Power Rankings: Best golf courses and destinations for December

What last month's reviews from our community tell us about where the best destinations and courses are right now in the U.S.
Stadium Course at PGA West - No. 5
The 5th hole of the Stadium Course at PGA West, designed by Pete Dye and host of The American Express on the PGA Tour in January.

Golf travelers in the know are familiar with the sneaky-good time of year that December is for golf travel, or more specifically the time between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day. The simple fact of the matter why is because most of us are tied up with holiday commitments with family, and only a precious few of us are able to finagle golf trips.

The result is deep discounts and wide open tee sheets at desert destinations like Palm Springs and Phoenix-Scottsdale which aren't at peak rates yet. You can even find better deals in Florida now than in February-March. And this is also the most affordable time to play golf in Myrtle Beach. Green fees are about as low as the summertime but hotels are sharply discounted.

We analyzed our community's reviews from November - over 11,000 - to determine which clusters of courses across the U.S. are faring the best right now. We have ten destinations spanning coast-to-coast - and not to mention the Hawaiian Islands. We've partnered with some of these destinations to offer exclusive golf package deals, and we've handpicked a few of the best and included them below.

  1. Palm Springs

    The Coachella Valley, according to reviews, appears to have a leg up on Phoenix-Scottsdale so far in the aftermath of October overseeding. Indian Wells and PGA WEst are the clear front-runners in La Quinta, but don't sleep on Shadow Hills North, an overachieving par-3 course.

    Trending Palm Springs courses
    Indian Wells, California
    Resort
    4.580304322
    501
    La Quinta, California
    Public/Resort
    4.4775096472
    1374
    Indian Wells, California
    Resort
    4.4005588235
    376
    La Quinta, California
    Public/Resort
    4.4865185693
    1158
    Palm Desert, California
    Resort
    4.0856223791
    1803

    Our top golf packages to these hot destinations!

    Golf Packages
    PALM SPRINGS, CA | Enjoy accommodations at the Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa, Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort, or the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa and golf at Indian Wells Golf Resort - Celebrity & Players Courses.
    Golf Packages
    FROM $497 (USD)

  2. Maui

    You don't have to worry about overseeding schedules when planning a golf trip in the Hawaiian Islands. The Plantation Course at Kapalua is officially reopening and already receiving reviews, while other island courses are shining, too. Our Rate to Escape: Maui Sweepstakes is still going on. To enter, get to reviewing right here.

    Trending Maui courses
    Lahaina, Hawaii
    Resort
    4.6812386157
    64
    Wailea, Hawaii
    Resort
    4.6437529412
    92
    Lahaina, Hawaii
    Resort
    4.3579640585
    396

  3. Scottsdale

    With courses coming out of overseeding, carts are off paths while rates in December are still typically lower than January-March.

    Trending Phoenix-Scottsdale golf courses

  4. West Palm Beach

    Thus far, courses around West Palm Beach have scored higher marks than in Miami or Tampa-Sarasota. That includes the fabled, affordable and oceanfront Palm Beach Par 3.

    Trending West Palm Beach Courses
    Palm City, Florida
    Semi-Private
    4.0322833333
    481
    Sebastian, Florida
    Public
    4.3012285714
    712
    Palm Beach, Florida
    Public/Municipal
    4.1104336043
    493
    Delray Beach, Florida
    Private
    3.8854058079
    369

  5. Naples

    This is Naples' time to shine. As snowbirds descend on their private gated enclaves and fairways, there are still some great public and semi-private golf options, especially closer to the more working-class city of Fort Myers.

    Trending Naples-Fort Myers courses
    Bonita Springs, Florida
    Public
    4.54912735
    436
    Naples, Florida
    Public/Resort
    4.4172956964
    1076
    Estero, Florida
    Private
    3.5993901606
    1890
    Fort Myers, Florida
    Public
    4.2994
    511

  6. Northern California

    Fairways and greens are in great condition. Definitely worth the price without a doubt. Will be back for the 2020 PGA Championship.
    - Reviewer CRV122090 on TPC Harding Park

    NoCal, from Napa to the Monterey Peninsula, still scored well in spite of some troublesome weather events last month. Our winter golf package to Pebble Beach offers some off-season discount.

    Trending NoCal Courses
    Livermore, California
    Public
    4.6584645834
    793
    San Francisco, California
    Public
    3.9964320392
    477
    Bodega Bay, California
    Public
    4.5872059598
    713
    Pebble Beach, California
    Resort
    4.9895411765
    47

  7. Florida's First Coast

    North Florida scored strong marks in November, especially on Amelia Island near the Georgia line.

    Trending Jacksonville-area courses
    Amelia Island, Florida
    Resort
    4.1846428571
    1189
    Jacksonville, Florida
    Semi-Private
    4.2220329526
    1570
    Orange Park, Florida
    Semi-Private
    4.3428921403
    951
    Elkton, Florida
    Public
    3.9089
    889

  8. Houston

    Houstonians are buzzing over the reopening of Memorial Park, but conditions are still a bit raw. Never fear, resort courses on the metro's perimeter from Lake Jackson to Lake Conroe and Galveston are pleasing staycationers.

    Trending Houston-area golf courses
    Galveston, Texas
    Public/Resort
    4.5441194023
    1024
    Houston, Texas
    Public/Municipal
    4.2771
    480
    Lake Jackson, Texas
    Public
    4.5215725113
    460

  9. Pinehurst - North Carolina Sandhills

    The North Carolina Sandhills had a strong month of reviews in November. The weather can get a little more hit-and-miss in December but bargains can be found.

    Trending Carolina Sandhills courses
    Southern Pines, North Carolina
    Resort
    4.3577106518
    39
    Southern Pines, North Carolina
    Resort
    3.7269984917
    41
    Southern Pines, North Carolina
    Private
    4.6928894635
    146

    Join us at the Pinehurst Resort

    Experience the Home of American golf at Pinehurst Resort, hosted by Matt Ginella. View dates and signup details.

  10. Alabama

    Alabama is a road-trippin' state and one where great value exists from the north and the RTJ Trail down to Gulf Shores.

    Trending Alabama golf courses
    Sylacauga, Alabama
    Public/Resort
    4.8595377518
    321
    Gulf Shores, Alabama
    Resort
    4.7124183919
    693
    Muscle Shoals, Alabama
    Public
    1.5720666667
    38
    Opelika, Alabama
    Public
    4.5428571429
    70

Brandon Tucker is the Sr. Managing Editor for GolfPass and was the founding editor of Golf Advisor in 2014, he was the managing editor for Golf Channel Digital's Courses & Travel. To date, his golf travels have taken him to over two dozen countries and nearly 600 golf courses worldwide. While he's played some of the most prestigious courses in the world, Tucker's favorite way to play the game is on a great muni in under three hours. Follow Brandon on Twitter at @BrandonTucker and on Instagram at @btuck34.

Comments (0)

You're the first one here!
Share your thoughts or ask a question to get the conversation going.
Now Reading
Power Rankings: Best golf courses and destinations for December
  • Home

  • Memberships

  • Library

  • Account