Are golf getaways a new era of hen weekends?

Hen parties are changing. Increasingly, brides are looking beyond the traditional city-centre weekend and choosing experiences that feel more personal, active and memorable. Women are embracing the game as part of their celebrations, not necessarily as lifelong golfers, but as groups of friends willing to try something new together.

Golf lends itself perfectly to this new era of hen dos. It creates built-in bonding time, works for mixed ability groups and pairs naturally with spa afternoons, beach clubs and long celebratory dinners. From iconic links in Scotland to sunshine escapes in southern Europe, these destinations combine exceptional golf with settings made for celebration.

Another reason it works so well is the shift happening within the game itself. Golf is increasingly becoming a space where women feel encouraged to try something new, celebrate small wins and enjoy the experience without pressure. It is less about playing perfectly and more about being present with your friends, which is exactly what a hen celebration should be about!

Here are the best places to plan a golf-focused hen weekend, with stay-and-play inspiration to help you bring it to life.

Iconic links, seaside backdrops and walkable evenings

If you want the weekend to feel genuinely special, St Andrews delivers from the moment you arrive. Staying at the Old Course Hotel places you beside the 17th and 18th holes of the most famous course in the world, with sea views and a standout spa that adds a touch of indulgence between rounds.

While securing a tee time on the Old Course requires planning, nearby Kingsbarns offers equally dramatic coastal golf and a memorable headline round for the group. Gullane and North Berwick in neighbouring East Lothian provide classic links layouts framed by sweeping beaches and rugged coastline.

What makes this area particularly well suited to a hen do is its atmosphere. St Andrews is compact and lively, meaning you can finish your round, freshen up and walk straight into town for dinner and drinks. Rooftop cocktails, cosy wine bars and traditional pubs sit side by side, creating a celebratory feel without complicated logistics.

Why it works: Bucket list golf paired with an easy, sociable town setting.

Championship pedigree with a proper night out

Few destinations blend high-end golf and big energy quite like Dublin. A stay at The K Club offers five-star comfort and the chance to play a former Ryder Cup venue, perfect for anchoring the weekend with a standout round. Portmarnock Resort, just outside the city, delivers a classic links experience with coastal views from both the course and the hotel.

After golf, Dublin’s personality takes over. Live music, lively pubs and stylish cocktail spots create an atmosphere that feels celebratory without being forced. It is a destination that works especially well for groups who want competitive golf during the day and a vibrant social scene at night.

For a more relaxed pace, southwest Ireland around Killarney combines scenic parkland courses with charming town-centre dining and luxury resort stays.

Why it works: Championship courses by day, amazing atmosphere by night.

Effortless planning with iconic fairways

If you want a seamless hen weekend without flights, The Belfry is a natural choice. Home to The Brabazon, one of the UK’s most recognisable courses, it allows the group to experience a venue steeped in history while keeping everything under one roof.

The on-site hotel, multiple restaurants and bars make planning straightforward. You can tee off in the morning, spend the afternoon in the spa and gather for a celebratory dinner without organising transfers or taxis. With three courses available, you can tailor the golfing element to suit different ability levels within the group.

Why it works: Easy logistics, varied golf and a lively resort atmosphere.

Ryder Cup history with resort luxury

Celtic Manor offers scale, variety and a genuine sense of occasion. The Twenty Ten Course provides a memorable headline round, while Roman Road offers a slightly more forgiving layout that works well for mixed abilities.

The resort’s spa facilities make it easy to balance activity with indulgence, which is often key to a successful hen weekend. Multiple dining options allow you to shape the evening to match the bride’s style, whether that means relaxed dining or something more glamorous.

Its accessibility from across the UK adds to the appeal, giving the feeling of a getaway without complex travel plans.

Why it works: Competitive golf, luxury surroundings and flexibility for larger groups.

Sunshine, marina dining and championship courses

For reliable sunshine and a built-in social scene, the Algarve is hard to beat. Vilamoura’s marina provides a natural hub for evenings, with waterfront restaurants and stylish bars all within walking distance of hotels such as Domes Lake Algarve and Tivoli Marina.

The Old Course, Vilamoura, offers tree-lined fairways and pristine conditions, while Quinta do Lago’s North and South layouts provide a championship challenge. The region’s practice facilities and academies also make it ideal for beginners who want to ease into the game as part of the weekend.

The rhythm of an Algarve hen do is simple to structure. Golf in the morning, pool or beach in the afternoon, marina dining in the evening.

Why it works: Guaranteed weather, sociable surroundings and premium golf close to home.

Glamour on and off the fairways

Marbella brings energy and elegance in equal measure. La Cala Resort is ideal for a stay-and-play format, with three on-site courses and spa facilities that allow you to build a smooth itinerary around golf and relaxation.

For groups who want nightlife front and centre, staying near Puerto Banús means beach clubs and late evenings are just steps away, with courses such as Los Naranjos and Higueron Marbella Golf Resort only a short transfer from town.

Mountain-backed fairways during the day and vibrant coastal evenings create a contrast that suits celebratory groups perfectly.

Why it works: Championship golf with a glamorous social backdrop.

Boutique style with coastal drama

Majorca offers a slightly more refined feel for a hen group seeking something chic. Palma’s boutique hotels, rooftop bars and stylish restaurants create an elegant base, while Golf Son Gual provides one of Europe’s most highly regarded championship layouts.

Further north, Alcanada delivers dramatic coastal holes overlooking the bay, ideal for a headline round with unforgettable views. The short flight time from the UK makes Majorca particularly well-suited to long weekends that feel special without extensive travel.

Why it works: Sophisticated surroundings, standout courses and effortless European access.

Desert backdrops and effortless group energy

If the hen do is doubling as a once-in-a-lifetime trip, Scottsdale delivers scale, sunshine and serious golf pedigree. With year-round blue skies and dramatic desert scenery, it feels instantly different from a European escape.

Staying in Old Town Scottsdale keeps the group close to rooftop bars, stylish restaurants and poolside day parties, while nearby resorts such as The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess elevate the experience with spa facilities and multiple on-site dining options.

The golf offering is vast. Troon North and TPC Scottsdale provide headline rounds with immaculate conditioning and panoramic desert views, while there are dozens of other courses nearby to suit different ability levels.

The rhythm of a Scottsdale hen do is easy to imagine. Early tee times to beat the heat, afternoons by the pool, evenings that stretch long into the night. It works particularly well for confident, social groups who want a balance of competitive golf and celebratory atmosphere.

Why it works: Reliable sunshine, huge course variety and a lively yet polished social scene.

Resort golf with beachside evenings

Florida offers flexibility depending on the type of hen weekend you want to create. Orlando is ideal for a resort-led trip, with large stay-and-play properties where accommodation, golf and leisure facilities are all on site. Reunion Resort, for example, offers multiple courses designed by major champions, allowing you to build variety into the itinerary without leaving the property.

For something more coastal, heading to areas such as Miami and the palm beaches blends golf with beach clubs and waterfront dining. Morning rounds can be followed by afternoons on the sand and evenings spent enjoying the city’s vibrant restaurant scene.

The appeal of Florida lies in its choice. Championship courses, warm weather and the option to dial the celebration up or down depending on the bride’s personality.

Why it works: Sun guaranteed, excellent resort infrastructure and the freedom to shape the trip around the group.

Winter sun with a luxury edge

For UK groups looking to escape colder months, Dubai provides near guaranteed winter sunshine and a polished, high-end feel. Courses such as Emirates Golf Club and Jumeirah Golf Estates offer immaculate conditions and skyline views that instantly elevate the experience.

Many of Dubai’s five-star hotels are designed with groups in mind, featuring beach clubs, rooftop pools and world-class spas, such as the Grand Hyatt Dubai and the Park Hyatt at Dubai Creek Resort.

You can structure the weekend around early morning golf to avoid the midday heat, followed by relaxed afternoons by the pool and glamorous evenings at beachside restaurants.

Dubai works especially well for hens who want their trip to feel indulgent and photo-ready, with a seamless blend of sport and luxury.

Why it works: Winter reliability, pristine courses and a glamorous social backdrop.

Big energy, desert fairways & unforgettable evenings

If the bride wants a hen do that makes a statement, Las Vegas delivers in every sense. While it is known for its nightlife, Vegas has quietly built a reputation as one of the most entertaining golf destinations in the United States, with immaculate desert courses set against dramatic mountain backdrops.

Staying on or just off The Strip keeps the group close to rooftop pools, world-class restaurants and late-night entertainment. Iconic resorts such as Bellagio Hotel & Casino and MGM Grand Hotel & Casino are perfectly set up for group travel, offering spacious suites, vibrant pool scenes and a seamless transition from daytime lounging to evening celebrations.

While only a selection of hotels may appear online, we can book any hotels on the Strip, just ask your Golf Travel Expert.

For golf, courses such as TPC Las Vegas and Bali Hai offer contrasting experiences. TPC provides a championship test with sweeping desert views, while Bali Hai brings a tropical feel just minutes from The Strip itself.

The beauty of a Vegas hen do lies in the contrast. Early morning tee times followed by afternoons by the pool. Sunset dinners that turn into late evenings. It is bold, energetic and perfect for groups who want their celebration to feel larger than life.

Why it works: Standout golf, seamless group accommodation and an atmosphere built for celebration.

The best golf hen weekend is not about picking the most famous course or the furthest flight. It is about matching the destination to the bride and the group dynamic.

• If ease and simplicity are priorities, staying closer to home makes everything straightforward. Resorts such as The Belfry, Celtic Manor or Rockliffe Hall allow you to keep golf, accommodation, spa time and dining all in one place. There is no need to coordinate airport transfers or strict itineraries. You can focus on enjoying the experience together.
• If sunshine and sociable evenings are essential, Europe offers the perfect balance. The Algarve gives you marina-side dining and reliable weather, Marbella brings glamour and energy, while Majorca adds a chic, boutique feel. Travel times are short, courses are consistently high quality and evenings naturally flow from relaxed dinners into celebratory drinks.
• For groups wanting a statement trip, long-haul destinations elevate the occasion. Scottsdale delivers desert drama and a lively social scene, Florida combines resort convenience with beachside living, and Dubai offers polished luxury with winter sun reliability. These destinations feel like more than a weekend away. They feel like a milestone celebration.

Whatever you choose, the formula remains the same. A headline round on a standout course. Time to relax and unwind. Evenings that reflect the bride’s personality. And plenty of shared moments along the way. Golf provides the structure. The destination provides the atmosphere. Together, they create a hen do that feels modern, memorable and entirely your own.

Do you need to be a golfer to plan a golf hen do? Not at all. Many hen groups include a mix of experienced players and complete beginners. Resorts often offer shorter rounds, academy sessions or fun team formats such as scrambles, making it easy for everyone to take part without pressure.

How many rounds should you include in a hen weekend? For a long weekend, one headline round and one more relaxed round is often the perfect balance. This leaves time for spa treatments, pool days or exploring the destination without the itinerary feeling too structured.

What is the best time of year for a golf hen do? Late spring and early autumn are ideal for UK and Ireland trips, offering good course conditions and longer daylight hours. For guaranteed sunshine, destinations such as the Algarve, Marbella and Dubai work particularly well outside peak summer heat.

How far in advance should you book? Popular resorts and peak travel dates can fill quickly, especially for larger groups. Booking at least six to nine months in advance helps secure preferred tee times and accommodation options.

Can non-golfers still enjoy the trip? Absolutely. Many stay-and-play resorts feature spas, beaches, city centres or shopping nearby. Choosing the right base ensures everyone feels included, whether they play 18 holes or simply join for dinner and drinks.

Consider location logistics Walkable town centres such as St Andrews or Vilamoura make evenings effortless, while resort-based destinations like The Belfry or La Cala simplify daytime planning. Book early tee times in warmer climates. In destinations such as Dubai, Scottsdale or Las Vegas, morning golf is more comfortable and leaves afternoons free for relaxation.

Keep formats relaxed Team games, fun challenges and on-course prizes maintain energy without turning the weekend into a serious competition.

Allow downtime The most successful hen weekends balance activity with breathing space. Pool time, spa sessions or simply long lunches help keep the celebration enjoyable from start to finish.