff are (appreciatively) strict about keeping everything moving on schedule. 

While many beautiful golf courses feel like they could be plunked down in any pretty corner of the world, El Camaleón provides a strong sense of place. Mayakoba is a sanctuary for more than 200 species of exotic birds, as well as many unique animals (we were lucky enough to spot two monkeys upon our arrival) that are right at home at El Camaleón. After a few holes, you get used to the blaring calls from chachalacas, scuttles of prehistoric-looking iguanas and sly scurrying of coatis, bushy-tailed native mammals similar to racoons. 

On No. 7, tee off quickly so you can spend a few extra minutes checking out the fascinating cenote right in the center of the fairway. It appears it could reach down to the center of the earth (trust me: If you hit inside here, there’s no retrieving your ball), and the sound of constant water dripping softly inside is so soothing, it again reminds me of a spa. It’s easy to get caught up in watching and listening to the wildlife and taking in the scenery as you play, just the right amount of distraction to get you out of your own head to play good golf.

Though many holes on the course are laden with fairway and greenside sand traps or border Mayakoba’s canals lined with thickets of mangroves, it’s relatively easy to score well at El Camaleón, which is just over 7,000 yards, if you can keep the ball in play. Though we appreciated our cart outfitted with GPS, the course is mostly flat and would be easy to walk on a day that’s not hot and humid. A round goes by quickly and is delightfully fun, especially hole No. 15, a short par-3 that borders the beach. I can taste the salt on my lips as I grab my ball from the cup (par!), which has me nearly ready for a celebratory cocktail.

After you finish out the final hole, a straight par-5 that ends right in front of the clubhouse, staff are quick to greet you with extra waters, club washing services and — my favorite — refreshing popsicles in flavors like coconut and lime. It’s a perfect segue to the 19^th hole, which turns out to be a little outdoor beach bar called Deck 19 that’s serving an enticing selection of Mexican beers, snacks and of course, plenty of tequila.

While it would be easy to while away the afternoon here, it would also be a shame not to maximize time at one of Banyan Tree Mayakoba’s 34 new beachfront pool suites, unveiled in April 2021 as part of a $50 million expansion. After a quick 10-minute transport via golf cart from the course, we’re back at our home away from home. Staying—luxuriating, really—here means the most difficult decision you’ll make all day is whether to kick back in your private pool or stroll a short distance down the sand to loungers where you can order from the gorgeous new Sands Beach Club (highly recommend the Tajin-rimmed spicy margarita and pico-topped guacamole with tlayudas). 

Guests also have the option to book one of seven over-the-water villas on property, which offer yet another exquisite way to stay. No matter which accommodation you book at Banyan Tree, the pillowy beds will provide a dreamy night’s rest, preparing you for another morning of teeing it up. Golf, beach, repeat: It’s the kind of day anyone could get used to.

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Ever since I was a boy, I’ve watched the world’s best golfers tee it up on tropical Maui at Kapalua Golf’s Plantation Course, host of the PGA Tour’s year-opening event each January. I’m always cozied up near a furnace, of course, 4,000 miles away in a heated Missouri basement as the onset of a long and frigid winter begins to rear its head. More years than not, I gawk at the paradisaical setting of Hawaii’s oft-considered top golf course on a big screen alongside my dad. Clubs comfortably stowed for the season, save for the flat stick we use to roll ProV1s across the carpet during commercial breaks, the broadcast is the closest we get to warm temps and green fairways until The Masters has come and gone.

The star-studded Sentry Tournament of Champions has called the Plantation Course, a superb Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw design in the West Maui Mountains, home since 1999. Never short on fireworks is its famous 18^th hole, one of the most beautiful drives in the game. In 2002, Tiger Woods hit the longest drive of his career—a 498-yard blast—on the titanic downhill par-5, which drops 150 feet in elevation from tee to green. Catch the speed slot on the firm and fast mountainside fairway and your ball will be on a nonstop flight to the Parking Lot/Gravity nuptials, a match made in golfing heaven.

Fast forward 20 years and I’m staring down the Plantation Course’s postcard finishing hole atop the gold tees, 587 yards from the pin. Before settling over my soft-covered Callaway golf ball, emblazoned with Kapalua’s trademark butterfly logo, for a few reasons, I take a deep breath and collect myself.

Backdropped by towering pine trees and a Pacific Ocean panorama that stretches to Molokai, the surreal scenery demands a pause for both photography and admiration. Secondly, on a hole I’ve admired from afar for so many years, where the game’s greats have produced so much Sunday night TV drama, I’d love nothing more than to import a birdie—maybe even an eagle, a la Tiger and Ernie Els on the 72^nd hole at the venue’s thrilling 2000 edition—back to the mainland. That, certainly, begins with my tee shot, which breeds the most pressing matter of the moment: where on Earth do I aim my ball?

“Third chimney on the right,” John, one of my playing partners, tells me, pointing at the distant clubhouse, cocktail in hand. I know everything funnels to the ravine on this dogleg left, but the direction feels more dramatic than the landscape around us, as if I’m trying to hit my ball out of bounds. Nevertheless, I trust John’s tip, backed by some 20 rounds of golf here, and pound one up the right side, pushing it ever so slightly. There goes birdie, I think silently. “That’ll be perfect,” he promises me. Sure enough, I find my ball, center-cut of the fairway, 368 yards closer to the hole. Bar none, it’s the longest drive of my life.

Well before I watch my second shot dart 250 yards through the green into a gnarly back bunker, I knew 5-iron was too much stick. Maybe the grandstand and gallery and post-round interview I envisioned got to me. Or maybe, like my friend John, who Texas wedges his 80-yard eagle putt to two feet (veteran move!), I should have clubbed down and fed one up there. No red number for me on this go-at-it, but I do bury a slippery 10-footer to save par—and my pride. Fortunately, my round began on Hole 10, so there’s plenty of time to chase down the imaginary leaderboard in my head.

At the turn, I pop inside the clubhouse for a tropical refreshment, where the PGA Tour’s imprint can be felt all the more. From Vijay Singh to Jordan Spieth to Justin Thomas, photo plaques of past winners line the walls. Be sure to snap a selfie in front of the whale-shaped championship trophy on display, currently held by Aussie Cameron Smith, who set a tournament record earlier this year with a ho-hum 35-under par. After your round, tally up your scorecard over a Majestic Mai Tai or Bikini Blonde from Maui Brewing Co. at the Plantation House, the club’s open-air restaurant overlooking Hole 18. Like the course, it’s open to the public, and worth hanging around for the local cuisine—ahi poke, macadamia nut mahi mahi, and pineapple upside down cake highlight its menu.

Down by the ocean (courtesy of a five-minute complimentary shuttle), Kapalau also offers a fun waterfront golfing option at the Bay Course, renowned for its 17^th hole, which plays straight over Honokahua Bay’s crashing surf. The track rubs shoulders with The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, where the pros and their families overnight for the annual event, thanks to the Tournament of Champions package.

The sprawling, 466-room resort, built adjacent a Native Hawaiian burial site, recently unveiled the results of a $100 million refresh, underlined by an infinity-edge lobby lanai, renovated 10,000-sq. ft. pool, and new club lounge armed with a personal concierge. It’s the ideal luxe basecamp at Kapalua, especially when booking its Golf in Paradise package, which includes breakfast and daily golf for two.

Back up the mountain, Coore and Crenshaw’s 30-year-old gem is not only the pearl of golf in Maui, but a high-ranker across the board, sitting in 40^th position on GOLF magazine’s lauded “Top 100 Courses You Can Play” list. It was laid out on a former pineapple plantation three decades ago and recently restored with new grass, fresh sand, and reshaped greens. Despite its tropical coordinates, the Plantation Course is technically a “mountain” golf course, peaking at 510 feet above sea level. There aren’t any water hazards out here, but its unforgiving slopes, forced carries over jungle chasms, and blind tee shots (pro tip: book a forecaddie in advance to optimize your round) make posting a respectable number a tall task, burly trade winds aside. 

From the tee on No. 5, do yourself a favor and gander across the steep, verdant canyon beneath you to where you’ll be putting from on the sixth green. The fall-off marks one of the best spots to appreciate the wild topography and masterful routing of this Coore/Crenshaw design. On paper, both risk-reward holes offer birdie opportunities, but you can easily make a mess of things with an unlucky bounce.

I miss a long birdie attempt on the fifth, before three-jacking my way to a careless bogey. At the sixth (my favorite hole on the course), once again, the gods of the greens derail my aspirations for that ever-elusive scorecard circle, lipping me out from 7-feet in cruel fashion. Corey, the starter, was right to spend the bulk of my warmup honing my pace on the practice green. I did make it up there but opted to use it as a perch to whale and birdwatch with my binoculars instead.

For anyone, not just golf purists, the Plantation Course at Kapalua must be seen to be believed. Challenging are its holes, unforgettable are its views. At some point in your round, you’ll hit the bomb of your life down its volcanic fairways. Above all, you’ll have the time of your life, no matter what you shoot, from first tee to last.

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There’s nothing quite like a round of golf on a Caribbean course. The clear skies, light breezes, and warm sun always make for a perfect morning or afternoon of 18 or even nine holes, but the views really make the experience better than anything we’ll find back home. Listening to waves crash, deftly maneuvering between sun-bathing lizards, grabbing quick selfies on greens with breathtaking views—these are the perks offered on golf courses in paradise.

Of course, amazing golf courses aren’t just a Caribbean thing. If you’re looking to plan your next quick vacation around the links, we have some great Caribbean spots, sure, but we also have two others that are equally amazing. Now it’s just a matter of choosing.

Divi and Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusives

A lot of people say that Aruba isn’t a golf destination, but I strongly disagree. The island only has two golf courses, sure, but this is a place that is perfect for a three-day weekend, and the nine-hole The Links at Divi Aruba is the kind of course you can play and enjoy two or three times without missing out on everything else this wonderful island has to offer.

The Summer Golf Package currently being offered by Divi and Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusives is only available for booking through July 31, but it’s good for travel through October 31, which is great for those of us who cherish an endless summer season. Guests will enjoy 35 percent savings on rates plus a 15 percent discount on golf and club rentals, so there’s no need to lug those giant bags to the airport.

Best of all, a discount for lessons at the Feel Golf school is included. Here, you’ll meet Donald Ross, one of the best golf teachers I’ve ever met—he fixed my flaws in a matter of minutes and helped me fall in love with golf again—so don’t pass on the opportunity to meet this quirky Scottish swing doctor. Oh, and be mindful of the iguanas on the cart path.

The Buccaneer, St. Croix

Having recently had the immense pleasure of staying at The Buccaneer, St. Croix’s flagship resort, I was thrilled to experience so much of this under-the-radar USVI gem, but it was golf that sat at the top of my to-do list. I’d heard so many great things about this course, mostly that it’s wide open and designed to be very forgiving for those of us with the occasional monster slice. In fact, thanks to the broad fairways and my aforementioned Aruban lessons, I shot an 88 on my first round, so that should be all the convincing anyone needs.

What makes this Bob Joyce-designed course truly magical, though, is the layout. For starters, I was incredibly lucky no one was playing behind me as I stepped into the tee box on Hole 3, because the view here made my jaw drop. An 8-iron and short wedge shot later, I was on the green and once again captivated by the 360-degree spectacle before me. It’s so nice that golfers will have to be patient with the resort’s non-golfing guests who make the trek just for a selfie or two (I happily paused between holes to help a family with photos).

With 13 holes offering an ocean view, the toughest part isn’t the hike to your ball when you inevitably blast your drive a mile from the cart path. It’s fighting the urge to walk away from Hole 14 and find a spot on the sand just a few steps from the tee box.

Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Golf & Beach Resort

Why settle for one course when you can stay at a resort that offers two world-class courses? Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Golf & Beach Resort’s Inclusive Package includes a bevy of perks, including daily meals, beverages, and discounts, but if your clubs are your most important travel partner, then it’s the comped green fee (one round per room) that’ll put some extra pop in your drive. And the unlimited use of the driving range will at least help you get loose before you make the ultimate decision: “Which course will I play first?”

Designed by Tom and George Fazio, the Ocean Course is highlighted by the natural beauty of both the Atlantic Ocean and the El Yunque Mountains, but when it comes to signature holes that every golfer should dream of playing, you won’t find many better than the 16th, which is bordered by the gorgeous golden sand.

With its wide fairways, the River Course is beneficial for building confidence in golfers of all ages and skill levels. And while everyone knows that you never turn down the chance to play a Greg Norman course, this one really takes the cake (bizcocho mojadito, if you prefer). The Shark designed this one to highlight the majesty of the Mameyes River, so try not to be too distracted.

Haven Riviera Cancun Resort and Spa

We’re cheating a little here, because the celebrated El Tinto Golf Club isn’t actually part of Haven Riviera Cancun Resort and Spa, but it’s close enough and no one said we can’t appreciate a great golf deal. And when it comes to a Nice Price course, there’s no way a golfer of any experience level should miss a shot to play here. Certainly not if the green fees are included in the resort rates.

All guests will receive a free round, but those who stay in the Serenity Club Suites for at least three nights will enjoy complimentary golf cart use as well, but why stop there? And why stay for only three days? Anyone booking four to seven nights will get to play two rounds, in addition to some other perks, so it shouldn’t take “Fluff” Cowan to know this is the right play.

As for the course, Price designed El Tinto to be challenging enough for the best golfers among us, but also fun for those of us who don’t mind losing a few sleeves in the five lakes.

Santa Maria Hotel and Golf Resort

Even if you’re a casual golfer with a handicap as high as the afternoon temperature, you should never pass on the chance to play on vacation—even if for the Instagram clout. The most average courses in the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America are still better than the cookie cutter links you play back home, so imagine what it’s like to play the amazing Santa Maria Golf and Country Club at The Santa Maria Hotel and Golf Resort in Panama City.

If Panama isn’t already on your travel wish list, it needs to be—mainly because of this celebrated resort that offers access to the best of this bustling destination. Looking for luxury? It’s here. Romance? Oh yeah. Incredible food? Bring an appetite. But this is all about golf, and this course is as beautiful as it gets. The Stay and Play experience includes accommodations and daily breakfast, as well as one round per night, so if your hands blister easily be sure to bring enough tape for at least 54 holes.

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For as much as we have enjoyed the concept of a workation or the idea of sneaking away to a local resort for a safe, distanced staycation, a lot of the buzz around travel for the rest of 2021 involves wellness. Resorts all over the world are welcoming guests back with unique and creative packages and experiences that focus primarily on improving ourselves both physically and mentally. That’s great news for any of us who packed on a few (dozen) extra pounds or lost some (or a lot) of sleep stressing over a variety of things.

And while there will be plenty of boot camps and water sports to enjoy, one thing that we’re especially eager to catch up on is golf. It’s been far too long since we packed our clubs up or rented a set and played a round or two at one of our favorite resorts, so it’s time to change that.

These are five resorts and golf courses that are at the top of our list to play this year.

Great Waters—Reynolds Lake Oconee

Okay, if we’re being honest, Reynolds Lake Oconee could be its own list because of its five awesome golf courses (six if you count The Creek Club, but that one is members only). But given the chance to play just one of them, I’m always going to start with the Golden Bear’s master work (my apologies to Rees Jones, Bob Cupp, and Tom Fazio). Great Waters was not only conceived by Jack Nicklaus to be one of the most breathtaking courses in the South, making it a must-play for golfers of any level, but it also recently underwent an 18-month redesign, so it’s back and better than ever.

Couple that with a stay at the Ritz-Carlton Reynolds Lake Oconee and this enters the dream getaway conversation. In addition to the beautiful courses, this property offers a variety of activities that range from exciting to relaxing, as the afternoon can be spent with a world-class spa pampering and the evening can wind down with a bourbon tasting and fireside gathering.

As with almost any Ritz property, kids are also treated like legends here, and there’s even a “Study Buddy” program to keep young ones entertained and educated throughout their summer break.

TPC Danzante Bay—Villa del Palmar Beach Resort and Spa

If someone on the west coast asked us to recommend a great place for a quick golf retreat, this might be the top pick. But the west coasters don’t get to have all the fun this time. Not when Villa del Palmar Beach Resort and Spa offers all-inclusive bliss for everyone in beautiful Loreto, Mexico. If you want great beaches, seemingly limitless water sports and adventure, and the chance to explore the amazing surroundings, including Bahía de Loreto National Park, this is the place to do it.

Of course, if you’re visiting this destination, you might as well bring your clubs and enjoy the Unlimited Golf Package, because this Rees Jones course is mind-blowing. Even if your handicap is higher than your age, the views alone will give your scramble buddies back at your home course Instagram envy for months.

Quivira Golf Club—Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Golf and Spa Resort

They say the couple that golfs together stays together forever. Okay, no one actually says that, but any adults looking for a weekend with no kids, no worries, and a ton of golf will be in tropical heaven at Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Golf and Spa Resort, where they’ll find private beach bliss. Stylish and romantic venues, like the Constellation and Aire Terraces, also make this Mexican resort a fantastic choice for a destination wedding, but it’s an all-around excellent spot for romance and fun.

And then there’s the golf course—wow. Another spectacular Golden Bear design, it is already regarded by many experts to be one of the best in the world, and it’s not difficult to understand why. Between the dunes and the cliffs, not to mention the incredible views of the ocean, each hole is surrounded by natural beauty. But the way it begins near the beach and keeps moving players upward, it’s as if Quivira Golf Club was conceived to be a tour of this region’s most amazing attributes.

Harbour Town Golf Links—Sea Pines Resort

If you watched Webb Simpson shoot a tournament record -22 at the RBC Heritage in 2020, you might be under the impression that this is an easy course. But the likely reason that guys like Simpson and defending champion Stewart Cink (-19) do so well at Harbour Town Golf Links is because the pros have a blast when they play it. For example, in a 2012 Golf Digest survey of PGA players, it was second only to Augusta National, with one pro calling it “the best course we play.” Obviously, a lot can change in that time, but it only gets better here, as new grass for the greens and fairways has kept it beautiful and exciting for golfers of all ages.

Hilton Head is already a very popular destination for families, but Sea Pines Resort is a club’s length in front of the pack when it comes to golf getaways. The Villa Golf Package, for example, puts an emphasis on privacy for a long weekend vacation, giving adults and kids a place to do the things they love most—hit the beach, enjoy water sports, charter a fishing boat—or hit the links as a group, because someone has to make sure dad is honest with the scorecard.

Hawk’s Landing Golf Club—Orlando World Center Marriott

There’s a lot of golf to be played in Florida, and that’s clearly an understatement. From Miami to the Panhandle, golfers of all experience levels will find a wide variety of courses to choose from, offering everything from value to professional-level challenges. What we love about the Orlando World Center Marriott is that, in addition to golf, it offers a ton of amenities and activities—including a truly awesome waterslide—that make it perfect for quick family trips. Oh, and there might be some theme parks nearby.

Golfers will find the Robert Cupp, Jr. design to be challenging but fun—the kind of course that feels like a leisurely stroll and won’t get your blood boiling when you’ve lost your 13th ball of the round. And for adult golfers traveling with children who are interested in learning to play, the on-site Orlando Golf Academy is a phenomenal way to help them start.

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