Cold temperatures, chilly wind, and frost delays can take the fun out of winter golf. You don’t want to take a 3-month break from the game you love, but enjoying yourself in December, January, and February can be tough.
We have a thought - instead of fighting the chilly conditions where you live, you should take a trip to a winter golf destination. We can help you escape the cold and find your game! Check out our list of the 11 best winter golf destinations and plan your trip today.
11 Best Winter Golf Destinations
1. Palm Beach, Florida
What To Expect
Palm Beach, Florida is the home of PGA National and hosts a PGA Tour event each year in the Spring (late February or early March). When you visit this area you can expect palm trees, sand, and flat golf courses. Be prepared for windy conditions and watch out for the gators!
Average Daily Temperature
December: High 76, Low 63
January: High 74, Low 60
February: High 76, Low 61
Golf Courses in Palm Beach, Florida
- PGA National (Champion, Fazio, Squire, Palmer)
- Jupiter Hills
- The Bear’s Club
- Osprey Point Golf Course
- Abacoa Golf Club
- Ocean Course at The Breakers
- Old Palm Golf Club
2. San Diego, California
What To Expect
The PGA Tour hosts an event each year at Torrey Pines in January. Be prepared for cool temperatures in the morning and the potential for a fog delay - the “marine layer” as it is often called, can push your tee time back a bit until the sun can break through.
Average Daily Temperature
December: High 65, Low 49
January: High 65, Low 48
February: High 76, Low 65
Golf Courses in San Diego, California
- Torrey Pines Golf Course
- La Costa Resort
- Maderas Golf Club
- Aviara Golf Club
- Barona Creek Golf Club
- Coronado Golf Course
3. Tucson, Arizona
What To Expect
The PGA Tour and the Champions Tour have visited Tucson, Arizona over the years and currently, the Champions Tour plays an event in the Santa Catalina Mountains in March. Tucson is the 2nd largest city in Arizona and you can expect to encounter desert golf with breathtaking views.
Average Daily Temperature
December: High 65, Low 45
January: High 65, Low 42
February: High 70, Low 44
Golf Courses in Tucson, Arizona
- Omni Tucson National - Catalina Course
- Sewailo Golf Club
- Arizona National Golf Club
- The Highlands at Dove Mountain
- Omni Tucson National - Sonoran Course
- La Paloma
- The Gallery - North Course
4. Pinehurst, North Carolina
What To Expect
Pinehurst, North Carolina is a year-round golf destination that every golfer must experience. It is a colder climate than other options on your list, so make sure you pack some warm clothes. You will be treated to pine tree-lined golf courses and smooth greens. Pinehurst #2 is considered a USGA anchor site and will be hosting the US Open in 2024!
Average Daily Temperature
December: High 55, Low 35
January: High 52, Low 34
February: High 55, Low 35
Golf Courses in Pinehurst, North Carolina
- Pinehurst Resort has 9 courses, but #4, #2, and #8 are the cream of the crop
- Pine Needles
- Mid Pines
- Talamore
- Tobacco Road
- Dormie Club
5. Miami, Florida
What To Expect
Miami will deliver warmer temperatures and has plenty of options if you are looking for nightlife and culture. You do need to be careful that you don’t stay out too late on South Beach before an early morning tee time!
Average Daily Temperature
December: High 78, Low 63
January: High 76, Low 60
February: High 78, Low 62
Golf Courses in Miami, Florida
- Biltmore Hotel Coral Gables Golf Course
- Turnberry Isle
- Miami Shores Country Club
- La Gorce
- Crandon Golf at Key Biscayne
- Miami Beach Golf Course
6. Scottsdale, Arizona
What To Expect
Scottsdale, Arizona is the home of the Waste Management event on the PGA Tour. It features the stadium hole and is considered the biggest party on the tour. The 16th hole looks much different without the grandstands. When you travel to this area you will experience true dessert golf and be careful looking for your ball. Plenty of snakes and cacti!
Average Daily Temperature
December: High 65, Low 42
January: High 66, Low 43
February: High 69, Low 46
Golf Courses in Scottsdale, Arizona
- TPC Scottsdale (home of the Waste Management)
- Greyhawk Golf Club
- We-Ko-Pa Golf Club
- Quintero
- Boulders Resort & Spa
- Talking Stick
- Troon North
7. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
What To Expect
Punta Cana is a great winter golf destination if you are looking for some beach time between rounds. Warm temperatures, white sand beaches, and crystal clear water will give you a trip you will remember for years. In recent years, the PGA Tour has hosted a tournament in Punta Cana, so you can try out your skills where the pros play.
Average Daily Temperature
December: High 83, Low 74
January: High 82, Low 72
February: High 83, Low 72
Golf Courses in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
- Punta Espada Golf Course
- Hard Rock Golf Club
- Iberostar Bávaro Golf Club
- La Cana Golf Course
- Barcelo Lakes Golf Course
- Cocotal Golf & Country Club
8. Orlando, Florida
What To Expect
Play golf in the morning and visit Disney World in the afternoon. This may or may not be the experience you are looking for, but it is an option if you choose Orlando for your winter golf destination.
Average Daily Temperature
December: High 72, Low 54
January: High 71, Low 50
February: High 73, Low 53
Golf Courses in Orlando, Florida
- Bay Hill
- Southern Dunes Golf & Country Club
- Shingle Creek Golf Club
- Grand Cypress Golf Club (Links)
- Reunion Resort & Club (Nicklaus Course)
- Tranquilo Golf Club at Four Seasons Resort Orlando
9. Palm Springs, California
What To Expect
Desert resort amenities include golf courses, luxurious spas, and desert-inspired gardens - sounds pretty good for a winter golf destination! You will be amazed by the beautiful scenery as you enjoy warm temperatures.
Average Daily Temperature
December: High 70, Low 44
January: High 71, Low 45
February: High 75, Low 48
Golf Courses in Palm Springs, California
- PGA West
- Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa
- Indian Wells Golf Resort
- Classic Club
- The Golf Club at Terra Lago
- Indian Canyons Golf Resort
10. Phoenix, Arizona
What To Expect
You are traveling to the desert, so you need to be prepared for that climate. The good news is that you taking a winter golf trip, so you shouldn’t have to worry about 100+ degree temperatures. Phoenix and Scottsdale (#6) aren’t too far apart, so you can pick your golf courses from both lists!
Average Daily Temperature
December: High 69, Low 44
January: High 75, Low 45
February: High 74, Low 48
Golf Courses in Phoenix, Arizona
- Ak-Chin Southern Dunes
- Wickenburg Ranch (Big Wick)
- We-Ko-Pa (Saguaro)
- Eagle Mountain Golf Club
- Papago Golf Course
11. Playa del Carmen, Mexico
What To Expect
The beaches, the water, the amenities, and the nightlife are just a few of the things that make Playa del Carmen a top Mexican Caribbean winter golf destination. You will find plenty of quirky shops and cool culture during your trip.
Average Daily Temperature
December: High 82, Low 65
January: High 81, Low 65
February: High 82, Low 65
Golf Courses in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico
- Vidanta Riviera Maya
- Gran Coyote Golf
- El Camaleón Mayakoba
- Puerto Aventuras Golf Course
- PGA Riviera Maya
Pro Tips For a Memorable Winter Golf Trip
Plan Your Winter Golf Getaway In Advance
It can be fun to “fly by the seat of your pants” and be spontaneous, but when it comes to winter golf trips, we recommend you plan several weeks before your trip.
You want to stay in a nice place and get prime tee times on the best courses in the area. To achieve this result, you need to be making reservations well before you jump in the car or head to the airport.
Organize Your Packing List Of Winter Golf Essentials
Even in warmer climates, winter weather can be unpredictable. You need to be prepared for a cold spell or windy conditions. Or, even warmer weather than expected.
To put it another way, you should pack efficiently, but give yourself options. Bring an umbrella and a windbreaker. Don’t forget to add your rain hood to your bag. It is better to pack something you don’t use than to need something you didn’t pack!
Keep It Simple - Travel With a Lightweight Golf Bag
What’s the worst part of your golf getaway? It can be getting your golf clubs to your final destination. An easy solution is to use a lightweight golf bag. Check out the El Camino by Sunday Golf. It is easy to carry on the course and through the airport. Combine the El Camino with the Mule travel bag and eliminate all stress from your golf travel.
Do you love this idea, want even a simpler solution? The Loma XL can provide an even more relaxing trip - bring 8 clubs and enjoy your golf weekend. Make great memories on the course, not bad ones in the terminal.
Stay Warm And Comfortable
Yes, we know you are planning to find warm weather, but we don’t want your trip to be ruined because you are uncomfortable on the golf course. The key to winter golf (even in warm climates) is layers.
The temperature can change by 25+ degrees from the time you are on the driving range to the back 9. Dress in layers and you will always have options.
Don’t Put Your Clubs On Ice - Take A Winter Golf Trip
All golfers have the same problem. They don’t want to get rusty during the winter, but playing in cold weather gets old quickly. If only there was a way to enjoy the game you love without the freezing temperatures.
We have the answer! Plan your winter golf trip today and you might even come home with a tan!
