"No other game combines the wonder of nature with the discipline of sport in such carefully planned ways. A great golf course both frees and challenges a golfer's mind." — Tom Watson
Spring is when the best stories start. It’s when fairways turn green again, when the morning air smells like fresh-cut lawn, and when the smartest golfers plan their yearly golf bucket list. For those ready to take off their scarves and coats and put on a polo, trading frost for flagsticks, one question rises above the rest: where to play golf?
According to the National Golf Foundation, nearly 25 million Americans hit the course in 2023, and spring remains one of the most popular times to travel for golf. Whether you're a seasoned player or planning your first golf trips with pals, the right course can make or break your experience. A notable golf trip doesn’t just offer 18 holes—it delivers unforgettable views, top-notch design, exceptional service, and an opportunity to reconnect with the game you love.
Warmer coasts and sunlit fairways are waiting; it’s the perfect time to join a club that allows you access to the most beautiful golf courses across the nation. These are golf courses that blend championship-caliber and world-class experience. Whether it's the dramatic cliffs of Maui, the red rocks of Sedona, or the ocean breezes of Florida's Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa, get your bags ready because these are the courses you don't want to miss this spring.
Kapalua Golf - Maui, Hawaii
When it comes to iconic coastal golf, few places match Kapalua Golf. Located on Maui's northwest coast, it has two standout courses: the world-renowned Plantation Course and the scenic Bay Course. The Plantation Course a par-73 marvel designed by Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore, is where the PGA Tour's Sentry Tournament of Champions kicks off every season. It features dramatic elevation changes, sweeping ocean views, and a 677-yard finishing hole that must be seen to be believed.
The Bay Course offers a more forgiving layout with just as much scenery, including the only hole in Maui that plays directly over the ocean.
Why go: For golf with jaw-dropping views, plus off-course adventures like the Road to Hana and sunrise at Haleakalā National Park.
Sedona Golf Resort - Sedona, Arizona
If your game could use some cosmic energy along with a backdrop of red rock cathedrals, Sedona Golf Resort needs to be added to your list. Designed by Gary Panks, the 6,646-yard, par-71 course is woven into Arizona’s striking desert landscape. It’s not just a round of golf; it’s a visual journey.
There is nothing like a course that keeps you challenged with elevated tees and fast, bentgrass greens. This course rewards thoughtful play and offers stunning photo ops at every hole. And when the round ends there are plenty of places to access hiking trails or relax those muscles with a treatment at one of its many luxury spas.
Why go: Perfect for players who want a peaceful desert golf experience with unparalleled natural beauty.
Classic Club - Palm Desert, California
Designed by Arnold Palmer, the Classic Club in Palm Desert delivers a lush parkland style to the California desert. With over 5,000 trees, water features, and rolling terrain, it’s a spectacular contrast to the area’s more arid terrain. This 7,322-yard, par-72 course once hosted the Bob Hope Classic and continues to deliver PGA Tour-level conditions.
Off the course, explore El Paseo for upscale shopping or ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for panoramic views.
Why go: It’s one of the few desert courses where nature and luxury go hand in hand.
The Club at Hammock Beach - Palm Coast, Florida
On a beautiful island slivered between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway, The Club at Hammock Beach is the place for the best in luxury golf experience. These courses are for players who crave challenge, scenery, and sophistication. The Club at Hammock Beach is home to two award-winning courses, both as beautiful as they are strategically demanding. This is where serious golfers come to be inspired.
The Ocean Course, a Jack Nicklaus Signature Design, is where you will find six stunning holes that play directly along the coastline (with plenty of ocean and water views from even those that don’t). The sea breeze and low elevation are challenging, and demand precision and fairways and greens reward creativity. Consistently ranked as one of the best places to golf in Florida the, ocean views and championship-level design do not disappoint. The Conservatory Course, designed by Tom Watson, is a visual and technical masterpiece, offering intricate bunkering, undulating greens, and an 8th-hole island that will test even the most seasoned player. This year, the Club at Hammock Beach was privileged to host the Korn Ferry Q School Qualifying Team.
Beyond the golf itself, Hammock Beach offers everything you’d expect from a luxury private club: exceptional service, private instruction, top-tier dining, and a setting that balances beach life charm with quiet elegance. Members here enjoy access to a private beach, nine pools, a plethora of dining options, and properties ranging in mood from a cruise ship on land to a classic luxury country club that meets golf and lifestyle needs.
What makes Hammock Beach truly unique, though, is the connection to the Troon network. Through Troon Privé Reciprocal Benefits, club members receive exclusive access and preferred pricing at over 150 Troon-managed clubs worldwide. Whether you're headed to the mountains, the desert, or another coastal destination, your Hammock Beach membership opens the door to a network of premier golf experiences nationwide and all other courses on this list.
Why go: Oceanfront golf with elite conditions, a luxury club and resort atmosphere, and Troon member benefits that extend your experience to wherever you travel.
Play Golf Where It Counts
Spring golf is more than sunshine and scorecards. It’s about reconnecting with the joy of the game, the sound of crisp drives, perfect putts, and long afternoons under a big sky. It reconnects you with nature, helps you rediscover your swing, and enjoys the kind of beauty that only the world’s best courses can offer.
When planning your golf adventures this season, keep in mind that each of these destinations offers something truly unique. If you love cliffside greens or Florida’s coastal views, now is the time to plan a golf getaway that delivers both play and peace.
So book your ticket, pack the clubs, and chase that sunshine. And if you’re looking for more than just a weekend getaway and want to live the golf club lifestyle year-round, consider joining The Club at Hammock Beach for access to elite golf and a nationwide network of top-tier Troon courses.
Now’s the time. Go play golf where it counts.
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