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Best Golf Holiday Destinations: 3 Places to Play Around the World

A memorable golf holiday is about more than finding a beautiful course. The setting, weather, accommodation and experiences beyond the fairways can make just as much difference to your trip.

Some golfers dream of playing historic links beside the Scottish coastline. Others prefer sun-filled rounds overlooking Mediterranean landscapes or the challenge of desert golf surrounded by mountains and towering cacti.

Choosing among the best golf holiday destinations means finding somewhere that suits both your game and the kind of holiday you want.

Portugal’s Algarve, Scottsdale in Arizona and St Andrews in Scotland are three distinctive choices. Each offers established golf facilities, memorable scenery and opportunities to explore beyond the course.

Whether you are travelling with a group of golfers, planning a couples’ getaway or organising your first international golf trip, this guide explains what makes each destination special and how to plan your stay.

1. The Algarve, Portugal: Sunshine, Coastal Scenery and Resort Golf

Portugal’s Algarve has established itself as one of Europe’s major golf holiday regions.

The southern coastline offers a combination of golf courses, sandy beaches, holiday resorts, restaurants and picturesque towns. Its relatively mild climate allows golf throughout much of the year.

For travellers who want to combine several rounds with time beside the Atlantic, the Algarve offers considerable flexibility.

Best Places to Play Golf in the Algarve

The central Algarve is particularly well known for golf, especially around Vilamoura, Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo.

Old Course, Vilamoura

One of the region’s most established courses, Vilamoura’s Old Course opened in 1969.

Designed by Frank Pennink and subsequently remodelled, it features a traditional parkland layout with mature pine trees, gently undulating fairways and strategic playing challenges.

It is an appealing choice for golfers who appreciate classic course design.

Millennium Golf Course

Millennium offers a varied layout featuring open fairways alongside sections framed by pine trees.

Its mixture of wooded holes and more spacious playing areas provides a different experience from the Old Course.

Laguna Golf Course

Laguna has a more exposed character, with water hazards and open terrain that distinguish it from Vilamoura’s pine-lined courses.

Wind can influence playing conditions, making course management important.

Pinhal Golf Course

Pinhal features mature pine trees, parkland surroundings and a layout that rewards thoughtful positioning.

It is another established option for visitors staying around Vilamoura.

The Old Course, Millennium, Laguna and Pinhal are public-access courses within the Vilamoura Golf portfolio. Tee times and applicable playing requirements should be checked through the official operator.

What About the Former Victoria Golf Course?

Golfers may encounter older travel information mentioning Victoria as one of Vilamoura’s prominent championship courses.

The former Victoria course has been redeveloped as The Els Club Vilamoura, a private golf club.

Access is restricted, although certain authorised hospitality arrangements may provide opportunities for non-members to play.

Do not assume that a general Vilamoura golf package includes access to this course. Confirm eligibility and booking conditions directly.

Where Should You Stay?

Vilamoura is a convenient base for travellers who want several courses within a relatively compact resort area.

Its marina, restaurants, accommodation and coastal setting also make it attractive to visitors who do not intend to play golf every day.

Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo provide alternatives for travellers interested in upscale accommodation and golf near the coast.

However, not every hotel operates its own course.

Before booking, check whether a property offers direct course access, reserved tee times or only general assistance with golf bookings.

Things to Do Beyond Golf

The Algarve has plenty to offer travelling companions who prefer different activities.

Consider spending time at Vilamoura Marina, visiting nearby beaches or exploring the Ria Formosa coastal lagoon landscape.

You can also enjoy Portuguese seafood, take a coastal boat excursion where conditions permit or visit historic towns such as Loulé and Faro.

Couples may find it helpful to reserve some days for golf and others for shared sightseeing.

Best Time for an Algarve Golf Holiday

Spring and autumn are attractive seasons for golf, offering opportunities to play without the most intense summer heat.

Summer can be hot, particularly during the middle of the day. Winter is generally milder than many northern European destinations, although rain and occasional unsettled weather can affect play.

Golf is available across much of the year, but weather conditions, course maintenance and tee-time demand vary.

Suggested Algarve Golf Itinerary

For a relaxed five-day trip:

• Day 1: Arrive and enjoy an evening around Vilamoura Marina.
• Day 2: Play the Old Course and spend the afternoon at leisure.
• Day 3: Enjoy a round at Millennium or Laguna.
• Day 4: Take a break from golf to explore beaches or nearby attractions.
• Day 5: Play a final round at Pinhal before departure, if travel arrangements allow.

Best for: Couples, golf groups and travellers who want resort facilities, varied courses and a coastal holiday atmosphere.

2. Scottsdale, Arizona: Desert Golf and Mountain Views

Scottsdale offers a completely different golfing environment from Europe’s traditional courses.

Located in Arizona’s Sonoran Desert, the city is known for dramatic desert landscapes, mountain scenery and an extensive selection of golf facilities.

Here, lush fairways contrast with rugged terrain, rocky outcrops and distinctive desert vegetation.

For visiting golfers, the scenery is an important part of the experience.

Best Golf Courses Around Scottsdale

Scottsdale offers several established venues with different playing styles and levels of difficulty.

TPC Scottsdale

TPC Scottsdale is one of Arizona’s best-known golf venues.

Its Stadium Course hosts the PGA TOUR’s WM Phoenix Open and is particularly famous for its par-three 16th hole.

Outside tournament periods, visiting golfers can book eligible tee times and experience the course for themselves.

The venue also has a Champions Course, offering another desert golf option.

Before booking, check whether tournament preparations or other events will affect course access.

Troon North Golf Club

Troon North offers two 18-hole courses, Monument and Pinnacle.

Both feature distinctive Sonoran Desert scenery, including natural ravines, large granite boulders and views towards Pinnacle Peak.

The courses appeal to golfers looking for a visually striking desert experience.

Boulders Golf Club

The Boulders is known for its two championship courses set among dramatic granite rock formations.

The surrounding landscape creates a memorable setting, with desert terrain influencing the style of play.

We-Ko-Pa Golf Club

Located in the Fort McDowell area east of Scottsdale, We-Ko-Pa provides another distinctive Sonoran Desert golf experience.

Its Cholla and Saguaro courses are known for expansive natural scenery and layouts that integrate the surrounding landscape.

Unlike some residential golf developments, the courses offer extensive views of undeveloped desert terrain.

What Makes Desert Golf Different?

Desert golf rewards careful course management.

Depending on the layout, fairways may be bordered by rocky terrain, native vegetation and sandy desert areas.

Straying beyond the maintained playing surfaces can lead to difficult recovery shots.

Golfers should also respect local wildlife and avoid entering hazardous terrain to retrieve golf balls.

The dry climate is another important consideration.

Carry sufficient water, use sun protection and follow official heat warnings.

Where to Stay in Scottsdale

Scottsdale offers a wide selection of hotels, resorts and holiday accommodation.

Some properties include golf facilities or have arrangements with nearby courses.

Others are better suited to travellers who want shopping, restaurants and nightlife alongside their golf itinerary.

Old Town Scottsdale is an appealing base for visitors interested in dining, galleries and entertainment.

Travellers planning several rounds at courses outside the central area should consider transportation carefully.

A rental car may be useful, but confirm distances and travel arrangements before booking.

Activities Beyond Golf

Scottsdale provides plenty of alternatives for non-golfing companions.

Visitors can explore Old Town’s galleries and restaurants, enjoy resort spa facilities or learn about the Sonoran Desert through suitable guided experiences.

Taliesin West, associated with architect Frank Lloyd Wright, is another noteworthy attraction.

Outdoor activities should be planned around the weather, particularly in warmer months.

Best Time to Play Golf in Scottsdale

Winter, early spring and late autumn generally offer more comfortable conditions for golf than the height of summer.

Arizona’s summer heat can be extreme, and extended outdoor activity may become dangerous.

Do not assume that an early tee time eliminates heat-related risks.

Autumn also requires planning because some courses temporarily close or restrict play during seasonal overseeding.

Check the individual course’s maintenance schedule before booking accommodation and flights.

Suggested Scottsdale Golf Itinerary

A five-day Scottsdale holiday could include:

• Day 1: Arrive and explore Old Town Scottsdale.
• Day 2: Play TPC Scottsdale.
• Day 3: Visit Troon North for a desert golf experience.
• Day 4: Enjoy a rest day, resort facilities or cultural sightseeing.
• Day 5: Play We-Ko-Pa or the Boulders before departure, if practical.

Best for: Experienced golfers, desert landscape enthusiasts and travellers who enjoy resort hospitality alongside outdoor recreation.

3. St Andrews and Fife, Scotland: Historic Links and Golf Heritage

For many golfers, playing in St Andrews is a lifelong ambition.

The historic Scottish town is closely associated with the development of the modern game and is internationally recognised as the Home of Golf.

Its courses offer a very different experience from the resort layouts of Portugal and the desert courses of Arizona.

Traditional links golf involves coastal terrain, firm playing surfaces, deep bunkers and conditions that can change significantly with the wind.

St Andrews also provides a memorable setting, with historic buildings, beaches and a compact town centre.

The Old Course at St Andrews

The Old Course is one of golf’s most celebrated venues.

Its famous features include the Swilcan Bridge, the Road Hole and strategically positioned bunkers.

Despite its international reputation, the Old Course remains a public course.

However, demand is substantial, and obtaining a tee time requires planning.

How to Book the Old Course

St Andrews Links operates several methods for accessing the Old Course.

One is the official ballot, which allocates available tee times approximately 48 hours before play.

Ballot applications generally require at least two golfers and must meet the course’s published requirements.

Eligible single golfers can use the Singles Daily Draw for available places.

Advance booking arrangements may also be offered through official packages or application processes.

A valid, officially recognised handicap record is required for Old Course play, and the operator currently specifies a maximum handicap of 36.

The Old Course is generally closed for golf on Sundays, apart from special arrangements.

Because procedures and availability can change, always consult St Andrews Links directly before making non-refundable bookings.

Other Golf Courses Around St Andrews

If an Old Course tee time is unavailable, the area still offers excellent golf.

New Course

Established in 1895, the New Course provides a traditional links experience close to the Old Course.

It is an appealing alternative for visitors who want to experience the character of St Andrews golf without relying entirely on the Old Course ballot.

Jubilee Course

The Jubilee is a championship links course with a reputation for demanding play.

Its location between the New Course and the sea creates an authentic coastal golf environment.

Castle Course

The Castle Course provides a contrasting layout with elevated coastal scenery and views towards St Andrews.

It offers a more modern interpretation of the region’s golfing landscape.

Other Fife Courses

The wider Fife region also includes established golf venues such as Kingsbarns Golf Links and courses around Crail and the East Neuk.

These provide opportunities to build a varied itinerary without concentrating exclusively on St Andrews itself.

Where to Stay

St Andrews offers hotels, guesthouses, self-catering accommodation and golf-focused properties.

The Old Course Hotel and Fairmont St Andrews are two established hospitality options, although they provide different locations and access arrangements.

Other accommodation in or around the town may be more practical depending on your budget and intended courses.

Check whether your booking includes golf or only accommodation.

A hotel’s proximity to a famous course does not guarantee access to its tee times.

What Can Non-Golfers Do in St Andrews?

St Andrews is an attractive destination even for visitors who do not play golf.

Its historic centre contains shops, cafés, restaurants and buildings associated with the town’s university.

Visitors can explore the ruins of St Andrews Cathedral and Castle, walk along West Sands Beach or enjoy the coastal scenery.

Fife also offers fishing villages, countryside landscapes and additional cultural attractions.

This makes the region a strong option for couples or families with different interests.

Best Time for Golf in St Andrews

Late spring through early autumn generally offers more daylight and relatively comfortable conditions for outdoor activities.

However, Scottish weather can be changeable in any season.

Wind, rain and lower temperatures are part of traditional links golf.

Winter play is possible on selected courses, subject to seasonal arrangements, maintenance and weather conditions.

Some courses may use temporary playing surfaces or have additional restrictions.

Bring suitable waterproof clothing and check course information before travelling.

Suggested St Andrews Golf Itinerary

For a five-day visit:

• Day 1: Arrive and explore historic St Andrews.
• Day 2: Play the New Course or another confirmed local tee time.
• Day 3: Play the Jubilee or Castle Course.
• Day 4: Explore the town and Fife coastline, with an Old Course ballot entry if eligible.
• Day 5: Play a confirmed round, potentially including the Old Course if a suitable booking has been secured.

Do not organise the entire holiday around winning a single ballot entry. Reserve other rounds in advance and treat an Old Course opportunity as an additional highlight.

Best for: Golf history enthusiasts, traditional links players and travellers who enjoy Scottish coastal scenery.

Which Golf Holiday Destination Should You Choose?

Each destination has a different character.

These are general seasonal recommendations rather than guarantees of weather or course availability.

For couples seeking a balance between golf and beach relaxation, the Algarve is especially appealing.

For golfers interested in distinctive desert scenery, Scottsdale offers a markedly different experience.

St Andrews and Fife are particularly rewarding for those who value the history and traditions of the sport.

How to Plan a Golf Holiday Abroad

Choosing the destination is only the first step.

The success of a golf trip often depends on securing suitable tee times, choosing convenient accommodation and understanding what your holiday package includes.

1. Book Important Tee Times Before Accommodation

Popular courses may have limited availability, especially during peak travel periods.

If playing a particular course is essential to your holiday, confirm its booking procedure before purchasing non-refundable flights or accommodation.

Some courses operate public reservations, while others have restricted access or require an application process.

Never assume that every famous course accepts ordinary visitor bookings.

2. Check Handicap Requirements

Golf courses may require proof of an official handicap.

Others have recommended playing standards or restrictions for particular tee positions.

Confirm the relevant rules before booking.

This is especially important when arranging a trip for a group containing golfers with different levels of experience.

3. Compare Golf Packages Carefully

A golf package may include accommodation and selected green fees, but the details vary.

Before paying, check whether the price covers:

• Specific courses and confirmed tee times.
• The number of included rounds.
• Club hire or equipment storage.
• Golf buggy or trolley use.
• Transfers between the hotel and golf courses.
• Breakfast or other meals.
• Cancellation and rescheduling arrangements.

Some packages provide discounted access rather than guaranteed tee times.

Read the conditions carefully.

4. Decide Whether to Bring Your Own Clubs

Travelling with your usual clubs can be convenient if you plan to play several rounds.

However, airlines apply their own sports-equipment rules, which may involve additional charges, weight restrictions or advance notification.

Check your airline’s current baggage policy.

If you prefer to travel light, ask whether the courses provide rental clubs and whether advance reservation is necessary.

Bring suitable golf shoes, clothing and smaller personal accessories even when hiring equipment.

5. Allow Time Between Rounds

Playing golf every day may sound appealing, but it can become tiring, particularly when courses are spread across a wide area.

Travel time, unfamiliar conditions and long rounds should all be considered.

For a five- to seven-day holiday, three or four rounds may provide a comfortable balance, although this depends on your preferences and fitness.

Reserve time for rest and sightseeing.

6. Choose Accommodation That Suits Everyone

If you are travelling with a non-golfing partner or family members, consider their interests before selecting a resort.

A hotel with comfortable leisure facilities, convenient transport and access to nearby attractions may be more suitable than one chosen solely for its golf course.

Discuss how much time each person wants to spend together.

A shared holiday should not depend on everyone enjoying the same activity.

7. Budget Beyond the Green Fees

Golf holiday expenses can extend well beyond the advertised accommodation rate.

Consider the full cost of:

• Flights and baggage.
• Accommodation.
• Green fees.
• Club hire and buggies.
• Local transportation.
• Meals and drinks.
• Lessons or practice sessions.
• Travel insurance.
• Optional sightseeing.

Keeping these expenses in one travel budget makes it easier to compare destinations fairly.

8. Check Travel Documents and Insurance

International travellers should confirm passport validity and applicable visa or entry requirements for their nationality.

Portugal, the United States and the United Kingdom have different immigration arrangements.

Do not assume that permission to enter one destination applies to another.

Travel insurance should cover the duration and activities of your trip.

If you are transporting expensive golf equipment, check whether your policy’s baggage limits adequately cover it.

9. Respect Local Golf Etiquette

Golf etiquette contributes to an enjoyable experience for everyone on the course.

Follow the venue’s dress code and arrival instructions.

Repair pitch marks, replace divots where appropriate and rake bunkers when required.

Keep pace with the group ahead, respect course staff and follow guidance on golf buggies.

In environmentally sensitive locations, avoid disturbing wildlife and stay within permitted areas.

Frequently Asked Questions About Golf Holidays

What are the best golf holiday destinations for couples?

The Algarve is particularly appealing for couples who want to combine golf with beaches, restaurants and resort activities.

Scottsdale and St Andrews also offer attractions for non-golfers, although the best choice depends on the couple’s interests and preferred climate.

Where can you play golf throughout the year?

The Algarve and Scottsdale offer golf across much of the year.

However, conditions vary seasonally, and extreme heat, rain, maintenance or other restrictions may affect individual courses.

Year-round operation does not mean every day is equally suitable for golf.

Can beginners enjoy an international golf holiday?

Yes. Many destinations offer golf lessons, practice areas and courses suitable for different abilities.

Beginners should look for venues with appropriate teaching facilities and check any handicap or experience requirements before booking.

Is it difficult to play the Old Course at St Andrews?

Demand is high, and securing a tee time requires planning.

The course operates official booking arrangements, a ballot and a Singles Daily Draw.

There is no guarantee that a visiting golfer will obtain a place during a short stay.

Which destination offers the most unusual scenery?

Scottsdale offers distinctive Sonoran Desert landscapes, while St Andrews provides traditional links beside the Scottish coast.

The Algarve combines mature parkland courses, water features and varied regional scenery.

The most appealing setting depends on the kind of golf experience you prefer.

Is it cheaper to book a golf holiday package?

Not necessarily.

Packages can provide convenience, but value depends on what is included.

Compare the total package cost with booking accommodation, tee times and transport separately.

Final Thoughts

The best golf holiday destinations offer more than a round on a famous course.

Portugal’s Algarve combines varied golf with Mediterranean-style resort surroundings and Atlantic coastal scenery. Scottsdale offers the challenge of desert golf, while St Andrews provides an opportunity to experience the sport’s traditions in a historic Scottish setting.

The right choice depends on your budget, playing ability, preferred weather and travel companions.

Confirm your tee times, plan a realistic schedule and leave room to enjoy the destination beyond the fairways.

A memorable golf holiday should provide both an enjoyable sporting experience and a rewarding trip away from the course.