Planning Your First Golf Trip: A Weekend Getaway Guide for Golfers

A golf trip is the ultimate way to combine your love of the game with travel. Here's everything you need to plan an unforgettable weekend golf getaway.

By Marcus Bell, PGA Teaching Professional 2026-05-21

There's a reason golfers talk about their trips for years after they happen. A golf trip combines everything great about the game — new courses, competitive rounds, quality time with friends — and packs it into an unforgettable weekend. If you've never taken a dedicated golf trip, this is the year to change that.

Choosing Your Destination

The best golf trip destination depends on your group's priorities, budget, and how far you're willing to travel:

Budget-Friendly Options

• Myrtle Beach, SC — The golf trip capital of the East Coast. Over 80 courses, affordable packages, and a well-developed infrastructure for golf groups.
• Mesquite, NV — An hour north of Las Vegas with stunning desert courses at a fraction of Vegas prices.
• Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, AL — Championship courses at some of the lowest greens fees in the country. One of golf's best-kept secrets.

Premium Destinations

• Bandon Dunes, OR — True links golf on the Oregon coast. Worth every penny and every mile of travel.
• Pinehurst, NC — Home of the legendary No. 2 course. Golf history comes alive here.
• Scottsdale, AZ — Desert golf at its finest. The courses are stunning and the weather is nearly perfect from October through April.

How to Plan the Perfect Trip

Group Size

Four is the sweet spot — it fills a tee time perfectly and keeps logistics manageable. Eight works well for two foursomes with some mixing and matching. Beyond 12 gets unwieldy for booking tee times and coordinating schedules.

Length

A long weekend (Thursday through Sunday) is ideal for most groups. That gives you 3-4 rounds of golf, some downtime, and a dinner or two out. Any longer and fatigue sets in — 36 holes a day sounds great in theory but destroys most recreational golfers by day three.

Budget

Set a clear budget before you start planning. A typical weekend golf trip costs $500-1,500 per person depending on destination, course quality, and accommodation level. Share an Airbnb or vacation rental instead of individual hotel rooms — it saves money and creates a better social atmosphere.

Booking Tips

• Book tee times 2-3 months ahead — Popular courses fill up fast, especially in peak season.
• Look for stay-and-play packages — Many resorts bundle lodging and golf at significant discounts.
• Ask about group rates — Courses often offer per-player discounts for groups of 8 or more.
• Consider shoulder season — Playing in early May or late October gives you lower prices and less crowded courses.

Making the Rounds Competitive

The best golf trips have some structure to the competition. Here are formats that work well for groups:

• Modified Stableford — Points-based scoring that rewards birdies without punishing blow-up holes. Keeps everyone engaged.
• Best ball / Scramble — Team formats that keep the pressure fun and the pace moving.
• Skins game — Each hole is worth a "skin." Ties carry over. Creates drama on every hole.
• Trip-long leaderboard — Track net scores across all rounds and crown an overall champion.

FAQ: Golf Trip Planning

How far in advance should I plan?

Start planning 3-4 months ahead. Book lodging and marquee tee times immediately. Fill in secondary rounds closer to the date.

Should we hire caddies?

If the course offers them and your budget allows it, absolutely. A caddie who knows the course will save you strokes, improve your pace, and make the experience memorable.

What to Pack for a Golf Trip

Packing for a golf trip deserves more thought than stuffing clubs in the car. Here's what experienced golf travelers never leave behind:

• Rain gear — Even in sunny destinations, weather can change. A lightweight rain jacket and waterproof hat take up minimal space and save rounds from being ruined.
• Extra gloves — Bring at least 3-4 gloves. In humid conditions, gloves get soaked with sweat by the back nine. Rotating between a fresh glove every 9 holes makes a real difference in grip confidence.
• Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF — Multiple rounds in consecutive days means cumulative sun exposure. Protect yourself proactively.
• Recovery supplies — Ibuprofen, muscle cream, and a foam roller help your body handle 36-54 holes in a weekend. Your 50-year-old back will thank you on day three.
• A travel bag or hard case — If flying, invest in a quality hard-case travel bag to protect your clubs. Airline handlers are not gentle. If driving, a simple soft travel bag prevents trunk damage.

Plan your wardrobe around the dress codes of the courses you're visiting. Some resort courses allow casual wear; others require collared shirts and proper golf shoes. Check in advance rather than scrambling at the pro shop for an overpriced polo.

Track Your Trip on Flighting

Every round you play on your trip contributes to your Flighting leaderboard standings and milestone progress. New courses count toward your course variety milestones, and verified scores keep your handicap accurate. Sign up before your trip and make every round count.

Join Flighting to track your rounds and unlock rewards.