No.10 - Asheville, North Carolina
Courses: Asheville Municipal Golf Course, Crowne Plaza Resort, Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa, High Vista Country Club
Whether you’re looking for something on the lower end of the price spectrum or something mid- or high-range, Asheville is a perfect golfing destination. With the Great Smoky Mountains in the background, Asheville’s golf courses are open virtually year-round and feature everything from easy to challenging layouts, all dotted with coniferous trees.
Nearest Hampton Hotel: Hampton Inn Asheville-Tunnel Road
No.9 - Austin, Texas
Courses: Bluebonnet Hill Golf Course, Falconhead Golf Club, Grey Rock Golf Club, Delaware Springs Golf Course
It may be more known for its country music, but Austin is another spot to add to your list of golf vacations. Though it features many private clubs and public courses with steep green fees, its lower-end courses are among the state’s finest and many are designed by a who’s who of course designers. Because Austin has skyrocketed in popularity among golfers in recent years, many fees have also climbed -- but that doesn’t mean you won’t get great bargains at some of the municipal courses, which are many.
Nearest Hampton Hotel: Hampton Inn & Suites Austin
No.8 - Aurora, Colorado
Courses: Aurora Hills Golf Course, Kennedy Golf Course, Springhill Golf Course, Fitzsimons Golf Course, Murphy Creek Golf Course
The state of Colorado may be a popular skiing destination, but it’s rapidly becoming a place you should visit with your golf clubs as well. Aurora, which is slightly south and east of Denver, is a great central location with numerous golf courses within a short drive. If you’re looking for some reasonably priced, challenging terrains, Aurora is a sure bet. Due to their proximity to the Rocky Mountains, Colorado’s golf courses feature some of the nation’s best elevation changes.
Nearest Hampton Hotel: Hampton Inn & Suites Denver-Cherry Creek
No.7 - Las Vegas, Nevada
Courses: Silverstone Golf Club, Painted Desert Golf Club, Las Vegas Golf Club, Highland Falls Golf Course, Black Mountain Golf & Country Club
You may have Las Vegas on your list of places to travel because of its nightlife, but if you pack your golf bag, you’ll soon discover there are plenty of excellent courses a short drive from the Strip. The area features everything from par-3s for casual golfers to long courses for big hitters -- if you’re the latter, try Silverstone’s Mountain course which features the longest hole in the state: a staggering 653-yard par 5. Regardless of where you’re playing, Sin City’s courses feature breathtaking scenery just minutes from the hubbub of the casinos.
Nearest Hampton Hotel: Hampton Inn Las Vegas/North Speedway
No.6 - Phoenix, Arizona
Courses: Encanto Golf Course, Raven Golf Club at South Mountain, Kierland Golf Club, The Lakes at Ahwatukee
Many retirees are flocking to Phoenix for more than just the sun and shortage of rain: Golf plays a big part in many communities, and because of the variety of courses, that means you’re also in luck. As Phoenix’s golf scene caters so much to retirees, the city offers a wide range of courses at very reasonable prices -- not everything is geared toward the corporate types of players, which plays into your favor if you’re watching your spending.
Nearest Hampton Hotel: Hampton Inn Phoenix-Midtown
No.5 - Fairfax, Virginia
Courses: Burke Lake Golf Course, Penderbrook Golf Club, Old Hickory Golf Club, Westfields Golf Club
Virginia was one of the birthplaces of golf in the U.S., and you’d be remiss not to add Fairfax and the surrounding area to your list of golf holidays. Thanks to the state’s golfing history, visitors can hand out big bucks to play where notable American history figures once teed it up -- or you can hit the links at any of the area’s less-expensive municipal and public courses. You’ll feel like you’re stepping back in time as you walk down the fairways and take in the historical courses of Fairfax.
Nearest Hampton Hotel: Hampton Inn Fairfax City
No.4 - Albuquerque, New Mexico
Courses: Coyote del Malpais Golf Course, Pueblo de Cochiti Golf Course, Tierra del Sol Golf Club, Twin Warriors Golf Club
Albuquerque is a hotbed of reasonably priced golf courses -- some of which will get you on the first tee box for around $20. With towering Mount Taylor as a picturesque backdrop, many of the region’s courses are long, flat and fraught with water hazards -- a perfect combination of attributes that will challenge amateur and seasoned golfers alike. The area’s crown jewel may be Twin Warriors, which was No. 49 on Golf Digest’s 2005 list of the country’s top 100 public courses.
Nearest Hampton Hotel: Hampton Inn Albuquerque-Airport
No.3 - Tampa, Florida
Courses: Westchase Golf Club, Pebble Creek Golf Club, Babe Zaharias Golf Course, Rogers Park Golf Course, Rocky Point Golf Course
With dozens of public courses to consider, Tampa is a golfer’s paradise. Tampa is said to be a big city with a small-town feel, and you’ll experience that atmosphere whether you’re teeing it up at a municipal course or splurging to play at one of the higher-end establishments. Tampa’s weather is among the best in the country, which is a big reason Tampa is so popular among retirees. With everything from basic courses to layouts that will challenge even the most skilled golfers, Tampa should be on your must-visit list.
Nearest Hampton Hotel: Hampton Inn & Suites Tampa
No.2 - Atlanta, Georgia
Courses: Cross Creek Golf Club, Bobby Jones Golf Club, Charlie Yates Golf Course, Cobblestone Golf Club, City Club Marietta Golf Course
Great weather in Atlanta also means great golf course conditions. The courses in urban Atlanta and the outlying area offer something for everyone, from the youth learning the game and looking for a par-3 experience to more accomplished golfers seeking a challenge. Close to a dozen courses will get you playing for less than $50, and the majority are a stone’s throw from any of the handful of interstates running through the city.
Nearest Hampton Hotel: Hampton Inn & Suites Atlanta-Downtown
No.1 - Miami, Florida
Courses: Doral Golf Resort & Spa, Miami Springs Golf & Country Club, Biltmore Golf Course, Miami Beach Golf Club, Crandon Park Golf Club, Killian Greens Golf Club
Though it may be tempting to spend your trip to Miami on the beach, don’t be too fast to discount all of the city’s great golf courses. There are plenty of courses that can have you teeing off for well under $50, and most feature great vegetation and lush greens. If you don’t want to stray too far from the excitement of the beach, and don’t mind paying a little more, you can’t miss Miami Beach Golf Club, a beautifully laid out course right in the heart of the beach community.
Nearest Hampton Hotel: Hampton Inn Miami-Coconut Grove
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