When winter closes courses or turns them to mud across much of the world, golfers start dreaming of sunshine. The United States offers some of the world's most popular warm-weather golf destinations, from coastal regions packed with dozens of courses to desert valleys where emerald fairways wind through rock and cactus beneath mountain backdrops.
This guide explores the main types of warm-weather golf destinations in the US, with a closer look at three classic golf getaways — Myrtle Beach, Palm Springs and Las Vegas — plus practical advice on timing, costs and planning.
Two styles of warm-weather golf
Coastal golf hubs
Coastal regions in the south-east of the US have built huge concentrations of courses alongside beaches, family attractions and golf-focused accommodation. They are known for choice, value and package deals.
Typical features:
- Dozens of courses within a short drive.
- Parkland-style layouts with water, marsh and pine trees.
- Golf packages combining accommodation and multiple rounds.
- Lots to do for non-golfers.
Desert golf
In the south-west, courses are carved through natural desert landscapes. Lush, irrigated fairways contrast with sand, rock and desert plants, framed by dramatic mountains.
Typical features:
- Spectacular scenery and reliable sunshine.
- Firm, fast conditions and dry air.
- Desert areas that are often played as penalty areas.
- Resorts with spas, pools and fine dining.
Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand
The coastline around Myrtle Beach, South Carolina — known as the Grand Strand — is one of the most famous golf destinations in the United States. The region has dozens of courses (often quoted as more than eighty) within a relatively short drive, along with beaches, restaurants and family attractions.
What to expect
- Huge variety — from forgiving resort layouts to demanding championship-style courses.
- Low-country landscapes — marshland, rivers, pine forests and water hazards.
- Golf packages — many accommodation providers bundle multiple rounds with lodging, offering excellent value for groups.
- A golf-friendly culture — the whole region is set up for visiting golfers, with golf schools, practice facilities and plenty of tee times.
When to go
| Season | Conditions |
|---|---|
| Spring (March–May) | Peak season — pleasant temperatures, courses in great condition |
| Summer (June–August) | Hot and humid; lower golf prices; busy with beach holidays |
| Autumn (September–November) | Excellent golf weather and good value; another peak period |
| Winter (December–February) | Cool but often playable; the lowest prices |
Best for: groups of friends, value-seekers, families mixing golf and beach time.
Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley
The desert valley around Palm Springs, California, is one of the classic desert golf destinations, with a large number of courses set against mountain backdrops and a long tradition of resort golf.
What to expect
- Stunning desert scenery with mountains rising directly from the valley floor.
- Resort living — pools, spas, fine dining and a relaxed atmosphere.
- Reliable winter sunshine that draws golfers from colder regions.
- Firm, fast conditions — the ball runs further on dry turf.
When to go
| Season | Conditions |
|---|---|
| Winter (January–April) | Peak season — warm days, cool nights, highest prices |
| Late spring (May) | Hotter; prices begin to fall |
| Summer (June–September) | Extremely hot; very early tee times essential; lowest prices |
| Autumn (October–December) | Many courses close briefly for overseeding (planting winter grass) in the autumn; check before booking |
Best for: winter sun, couples, resort stays, scenery.
Las Vegas
Las Vegas, Nevada, is better known for entertainment than golf — but the city and surrounding desert have a strong selection of courses, many with views of the city skyline or surrounding mountains.
What to expect
- Golf plus entertainment — combine rounds with shows, dining and nightlife.
- Desert target golf — fairways surrounded by desert, rewarding accuracy.
- Dry air and moderate elevation — the ball tends to fly a little further than at sea level.
- Golf entertainment venues with target ranges and technology, ideal for groups and non-golfers.
When to go
| Season | Conditions |
|---|---|
| Spring (March–May) | Excellent golf weather |
| Summer (June–August) | Extremely hot; early mornings only |
| Autumn (September–November) | Excellent golf weather |
| Winter (December–February) | Cool, sometimes chilly mornings; good value |
Best for: groups wanting golf and nightlife, short golf breaks, bachelor and celebration trips.
Other warm-weather options
The US has many more warm-weather golf regions:
- Arizona's desert valleys — a major desert golf hub with a huge choice of courses and winter sunshine.
- Florida — year-round golf, countless courses, and easy combinations with beaches and theme parks.
- The Gulf Coast — coastal golf with relaxed resort towns.
- Hawaii — spectacular oceanfront and volcanic landscapes, ideal for a special trip.
- Southern California's coast — mild weather and ocean views.
- Texas — warm winters and a wide variety of courses.
Comparing the destinations
| Destination type | Peak golf season | Strengths | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coastal golf hub (e.g. Myrtle Beach) | Spring and autumn | Choice, value, packages, family activities | Summer humidity, water hazards |
| Desert valley (e.g. Palm Springs) | Winter and spring | Scenery, resorts, reliable sunshine | Summer heat, autumn overseeding |
| Desert city (e.g. Las Vegas) | Spring and autumn | Golf plus entertainment | Summer heat, costs can add up |
Planning your trip
Booking
- Look for golf packages combining accommodation and multiple rounds.
- Book tee times early in peak season, especially for weekend mornings.
- Check cart policies. Most US courses include carts in the green fee, and some require them.
- Ask about twilight rates for cheaper late-afternoon rounds.
- Check for overseeding closures in desert destinations in autumn.
Costs to budget for
- Green fees (usually including a cart).
- Resort fees at many hotels.
- Practice balls and range access.
- Car hire — essential in most destinations.
- Tipping — common for bag-drop staff, cart attendants and caddies, as well as in restaurants.
- Food and entertainment.
See how to plan the perfect golf trip for a full checklist.
Travelling with clubs
Airlines generally accept golf bags as checked luggage, sometimes for an extra fee. Use a protective travel cover, or rent clubs at your destination — most golf destinations offer quality rental sets. See golf bags, carts and travel covers.
Playing well in warm-weather destinations
In the desert
- The ball flies further in warm, dry air and at elevation — take less club and test your distances on the range.
- Firm fairways mean more roll off the tee.
- Desert areas are often marked as penalty areas; check local rules.
- Watch for wildlife and do not reach into desert vegetation for a ball.
- Greens can be fast and firm, especially in the afternoon.
On coastal courses
- Water is everywhere — choose conservative lines and take enough club.
- Humidity can make the ball fly a little shorter than in dry desert air.
- Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer; know where shelters are and stop play when lightning is near.
Staying safe and comfortable
- Hydrate constantly — before, during and after the round.
- Use high-factor sunscreen and reapply at the turn.
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat and breathable clothing. See what to wear for golf.
- Play early in hot months.
- Know the signs of heat exhaustion — dizziness, headache, nausea — and stop if you feel unwell.
Sample itineraries
Long weekend in a coastal golf hub (four days)
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive; afternoon practice session or a twilight nine holes |
| 2 | Morning round; afternoon at the beach |
| 3 | Two rounds for keen golfers, or one round and an afternoon off |
| 4 | Morning round; depart |
Desert golf week (seven days)
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive and settle in at the resort |
| 2 | Morning round; spa or pool in the afternoon |
| 3 | Morning round; sightseeing |
| 4 | Rest day or a short course |
| 5 | Morning round; dinner out |
| 6 | Final round at a highlight course |
| 7 | Depart |
Golf and entertainment break (three days)
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive; evening at a golf entertainment venue |
| 2 | Morning round; afternoon rest; show in the evening |
| 3 | Early round; depart |
Packing list for warm-weather golf
- Breathable, light-coloured golf shirts and shorts or trousers.
- Wide-brimmed hat or cap, and sunglasses.
- High-factor sunscreen and lip balm.
- Refillable water bottle and electrolyte tablets.
- Light rain jacket for coastal storms.
- Spare golf gloves — hands sweat more in heat.
- Comfortable, breathable golf shoes.
- A light layer for cool desert mornings and evenings.
See what to wear for golf for more.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time for a golf trip to Myrtle Beach?
Spring and autumn offer the best combination of weather and course conditions. Winter is cheaper but cooler; summer is hot and humid.
Is Palm Springs good for golf in summer?
It is possible with very early tee times, and prices are low, but temperatures are extremely high. Winter and spring are the main golf seasons.
Do I need a cart in the USA?
Carts are standard at most US courses and are often included in the green fee. Some courses allow walking, especially at quieter times.
Is a golf package better value than booking separately?
Often, yes — especially in coastal golf hubs, where accommodation providers bundle several rounds with lodging at a lower combined price. Packages also save time because tee times are arranged for you. Compare the package price with booking rooms and green fees separately, and check which courses are included and whether premium courses carry a surcharge.
Do golf balls really fly further in the desert?
Generally, yes. Warm, dry air is less dense than cool, humid air, and many desert destinations sit at moderate elevation, so the ball meets less resistance. Most golfers notice a few extra yards per club. Spend time on the range before your first round to recalibrate your distances.
What should non-golfers do on a golf trip?
Coastal hubs offer beaches, water parks, shopping and dining; desert destinations offer spas, pools, hiking and sightseeing; entertainment cities offer shows, restaurants and nightlife. Choosing a destination with plenty for non-golfers keeps the whole group happy.
The bottom line
America's warm-weather golf destinations offer something for everyone: coastal hubs like Myrtle Beach with huge choice and great-value packages, desert valleys like Palm Springs with stunning scenery and resort living, and Las Vegas for golf combined with entertainment. Choose your destination by season — coastal hubs in spring and autumn, deserts in winter and spring — book early, budget for carts and fees, and protect yourself from the sun. Then enjoy some of the best warm-weather golf in the world.
For in-depth guides to more sunshine states, read golf in Florida, golf in Arizona and golf in Hawaii.
For summer golf further north, read golf in the Carolinas and summer golf in the Great Lakes.
More US guides: golf in California and golf in New England.
Explore more states: golf in Texas, golf in Georgia, golf in Nevada and golf in Colorado and Utah.
More states: Tennessee, Alabama and Mississippi, Louisiana, New Mexico, Montana and Wyoming, the Great Plains, Missouri and the Ozarks, Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky and Alaska.