Best Winter Golf Destinations: Where to Play When It’s Cold at Home (2025)

Written By: Patrick Stephenson
Category: Golf Basics

I’ve always found it fascinating how cold weather affects my golf game — from shorter ball distances to that awkward grip feeling when temperatures drop.

Like many golfers I know, I’m not ready to put my clubs away just because winter’s here.

That’s why I’m sharing some incredible winter golf destinations to escape to when it gets chilly to keep your game sharp year-round. While cold weather can force us to club up and adjust our strategies, these sunny spots offer perfect conditions for maintaining form and enjoying the sport we love.

And trust me, there’s nothing quite like trading in those winter gloves for a warm breeze and ideal playing conditions.

Top Golf Destinations for Winter Escapes for 2025

I’ve discovered some exceptional winter golf destinations that combine perfect weather with world-class courses, making them a great escape from winter injury.

These locations offer ideal playing conditions when northern courses are covered in snow, avoiding the challenges of winter injury.

Arizona Desert Golf Paradise

The Sonoran Desert creates a stunning backdrop for year-round golf, with average winter temperatures of 70°F (21°C). Desert courses feature:

  • Strategic layouts incorporating natural desert terrain
  • Pristine playing conditions from November through April
  • Dramatic elevation changes with mountain views
  • Extended twilight hours for afternoon rounds
  • Over 200 courses across Greater Phoenix

So, where can you grab a tee time in Arizona?

Golf enthusiasts can experience world-class courses like the TPC Scottsdale, home of the famous Waste Management Phoenix Open and its iconic Skybox 16th Hole stadium.

The Troon North Golf Club offers two stunning Tom Weiskopf-designed courses, while We-Ko-Pa Golf Club’s Saguaro course consistently ranks among Arizona’s finest.

For those seeking luxury resort golf, The Boulders Resort features two Jay Morrish-designed courses that weave through ancient desert rock formations, providing a truly unique desert golf experience.

Caribbean Golf Resorts Worth Visiting

The Caribbean delivers perfect golfing conditions when winter hits the mainland, combining warm temperatures with stunning ocean views.

I’ve discovered several standout destinations that blend championship courses with luxury amenities.

Dominican Republic’s Finest Courses

Casa de Campo stands as the crown jewel of Dominican Republic golf, featuring three Pete Dye masterpieces.

The legendary Teeth of the Dog course hugs the Caribbean coastline with seven ocean holes, while The Links offers a distinct inland challenge.

The 27-hole Dye Fore adds variety with its clifftop setting overlooking the Chavón River.

Puerto Rico’s Ocean-View Fairways

Puerto Rico offers year-round golf with average temperatures of 80°F (27°C) and stunning Caribbean vistas.

The island’s premier courses include the Championship Course at Royal Isabela, perched dramatically on 200-foot cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

The iconic Dorado Beach Resort features four Robert Trent Jones Sr. courses, including the celebrated East Course with its challenging coastal layout.

Notable features of Puerto Rico golf include:

  • Ocean views from over 50% of island courses
  • Palm-lined fairways with tropical breezes
  • Championship designs by renowned architects
  • Convenient direct flights from major US cities
  • Resort courses open to public play

Rio Mar Beach Resort showcases two distinct courses: the Ocean Course with its seaside holes and the River Course winding along the Mameyes River, making it one of the best golf courses in Puerto Rico.

For those seeking a unique experience, the Bahia Beach Resort & Golf Club offers an Audubon-certified course where natural wildlife sanctuaries complement the challenging Robert Trent Jones Jr. design, solidifying its place among the best golf courses in Puerto Rico.

Barbados Best Courses

Sandy Lane Hotel & Resort showcases two Tom Fazio-designed championship courses that I find absolutely remarkable.

The exclusive Green Monkey course, built for $27 million, delivers a private golfing experience with pristine conditions. The Country Club course complements it with its own championship-caliber layout.

Apes Hill Resort elevates the Barbados golf scene with Ron Kirby’s palm-fringed championship course. I appreciate its versatile offerings, including:

  • A challenging 18-hole championship layout
  • A convenient 9-hole par-3 course
  • Luxury villa accommodations
  • Premium amenities like tennis courts
  • A full-service spa facility

The island’s year-round perfect weather, coupled with these outstanding courses and resort amenities, makes it an ideal choice for both serious golfers and those seeking a luxurious golf getaway in paradise.

Mexico’s Top Winter Golf Getaways

Mexico’s Pacific and Caribbean coasts offer year-round golf experiences with consistent temperatures around 75°F (24°C).

I’ve discovered exceptional courses that combine challenging play with stunning ocean views.

Los Cabos Golf Scene

The One&Only Palmilla stands out in Los Cabos with its access to the prestigious Cabo Del Sol golf course.

I’m particularly impressed by Jack Nicklaus’s design featuring two holes ranked among the world’s top 500.

The course integrates natural elements:

  • Desert terrain with strategic bunker placement
  • Ocean vistas along multiple holes
  • White sand hazards contrasting with craggy rocks
  • Natural arroyos create unique challenges
  • Year-round playability with average winter temperatures of 80°F (27°C)
  • Courses designed around ancient Mayan ruins
  • Limestone sinkholes (cenotes) integrated into course layouts
  • Dense mangrove forests framing fairways

The Vidanta Nuevo Vallarta in Puerto Vallarta showcases the Norman Signature Course, a masterpiece designed by Greg Norman.

I find this championship course particularly impressive, with its par-73 layout stretching over 7,200 yards and featuring the world’s longest golf cart suspension bridge.

The course offers:

  • Dramatic views of the Sierra Madre Mountains
  • Natural wetlands incorporated into the design
  • Pristine paspalum fairways
  • Strategic bunkering throughout the course
  • Luxury amenities and five-star service

When I consider Mexico’s golf offerings, I’m amazed by how these destinations combine world-class course design with breathtaking natural landscapes.

From Los Cabos’ desert-meets-ocean vistas to the Riviera Maya’s ancient backdrops, I find that Mexico delivers an unmatched winter golf experience that keeps us coming back year after year.

Best Golf Resorts In Hawaii

Hawaii’s golf resorts combine world-class courses with year-round temperatures averaging 75°F (24°C), making them ideal for practicing golf driving range tips in a stunning setting.

The islands offer pristine fairways set against dramatic ocean views and lava landscapes, perfect for honing your skills with golf driving range tips.

Maui’s Signature Courses

Kapalua Golf Club stands out as Maui’s premier golf destination with two remarkable courses. The Plantation Course, a tournament-level layout, provides panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean on every hole. The Bay Course complements it with a more approachable design that weaves through tropical gardens, offering a great opportunity to apply golf driving range tips.

Key features include:

  • 36 holes of championship golf
  • Tournament-quality playing conditions
  • Ocean views from every tee box
  • Professional instruction facilities
  • Year-round accessibility

Big Island Golf Experience

The Kohala Coast delivers an unmatched volcanic landscape golfing experience through its signature resorts:

Waikoloa Beach Resort

  • 27 holes across three distinct layouts
  • Beach Nine: Coastal views
  • Lakes Nine: Water hazards
  • Kings’ Nine: Ancient Lava Flow Integration
  • Natural lava rock formations
  • Oceanfront holes
  • Historic Hawaiian cultural sites
  • Strategic bunkering
  • Multiple tee positions

Having played these remarkable Hawaiian courses, I can confidently say that golf in Hawaii transcends the typical resort experience, offering opportunities for mastering the short game in breathtaking settings.

What I find most captivating is how each course tells its own story — from the ancient lava flows that frame the fairways to the crashing waves that provide nature’s soundtrack to every round. It is truly remarkable.

The unique combination of championship-caliber designs, year-round perfect weather, and the islands’ natural beauty makes Hawaii an unparalleled golf destination. I highly recommend it for anyone looking to improve their skills, including mastering the short game.

Planning Your Winter Golf Trip

Winter golf trips require advance preparation to secure the best rates and ensure a comfortable playing experience in warmer destinations.

When to Book for Best Rates

I’ve found booking winter golf packages 4–6 months in advance yields the best deals on tee times and accommodations, especially when understanding concepts like golf handicaps demystified.

Peak season rates in popular destinations like Palm Springs increase by 30–40% from December through March, making it essential to plan ahead with golf handicaps demystified in mind.

Early morning tee times typically cost 20–25% less than prime-time slots between 9 AM and 2 PM, offering a budget-friendly option for those exploring golf handicaps demystified.

Booking Timeline Average Savings
6+ months ahead 35–40%
3-4 months ahead 20–25%
1-2 months ahead 10–15%

What To Pack

Golf essentials for winter destinations require specific gear for varying weather conditions:

  • Layered clothing
  • Light jacket for morning rounds
  • Moisture-wicking polo shirts
  • Convertible pants/shorts
  • Sun-protective sleeves
  • Broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 50+)
  • UV-protective sunglasses
  • Wide-brimmed hat
  • Lightweight rain gear
Temperature Range Recommended Layers
Below 65°F 3 layers
65-75°F 2 layers
Above 75°F 1 layer + sun protection

Being well-prepared with the right gear and focusing on skills & training can make the difference between an enjoyable round and a challenging one in these winter golf destinations.

I’ve learned through experience that investing in quality equipment and protective gear not only enhances comfort but also helps maintain consistent performance across varying weather conditions throughout your golf getaway while honing your skills & training.

Conclusion

After exploring these remarkable winter golf destinations, I’ve come to appreciate how each location offers its own unique charm and challenges.

From the desert landscapes of Arizona to the ocean-kissed fairways of Puerto Rico, these destinations have shown me that winter golf isn’t just about escaping the cold—it’s also an opportunity to refine your golf basics.

The variety of courses, the perfect year-round weather, and the stunning backdrops have convinced me that winter golf travel isn’t just an alternative to your home course—it’s an essential part of the golfing experience that every enthusiast should embrace.

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