Best golf destinations for 2026: a month by month guide

2026 is set to be a standout year for golf travel and there has never been a better time to start planning. As the world’s number one golf tour operator, our travel experts use first hand destination knowledge to recommend the very best places to play throughout the year.

This month-by-month guide the best golf destinations to visit in 2026, highlighting where to travel for unbeatable playing conditions, must play courses and unforgettable golf breaks, all tailored to the time of year you want to travel.

Booking early gives you access to priority tee times, the widest choice of resorts and exclusive group discounts across our most popular destinations.

Looking to maximise your time off? Check out our guide on how to make the most of your annual leave in 2026 and play more golf than ever before.

Best for: Winter sun, luxury all-inclusive resorts, oceanfront golf

The Dominican Republic is one of the best winter sun golf destinations in January, offering warm temperatures, consistent sunshine and outstanding course conditions. Home to world-class layouts such as Teeth of the Dog at Casa de Campo, Corales Golf Course, a PGA TOUR venue, and Punta Espada, the Dominican Republic offers elite golf paired with true five-star hospitality.

The all-inclusive five-star resorts in the Dominican Republic set the standard for luxury in the Caribbean, including the legendary Casa de Campo resort and the Westin Punta Cana, delivering unlimited dining, premium accommodation and seamless golf all in one place. With luxury beachfront resorts, direct flights and reliable weather, it is a proven choice for golfers looking to start the year in style.

Our other recommendations for January include:

• Egypt: Warm winter temperatures, excellent value and a growing collection of resort-based courses along the Red Sea.
• Canary Islands: Year-round sunshine, short flight times and reliable conditions across Tenerife and Gran Canaria.
• Dubai: Guaranteed winter sun, pristine championship courses and luxury accommodation.

Best for: Value-driven golf breaks, culture, winter sun

February is one of the most popular months for a golf holiday in Morocco, thanks to mild temperatures and excellent playing conditions. Destinations such as Marrakech and Agadir combine championship golf courses with five-star hotels, rich culture and excellent all-inclusive value compared to many European winter destinations.

Desert golf is one of Morocco’s most unique selling points, with dramatic landscapes and immaculate course conditioning. Courses designed by leading architects like Cabell Robinson and Kyle Phillips add to Morocco’s reputation as a trusted and well-established winter golf destination. Classic layouts like Mazagan, Palm Golf, and Palmeraie are a testament to the supreme golfing quality available in Morocco, with the views and overall experience bringing golfers back time and time again.

Our other recommendations for February include:

• Turkey: Mild temperatures and outstanding value at luxury all-inclusive golf resorts.
• Egypt: Ideal winter escape with consistent sunshine and great all-inclusive options.
• Canary Islands: Comfortable weather, ocean-view courses and easy travel.

Best for: Buddies trips, championship courses, lively atmosphere

Scottsdale reaches peak golf season in March, with warm days, firm desert fairways and pristine course conditions. Often described as the golf capital of Arizona, the region is home to an impressive collection of highly rated courses, luxury resorts and first-class practice facilities.

The most well-known and arguably the best course in Scottsdale, is the Stadium Course at TPC Scottsdale which hosts one of the most unique PGA TOUR events in the calendar. Other excellent courses in the area include We-Ko-Pa, Eagle Mountain and Troon North.

Additionally, with hotels such as the Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort and The Boulders Resort, luxury accommodation in this Arizona town is in no short supply. Options range from multi-course golf resorts to stylish town-centre hotels, offering easy access to Scottsdale Old Town’s famous nightlife, bars and restaurants.With a lively atmosphere and reliable conditions, Scottsdale is especially popular for group golf trips.

Our other March recommendations include:

• Portugal (Algarve): Spring warmth, championship layouts and a wide range of resorts.
• USA (Florida): Excellent conditions, resort golf and variety for all abilities.
• United Arab Emirates: Tournament-standard courses and warm, reliable weather.

Best for: Bucket list experiences, tournament golf, premium hospitality

April offers the opportunity to experience one of golf’s most iconic events, The Masters at Augusta National. Attending the tournament is a true bucket list experience, combining world-class hospitality with the chance to watch the game’s biggest names compete on a historic stage.

Many Masters packages can be enhanced with additional golf at nearby destinations such as Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head and Kiawah Island, allowing golfers to make the most of their trip to the United States.

Our other April recommendations include:

• Spain (Costa del Sol): Comfortable temperatures and excellent course presentation.

• Portugal (Lisbon): Coastal golf combined with vibrant city stays.

• Turkey: Ideal spring conditions before the summer heat arrives.

Best for: Groups, all-inclusive resorts, value and variety

Turkey is widely regarded as one of the best value golf destinations in May, particularly along the Belek coastline. Warm temperatures, long daylight hours, excellent course conditions, and beautiful, all-encompassing resorts make it ideal for a spring golf holiday.

The region features a high concentration of championship golf courses, many attached to all-inclusive five-star resorts, offering a seamless and reliable golf holiday experience. Turkey is home to a superb collection of championship golf courses, including DP World Tour venues such as Carya Golf Club and Montgomerie Maxx Royal, and the scenic Gloria New Course.

Our other May recommendations include:

• France (Northern France): Classic links golf with longer days and fewer crowds.
• Italy: Scenic courses, great food and ideal late-spring temperatures.
• Spain (Majorca): Warm weather, high-quality resorts and easy travel.

Best for: Links golf, tradition, iconic courses

Scotland in June delivers golf at its most premium. As the home of golf, it offers access to legendary links courses, historic clubs and some of the most respected venues in the world. Cool temperatures, firm playing surfaces and extended daylight hours create ideal conditions for links golf.

From the iconic Old Course at St Andrews to legendary Open venues like Carnoustie, Royal Troon, and Muirfield, Scotland’s fairways have hosted the sport’s greatest moments. Beyond the famous links, world-class resorts like Gleneagles, Turnberry, and Fairmont St Andrews offer Scottish golf in its purest form.

Our other June recommendations include:

• Ireland: World-famous links courses and long summer days.
• England: Historic venues and championship layouts at their seasonal best.
• Belgium: A lesser-known option offering charming courses and relaxed summer golf.

Best for: Unique experiences, summer golf, bucket list trips

Norway provides a unique golf experience in July, when the midnight sun allows play late into the evening. Courses across the country benefit from peak summer conditions and spectacular natural scenery, with layouts set among fjords, forests and mountains.

Lofoten Links is widely regarded as one of the country’s premier golf courses. Its design is both strategic and unique – unlike anything else you’ll find in continental Europe. In July, Norway experiences 24-hour daylight meaning you can tee off at whatever time you like! For golfers looking for something different during the summer months, Norway offers a distinctive and memorable alternative to traditional European destinations.

Our other July recommendations include:

• Scotland: Peak summer conditions and iconic championship links.
• Northern France: Traditional links golf with easy access from the UK.

Best for: Links golf lovers, championship venues, scenic coastlines

Northern Ireland is at its best for golf in August, with excellent course conditions and comfortable summer temperatures. Of course, you’ll want to take on the big two – Harry Colt’s Royal Portrush and Old Tom’s masterful Royal County Down. With both ranked in the upper echelons of Golf Digest’s World Rankings, this really is a golfer’s paradise. But don’t forget the likes of Portstewart, Castlerock or Ardglass.

Combined with strong local hospitality and dramatic coastal scenery, Northern Ireland remains one of the most respected links golf destinations globally.

Our other August recommendations include:

• Ireland: Prime links season with excellent course conditioning.
• England: Consistent summer weather and a wide variety of courses.
• Bulgaria: Warm temperatures, great value and modern resort golf.

Best for: Championship courses, premium resorts, shoulder season travel

Spain is very popular destination in September. It is an excellent time to visit Camiral Golf and Wellness, one of Spain’s leading golf resorts and upcoming 2031 Ryder Cup host. Formerly known as PGA Catalunya, the resort features two highly regarded championship courses and first-class facilities.

Other great courses include Valderrama, Finca Cortesin and La Reserva. Cooler temperatures and quieter fairways make September ideal for golfers seeking premium course quality.

Our other September recommendations include:

• Portugal (Algarve): Shoulder-season value with warm weather and quieter courses.
• Spain: Excellent conditions across key regions with fewer crowds.
• Greece: Late-summer sunshine, coastal scenery and relaxed resort golf.

Best for: Variety, value, year round reliability

Portugal continues to be a top choice for an autumn golf holiday, with October offering warm weather and strong value across the Algarve and Lisbon regions. Course conditions remain excellent, while reduced crowds create a more relaxed playing experience.

The Algarve is known for its resort-based golf and high concentration of courses, while Lisbon offers dramatic coastal layouts, cultural city stays and a slightly cooler climate. This variety allows golfers to tailor their trip perfectly to their preferences.

Our other October recommendations include:

• Cyprus: Warm autumn temperatures and reliable resort golf.
• Turkey (Belek): Strong value and luxury all-inclusive experiences.
• Morocco: Ideal autumn conditions for desert golf.

Best for: Tournament golf, winter sun, luxury golf holidays

November is one of the most exciting times to visit Dubai for a golf holiday, as the city hosts the season-ending DP World Tour Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates from 12–15 November. Watching the world’s best golfers compete for the Race to Dubai title is a standout experience, combining elite tournament golf with Dubai’s signature luxury and hospitality.

Beyond the ropes, golfers can play immaculate championship courses including Emirates Golf Club, Dubai Hills and Dubai Creek, all presented in peak condition thanks to warm temperatures and flawless maintenance. With guaranteed sunshine, world class accommodation and the chance to witness the climax of the DP World Tour season, Dubai offers a truly premium golf experience in November.

For the ultimate Middle East escape, this tour combines Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah, delivering variety, luxury and world-class golf in one unforgettable itinerary.

Our other November recommendations include:

• Abu Dhabi: Championship courses, luxury resorts and a calmer alternative to Dubai.
• Oman: Dramatic scenery, warm weather and world-class golf experiences.
• Thailand: Excellent value, tropical climate and outstanding hospitality.

Best for: Long haul value, scenery, golf and lifestyle travel

December is an excellent time to experience golf in South Africa, as it is summer in the Southern Hemisphere, delivering lush courses, long daylight hours and outstanding value. From the championship layouts around Cape Town to the scenic fairways of the Garden Route and the Winelands, South Africa offers incredible variety and consistently high quality golf.

Courses such as Fancourt Links, Arabella, Pearl Valley and Gary Player Golf and Country Club are among the country’s standout venues, regularly ranked among the best in the Southern Hemisphere. Combined with renowned food, wine, wildlife and dramatic scenery, South Africa is an unforgettable way to round off the golfing year.

South Africa golf tours offer the chance to combine multiple regions, world-class golf, wine, wildlife and breathtaking scenery in one seamless trip.

Our other December recommendations include:

• Mauritius: Beachfront resorts, warm weather and relaxed island golf.
• Vietnam: A fast-growing golf destination offering great winter sun and value.

From winter sun escapes to iconic championship venues and once in a lifetime bucket list experiences, this month-by-month guide showcases the very best golf destinations to visit in 2026. With expert insight, world class courses and carefully selected resorts throughout the year, planning your next golf break has never been easier.

Whether you are travelling with friends, organising a group trip or ticking off the game’s most famous courses, booking early ensures the widest choice of tee times, resorts and exclusive offers. Start planning now and let Golfbreaks help you turn 2026 into a year to remember on the fairways.