Top Spots for Warm-Weather Golf

For many golfers, winter is a hateful season—one where the clubs are stowed away and the game is reduced to watching other people do battle with par on television. But it doesn’t have to be that way. There’s a whole world of warm-weather destinations eager to welcome any northerner whose golf itch needs scratching. If you’re only going to get in one winter golf break, though, you should do it right. Splurge. Book a trip to a place with stellar golf, great food, accommodations that coddle you in luxury, and maybe even an indulgent spa or other amenity that’ll make shoveling snow a distant memory.

When you’re ready to trade frozen climes for frozen daiquiris, here are some top winter golf resorts that check all the boxes beautifully.

 

CALIFORNIA

The Resort at Pelican HillNewport Beach

Perched on 500 acres of coastal headland just south of Los Angeles, Pelican Hill is a sanctuary of seclusion with a distinctly Italianesque flavor. The residential-style bungalows and villas are casually elegant. The coastal views you’ll enjoy from your Coliseum Cabana at poolside will make memories of winter melt away. And the resort’s two Tom Fazio-designed golf courses are as different as Rome and Venice—though the Pacific Ocean’s your constant companion as you play both. On the North course, it’s in view on every tee, from the sweeping, par-five opening hole to the devilish, dogleg-right finisher. There are canyons, plateaus, enough sand to build a new beach, and greens that confound and delight. The South Course is a landscape of sage and eucalyptus trees with some of its tees and greens perched right at the ocean’s edge. Its par-three 13th hole features two separate greens, each well-guarded by sand. Make sure you pick the right club for the hole location du jour.

pelican hill
Pelican Hill (photo courtesy Pelican Hill)

 

Omni La Costa Resort & SpaCarlsbad

La Costa has welcomed celebrities and wellness-seekers to its San Diego-area, Spanish Mission-style paradise for decades. Now it’s your turn. La Costa completed a multi-million-dollar renovation in the spring of 2024, and what was dazzling yesterday is even more so today. Check into your luxury room, suite, or villa. Relax poolside at one of its eight themed pools. Spend a day at the reimagined spa, a 43,000-square-foot world of rejuvenation. Or just go all-in on golf at its two 18-hole courses. The famed North (Champions) course underwent stem-to-stern renovations at the hands of Gil Hanse and company in preparation for hosting three NCAA Division I Men’s and Women’s Championships beginning last May. Today’s Champions course offers new risk-reward opportunities in its valley setting, along with enough challenge to test the world’s best—just as it has during the many PGA Tour events held at La Costa since the 1960s. Holes 10-18 of the resort’s South (Legends) course were also used during those Tour events, making it a solid option for bonus rounds.

omni la costa
Omni La Costa Resort & Spa

 

FLORIDA

Streamsong ResortBowling Green

Forget what you might imagine Central Florida to look like. The landscape at Streamsong features sand dunes and contours of the kind you’d expect to find in Scotland or Ireland—landscape that its course designers used to splendid effect. Tom Doak’s Streamsong Blue winds through stands of native grasses, with ponds, bunkers, and large dunes to avoid—plus more elevation change than you’d expect to see on a Florida course. Coore & Crenshaw’s Streamsong Red offers more of the same, but with a unique flavor and stretches of open savannah. Streamsong Black by Gil Hanse makes strategic use of the sand ridges on its site, too, and is reminiscent of Australian Sand Belt courses. But wait—there’s more. “The Chain” is a 19-hole short course of two loops with holes ranging from 109-293 yards. “The Bucket” is Streamsong’s 2.5-acre putting course just steps from the Lodge—the second of two at the resort. And Streamsong is a resort. You can stay in its modern guestrooms and suites, chill by the pool, visit the spa, do some bass fishing, and dine like a king without ever leaving the property.

the chain
The Chain at Streamsong, 6th hole (photo by Matt Hahn)

 

Cabot Citrus FarmsBrooksville

When Cabot took over World Woods in central-west Florida, the golf world expected a lot—and we weren’t disappointed. Cabot transformed the 1,200-acre property into a golfer’s heaven, with two- and four-bedroom country cottages that serve as the perfect home base for your exploration of its ruggedly beautiful golf offerings, which include two completely reimagined 18-hole courses, a 9-plus-a-bonus-hole course, an 11-hole par-three course, a 2-acre putting course, and a massive double-ended practice range. Kyle Franz’s Karoo is a rugged, 7,500-plus-yard track with wide fairways, hairy-lipped bunkers, lots of movement to the ground, and broad greens. The resort’s second course, Roost, was designed by a collective brain trust that included Mike Nuzzo, Franz, Ran Morrissett, and Rod Whitman. Its 7,200 visually striking yards wander through sandy scrub, moss-draped oaks, and rolling meadows, with 18 greens and green sites that are as different from one another as cleeks from Big Berthas. The 9-hole course (10 including the bonus hole at the 6th), The Squeeze, is the talented Nuzzo turned loose. He took inspiration from the world’s best short par fours and fives to create holes that range from 115 to 559 yards; every one of them will delight, if not at times confound. Finally, there’s resort’s 11-hole par-three course called The Wedge, which is lighted for night play. Your day of exhilarating golf never has to end at Cabot Citrus Farms.

roost warm weather golf
Roost at Cabot Citrus Farms (photo by Patrick Koenig)

 

HAWAII

Kapalua ResortMaui

Surrounded by the West Maui rainforest and two marine sanctuaries, Kapalua is an eco-minded resort that offers a choice of accommodation options, from luxury villas to equally luxurious rooms and suites at the Ritz-Carlton and Montage hotels. The beaches and hiking trails provide wonderful introductions to the natural side of Maui, and the resort’s two golf courses rank highly with Hawaiian golf aficionados. The most well-known of them is the Plantation course, site of the PGA Tour’s The Sentry event each January featuring an elite field of the previous year’s Tour event winners. Designed by Coore & Crenshaw, the 7,596-yard layout offers dramatic elevation changes, great views, but most importantly, engaging golf from start to finish. And what a finish it is—a steeply downhill par five that begs to be reached in two. The resort’s Bay course is not as famous, but it has hosted its share of pro events, too. It’s 16th and 17th holes come within steps of the ocean; both are Instagram moments waiting to happen.

kapalua 18
Plantation Course at Kapalua (photo by Dave Sansom Photography)

 

MEXICO

DiamanteCabo San Lucas

Few places on the planet have expanded their golf offerings faster than the Los Cabos area of Mexico’s Baja California. One of your best bets there is Diamante; part resort and part luxury, private club community, it features the very best of everything—including its golf. The Davis Love III-designed Dunes course has long been heralded as one of Cabo’s strongest tracks. Tiger Woods did the honors on the second course, El Cardonal, as well as at The Oasis, a TGR Design 12-hole par-3 course. There’s a zany putting course, too—and another TGR course is in the works, the Legacy Club. Diamante is known for its comfort stations, where cold beverages and gourmet bites like fish tacos make stopping a requirement.

diamante
El Cardonal at Diamante

 

Punta MitaBahia de Banderas, Nayarit

Punta Mita, located on its own tropical peninsula on Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit just north of Puerto Vallarta, is a world apart—one where fiery sunsets and Pacific Ocean breezes grace every day spent enjoying its activities in the sun. Whether you choose to rent a villa or stay in the stellar St. Regis or Four Seasons hotels there, you’ll have a seaside playground at your doorstep, with options for sportfishing, kayaking, paddle boarding, windsurfing, sailing, kitesurfing, and more. The two Jack Nicklaus golf courses have 12 oceanfront holes between them. The Pacifico course features 19 holes; after the par-three 3rd (Hole 3A), you get to play a bonus hole (3B) called “Tail of the Whale.” It’s 180 yards over rocky shoreline and water to a green perched on its own small peninsula. Both courses are exhilarating, with dramatic greens and views to write home about.

ocean
Punta Mita

 

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Casa de Campo Resort & VillasLa Romana

It’s almost an insult to call Casa de Campo a resort. It’s its own world, one that has not only some of the best golf in the world, but 7,000 acres of just about everything else a vacationer could want in one dazzling setting. Its new Premier Club suites are but one of your many luxury accommodations options, including standalone villas. Its new spa would be right at home in any of the best hotels in the world. Then there are the equestrian pursuits like trail riding, plus racquet sports, beaches, sportfishing from the marina, shooting sports, and a dozen different dining outlets. Believe it or not, some people don’t even play golf during their visits to Casa de Campo—but they’re missing out. The Teeth of the Dog course is a perennial contender for best course in all the Caribbean, with seven holes that run right along the azure-blue waters of the sea. The Dye Fore course, comprised of three nines, is in every way its equal, though the views are of a deep river valley rather than the sea. And the Links course may be the toughest to score on of them all, thanks to some of the most challenging greens and green sites you’re ever likely to encounter. No bucket list is complete unless it includes a visit to Casa de Campo.

casa
Casa de Campo Resort & Villas

 

PUERTO RICO

El Conquistador ResortFajardo

“El Con” is a large resort with an intimate feel. You’ll have your choice of over 700 rooms, many with stunning views of the Caribbean, and an almost equal number of things to do. Located east of San Juan on Puerto Rico’s north shore, it’s just a stone’s throw from the El Yunque Rainforest, an exotic spot for hiking. This resort is popular with families, owing to its on-site Coqui Water Park and private Palomino Island, a 100-acre beach getaway that’s a short shuttle boat ride from the main resort. It’s also a paradise for golfers. The resort’s Arthur Hills golf course is one of the Caribbean’s most dramatic. Fittingly, it’s extremely hilly, with nary a flat lie anywhere and a mix of holes that challenge you to hit a variety of solid shots all day long. It’s an 18-hole thrill ride, where every hole starts with an “Oh, wow…” moment. And just wait ‘til you see the panoramic view from the 15th tee.

warm weather golf resorts
El Conquistador Resort

 

BARBADOS

Apes HillSaint James

The entry drive at Apes Hill takes you up to a luxury resort situated at 1,000 feet above sea level. From there, the Atlantic and Caribbean are both in view. Apes Hill has gone from strength to strength over the past several years. Its villas are stylishly modern and equipped with everything one could want. The food and beverage opportunities and offerings are many, including the option for a private chef. And all of Barbados, with its pristine beaches and lively restaurants, clubs, and “rum shop” open-air bars are just a short ride away. For golfers, the real star is the Ron Kirby-designed golf course. It presents one thrilling hole after another, with extreme elevation changes on some holes, and views of the jungle, ocean, and sea that are unforgettable. Don’t surprised to see a troop of monkeys while you’re playing—and don’t forget to play the island green 19th hole before heading to the 20th for a post-round beverage. There’s also a terrific 9-hole short course, “Little Apes,” along with one of the Caribbean’s best practice and golf learning facilities.

apes hill
Apes Hill (photo by James Hogg)

 

NICARAGUA

Mukul ResortGuacalito de la Isla

For something a bit more exotic, how about Nicaragua’s Emerald Coast, where the azure-blue waters of the Pacific Ocean meet the white sands of the Playa Manzanillo beach? Mukul means “secret” in the Mayan Tzotil language, but this conservation-focused resort and community isn’t a secret anymore. The small number of rooms and villas offer the ultimate in privacy and luxury. The creative Nicaraguan cuisine served at the Tres Ceibas Beach Club, beachfront La Terraza, and upscale Mesa dining room includes fresh seafood from neighboring village fishermen. The spa has been called the best in the world. You can even learn how to surf in the formidable waves at Manzanillo Point. Mukul’s David McLay Kidd-designed course begins deep in the tropical jungle and finishes with no fewer than 10 holes along the ocean. Along the way, you’ll encounter arroyos that need to be carried, exotic trees of every kind, strategically placed bunkers, and greens—like the Biarritz green at the 15th hole—that end each hole with a bang. The course itself finishes with a bang, too, as the “island” green of the par-three 18th sits right on the beach.

warm golf
Mukul Resort

 

CANARY ISLANDS

The Ritz-Carlton AbamaTenerife

The island of Tenerife is much closer to western Africa than it is to Spain, the country that governs it. So the island offers a wonderful mix of influences, from Spanish to African to Guanches, the ancient indigenous people of Tenerife. The entire island feels like a playground revolving around the Mount Teide volcano, the island’s highest point and its best scenic overlook. Along the shore, dozens of restaurants and night clubs—some set right on the sand—entertain guests late into the night. The distinctive red stone Moorish design of the Ritz-Carlton Abama’s main hotel is striking—as are its beach and collection of pools. The Abama golf course isn’t formally affiliated with the hotel, but it’s just a two-minute drive from your room, suite, or villa. One of six solid golf options on the island, Abama traipses up and down the west face of Teide, so elevation changes are a constant. A Dave Thomas design with waterfalls, 22 lakes, white-sand bunkers, and over 20,000 palm trees, it’s not a course for the timid. The split-fairway 13th hole and downhill par-five 10th with its view of Gomera Island are just two of the course’s many memorable holes.

ritz abama
The Ritz-Carlton Abama
Subscribe
Notify of

1 Comment
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
James Rydzel
16 days ago

Teeth of the Dog is closed for renovation until roughly Thanksgiving, 2025.

1
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x