How Vrbo can transform any destination into a proper golf vacation

Presented by Vrbo

When planning a golf trip, most golfers use five key words in their evaluation:

Where will we play?
Where will we stay?
How much will it cost?
How convenient is it to get there?
What will the weather be like?

The first two words - play and stay - are the driving factors. Golfers plan their vacations based on where they want to play, first and foremost; finding somewhere to stay is just part of that equation. The problem is some desirable locations and golf courses aren't located near any golf resorts.

At those times, Vrbo comes to the rescue.

Think of it like this: Cities, big and small, in cool-weather zones like the Midwest or Pacific Northwest aren't snowbird destinations like places in Florida, Arizona or California. They have few, if any, golf resorts of note, but they're still really solid golf destinations loaded with nice public and municipal courses. Cities like Spokane, Wash., or Cleveland, Ohio, could become really fun golf getaways that are convenient to locals to drive to and don't cost much if you plan it right.

Renting a nice home, condo or villa for your golf group could be the way to go. Here are our best recommendations for cities and locations you wouldn't think are ripe for a golf trip but very well could be be, thanks to Vrbo:

Nashville, aka "Music City", is best known for its nightlife, attracting bachelor and bachelorette parties and live music lovers. What golf group wouldn't love to tap into these after-dark adventures? We're highlighting two incredible Vrbo rentals right on the Cumberland River minutes from the 36-hole Hermitage Golf Club and just a short drive to the action downtown. This 3,500-square-foot, four-bedroom home sleeps 10 and features a sauna, balcony and patio with a BBQ overlooking the river. Larger groups of 16 can rent this eight-bedroom, 7,000-square-foot mansion with a pool and hot tub.

I was blown away when I first sampled Cincinnati's underrated golf scene. The rolling hills outside the city limits deliver dramatic golf and as long as your group doesn't mind driving, there's lots to explore. I like building a golf itinerary around the area's three "Run" courses - Legendary Run (19 holes), Shaker Run (27 holes) and Elk's Run. That's 64 holes right there, plenty for a long weekend. Only the biggest golf groups will likely fill up this nine-bedroom, six-bath home near Bethel, Ohio, on the southeast side of downtown. It's loaded with amenities: an indoor basketball court, pools indoor and out, a pickleball court, indoor golf simulator, game room and workout area, plus a sand volleyball court on a secluded 15-acre lot. 

Sweetens Cove, the nine-holer in the middle of nowhere Tennessee, developed a cult following by delivering an experience as much as a round of golf. It sells tee times that allow golfers to play all day until they drop. The big question golf groups ask themselves has always been, "Where do we stay?" Two excellent Vrbo rentals are located within a half hour's drive north, near the town of Monteagle. This four-bedroom home sleeps 12, featuring a hot tub and ping pong table with soaring mountain views. This five-bedroom home is spacious enough to offer two kitchens, two dens, a rec room with a pool table and more stunning mountain views. Another famous nine-holer - Sewanee at the University of the South - is only a 20-minute drive west from either home.

Indy is another city most golfers wouldn't realize is home to a fine collection of public tracks. You could also time a spring or fall trip to see a Pacers or Colts game. All you need is a home base to explore Indiana's top courses like The Fort and Brickyard Crossing, both with addresses in the city proper, or the Purgatory Golf Club in Noblesville. Just 15 minutes from Prairie View Golf Club in Carmel resides this gated log-cabin-style lodge with its own recreational barn. The three-bedroom home sits on 10 acres with an outdoor fire pit and outdoor hot tub. Another slightly larger choice would be this four-bedroom home that sleeps 12. An outdoor pool and fire pit and indoor game room will entertain after golf.

Gamble Sands, the growing golf destination four hours from Seattle in central Washington, does have its own inn accommodations overlooking the Columbia River - and is building more cabins on the course for buddies - but there are times when it will sell out. Demand will be high next year with the opening of the new Scarecrow in August. Try renting this three-bedroom home 15 minutes from Gamble Sands. It sleeps eight (two foursomes). An eight-person hot tub, pool table, ping pong and outdoor bar will keep the crew happy for a weekend or more.