WE TAKE YOU ON TOURS OF THE WORLD'S BEST COURSES

Check out exclusive access to courses across the world with our aerial tours of these must-play tracks . . .

MORE TRIP IDEAS: PRIME SPOTS FOR PERFECT GOLF TRIPS

Need a little guidance on the best spots for your next golf trip? Check out these stellar stops before you make your plans . . .

Trip Ideas

Golf Packages We Love April 2026

From a beautiful California oasis to one of the preeminent courses in the desert to one of the best courses in Florida, the Travel Caddie has April’s golf packages we absolutely love for you to enjoy.

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Trip Ideas

You can play the Caribbean’s ‘Golf Resort of the Year’ with Anguilla’s only championship course

Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club is one of the Caribbean’s premier golf resorts, located on the island of Anguilla in the British West Indies — just minutes from Saint Martin and St. Barths. Home to Anguilla’s only championship golf course — a Greg Norman Signature Design — Aurora Anguilla delivers a luxury golf vacation that goes far beyond the fairways. For golfers seeking a Caribbean golf resort that pairs world-class golf with refined island luxury, Aurora Anguilla is the standout choice.

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Trip Ideas

What golf courses from famous movies can you play in real life?

Some of the most famous golf courses in movies and on TV are surprisingly open to the public — and we’ve tracked them down for you. From Hollywood backdrops to iconic championship layouts, these are the real golf courses that appeared on the big screen and made it onto our list of must-play destinations for traveling golfers. A word of warning: many of the courses that appear in golf movies are private facilities, but the publicly accessible ones on this list are well worth building a golf getaway around. Check out the Travel Caddie’s list!

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Trip Ideas

Why upgraded Hilton Head Island remains one of the best golf destinations

Hilton Head Island has long been one of golf’s premier destinations — and the late-2025 reopening of Harbour Town Golf Links makes it better than ever. The iconic Pete Dye and Jack Nicklaus design, home to the PGA Tour’s RBC Heritage for more than 50 years, is one of the most consequential courses in the history of the game. A six-month restoration overseen by five-time RBC Heritage champion Davis Love III restored the shot-maker’s challenge that has produced winners ranging from Scottie Scheffler to Loren Roberts. The Travel Caddie has all the details.

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Trip Ideas

Is Amelia Island one of the best golf destinations on the Atlantic Coast?

For golfers planning a Florida golf vacation, Amelia Island delivers a rare combination — challenging, scenic golf paired with a genuine sense of escape. It is the kind of destination where the stress of everyday life genuinely fades, replaced by salt air, unhurried fairways, and a natural environment that feels a world away from the mainland. The Travel Caddie is a frequent visitor and has plenty of insight on why this section of the coast is a must-visit.

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Trip Ideas

What makes Pasatiempo Golf Club one of MacKenzie’s greatest designs?

Few golf courses carry the weight of history the way Pasatiempo Golf Club in Santa Cruz, California does. Designed by Dr. Alister MacKenzie in 1928 and opened in September 1929, Pasatiempo stands as one of the crown jewels of the Golden Age of golf architecture — a period widely regarded as the most influential era in course design. The Travel Caddie takes you inside what makes this California gem so unique.

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Trip Ideas

Why a custom fitting before your next golf trip may be exactly what you need

At the heart of every golf trip, where you are going and who you are going with are the first big decisions you must make. But another important decision happens long before you arrive on property, and that’s what clubs you put in your bag. Getting properly fit for equipment can have a greater impact on performance than you may realize, and one place we know that can take great care of you before your trip is Club Champion. 

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Trip Ideas

Golf in Colorado: 6 top destinations for your next mountain getaway

Colorado is one of the best golf destinations in the United States, offering traveling golfers a rare combination of mountain courses, prairie links, and world-class resort experiences.  The state’s elevation, dramatic scenery, and architectural variety — from historic resort layouts to bold modern designs — make it a standout choice for a golf trip unlike any other. Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or a full golf vacation in Colorado, the destinations below represent some of the finest the state has to offer.

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Trip Ideas

Does Whistler have good golf? 4 championship courses that rival its Olympic fame

Best known as a Winter Olympics host city (2010) and world-class ski destination, Whistler’s golf season offers a compelling second reason to visit when the slopes close. Whistler offers four 18-hole championship golf courses playable from early May through late October, with peak conditions from June to September. Three courses sit close to Whistler Village, each designed by a legendary architect — Jack Nicklaus (Nicklaus North), Arnold Palmer (Whistler Golf Club), and Robert Trent Jones Jr. (Fairmont Chateau Whistler Golf Club) — set against mountain peaks, conifer forests, and alpine lakes. The Travel Caddie takes you inside the golf options — including places to stay and things to do off the course.

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Trip Ideas

Golf Packages We Love March 2026

From two epic trips across the proverbial pond to one of Georgia’s finest courses, the Travel Caddie has a trio of golf packages that are a must-see as we exit the winter months and head into spring. (Big hint: One of them is a way to play St. Andrews. Yes, really.)

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Trip Ideas

Ireland golf trips: The ultimate guide to an unforgettable golf vacation

Planning a golf trip to Ireland is a bucket-list dream for golfers worldwide — and for good reason. Few destinations match Ireland’s combination of world-class links courses, dramatic coastal landscapes, and a culture where golf is woven into everyday life. The Travel Caddie has experienced much of what Ireland has to offer and has plenty of tips on building the ultimate getaway for you and your golfing buddies.

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Trip Ideas

Ocean City, Maryland has great golf at an incredible value

When it comes to golf along the coast, one of our favorite coastal destinations that has been hosting golfers for decades is Ocean City, Maryland.  Located along Maryland’s Eastern Shore situated between the Atlantic Ocean and several area bays and wetlands, the region offers a concentration of scenic courses within a short driving distance of beautiful beaches, delicious restaurants, and relaxing resort and vacation home accommodations.  And even better, the quality of the golf for the price that you will pay here is beyond exceptional.  The Travel Caddie breaks down all of your options to hit the links — plus finding a good time off the course.

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Trip Ideas

Six of the best golf experiences in the Pacific Northwest

As the summer quickly approaches, one of our favorite corridors of golf starts to see the temperatures rise and some of the greatest courses in the country reach their peak conditions in the Pacific Northwest.  As an area that is known for its pristine natural beauty, the golf course experiences are as varied as they are exceptional.  If you’ve been thinking about a golf trip here, the Travel Caddie has put together a list of six of the best courses and golf resorts in the region for traveling golfers that we think you are going to love.

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Trip Ideas

10 epic oceanside golf trips for 2026

There’s never a better time to start planning an oceanside golf getaway than when the temperatures around the country are at their coldest, and we are sure the idea of enjoying the sounds of crashing waves alongside plush, green fairways sounds good to just about everyone right about now. There’s no doubt that playing golf alongside majestic ocean vistas adds to the experience for any golfer, and the Travel Caddie has highlighted a few of the best destinations for golf near the beach. You’ll find options at a variety of price points and locations, so hopefully one of these can satisfy your oceanside golf craving.

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Trip Ideas

The ultimate Texas golf vacation: Four must-play resorts in the Lone Star State

They say everything is bigger in Texas, and that same sentiment can be said when it comes to the amount of fun and adventure you can have on your next golf getaway here.  Known for its warmer temperatures all year round, Texas is always a good idea for a golf trip.  The Travel Caddie has highlighted four of the best golf resorts in the state for you and your group to consider for your next Texas golf getaway.

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Trip Ideas

Bucket-list golf destinations with tremendous value

Today’s golf traveler has become more knowledgeable on the go-to bucket list destinations, and their desire to play the best of the best in the world of golf travel at destinations like Bandon Dunes, Pebble Beach, Kohler, Streamsong, Sea Island, TPC Sawgrass, Kiawah Island, and Pinehurst is becoming more appealing than ever before. The Travel Caddie has a full list of premium resorts that pack the most bang for your stay-and-play buck.

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Trip Ideas

Five of the best golf resorts with elite golf schools

One of the best things about visiting an elite golf destination is the lasting memories that are made amongst you and your friends or family at these unforgettable venues. But often an overlooked aspect that these resorts offer is a long-lasting impact on your game. Across the United States, several resorts have built world-class golf schools that combine instruction, technology, and legendary practice environments all under one roof. The Travel Caddie has a list of five resorts that you’ll leave a better player because of the visit.

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Trip Ideas

Ultimate Island Getaway Sweepstakes

Win a trip for two for a 3-day, 2-night stay at Aurora Anguilla, which includes two rounds of golf on the award-winning International Course 18-hole golf course and one round on the Avalon Links Short Course.  You will also enjoy a two-night double occupancy stay at Aurora Anguilla. The grand prize winner will also receive a OPTM Driver from Cobra Golf  with your choice of a Mitsubishi Golf shaft, a rangefinder from Bushnell Golf, and a $200 gift certificate from Ship Sticks to use for your trip.

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Trip Ideas

Great value golf trips in Northeast Florida

Florida’s First Coast is home to several golf resorts that combine championship-level courses with full-service resort experiences.  While these destinations are often associated with luxury travel, certain times of year can provide exceptional value depending on what you are looking for out of your golf getaway. Three standout examples are Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa, Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa, and Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa, each offering a distinctive blend of golf, amenities and coastal scenery. The Travel Caddie provides insight on all three resorts.

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Trip Ideas

Streamsong to unveil fifth golf course in late 2026

In late 2026, there will be five golf courses at Streamsong Resort. The fifth one isn’t open just yet, but it has grown in so well you could probably play it right now.  This new design by the highly respected Scottish architect David McLay Kidd is the fourth championship-length course (there’s a short course, too) at Florida’s Streamsong Resort, which is run by KemperSports and located a little over an hour from Tampa and about an hour and a half from the Orlando area. The Travel Caddie takes an inside look, including incredible photos of the new course.

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Trip Ideas

Rams Hill Golf Club: A Southern California hidden gem

One of the most rewarding benefits of our job is when we find a special location that delivers an extraordinary amount of value and then sharing that story with you all. Rams Hill in Borrego Springs, California is the definition of that kind of experience.  Rams Hill first hit our radar in 2016 when they received the No. 1 ranking for golf course conditions on Golf Advisor’s (now under the GOLFPASS brand) inaugural “Best of” list, and we had to find out more about what this place was all about. The Travel Caddie goes inside this incredible track, including exclusive aerial footage of the course’s key holes.

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Trip Ideas

Golf Packages We Love: February 2026

Here at GolfStayAndPlays.com, we are always on the lookout for great deals and experiences for our readers. For February 2026, the Travel Caddie has identified incredible packages in Washington, Canada and Maryland. Check them out!

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Trip Ideas

2026 PGA TOUR courses that you can play

More than half of the PGA TOUR locations on the tour this year are accessible for you and your group for a golf getaway, so start today and hopefully you can cross most of these off your bucket list over the years to come. The Travel Caddie provides an exhaustive look at every course you can gain access to in 2026.

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Trip Ideas

David McLay Kidd unveils exciting new golf project in Washington

River Ranch Golf Resort brings together golf, land and hospitality in a setting shaped by ancient floods, a historic river corridor and decades of careful stewardship. The course draws directly from the dramatic Snake River landscape, prevailing winds and natural topography to create a strategic and compelling golf experience that feels inseparable from the land itself. The Travel Caddie has more details on David McLay Kidd’s newest treasure.

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Trip Ideas

Top U.S. golf resorts that cater to both the golfer and the non-golfer

There’s a small but rapidly growing category of golf travelers that every resort now must think about: the couple where one guest arrives hungry for tee times and the other who has absolutely zero intention of ever picking up a club.  The Travel Caddie has compiled an impressive list of high-end resorts that make sure the entire party have a good time — and want to come back for more.

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Trip Ideas

Torrey Pines: Muni golf royalty resides in San Diego

Few golf destinations evoke the same sense of grandeur as Torrey Pines, where the Pacific Ocean views on their two championship courses create an incredible sense of place for all to enjoy. We are always excited to see the annual PGA TOUR stop here at the Farmers Insurance Open, and we are especially excited this year as it will be great to see Brooks Koepka back in action. The Travel Caddie breaks down what makes Torrey Pines so special.

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Trip Ideas

Big plans at Old Shores as construction begins on first of five resort courses

Michael Keiser has big plans for the family’s first destination property in golf-rich Florida, revealing details of five very different courses at the Panhandle property that will no doubt have many traveling golfers giddy with anticipation. With news of construction starting on the first course at Old Shores — a Tom Doak design that could see limited preview play at the end of this year and open fully in fall of 2027 — Keiser shared that four more courses will follow in the coming years. Get the full details on what’s to come for one of golf’s most anticipated projects in recent years.

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Trip Ideas

Hawaii’s Kohala Coast and the Big Island’s best golf 

The first time a traveler experiences the Kohala Coast of Hawaii’s Big Island, it can come as a bit of a surprise. Instead of lush greenery in a tropical setting, the drive to some of the finest resorts in the Hawaiian Islands is through rugged, arid and seemingly inhospitable lava unsoftened by time and trade winds. For those who look a little further, this stretch of Hawaii Island is truly unforgettable – rainfall is scarce, the sun is almost always shining, and ocean views are ever-present. It also has the best golf in all of Hawaii. The Travel Caddie has identified some favorites and wanted to share them with our loyal readers.

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Trip Ideas

12 warm weather golf destinations to visit in 2026

As the new year kicks off and the cooler weather starts to kick in for the Northern part of the country, it’s the perfect time to start looking for your next golf getaway. The southern United States as well as parts of the Caribbean offer an incredible variety of memorable locations to consider for your next golf getaway, and we’ve taken the liberty of pointing out a few of our favorites here for you to consider for your group’s next golf stay-and-play adventure.

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Trip Ideas

A year off for the PGA Tour in Maui has us craving golf in this island paradise

In an extremely difficult decision, the PGA Tour had to shift their 2026 opening event plans for the Sentry Tournament of Champions when the conditions in mid-2025 at the famous Plantation Course at Kapalua were looking quite grim due to a legal dispute between the course owners and the Maui Land & Pineapple Co. over a failing ditch system that didn’t deliver the water to the course as promised. While there isn’t an exact resolution to this matter as of yet, Kapalua has certainly found a way around it as the recent conditions and pictures are showing the course back to its vibrant ways. Here’s a look at the Travel Caddie’s favorite spots around Maui.

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Trip Ideas

Omni PGA Frisco and the modern home of golf

Just under an hour north of downtown Dallas, the Omni PGA Frisco Resort has quickly become one of the most compelling golf destinations in the country.  Built on former ranchland and borne out of an unprecedented partnership between the City of Frisco, the Frisco Independent School District, Omni Hotels & Resorts, and the PGA of America, the still-growing campus has emerged as a modern face of the game — one that hosts future major championships, shapes the next generation of players, and welcomes golfers from Texas and beyond. The unique collaboration has also yielded some confusion, particularly on the golf side. 

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Trip Ideas

From Pittsburgh to Philly to Hershey, a lot of sweet golf in Pennsylvania

There’s great golf in Pennsylvania, which should come as no surprise. From the Allegheny Mountains west to the Poconos in the east, there’s no shortage of canvases for golf courses in this big state. There’s also plenty to do, of course, from fly-fishing, backpacking, and hiking, to checking out great cities like Pittsburgh and Philadelphia (which have pretty good sports scenes, too). You might even want to stop by Scranton, Pa., which was the setting for The Office TV show, and get a bite and a draft at the famous Cooper’s Seafood (which has thousands of artifacts, including a gift shop dedicated to The Office). With that said, the golf possibilities are many, and here are some of our favorites via the Travel Caddie.

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Trip Ideas

Is We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort the best value golf trip in Arizona?

While there is a plethora of great options to enjoy in the Scottsdale and Phoenix areas, the Travel Caddie found itself asking the question of what the best places are to play when it comes to value in the Arizona market.  While it’s a subjective question that can certainly stir up some great debates amongst passionate golfers, there’s no doubt that We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort should be one of, if not the, top golf resorts on this list.  With 36 holes of top-notch golf alongside wonderful accommodations at rates that tend to be better than others in the area, there’s a whole lot to love about a stay and play visit to We-Ko-Pa.

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Trip Ideas

Kohler, Wisconsin announces new golf course and other property enhancements

The team at Kohler, Wisconisin is currently undergoing a multi-year project to continue to improve their already exceptional facilities, and their latest announcement includes the addition of Purebred Farm, a new 14-hole golf course just west of Kohler’s Blackwolf Run making it the sixth course at this amazing destination. The Travel Caddie with the details . . .

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Trip Ideas

Worth the Gamble Sweepstakes

Win a trip for two for a 3-day, 2-night stay at Gamble Sands, which includes two rounds of golf at their two championship 18-hole golf courses — Gamble Sands and the newest course Scarecrow, one round on the Quicksands Short Course — and enjoy a two-night double occupancy stay at the The Inn at Gamble Sands. The grand prize winner will also receive a DS-ADAPT Driver from Cobra Golf  with your choice of Mitsubishi Golf’s Limited Release Drop 003 Diamana™ WB Black Out Edition shaft.  You can also set up a complimentary driver fitting at Club Champion at a nearby location.

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Trip Ideas

Hilton Head Island is ‘America’s Golf Island’

If you like a wide variety of golf with beaches, seafood, and a unique laid-back vibe that’s really like no other, we’ve got a great recommendation. It’s known as “America’s Golf Island.” We’re talking about one of our favorite spots to tee it up — Hilton Head Island on the southern coast of South Carolina, not too far south of Charleston and across from another pretty well-known resort destination as well — Kiawah Island. The Travel Caddie has plenty of recommendations for how to optimize your trip to the Lowcountry.

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Trip Ideas

Golf Packages We Love November 2025

From North Carolina to California to Florida, the Travel Caddie has found a trio of packages that will not only keep you teeing it up this winter, but doing so in style. Check out the recommendations for November 2025!

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Is Rodeo Dunes golf’s most accessible adventure?

Rodeo Dunes, the newest name in the booming world of golf travel, si located just 50 miles northeast of downtown Denver, this bold new destination from Michael Keiser — the son of Bandon Dunes founder Mike Keiser and the visionary behind Sand Valley — and offers the same adventurous spirit and minimalist design philosophy, yet sits a short drive from one of the busiest airports in the world, Denver International Airport. The Travel Caddie takes you on an inside look at golf’s next big thing, while also offering some of the best FootJoy fits for the trip to Colorado.

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Trip Ideas

Pebble Beach completes renovation projects at The Lodge

With more than a 100-year history to compare against, setting the bar higher and higher while continuing to exceed guest’s expectations at every turn, can be a daunting challenge. And yet, somehow, the team at Pebble Beach Resorts has managed to enhance the experience onsite once again with a recent round of renovation projects. As the resort prepares to host its seventh U.S. Open in 2027, they have gone all-in to showcase this iconic venue to the world and ensure Pebble Beach continues to be one of the best bucket-list experiences in all of golf.

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Trip Ideas

A legend is restored at Harbour Town Golf Links

When it comes to the importance of golf courses in the world of golf architecture, Harbour Town Golf Links in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina is among the most important designs in the history of golf. This iconic layout once put Pete Dye (and, of course, Alice) and Jack Nicklaus on the golf architecture world’s map of designers.  Bringing in the right designer to preserve that legacy was vital to the team at The Sea Pines Resort which is precisely why they employed the talents of Davis Love III and his team at Love Design Company. Love III is a five-time winner of the RBC Heritage presented by Boeing, and his team has already collaborated with The Sea Pines Resort once before as they were responsible for the renovation of Atlantic Dunes.  

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Trip Ideas

Florida’s First Coast of Golf continues to make noise in northeast portion of state

Sometimes, the only constant thing is change.  In Northeast Florida, which is also known as Florida’s First Coast, these changes have all been for the better when it comes to enhancing the experience for golfers who are looking to come to this region to enjoy some of the finest golf experiences around. The Travel Caddie highlighted six of these recent changes for you to give you some insight into why this region may be just what the doctor ordered for your next golf getaway.

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Trip Ideas

Oregon golf is more than Bandon — as the central part of the state is chockful of gems

One of our favorite spots to play golf, bar none, is in Central Oregon. It offers an incredible outdoor recreation scene, which, of course, includes golf. There are a variety of courses – more than 20 in the area – to fit various budgets with different terrains and vibes. There are even times during the year when you can ski and play golf on the same trip. The Travel Caddie has put together a list of must-play tracks for the next time you’re in the state.

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Cabot Cape Breton is eastern Canada’s slice of golf heaven

It is a real talent to discover a piece of land in this day and age that isn’t already developed and turn it into one of the greatest golf destinations on the planet. Ben Cowan-Dewar, through his vision and a perfectly formed partnership with Mike Keiser (the famed owner and innovator who brought us Bandon Dunes), has managed to do just that — creating Cabot Cape Breton, one of the game’s best resorts in the modern era. The Travel Caddie has the inside scoop on how to enjoy this epic property — on and off the course.

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Trip Ideas

Golf getaways in four of United States’ top wine regions

Fall is the perfect time to start planning a getaway that features going low on the course during the day and enjoying wines from the top regions of the United States in the evening. If you and yours are looking for a few great options to both enjoy some time on the course and tour beautiful wineries, we’ve put together a few fantastic destinations that deliver on both fronts.

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Trip Ideas

A golf tour of Ireland that you’ll never forget

When our group of 12 lads put together our itinerary for our ultimate Ireland golf getaway, our friends at Lyons Links told us that this journey was not for the faint of heart.  We ambitiously wanted to take on a collection of seven of the best courses on the island, and it would require a bit of travel in between stops — but I’m here to tell you that it was more than worth it!

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Natural beauty and pristine public golf in Arkansas awaits

Arkansas’ nickname is the “Natural State,” and if you drive around it, you can easily see why. From the Ozark Mountains to Hot Springs National Park, and to the Mississippi River, lakes, and natural wetlands, it’s easy to see why outdoor enthusiasts have flocked there for decades.  Many will pull campers or boats, of course, but more and more probably have their golf clubs in tow when they come to Arkansas. After all, a great natural environment is the perfect canvas for terrific golf, and Arkansas has plenty of that for everyone. 

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Trip Ideas

The Best of Arizona (Public) Golf 

Arizona has long been a magnet for traveling golfers, drawn by its year-round sunshine, mountain backdrops, and rich collection of public-access golf courses – more than 200 in total, according to the National Golf Foundation. The Travel Caddie is a frequent visitor and has put together a list of 13 public courses you absolutely will not want to miss on your trip to the desert.

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Kiawah Island Golf Resort: A premier collection of courses for all

The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort Is an absolute legend, and since this course first opened its doors to the golfing public it has long been held to be one of the most elite public golf courses in the country on an annual basis. But much like Doug Pitt, the sibling courses at Kiawah Island have been making a name for themselves as well, and the resort’s investment over the years into elevating the feel of the golf experience here as a whole is undeniable and golfers have certainly taken notice. The Travel Caddie has exclusive drone tours of three courses at Kiawah, plus insight on five courses.

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Trip Ideas

Golf in Maui: Tips on teeing it up in paradise

Maui is home to an impressive collection of publicly accessible golf courses and we will be highlighting two of our favorite spots on the island: Wailea Golf Club and the Ka’anapali Golf Courses. The Travel Caddie has had plenty of experience in Maui and has plenty of tips on how to navigate one of the world’s most beautiful islands.

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Big golf in Big Sky country

They call Montana Big Sky country for obvious reasons. From just about anywhere in the state, the panoramic views are stunning and big, whether it’s on a ranch, national park, or a golf course. The Travel Caddie loves a trip to the Big Sky and has plenty of golf courses that are worthy of the trip.

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Golf Packages We Love September 2025

Here at GolfStayAndPlays.com, we are always on the lookout for great deals and experiences for our readers.  To celebrate that, we’ve created a series that focuses on packages that we think excel in these two areas.  Here is a list of some upcoming deals that we have recently found that we thought you should consider for any future golf getaways:

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Trip Ideas

BOYNE Golf: Simply atop Northern Michigan’s premier golf empire

Somewhat quietly – at least on a national level — BOYNE Golf has assembled one of America’s most impressive golf empires, creating an unmatched collection of courses and experiences across Northern Michigan that rivals just about any destination in the country. With 11 distinct courses, billed as “Michigan’s Magnificent 11,” spanning three resort properties, BOYNE Golf offers a bounty of variety and value, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Wolverine state’s pristine lakes and forests.

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Trip Ideas

Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa: A perfect restoration

Sometimes, a property just gets it right. At the Omni Amelia Island Resort and Spa — located in Amelia Island, Florida — the recent renovation to the Oak Marsh Golf Course has completely changed the footprint of golf in Northeast Florida.  Led under the watchful eye of Beau Welling, the team at Omni Amelia Island has reimagined this Pete Dye original design to a new standard and has elevated the golf experience at the resort to a new level.

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Trip Ideas

McLemore Resort Sweepstakes: Enter to win today!

While we suggest that you get on trying to book a trip here as soon as possible, we are also excited to announce that their team is giving one lucky golfer the trip of a lifetime. One grand prize winner and three friends will experience the ultimate stay-and-play trip to McLemore Resort that includes a set of new Callaway Elyte Irons and an Odyssey Putter (for the grand prize winner only) to use while enjoying one of the most epic golf trips where you’ll play both courses, The Keep and The Highlands, and stay in premium lodging at the Cloudland Hotel.  

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Four mesmerizing winter golf destinations from around the world

For many golfers, winter often signals a time where you are forced to put up your clubs and dream of spring so you can get back on the course on a regular basis. But for those unwilling to let the cold weather get them down, winter offers a chance to explore some of the world’s most luxurious and scenic golf destinations where the days are warm and the fairways are still lush and striped.  From the rolling hills of Tuscany to the exotic landscapes of the Caribbean, here are four of the best winter golf destinations to visit this winter.

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Mid Pines and Pine Needles form joint venture with Marine & Lawn Resorts; acquire Whispering Pines Country Club and Foxfire Country Club

The ownership team at Mid Pines and Pine Needles had been on the search for the right partner for some time now to aid improve their footprint, and they’ve hit the jackpot as they’ve reached a joint venture with Marine & Lawn Resorts to become the first location for this premier lodging brand in the United States.  The owners have also made a strategic acquisition of two courses in the Pinehurst/Southern Pines/Aberdeen area.

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Golf Packages We Love August 2025

Here at GolfStayAndPlays.com, we are always on the lookout for great deals and experiences for our readers.  To celebrate that, we’ve created a series that focuses on packages that we think excel in these two areas. Here is a list of some upcoming deals that we have recently found that we thought you should consider for any future golf getaways:

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Trip Ideas

12 of the best golf resorts in the Southeast for your next winter getaway

As the winter quickly approaches, half of the country starts to prepare for colder weather to settle in and golf trips to the sunbelt of the United States all the sudden come to the forefront of the mind of many golfers. While there are a plethora of great options available throughout this corridor, we wanted to focus on some of the best options in the Southeastern United States for your consideration that provide world-class golf, exceptional amenities, and most importantly, balmy weather.

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The golf at McLemore keeps getting better atop Georgia’s Lookout Mountain 

There are signature golf holes and holes that define a course, like the 17th at TPC Sawgrass.  And then there are holes that truly put a golf course or destination on the map. That’s the case at McLemore Resort in the mountains of northwest Georgia, where the dramatic, cliff-hugging 18th hole was added during a comprehensive renovation of a previous course on the property that reopened in 2019.  The Travel Caddie has all the details on why McLemore continues to impress the golf community.

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Amelia Island Couples Retreat is the perfect September getaway

We are always on the lookout for memorable golf trips with a unique twist, and our friends at Golfweek and Florida’s First Coast of Golf have put together an amazing golf retreat at the Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa to create the perfect getaway for you and your significant other.  The Travel Caddie with all the details!

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Big Cedar Lodge reaches new golf heights

Big Cedar Lodge recently elevated its game yet again, with the addition of its jaw-dropping Cliffhangers Golf Course, a par-3 track, giving the resort in the Missouri Ozarks an unrivaled collection of golf experiences.  The Travel Caddie left the facility raving about the multitude of options on site, and has a few suggestions on how to approach one of America’s premier golf locations.

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Trip Ideas

Some of the finest golf in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

The UP is north of Northern Michigan, above the state of Wisconsin, northwest of Green Bay. You’re most likely going to need a pullover early in the morning when you tee it up in mid-summer, which is oh so welcome for those of us coming from the deep South or Florida that time of year. And you can play well past 10 p.m. in midsummer.

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The new — and old — of golf in Pinehurst

In the sandhills of North Carolina, a remarkable transformation has been unfolding amid the towering longleaf pines and gently rolling terrain. Pinehurst, long known as the “Cradle of American Golf,” has spent the past decade proving that a 130-year-old resort can not only stay relevant but lead the charge in golf’s modern evolution. It arguably began in 2011 with one of the more significant renovations in golf history, as architects Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw stripped away decades of accumulated rough and returned Pinehurst No. 2 to its original Donald Ross vision of sandy waste areas, wire grass, and strategic challenge. More than restoring a golf course, they sparked a renaissance throughout the region.

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Pebble Beach: An American golf icon

There are few moments in our lives that ever live up to the lofty expectations that we set for them.  Walking down the aisle on your wedding day, the birth of a child, that instant when you land your dream job…all times in your life that you will never forget. One golf trip that certainly belongs on that list of unforgettable moments in your life is a visit to the icon known as Pebble Beach.  The Travel Caddie is still in awe after a recent trip to this mecca along California’s coast.

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Golf Packages We Love July 2025

Here at GolfStayAndPlays.com, we are always on the lookout for great deals and experiences for our readers.  Here are a trio from coast-to-coast that could provide you with the perfect stay-and-play this shoulder season.

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Magnificent Michigan Sweepstakes

Win a trip for two for a 3-day, 2-night stay at BOYNE Golf in Michigan, which includes two rounds of golf at two of their 18-hole golf courses, one round on the new Doon Brae Short Course, and enjoy a two-night double occupancy stay at the The Highlands. The grand prize winner will also receive a full set of Cobra Golf clubs from their latest offerings from the DS-Adapt family of clubs with your choice of Mitsubishi Rayon shafts installed in them, and you can also set up a complimentary full bag fitting at Club Champion at a nearby location.

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Reynolds Lake Oconee: Linger Longer with 126 holes of golf

Seeing the “Linger Longer Road” sign as you make the turn for Reynolds Lake Oconee gives a foreshadowing of what’s in store at this luxury lakefront resort community that’s also one of the nation’s biggest golf destination properties. Reynolds Lake Oconee sits at the midpoint between Atlanta and Augusta in Georgia, conveniently situated just over 80 miles from both the nation’s busiest airport hub and the hallowed private club that hosts the Masters Tournament every April. 

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Some of the best golf on the island of Hawai‘i

With black lava rock contrasting with bright green grass and many of its courses perched on cliffs overlooking the deep blue Pacific Ocean, with its waves crashing on the rocks, it’s no wonder that the island of Hawai‘i has long been a favorite for many golfers. Couple that with a less developed feel compared to, say, Maui and certainly Oahu, and it’s easy to understand why many love Hawai‘i Island as their favorite vacation spot. The Travel Caddie has identified seven courses you should visit on your next trip to the Big Island.

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SentryWorld: Rising the ranks among the nation’s best golf experiences

The Travel Caddie is a big fan of Midwest golf, and after its impressive renovation, SentryWorld continues to be on the best experiences throughout the region. From out-of-this-world golf to refreshment stations that included in the cost of your tee time, you won’t soon forget your trip to Wisconsin. You can even stay on site to try and take in a few rounds. Here are some tips on visiting SentryWorld.

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Atlantic City golf isn’t a gamble — it’s a Shore thing

When it comes to target markets, you’re not going to find many golf destinations in the U.S. as well-positioned as Atlantic City, New Jersey.  Not only does Atlantic City combine a wealth of terrific high-end public golf near the Jersey Shore with world-class entertainment, but it’s situated between two of the five most golfer-rich metropolitan areas in the nation: New York City and Philadelphia.

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French Lick Resort expands golf offering with new Sand Creek Course

With the demand for golf reaching record numbers at the resort, the team at French Lick wanted to expand the golf offering for guests all while paying homage to the heritage of the resort as a short course once existed here in the early 1900s. With those elements in mind, French Lick Resort has created the new Sand Creek Course, a nine-hole short course that is now open for play.

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Nine destinations for an unforgettable father-and-son golf trip

The time you get with your child on the course can form some of the most important memories that we have for the rest of our lives, and there’s no better way to create those memories than enjoying a bucket-list trip together. The Travel Caddie has highlighted a few experiences that are guaranteed to create those lifelong bonds with your child, and hopefully you both will cross all of these off your list together.

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Eight Northeast Florida golf courses to play to create the ultimate golf getaway

Northeast Florida is known as Florida’s First Coast, and this special stretch of land that stretches across 100 miles features everything from pristine beaches, exceptional dining, world-class resorts, and of course, bucket list golf.  While there are over 70 golf courses available to play in this area, we’ve taken the liberty of highlighting a few of the best courses in Northeast Florida for you to play during your next golf vacation here.

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Five putters to improve your summer golf season

As we enter June, golf is booming around the country.  As your season starts to hit its stride, we’re sure you are starting to notice the parts of your game where you see room for improvement to lower your scores. 

If you’re noticing that the place where you can shave the most strokes comes on the green, then we have you covered with a few great putter options to take your game to the next level for the remainder of the season. The Travel Caddie with some tips on picking your flatstick…

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Escape to Asheville and the Blue Ridge Mountains for fun on and off the golf course

As summer temperatures swelter in much of the country, the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina can be mighty attractive. In particular, a trip to the Asheville area can bring comfortable temperatures, spectacular scenery, a great local arts scene, terrific craft breweries and restaurants, and, of course, some rather pleasant to exceptional golf. The Travel Caddie with some tips . . .

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Hilton Head delivers golf hospitality in South Carolina’s Lowcountry 

World-class golf, ideal weather conditions, and Southern hospitality in South Carolina’s Lowcountry, where live oaks are draped in Spanish moss and the Atlantic Ocean provides a scenic backdrop. There’s a good reason Hilton Head has firmly established itself as one of the nation’s premier golf destinations. Bountiful golf peppers the 12-mile-long, shoe-shaped island and its surrounds, with more than 40 courses within a 30-mile drive in Hilton Head and neighboring Bluffton. It’s one of the densest concentrations of public golf per capita, ranking third among U.S. metro areas, according to the National Golf Foundation.

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The best destinations in Canada for a golf trip

For a country that’s known as one of the friendliest destinations that we have ever been to, Canada is home to some of the most passionate, die-hard golfers that we have ever met. Likely a result of the fact that they have a shorter golf season than most locations, Canadians have an undying love for our great game and this massive country is home to some amazing golf properties. The Travel Caddie has a handful you should consider as you plot out your next golf excursion.

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Where to play golf In Tennessee

The courses are varied, with some laid out in the mountains, others in river valleys, and by some of the best designers in the business. There is also great value in some of these courses, particularly along the Tennessee Golf Trail. So, for golfers looking for some unique experiences in culture and sport, Tennessee is a great choice for a golf vacation, especially in the summer and fall.

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Best golf resorts of the Midwest: 2025 Edition

As the summer quickly approaches, it’s that time of the year where the golf season officially feels like it begins around the country. That means that the northern climates which have had to battle the elements of winter now begin to emerge from underneath their white blankets, and we golfers now have a plethora of new options to enjoy as summer quickly approaches. That includes one of the best areas of the country for golf known as the Midwest, and we’ve highlighted a few of our favorite golf resorts in this region that we highly recommend for a golf getaway.

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Eight of the best golf resorts in Europe

To assist you with finding some of the best locations to base a golf trip around, the Travel Caddie has compiled a list of eight of Europe’s best golf resorts that have at least one golf course onsite that should be on your radar for your next European golf getaway.

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Golf Packages We Love May 2025

Here at GolfStayAndPlays.com, we are always on the lookout for great deals and experiences for our readers. To celebrate that, we’ve created a series that focuses on packages that we think excel in these two areas. Here is a list of some upcoming deals that we have recently found that we thought you should consider for any future golf getaways

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Streamsong Resort: How The Chain has enhanced the experience at one of the best golf resorts in the U.S.

The short course revolution is one of the best things that has happened to golf trips in a long time. Premier properties all over the country have realized that utilizing these smaller footprints of land can be the perfect element to add into an unforgettable golf trip itinerary. One resort that has recently knocked it out of the park with their short course design is The Chain at Streamsong Resort.

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Indian Wells Golf Resort in California is better than ever

Indian Wells Golf Resort, which is owned by the city of Indian Wells and located in California’s Coachella Valley in the Palm Springs area, continues to improve what is already a super enjoyable experience. The improvements include the renovation of its highly-lauded Players Course and the opening of its new Richard Blais signature restaurant, Kestrel.

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What to expect from Pinehurst’s next new course: No. 11

Following its traditional numerical naming pattern, the “Cradle of American Golf” has announced plans for Pinehurst No. 11, with construction set to begin later this year in the Sandhills of North Carolina and an expected opening in Fall 2027. The Travel Caddie has all the details.

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Some of the best casino golf courses in the midwest

If you want to find a good to great golf course, look for casino resorts that offer golf as an amenity. There are several reasons for this. The idea is to attract you to the casino floor for gambling, so if you build a good golf course and it attracts golfers, the hope is that those golfers will stick around for a little bit of gambling. The same holds true for the hotel rooms at these resorts. They’re usually higher end, and it’s not unusual for both the golf and the hotel room to be pretty reasonably priced to get you there. That seems like a win-win for us and a great way to book a golf package.

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Golf mecca PGA West shines brighter after extensive renovations

The iconic 2,000-acre property, long known as the “Western Home of Golf in America,” offers one of the richest and most diverse golf experiences anywhere in the country. And now, on the heels of an ambitious multi-year, multimillion-dollar restoration project of all three of its Pete Dye-designed courses, PGA WEST is better than ever.

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Viva Golf Vegas Sweepstakes

You and a friend will win a trip for 2 to play 1 round of golf at TPC Las Vegas, 1 round of golf at Las Vegas Paiute Golf Resort, and enjoy a 2-night stay at the JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort & Spa. The grand prize winner will also receive a full set of Cobra Golf clubs with their latest offerings from the DS-Adapt family of clubs.

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The gorgeous golf courses and scenery neaer St. George, Utah

Located in the southwest corner of Utah, about 120 miles northeast of Las Vegas, the St. George area has certainly emerged in recent years as an outstanding golf destination. There are close to 15 courses available to the public, but more importantly, many of these courses are exceptional – like the nationally acclaimed Sand Hollow Golf Club – and most recently, Black Desert Resort, which is not only playing host to an event on the PGA Tour, but also the LPGA Tour.

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How Tom Doak’s Sedge Valley elevates Sand Valley

Sedge Valley is a masterclass from Tom Doak on how to create intrigue, challenge, and fun, by removing distance as the main component and emphasizing the importance of accuracy and greenside creativity. On several holes the surrounds give you options via playing along a contour that will feed the ball towards a hole location, and conversely, several where the intelligent strategy is to simply play away from a certain hole location. In some cases, firing at the flag may be too enticing to pass up, but just know, it’s likely to be “fools gold.”

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Finding bucket-list golf value in Northwest Ireland

Similar to the boom that the Southwest of Ireland saw about 20 years ago when courses like Ballybunion, Portmarnock, Tralee, Lahinch, Waterville, and Dooks Golf Club started to make their way onto more golfer’s itineraries, Northwest Ireland is quickly becoming the new “go-to” region for a golf trip as you can find equally great experiences all while stretching your dollar quite a bit further. The Travel Caddie has some incredible tracks that you’ll want to put on your bucket-list trip.

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Outstanding short golf courses in Michigan

As the marquee resorts in Michigan continue to find ways to focus on making golf vacations more enjoyable for their guests, one trend that we have seen is the emergence of the short course and we’ve highlighted a few of our favorite additions in this category throughout the state. The Travel Caddie has a few that are must-plays on your trip.

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The best golf resorts on the Gulf Coast

The Travel Caddie has put together a top 10 Gulf Coast resorts with golf courses (arranged from southeast to west). They cover just about every budget, with the majority of them coming on the shorelines of western Florida from Naples up to the Panhandle’s Emerald Coast.

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Golf nirvana at Argentario Golf & Wellness Resort in Tuscany

When it comes to finding the perfect home base for your Italian golf adventure, you need look no further than Argentario Golf & Wellness Resort, Autograph Collection. Located on an incredible piece of land that resides between the beaches of the Mediterranean Sea and the rolling hills of Tuscany about a 90-minute drive to the northeast of the Leonardo da Vinci International Airport in Rome, this resort offers a stunning setting for your next golf vacation. The Travel Caddie with more details ….

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Must-play golf courses in Colorado Springs

One of our favorite spots for a golf trip in Colorado is the often-overlooked area of Colorado Springs. The second largest city in the state is known for Pikes Peak, the highest summit of the southern Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, and for being the home of both the United States Air Force Academy and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Centers. The Travel Caddie insists that it should also be known for its stellar golf courses.

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Forest Dunes: Northern Michigan destination set to get bigger and better

Forest Dunes is adding a twist to one of the premiere golf destinations in Northern Michigan, a new course designed by Gil Hanse that is a private membership club but offers limited access to resort guests.  When the new course – named SkyFall – makes its anticipated debut in 2027, its members will be paid out each year a portion of the revenue generated by limited public play that’s allowed. It’s a unique approach in the world of destination golf, and especially so in a state renowned for having the most public golf courses in the nation.

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Five must-play golf courses in Northwest United States

There’s a level of beauty in the Northwestern U.S. that must be experienced to truly understand.  While the snowy winters might not be conducive to the world of golf travel, the flip side of that equation is that the late Spring, Summer, and early Fall windows here can be spectacular with more mild temperatures than you will find in the Southern part of the country amidst lush playing conditions.

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Golfing on the Florida ocean at Hammock Beach Golf Resort

Florida is almost completely surrounded by water, but you can count the number of public courses with true ocean views on one hand. One of the few and perhaps the best can be found at Hammock Beach Golf Resort, north of Daytona and south of St. Augustine on the Palm Coast of Florida. The Travel Caddie with more details.

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How Coastal Alabama delivers for your next golf getaway

It’s not very often that we get to go to a place that surprises us, but that’s exactly what happened during our trip to the Gulf Shores-Orange Beach Alabama. Located on the “Florabama” border where the panhandle of Florida meets the Alabama state line, this coastal treasure was a welcomed find during a recent visit to the area.

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Hanse will renovate Pebble Beach’s Links at Spanish Bay

The official announcement went out on January 13, 2025 when Pebble beach disclosed the timeline for the highly-anticipated renovation of The Links at Spanish Bay. The course is scheduled to close on March 18, 2026 and will reopen in the Spring of 2027. The Travel Caddie with more details.

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Much more than golf at Nemacolin in Pennsylvania

The golf at Nemacolin resort south of Pittsburgh near Farmington, Pa., is exceptional. It’s 36 gorgeous holes designed by Pete Dye and Tim Liddy. There was even a tour event there on the original Mystic Rock Course, which still stands out as a great test with impeccable conditioning, beautiful holes marked by ancient boulders, spectacular water features, and a great finishing stretch. The Travel Caddie with more details.

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8 reasons why Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort stands out

With rates and demand climbing, we are constantly on the search for destinations that can deliver a great experience all while providing the ultimate amount of value. One such destination that fits these criteria perfectly is Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. The Travel Caddie has the inside scoop on this incredible getaway.

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Taking an aerial tour of Erin Hills

Located in Hartford, Wisconsin about 45 minutes northwest of Milwaukee, Erin Hills is a treasure that any golfer is sure to love. The Travel Caddie was given the opportunity to capture exclusive drone footage of the course.

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The Holiday 2024 Golfer Gift Guide

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.

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Golf Packages We Love: December 2024

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.

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Rumbling Bald on Lake Lure reopens

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.

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Why Sand Valley went outside-the-box with new course

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 . . .

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