St. Andrews & Gleneagles, Scotland (UK)
For the true golf purist, Scotland is unbeatable. St. Andrews, home of the Old Course, has no equal. Add Gleneagles—host of the 2014 Ryder Cup—and you have a journey through legends.
Highlights
- St. Andrews Old Course, Jubilee Course, boutique stays like the Old Course Hotel
- Gleneagles’ trio: King’s, Queen’s, Nicklaus’ PGA Centenary Course
- Pubs, castles, natural beauty
Cape Kidnappers, New Zealand
Perched on cliffs overlooking Hawke’s Bay, Tom Doak’s Cape Kidnappers course is visually stunning and upgraded for 2025.
Highlights
- Cliff-top tees with Pacific views
- Luxury “treehouse suites,” wellness spa, wine estate experiences
- Helicopter access, world-class dining, wildlife excursions
Abama Golf & Yas Links, Abu Dhabi (UAE)
For desert-luxe golf, Abu Dhabi has Yas Links and Abama Golf. Both feature modern design, immaculate conditioning, and resort-level service in the desert.
Highlights
- Yas Links: seaside, Pete Dye-inspired layout
- Saadiyat: coastal Gary Player design
- Five-star hotels, Greek-spa, local flavors
Belek, Turkey & Algarve, Portugal (Europe)
Europe’s golf hubs are hot this summer. Belek, just outside Antalya, has links-style seaside courses and Mediterranean culture. Algarve, Portugal has resorts like Vale do Lobo and Ombria that blend world-class courses with coastal charm.
Highlights
- Belek: Lykia and Cullinan Links, ancient ruins, warm Turkish hospitality
- Algarve: Royal Course, Ocean Course trails, seafood-rich dining, sun-drenched fairways
Trip Tips & Planning Insights
- Climate & Timing:
- U.S. summer months (June–August) can be hot in the South and Midwest—early tee times are best.
- Cooler mountain and seaside courses (Bandon, Pinehurst, Scotland) are more moderate.
- Booking & Packages:
- Look for stay-and-play packages with unlimited rounds, spa credits and pro clinics.
- Floaters like Coeur d’Alene and Cape Kidnappers include transport and wellness options.
- Beyond the Greens:
- Most resorts offer non-golf activities—spa days, cultural tours, beach outings and wine tastings are common.
- Traveling partners can enjoy lodge amenities: tennis, archaeology, local cuisine or just relaxing in luxury.
- Club Travel Logistics:
- For far-flung destinations, consider luggage shipping services to avoid airline fees and hassle.
- Challenge Spectrum:
- Mix and match: pair scratch-level courses like Ocean at Kiawah or Cape Kidnappers with more forgiving layouts like Sand Valley or Sandbox.
Whether you’re thinking desert greens in Abu Dhabi, seaside in Scotland or New Zealand, or historically rich fairways in North Carolina and Oregon, this summer’s golf travel destinations have it all. Each has its own design, luxury and location—something for every type of golfer and traveler. Start planning by picking your dream region and look for all-inclusive packages that combine golf, relaxation and culture. It’s time to tee off into your perfect summer adventure—where the views (on and off the course) will be worth every swing.