Golf holidays are wonderful for golfers, but what about the partner, family members or friends who don't play? With some planning, a golf trip can be a great holiday for everyone. The secret is choosing the right destination, balancing time on and off the course, and finding shared experiences everyone enjoys.
Choosing a destination
Look for destinations that combine good golf with:
- Beaches: the Algarve, Florida, the Caribbean, Hawaii, Mauritius. Read golf in Florida and golf in Mauritius and the Indian Ocean.
- Culture and cities: Marrakech, Rome, Barcelona, Charleston. Read golf in Morocco and golf in Italy.
- Food and wine: Tuscany, Napa, Bordeaux, the Okanagan. Read golf in California and golf in France.
- Nature and adventure: Queenstown, the Rockies, Wales. Read golf in New Zealand and golf in Canada.
Choosing where to stay
- Golf resorts with spas, pools and beaches let everyone enjoy the same base. Read how to choose a golf resort.
- Town-centre hotels give non-golfers easy access to shops, restaurants and sights.
- Self-catering villas suit families and groups.
Balancing the schedule
| Time | Golfers | Non-golfers | Together |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | Round of golf | Spa, beach, sightseeing, exercise | |
| Afternoon | Lunch, excursions, pool | ||
| Evening | Dinner, events, sunset |
- Early tee times leave the afternoon free for shared activities.
- Rest days without golf give everyone time together.
- Twilight golf is another option. Read twilight golf.
Activities for non-golfers
- Spa days, yoga and fitness classes.
- Beaches, swimming, snorkelling and boat trips.
- Cultural tours, museums and markets.
- Cooking classes, wine tastings and food tours.
- Hiking, cycling and nature excursions.
Getting non-golfers involved
- A beginner's lesson with the resort professional. Read golf lessons: choosing an instructor.
- Ride along in a cart for a few holes, enjoying the scenery.
- Short courses and putting greens for a relaxed introduction. Read par-3 and short courses.
- Golf entertainment venues for a fun evening. Read golf entertainment venues.
- No pressure: let them decide.
Tips for golfers
- Agree the number of rounds before the trip.
- Share the planning so everyone gets activities they love.
- Be on time back from the course.
- Keep golf talk at dinner to a minimum.
Read golf for couples.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best golf destinations for non-golfers?
Places with beaches, culture or food alongside golf, such as the Algarve, Florida, Tuscany, Marrakech and Hawaii.
How many rounds should I play on a holiday with non-golfers?
Agree in advance; every other day, or mornings only, works well for many couples and families.
Can non-golfers ride in a golf cart?
Many courses allow it, sometimes for a fee. Check in advance.
What should non-golfers do at a golf resort?
Spa, pool, beach, fitness classes, excursions and perhaps a beginner's lesson.
The bottom line
A golf trip with non-golfers works when the destination offers plenty beyond golf, the schedule leaves time together and everyone's interests are considered. Choose wisely, play in the mornings, share the afternoons and keep golf talk at dinner short. For trip planning basics, read how to plan a golf trip.