BEST CITIES IN AMERICA FOR A GOLF VACATION

• Scottsdale, Arizona, is the best city for a golf vacation in America.

• Las Vegas, Nevada, is the second-best, with Savannah, Georgia ranking third.

• Las Vegas and Scottsdale have the most public courses of any city (27 and 26.)

• A new study has found that Scottsdale, Arizona, is the best city in America for a golf vacation. 

The study by luxury golf apparel brand Galvin Green analyzed the most populous U.S. cities against 11 metrics. These include the number of golf courses, including how many are municipal, public, and private. The research also looked at the number of restaurants. The average rating of golf courses and restaurants was also analyzed. Furthermore, the average temperature and rainfall were recorded to find the warmest and driest places for golf vacations. Costs were also taken into consideration, including average hotel prices, the cost of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, and meals. 

Best places in America for a golf vacation 

 

Scottsdale, Arizona, is the best city in America for a golf vacation. Scottsdale has great weather year-round, with an average temperature of 60°F. However, in the summer, the temperatures exceed 100°F. There is also low rainfall of only 13 inches annually, much lower than the average across the other cities (33.97 inches). GolfLink states there are 53 courses in Scottsdale, the most out of any other state, with a further 47 within 20 miles. 49% of these are public courses which is also above the national average (37.66%). Scottsdale also has a vast array of high-quality restaurants, with 743 rated four stars or above; this is above the average of 593, so there is plenty of choice for great meals while on your golf vacation.  

Las Vegas, Nevada, ranks as the second-best place for a golf vacation. With a high percentage of public courses (69%) and 39 overall, there is a plethora of courses to play in Vegas. The weather year-round is also perfect for golf, with average temperatures of 70°F and average rainfall of only three inches annually, the lowest of all the cities. Being one of America’s tourism hotspots means that the availability of quality restaurants (2,833 of these are rated four stars or over) and activities outside of the course are abundant.  

Savannah, Georgia, is the third-best place for a golf vacation. There are 23 golf courses in Savannah (15.54 per 100,000 of the population), which is way over the average across the other cities (13.72 per city). The average temperature is 68°F, which is above average (60°F), although rain is slightly heavier, with 45.86 inches annually. The average beer costs $4; across all other cities, the average is $5.32. A three-course meal for two people is approximately $65, which is slightly below the average of other cities ($67.64). 

Tucson, Arizona, is the fourth-best place for a golf vacation. GolfLink states there are 35 courses across the city, with just under half being public courses (49%); this is much higher than the average across all other cities (37.66%). Tucson has over 1,000 four-star or higher-rated restaurants with reasonable food costs, on average costing $75.50 for a three-course meal for two. The climate is also perfect for golf, with high average temperatures of 71°F (the tenth highest average temperature across the 210 cities analyzed) and low precipitation of 10 inches annually.  

Cincinnati, Ohio, is the fifth-best city for a golf vacation. There are 37 courses in the city, and the average rating on Tripadvisor is 4.50 out of five, much higher than the average across other cities (3.95). Hotel costs, on average, are $124, which is cheaper than the average across all other cities ($135.24), making it an affordable place for a golf holiday but without sacrificing the quality of the courses.  

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is the sixth-best city for a golf vacation, with 14 courses in the city and a further 56 within 20 miles. As well as a plethora of courses to choose from, there is also plenty of choice for great food options, with 1,034 restaurants that are rated four stars or higher. The cost of food and drinks is also reasonable, with a meal for two costing on average $62.50 and the average beer costing $4.40 

Akron, Ohio, is the seventh-best city for a golf vacation. With 13 courses across the city and 62 within another 20 miles, there are plenty of courses to choose from. These courses have an average rating of 4.5 out of five. Food and drink are also affordable in Akron, with a meal for two costing an average of $51. Hotels are also inexpensive at $120 per night, which is cheaper than the average of $134. 

Fort Wayne, Indiana, is the eighth-best city for a golf vacation. As reported by GolfLink, there are 19 courses, 10 of which are public (53%). These courses have an average rating on Tripadvisor of four out of five. Fort Wayne is also affordable, with hotel costs averaging $105 per night and food and drink also being affordable, with meals for two averaging $55 and beers $4.50.  

Mesa, Arizona, ranks as the ninth-best city for a golf vacation. There are 25 courses in Mesa, 80% of which are public courses, one of the highest percentages of public courses. In addition, the average rating on Tripadvisor across all courses is four out of five, based on 465 reviews.  

Orlando, Florida, ranks as the tenth best city for a golf vacation. There are 24 golf courses in Orlando, with an average rating of 3.94 across 7,154 different reviews. 75% of these are public courses, with only five being private. Orlando has 2,024 restaurants rated four stars or over; however, prices are slightly higher on average, with the approximate cost of a meal for two being $90. Another benefit of a golf vacation in Orlando is the weather, with some of the highest average temperatures at 75°F.

Golf in America is more than just a game; it’s a long-standing tradition that has become a part of the country’s identity. From legendary courses where the pros play to the local public courses where weekend players gather, golf is a sport that brings people together.   

 

A spokesperson from Galvin Green commented, “Golf is about enjoying the experience—being outdoors, appreciating the beauty of the course, and spending time with friends and family. Every city provides different terrains, climates and geographies that make their courses special and exciting to play, and this research reaffirms the incredible golf opportunities the U.S. has to offer. Whatever the elements, Galvin Green’s long-lasting, high-tech golf apparel ensures that golfers feel empowered whenever they’re on the course- welcome to the fair_way.”  

 

 

 

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Methodology and sources 

 

1. Tripadvisor: Average Tripadvisor rating of golf courses (18.75%) 

2. GolfLink: Number of golf courses (25%) 

3. GolfLink: Percentage of public courses (31.25%) 

4. Tripadvisor: Percentage of Tripadvisor restaurants above 4* rating (6.25%) 

5. National Centers for Environmental Information: Average Temperature and Precipitation (6.25%) 

6. Budgetyourtrip: Average hotel cost (6.25%) 

7. Numbeo: Cost of a meal, Cost of a beer (6.25%)
    

 

1. 11 Factors were chosen for the study based on the ideal requirements when choosing a golf vacation destination, such as climate, cost, number and quality of courses and availability of good food. 

2. All data was collected for every city or town and inserted into a table. To access the full data, please email to request. 

3. Once all data was collected, each figure was scaled from 0 to 10 for each factor. For example, for the number of golf courses, the highest figure received a score of 10, and each lower figure received a lower score.  

4. Once all factors had a standardized score from 0 to 10, they were weighted and given a score out of 100.  

5. Every city was then ranked, giving the best places for golf vacations.  

 

Top 20: Best places in America for a golf vacation