Best United States Golfing Destinations on a Budget
Some golf trips revolve around crossing off bucket list courses, others are designed with one thought in mind: "Play the best golf possible at the most affordable cost."
There's nothing better than a golf trip with your best friends! And while some trips revolve around crossing off bucket list courses, others are designed with one thought in mind: "Play the best golf possible at the most affordable cost." Here are some of the best golf destinations in the United States for groups on a tight budget.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Stringing 60 miles along the coast of South Carolina, Myrtle Beach earned the moniker "Golf Capital of the World" thanks to abundance of quality and unique golf courses. With over 80 golf courses within a 60-mile radius, this vibrant beach town boasts a variety of tracks to fit all levels of golfers. Three-day, four round packages at top-tier courses start for as low as $450/person. For golfers on the East Coast, Myrtle Beach is as good as it gets in terms of value golf trips!
Robert Trent Jones Trail, Alabama
For groups that are comfortable with doing a little driving, the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail presents an opportunity to play a variety of first-class golf courses at an extremely reasonable cost. Capitol Hill in Prattville contains three different 18-hole courses and ranks as a Top-5 Public Golf facility in the United States. 70 miles east in Auburn sits Grand National, which boasts two championship-caliber courses (The Lakes and The Links) as well as a stunning 18-hole Par 3 course.
In total, the RTJ Golf Trail comprises of 12 sites, totaling 486 holes of golf across more than 100 miles. While fitting them all in may not be doable on one trip, options are plentiful to play some world class golf!
Turning Stone Resort, Verona, New York
Part of what makes a golf destination desirable is convenience, and Turning Stone Resort - located in Upstate New York - provides that in droves! With three Championship golf courses in addition to a Par 3 course, each located within minutes of the Turning Stone Casino, Turning Stone is a slept-on destination in the Northeast.
Atunyote Golf Club, which once played host to a yearly PGA TOUR event from 2007-2010, is the keystone course at Turning Stone, ranked by GolfWeek as a Top-10 casino golf course in the United States. Shenendoah and Kaluhyat also rank as Top 100 course in the United States and offer three drastically different styles of golf.
With Turning Stone's Champion Package, golfers can book a two-night stay and a round of golf at each golf course for as little as $650. The package also includes unlimited play at Pleasant Knolls - the resort's 9-hole short course - and $30 replays at both Shenendoah and Kaluhyat.
Spokane, Washington
While it may not be top of mind for golf enthusiasts searching for a west coast travel destination, the small town of Spokane provides some of the best and affordable public golf opportunities in the country.
Indian Canyon Golf Course anchors the four municipal courses in the city of Spokane, consistently ranking as one of the best "munis" in the United States. With six other public courses in the surrounding county of Spokane, this is a great option for groups looking for affordable golf while mixing in some "outdoors" adventures!
San Antonio, Texas
To round out our list, we head to the Alamo City and a place deeply rooted in golf history. With more than a dozen top-tier public courses within a 20-mile radius, San Antonio can make an argument for the most underrated golf destination in the Southwest.
Be sure to check out Brackenridge Park on the northern end of town which is celebrating it's 100th year of business in 2024 and stands as the oldest municipal golf course in Texas. The Quarry and La Cantera Golf Club are also top-rated tracks that offer Stay & Play packages.
