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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.
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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 coursesIndian Wells, CaliforniaResort![PGA West Greg Norman Course: #17]()
La Quinta, CaliforniaPublic/ResortIndian Wells, CaliforniaResortLa Quinta, CaliforniaPublic/ResortPalm Desert, CaliforniaResortIndio, CaliforniaPublic -
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![Kapalua Resort - The Plantation Course #18]()
Lahaina, HawaiiResort -
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 coursesChandler, ArizonaResortBuckeye, ArizonaPublicPhoenix, ArizonaPublic/ResortScottsdale, ArizonaResortScottsdale, ArizonaResort -
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![Hammock Creek GC]()
Palm City, FloridaSemi-Private![Sebastian GC: #11]()
Sebastian, FloridaPublic![Palm Beach GC]()
Palm Beach, FloridaPublic/MunicipalDelray Beach, FloridaPrivate -
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 coursesBonita Springs, FloridaPublicNaples, FloridaPublic/Resort![Shell Point GC]()
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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 ParkNoCal, 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 CoursesLivermore, CaliforniaPublicSan Francisco, CaliforniaPublicBodega Bay, CaliforniaPublic![Pebble Beach GL at Pebble Beach Resorts]()
Pebble Beach, CaliforniaResort/Public -
Florida's First Coast
North Florida scored strong marks in November, especially on Amelia Island near the Georgia line.
Trending Jacksonville-area courses![Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa - Oak Marsh: #17, #18]()
Amelia Island, FloridaResortJacksonville, FloridaSemi-PrivateOrange Park, FloridaSemi-Private![St. Johns GC]()
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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 coursesGalveston, TexasPublic/Resort![Gus Wortham Park GC]()
Houston, TexasPublic/MunicipalConroe, TexasPublic -
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![Pine Needles Resort & GC]()
Southern Pines, North CarolinaResort![Mid Pines Inn & GC: #12]()
Join us at the Pinehurst Resort
Experience the Home of American golf at Pinehurst Resort, hosted by Matt Ginella. View dates and signup details. -
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 coursesSylacauga, AlabamaPublic/Resort![Shoals GC - Schoolmaster: #18 & clubhouse]()
Muscle Shoals, AlabamaPublic![Links at Grand National GC: #18]()
Opelika, AlabamaPublic
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