From Gamble Sands to Cabot Citrus Farms to Big Cedar Lodge, the golf universe will welcome eight new courses to its arsenal all across the United States. The Travel Caddie has an inside look at the new courses on the block.

To help those looking for a great gift that any golfer would love, the Travel Caddie has taken the liberty of putting together a few options that you can’t go wrong with for the golfer in your life.

Here at GolfStayAndPlays.com, we are always on the lookout for great deals and experiences for our readers. For December 2024, the Travel Caddie has identified some unbelievable options at some of the country’s best courses.

The dry, warm nature of desert golf lends itself to year-round play — drawing golfers from colder climates — and can often lead to some welcome distance gains. And you might come across some critters you won’t see on other golf courses, from roadrunners and rattlesnakes to bobcats and javelinas.

When it comes to looking for the right launch monitor for you, there are a ton of options out there now and the Travel Caddie wanted to highlight the one that arguably provides the most bang for the buck in the marketplace: The FlightScope Mevo+.

For Katie and Ryan Bush, the love for their daughter, Hadley, is immeasurable. Their youngster fought an impossible disease for six days — and the parents are carrying on her legacy through Fore Hadley. The Travel Caddie with details on how you can help.

There are island vibes and then there’s the Bermuda Island vibe. It’s quite different from Hawaii or any spot in the Caribbean. And the golf? Well, the Travel Caddie simply can’t stop talking about it.

Reynolds Lake Oconee recently unveiled its seventh 18-hole golf course – the Tom Fazio-designed Richland – making it one of the biggest golf destinations in the U.S., with 126 holes in total.

The team at Rumbling Bald on Lake Lure is excited to announce that the resort has officially reopened after a swift and focused recovery from Hurricane Helene. While the resort did experience some storm-related damage, the hardworking team has been busy restoring operations, and they are happy to report that most of their facilities are now fully operational and ready to welcome guests back.

Gamble Sands recently pulled back the curtain, albeit briefly, on one of the newest courses in the destination golf world. And it looks good — very good! The Travel Caddie got an inside glimpse at the new track and has some exclusive insight.

With the allure of the Las Vegas Strip nearby, the Travel Caddie has the perfect getaway for any golfer when taking a trip to Sin City — Las Vegas Paiute Golf Resort. Here are a number of reasons why the resort’s three courses are perfect for any golf getaway.

In contrast to the wide playing corridors at Sand Valley and Mammoth Dunes – the other two public-access courses at the Central Wisconsin destination — architect Tom Doak created a far more intimate routing at Sedge Valley that was inspired by the heathland courses of London and the English coast. The Travel Caddie with more details . . .

The team at Florida’s First Coast of Golf in Northeast Florida has recognized this need to pay homage to those who have defended our great country, and they are working with more than 60 partners to provide discounts for active, retired, or veteran military members along with their families to showcase the region’s appreciation of the sacrifices that these heroes have made for our country.

Atlantic City has a rich history in the game of golf, and in fact the term “birdie” was first created here in 1903 at the Atlantic City Country Club. The Travel Caddie is quite fond of this popular New Jersey area and has the ultimate list of 14 courses that you must play on your next trip there …

In a state known for incredible golf, there is one destination that has continuously delivered one of the greatest values for a golf vacation in not only Michigan, but the entire United States, year after year: BOYNE Golf. The Travel Caddie gives you 10 reasons why . . .

Big Cedar Lodge has solidified its position as one of the elite golf resorts in the United States. And it will continue to add more to its golf lineup with the addition of a par-3 course and the Travel Caddie has more details.

From Pinehurst to McLemore to the Outer Banks in North Carolina, the Travel Caddie has a trio of standout golf packages for you to consider in October.

If it was only about golf, a stay at Nemacolin Resort near Farmington, Pa., about an hour and half south of Pittsburgh would still be an extraordinary experience. After all, there are 36 holes, designed by Pete Dye, and the courses are stunning. The Travel Caddie explains what else Nemacolin has to offer . . .

It’s the latter part of the golf year, and the good news for golfers is that there are some great late season deals that can help you for some of your upcoming Fall and Winter golf trips. The Travel Caddie has put together a few items that we’ve seen recently that we think can impact your game.

In New Mexico, the diversity and beauty is reflected in its golf offerings, from the incredible Sandia Mountains course of Paa Ko Ridge to the classic desert layouts of courses like Twin Warriors in the mile-high city of Albuquerque.

Granite Links is among a growing group of U.S. golf courses that have been built atop former landfills. The list of noteworthy reclamation projects includes high-end private clubs like Bayonne Golf Club in New Jersey and Trinity Forest in Dallas, but the following touches on a handful of top public golf facilities that today look far different from the dumping grounds that preceded them.

Boulders is carefully placed within this desert hideaway are two championship, Jay Morrish-designed golf courses that offer a bounty of magnificent desert panoramas in the shadow of the unspoiled 12-million-year-old boulders.

On September 24, 2024, the United States Golf Association (USGA) announced that Erin Hills, in Erin, Wis., one of the premier daily-fee golf courses in the country, has been selected to host five USGA amateur championships over the next 15 years. The Travel Caddie has the details.

If you’re not familiar with the outstanding golf at BOYNE Resorts, you should be and here’s why: There are 10 stellar championship golf courses spread over three different resorts in Northern Michigan, arguably one of the best summer golf destinations in the country. And the resort is adding more and the Travel Caddie has the details…

Cabot has just made a strategic investment into Lofoten Links that is located along the seas of Norway. The stunning pictures of this property barely do it justice as its unique location allows golfers to enjoy the course 24 hours a day typically from mid-May to late July, or to enjoy the majestic beauty of the northern lights during a Fall visit. The Travel Caddie has all the details.

The Travel Caddie compiled a list of some of our favorite one-course resort destinations. Some are more high end than others, but we believe each of them has their own charm and individual identity. Here are 10 of the best:

The secret is out on this little slice of beachside heaven as Amelia Island was recently named the second-best “Island in the Continental United States” by Travel + Leisure as well as the top-ranked “Best Island in the United States” by Global Traveler. The Travel Caddie provides some tips on making the trip . . .

Sure, No. 17 at TPC Sawgrass gets plenty of love as one of the premier island holes in all of golf — and the Travel Caddie concurs that it is next-level great. Are there others that rival the cornerstone of golf’s “fifth major?” Oh yes, and the Travel Caddie has highlighted 10 of golf’s best island holes.

If you’ve ever tried to get a tee time at the Home of Golf — and you best believe that the Travel Caddie has done this a million times over — you know that landing an opportunity to play St. Andrews is one of the tougher obstacles in golf. But it doesn’t have to be. Our partners at Lyons Links tells us how . . .

There are a few getaways in the game of golf that seem to make people say: “That place is wild. You need to experience it for yourself.” The Travel Caddie has seven — and boy are they doozies.

There are nearly 500 courses in Minnesota, and recently we had a chance to experience two of the best at Giants Ridge Resort about an hour and half north of Duluth in the Superior National Forest on the Mesabi Iron Range. The Travel Caddie has some insight on navigating both the golf — and the area.

The metro Detroit area has its first all-new public championship golf course in more than 20 years. But what’s been achieved with the ambitious makeover at St. Johns Resort makes it worthy of national attention. The Travel Caddie loves the re-imagining and has some inside tips.

Every once in a while you come across a place that immediately leaves you at a loss for words. McLemore, which is situated on Lookout Mountain in the northwest corner of Georgia, is one of those places. You really need to see it. The Travel Caddie has witnessed it and has some tips . . .

As the home of the legendary Straits at Whistling Straits, Destination Kohler features 82 holes of impeccable golf. But the Travel Caddie’s friends at Kohler are more than golf aficionados, exemplified by its unique partnership with artist Daniel Arsham, giving visitors a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Check out how this connection enhances your trip to Wisconsin.

The Travel Caddie is tempted to take up permanent residence along the shores of South Carolina, particularly on Hilton Head Island, where the golf is plentiful, the food is world-class on many levels, and the fun abounds at every turn. Here are a few spots that the Caddie believes will keep you coming back for more.

No brand in the world of golf destination travel is growing as rapidly as The Cabot Collection. The company – which burst onto the global golf scene in 2011 with the opening of its seminal Cabot Links course in Nova Scotia, Canada — has seen its portfolio expand exponentially in recent years. The Travel Caddie is thoroughly impressed and has some insight on how to enjoy Cabot’s spoils . . .

From the Home of Golf to both coasts of the United States, the Travel Caddie has scoured the world for some of the best golf packages for you to enjoy. Without further adieu . . .

Mike Strantz is a solo golf course architect that is credited with eight designs, six of them open to the public, including Tot Hill Farm, Tobacco Road and Royal New Kent. The Travel Caddie is a fan and has plenty to say about Strantz’s courses.

The Outer Banks, aka OBX, is actually a 200-mile long stretch of barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina and southeastern Virginia. The Travel Caddie is a frequent visitor and has plenty of tips to enjoying your trip to the coast.

There are great days, and then there are days you will remember forever. The Travel Caddie was left mesmerized by the options at French Lick Resort, and came home with exclusive drone footage of The Pete Dye Course that will have you booking a trip to Indiana in short order. Check it out!

The Travel Caddie loves to jump in a car and travel the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, while also taking in all the splendid golf that Alabama has to offer. Here’s a list of five must-play courses that have whet the ol’ golf whistle.

Our long-standing partners at Lyons Links have become an Authorized Provider for the 2025 Open Championship at Royal Portrush — and they’ve got itineraries that will make it a bucket list golf trip. And the Travel Caddie has an added, limited-time perk to make it worth your while.

The Travel Caddie has fallen in love with certain regions of the world, and Northwest Ireland is near the top of that list. From County Donegal to County Sligo to County Mayo, the Travel Caddie has identified eight courses that make a trip to this slice of golf paradise well worth it.

There are plenty of great options out there for a ladies golf getaway, but the Travel Caddie has decided to highlight a few resorts that are doing an exceptional job at catering to women looking for an unforgettable golf trip.

If you’ve heard of Coeur d’Alene Golf Course in northern Idaho, you probably know about its most famous feature – the floating island green on the par-3 14th hole. It’s memorable, of course. It’s unique. It’s even adjustable. But while it’s the drawing card to this fabulous Pacific Northwest course, it’s just one part of a winning hand. The Travel Caddie loves the course and has plenty of insight into a trip to Idaho.

One of the prime and shining examples of the eternal appeal of the game and its place in history is the peerless Omni Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, Virginia. The Travel Caddie is a frequent visitor and has plenty of insight on how to enjoy your trip to Virginia.

From Florida to California to Arizona to Michigan, there are a number of incredible golf courses that will challenge your game, but are a bit lighter on the wallet. The Travel Caddie has done some significant traveling over the years and has 10 courses you should seek out the next time in you are in one of these metropolitan areas . . .

The Travel Caddie is enjoying the start to summer and has a trio of golf resorts that should be on your list to hit before the end of the year, as each of them have incredible deals that will make them worth the trip.

The Travel Caddie will be among the first in line for the grand opening of Wild Spring Dunes — set for 2026. Dream Golf of Bandon Dunes and Sand Valley fame, have announced a new golf community in East Texas that will feature the design expertise of Tom Doak, Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw. Yes, all three. Check out the details!

On the shores of Lake Michigan, Harbor Shores Golf Club is one of the most ambitious turnaround stories in 21st-century golf development. It’s a place where forgotten factories and industrial waste areas have been thoroughly, remarkably transformed into a revitalized golf resort and residential development. Today it’s a sanctuary hospitable for wildlife alike. The Travel Caddie loves the transformation and has a few pieces of advice . . .

Golf has never been more popular, and many courses and resorts at the better-known destinations are already full for the season. But that doesn’t mean you can’t find places to play that allow for a splendid and memorable stay-and-play. And the Travel Caddie has three perfect spots that you need to visit immediately.

The Travel Caddie loves Pinehurst and has taken a trip or two around No. 2. Check out the insight from our resident expert, as we take a look at the course, how you can land some sweet FootJoy gear and why we love the U.S. Open at No. 2.

When it comes to U.S. golf resorts and courses you should strive to play in your lifetime, the list would include the likes of Bandon Dunes, Pebble Beach, Sand Valley and one we just visited, Streamsong Resort in Florida.

As SQAIRZ has continued to grow, they’ve been able to expand their product line to enhance the specific needs of golfers who are focused on specific benefits from their shoes. The Travel Caddie looks at three options.

A golf vacation that you can book without any guilt because you know everyone in your crew will love it? Kiawah Island Golf Resort checks the box in all these areas, says the Travel Caddie.

From Rumbling Bald on Lake Lure to PGA National Resort Palm Beach Gardens to Streamsong Resort, the Travel Caddie has cobbled together three incredible golf packages that you should take advantage of immediatedly.

Turning Stone Resort Casino delivers. It’s as simple as that. We’ve had countless conversations with golfers who are looking for a New York golf getaway that we’ve suggested to look at this Syracuse-area destination, and we consistently hear after their trip that the golfers are blown away at the experience, especially for the price that they paid.

Guest writer Mark Marais, the manager of Africa Golf Safari, went on his own epic journey through South Africa, Kenya, Namibia and Zambia — and left with plenty of tips on enjoying the scenes, on and off the course.

The Travel Caddie had a hard time limiting the list to just five things that make the Arizona golf mecca special — but nonetheless, here are five reasons why a golf trip to Scottsdale should be near the top of your list.

To help get your game travel ready, the Travel Caddie has highlighted a few of our favorite products that can aid you in getting your game in tip-top shape before you hit the road for your next golf adventure.

Prince Edward Island went all-in on golf in the 1990s, investing in the game to put PEI on the golfing map. Today, the collection of courses is deep, with 27 courses making up the Golf PEI menu. There are now more courses per capita than in any other Canadian province. The Travel Caddie gives you a guide to life on the island.

There are plenty of great options out there for a ladies golf getaway and the Travel Caddie has identified four golf resorts in the United States that are doing an exceptional job at catering to women looking for an unforgettable golf trip.

A flight into the Irish capital of Dublin (the nation’s largest city) puts golfers in the center of everything and in the perfect spot for scores of renowned and challenging courses — both on the coast and a half-hour’s drive inland. The Travel Caddie has four must-play favorites . . .

In early April, The Cabot Collection unveiled the name and logo for the new 18-hole, Tom Doak-designed track at Cabot Highlands in Inverness, Scotland. The Travel Caddie has all the details.

For the third time in under 20 years, the iconic Ocean Course at Kiawah Island will play host the world’s best players. The 2031 PGA Championship will return to South Carolina, and the Travel Caddie has all the details.

There are about 20 courses in the area at just about every price point. We have chosen three of our favorites for the snapshot below — the sublime Fallen Oak designed by Tom Fazio; the very good and testing Jerry Pate-fashioned Preserve Golf Club; and the uber-secluded Grand Bear Golf Club as routed by Nicklaus.

Located near Brooksville, Florida, about an hour north of Tampa, Cabot Citrus Farms sits on the former land formerly occupied by World Woods Golf Resort. The Travel Caddie took an inside look, including an exclusive aerial tour.

We’re sorry to break the news, but you won’t be getting a tee time at Augusta National no matter how much you beg or pray. But the Travel Caddie still loves some Georgia golf and there are plenty of tracks throughout the Peach State that make it worth the trip — even if you’ll never don a green jacket.

Nestled in the enchanting Mojave Desert about an hour and a half northeast of Las Vegas, Mesquite, Nevada offers intrepid travelers an oasis of golfing perfection, casino gambling on a smaller scale than Sin City and a heaving dash of the best of desert vacation life.

The Travel Caddie offers some snapshots of courses designed by the likes of Pete Dye, Todd Eckenrode, and the father and son team of Robert Trent Jones Sr. and Jr. — courses that helped make this region a golf hotbed and a must-play destination on your bucket list, even without a tee time at Pebble.

There are 20 courses within a 45-minute drive of the Atlantic City boardwalk, and the offerings here run the gamut from classic courses to replica tracks to more man-made, modern routings. The Travel Caddie has four courses to check out on your next trip to the Jersey Shore . . .

It’s tough to beat a day that begins with teeing it up on a world-class golf course and caps off with an unforgettable meal and a night at the tables rolling some dice or dominating some blackjack. The Travel Caddie has put together a list of six must-play locations . . .

There are some courses that players on the PGA Tour like more than others, and the Copperhead Course at Innisbrook is one of those venues. Check out our exclusive drone footage of the course.

The Travel Caddie has the perfect solution to your next buddy trip — as it will cater to everyone in your group. Florida’s First Coast of Golf and its five destinations truly have it all and we have identified eight reasons why its the perfect spot for your next golf getaway.

In the Northwest corner of Nebraska, on the rim of the Snake River Canyon just shy of the South Dakota border, the picturesque Prairie Club boasts two fabulous 18-hole courses – Dunes and Pines – along with a 10-hole par-3 named the Horse Course that allows golfers to pick their teeing area on each hole.

Mountain Sky Guest Ranch near Emigrant, Mont., which is about 45 miles south of the airport in Bozeman and an hour or so north of Yellowstone National Park — and it is home to some of the best golf that Montana has to offer says the Travel Caddie.

Big Cedar has five courses in total and is adding a sixth, with a dramatic new layout that puts the property in a category of one among U.S. golf destinations.

While the Travel Caddie is not afraid to shell out some coin for the crème de la crème of golf experiences, we also love saving money whenever possible and we’ve outlined 10 of our favorite ways to do so.

The Travel Caddie looks at four of the courses in the Riviera Maya area: El Camaleon Golf Club and Playa Mujeres Golf Club, both fashioned by Greg Norman; Riviera Maya, a Robert Trent Jones II-designed tester; and Iberostar Playa Paraiso Golf Club, which was brought to life by P.B. Dye of the famous design family.

The likes of St. Andrews or Royal County Down steal the headlines, but Northwest Ireland is one of the Travel Caddie’s favorite golf destinations — and has five must-play courses that are completely worth the trip across the proverbial pond.

With the PGA Tour returning to Palm Beach Gardens, Florida this week, the Travel Caddie wanted to highlight a few of the best golf resorts in this area of the country for you to consider on your next golf getaway here.

The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail was built to give golfers the option of enjoying multiple stops along the way, or traveling to stay at one of the hubs and build a vacation around that. It’s all about flexibility when it comes to a trip on the RTJ Golf Trail. The Travel Caddie has taken the liberty of highlighting a few of the stops along the way for your consideration.

South Carolina’s Myrtle Beach and its surrounding areas remain one of the top destinations in the country for golf buddy trips and quick getaways. Here are seven of the Travel Caddie’s favorites along the Grand Strand.

As the second installment in our Family Friendly Golf Destinations to enjoy in 2024, the Travel Caddie wanted to showcase a few more properties that provide your family with a variety of options alongside top-notch golf – allowing for a vacation of a lifetime for everyone.

From Sedona to Flagstaff to Prescott, the northern Arizona area provides plenty of options to tee it up, and the Travel Caddie has four recommendations of standout golf courses to help make your trip memorable.

The Travel Caddie loves experiencing new things, and there is plenty to enjoy on the golf course in 2024. Check out some hot spots that you’ll want to add to your travel list in the new year.

The Travel Caddie has traveled from coast to coast, playing some of the most beautiful and iconic mountain golf courses that North America has to offer. Here’s a look at eight of Travel Caddie’s favorites from Oregon to Virginia to British Columbia.

In the northeast corner of Oklahoma you’ll find Shangri-La Resort, one of the state’s best set of tracks for a buddy trip. The Travel Caddie has some key tips on making your way to this golf oasis.

Changes here have always been constant in this market, but recently there has been a Central Florida golf boom and we could not be more excited about it. The Travel Caddie has identified four key Central Florida resorts that have transformed in recent years.

From the Robert Trent Jones trail through Alabama to Nemacolin to Orlando’s Reunion Resort, the Travel Caddie has found plenty of good deals to kick off the new year.

There are many destinations that must fight the effects of winter harder than others, but the reward is that these peak in the summer months for us golfers to enjoy. We’ve highlighted a few of our favorite summer spots that you and your crew should investigate when you start planning your trip.

One of the golf resorts that is enjoying the benefits of a renaissance of their own is Mission Resort + Club, which has long been known as Mission Inn Resort and Club. The Travel Caddie breaks down the latest from Central Florida.

What makes Pinehurst such a great trip even 100+ years after James Tufts founded the original Pinehurst Resort in 1895 is that the spirit and passion of the game have continued for generations. Old facilities are reborn and new ones complement them with their own style. The Travel Caddie loves making a stop at both Talamore and Mid South.

There’s a delicate formula to creating the perfect family golf vacation — and the Travel Caddie has six resorts that will satisfy everyone in your party, with some pretty epic golf to top it all off.

Two stunning golf courses, a festive atmosphere, great dining and accommodations are part of what you’ll find at Indian Wells Golf Resort in the Palm Springs area. It’s not exactly your typical municipal operation — and the Travel Caddie loves it.

The Travel Caddie enjoys visiting new tracks around the world, and the Greywalls Course at the Marquette Golf Club, Wild Bluff Golf Course in Brimley in the peninsula’s northeast corner, and The Rock, literally the place to play at the accessible-by-boat-only Drummond Island, definitely fit the bill of must-play courses in the area.

Pinehurst and the Carolina Sandhills, encompassing the complementary charming towns of Southern Hills, as well as Aberdeen and Sanford up the road, is about as deep of a golf destination as there is in the world. The Travel Caddie offers up some insight on making it a buddy trip that you’ll want to repeat over and over.

The late Mike Strantz has 11 original designs such as Tobacco Road, True Blue, and Caledonia, but it is Tot Hill Farm in Asheboro, NC stands out as one of his finest pieces of work. The Travel Caddie got a personalized tour around the track and left mesmerized.

Sure, the snow is incredible in Colorado, but the Travel Caddie has a different idea for you: go play on Western Slope, the region incorporating everything in the state west of the Continental Divide. Here are three courses that are well worth the trip.

Golf balls? Yes, please. New clubs? Oh yes. Sweet kicks? Some incredible choices. The Travel Caddie loves the holidays and has handpicked some gifts that will make that special golfer in your life extra happy as we roll into 2024.

When it comes to a golf getaway with your crew, there is no doubt that finding a place with both the ability to be at an unforgettable golf course during the day followed by a nighttime filled with table games with the dice in your hand is at the top of many golfer’s “must-have” lists for a golf trip. The Travel Caddie has 11 gambling getaways that are pure jackpots.

The Travel Caddie spends late nights looking for spectacular deals, and has some incredible tee times to chase in December across the country.

For those in the northernmost states, the winter isn’t ideal for teeing it up — but the Rio Grande Valley in Texas provides those snowbirds with plenty of options for a quick break from the cold and take in some stellar golf. The Travel Caddie has some tips on where to book some tee times.

The Gebbers Family is not only royalty in the Pacific Northwest, they are also responsible for one of the finest stay-and-play experiences in the world: Gamble Sands. The Travel Caddie had a chance to visit the majestic property in Washington, and left with not only tips, but incredible drone footage of the entire Sands Course.

Almost exactly at the midway point between Atlanta and Augusta is Reynolds Lake Oconee, a resort community set on more than 350 miles of shoreline that boasts six championship courses. And soon, seven. And the Travel Caddie says this is a must-visit for any golfer and their families.

During a recent trip to the region, the Travel Caddie played four of Hot Springs Village’s courses – Cortez, Grenada, Diamante and the 27-hole Isabella. It was remarkable that we were only able to scratch the surface of the community’s golf offerings.

One of the Travel Caddie’s best places to “get away from it all” for golf is in Truckee, in the northern Sierra Nevada mountains of California near the northwest edge of sublime Lake Tahoe, North America’s largest alpine lake. Here are three must-play courses . . .

The Travel Caddie is a globetrotter, and has come away from 2023 with the ultimate list of places to visit this winter if you still want to tee it up. And, no, the destinations aren’t just in the U.S., but all would make your talk of the proverbial golf water cooler.