Golf Travel Survey 2026: Portugal officially named the best golfing destination

Every year, golfers head off in search of unforgettable courses, sunshine, great company and the perfect golf holiday experience. To find out what really makes a golf trip special, we recently surveyed more than 2,500 golfers, asking everything from their favourite destinations and dream courses to the moments and memories that stand out most.

The results revealed clear trends, bucket-list favourites and a few hidden gems along the way. From the sunshine and nightlife of Portugal to the iconic links of Scotland and the luxury resorts of Turkey, golfers shared the destinations they believe every player should experience at least once.

Based on the opinions and experiences of real golfers, here are the golf destinations that came out on top.

• Four of the top five golf holiday destinations are in Southern Europe, highlighting golfers' preference for sunshine, short flights and reliable playing conditions.
• Portugal was the clear standout destination, with more than 20% of respondents mentioning it as one of their favourite golf holidays.
• Scotland (7.8%), Spain (7.4%) and Turkey (6%+) complete the top four, showing golfers still balance bucket-list links golf with sunshine resort destinations.
• While iconic destinations dominated the rankings, golfers also repeatedly highlighted France, Morocco, Mauritius and South Africa as memorable alternatives offering exceptional value or once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
• Perhaps the biggest surprise was that the USA didn't make the top 10. Despite its world-famous golf courses and bucket-list reputation, golfers favoured accessible destinations that combine great golf with sunshine, value and an all-round holiday experience.
• Several traditionally popular golf destinations, including Dubai, Cyprus, Thailand and Vietnam, narrowly missed the top ten but received enough mentions to earn honourable mentions.

Rather than producing a list dominated by famous bucket-list courses, the survey revealed several clear travel trends among today's golfers.

Sunshine still wins

Six of the top ten destinations offer reliable sunshine for much of the golfing season, with Portugal, Spain, Turkey, Morocco, Mauritius and South Africa all featuring prominently. Golfers consistently mentioned warm weather, easy travel and the ability to play multiple rounds in excellent conditions as reasons for returning year after year.

Europe dominates

Seven of the top ten destinations are in Europe, suggesting that accessibility remains a major factor when planning a golf holiday. Short flights, convenient transfers and excellent value continue to make European destinations the first choice for many golfers.

Bucket-list golf still matters

While sunshine destinations performed strongly, Scotland and Ireland both ranked among golfers' favourite trips thanks to their iconic links courses, golfing heritage and unforgettable experiences.

Experiences matter as much as courses

Across almost every destination, golfers spoke about more than just the golf. Great food, welcoming hospitality, nightlife, scenery and time spent with friends appeared repeatedly throughout the survey responses, reinforcing that golfers increasingly choose destinations offering a complete holiday experience rather than simply great courses.

• France finished ahead of several higher-profile long-haul destinations thanks to its accessibility, value and quality golf.
• Mauritius ranked inside the top ten despite being one of the furthest destinations from the UK, demonstrating golfers' appetite for bucket-list luxury trips.
• Dubai and the UAE, often regarded as premium golf destinations, narrowly missed the top ten despite receiving numerous positive mentions.
• Thailand and Vietnam also missed out on the top ten but generated consistently enthusiastic feedback, suggesting Southeast Asia is becoming an emerging long-haul golf destination.

Best for: sunshine, variety & unbeatable golf holiday atmosphere Airport: Faro or Lisbon | Our experts recommend: March to June & September to November | Best value: February, March & November

It is no surprise that Portugal came out as the number one golf destination in our survey. From the iconic fairways of Vilamoura and Quinta do Lago to the dramatic clifftop layouts of the Lisbon Coast, Portugal continues to deliver the complete golf holiday package.

Over 20% of our respondees praised Portugal for its incredible course variety, dependable sunshine, easy travel from the UK and welcoming atmosphere. Whether you are after a lively golf trip with nightlife and marina bars, a luxury resort escape, or a quieter coastal retreat, Portugal offers something for every type of golfer.

The Algarve remains the standout region, thanks to legendary venues like Monte Rei, Vale do Lobo, Old Course Vilamoura and Quinta do Lago. Vilamoura was especially popular among golfers for its mix of championship golf, walkable nightlife and excellent accommodation options.

Meanwhile, the Lisbon Coast is becoming increasingly sought after, with golfers highlighting hidden gems like West Cliffs, Praia D’El Rey and Oitavos Dunes for their stunning scenery, quieter atmosphere and outstanding value compared to some of Europe’s more established golf hotspots.

Why golfers rated Portugal so highly:

• Reliable sunshine and ideal golf weather for most of the year
• Huge variety of courses across the Algarve and Lisbon Coast
• Excellent nightlife and marina atmosphere in Vilamoura and Albufeira
• Short flight times and easy transfers from the UK
• Strong value compared to many other European destinations
• Luxury resorts, villas and all-inclusive stays to suit every group type

Courses golfers loved most in Portugal

• Old Course, Vilamoura – One of the Algarve’s most iconic layouts, lined with towering pine trees and packed with classic charm.
• Monte Rei – Frequently described by golfers as one of the best courses in Europe, delivering immaculate conditioning and a luxury golf experience.
• Quinta do Lago South Course – A bucket-list Algarve course known for championship pedigree and stunning finishing holes.
• West Cliffs – A dramatic modern links overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, consistently ranked among Europe’s best newer courses.
• Praia D’El Rey – Combining oceanfront holes with pine forest fairways, this remains one of Portugal’s most memorable golf experiences.
• Oitavos Dunes – A natural links-style course near Lisbon offering spectacular scenery and a quieter, more laid-back atmosphere.

Where golfers recommend staying

Best for nightlife & social golf trips

Perfect for groups wanting bars, restaurants and golf all within easy reach.

• Tivoli Marina Vilamoura
• Domes Lake Algarve
• Vila Gale Ampalius

Best for luxury golf escapes

Ideal for golfers seeking premium resorts and championship golf.

• Conrad Algarve
• Monte Rei Resort
• Praia D’El Rey Marriott Golf & Beach Resort

Insider tip: Portugal has some great courses for beginners, read our full analysis on beginners preferences here.

Best for: all-inclusive luxury & unbeatable value Airport: Antalya | Our experts recommend: February to May & September to November | Best value: February, March & November

Turkey was one of the biggest success stories in our 2026 golfer survey, with Belek firmly cementing itself among the world’s favourite golf destinations.

More than 6% of golfers who shared their favourite golf trip experiences specifically mentioned Turkey, Belek or Antalya, making it one of the most frequently referenced overseas destinations in the survey. Golfers consistently highlighted the destination's unique combination of luxury, value and convenience.

From all-inclusive beachfront resorts to championship golf courses located just minutes apart, Belek stood out as one of the easiest and most enjoyable golf destinations to visit. Many respondents said they return year after year thanks to the exceptional service, reliable sunshine and seamless organisation.

A huge number of responses highlighted how stress-free golf holidays in Turkey feel, with airport transfers, hotels, golf courses and food all effortlessly arranged. Golfers also mentioned the quality of the hotels, course conditioning and overall value for money, especially compared to other premium golf destinations.

Many golfers specifically mentioned the appeal of all-inclusive packages, where everything from drinks and dining to transfers and golf is included, making it ideal for groups, societies and annual buddy trips.

Why golfers rated Turkey so highly:

• Exceptional value for luxury golf holidays
• Championship courses all located close together in Belek
• Five-star all-inclusive hotels with premium facilities
• Reliable sunshine throughout spring and autumn
• Stress-free organisation with seamless transfers and golf scheduling
• Outstanding hospitality and customer service

Courses golfers loved most in Turkey

• Carya Golf Club – Frequently highlighted for its immaculate conditioning and championship layout, including hosting DP World Tour events.
• Montgomerie Maxx Royal – One of Turkey’s most famous golf courses and a huge favourite among golfers visiting Belek.
• Sueno Golf Club – Loved for its resort-style experience with two on-site courses and excellent facilities.
• Cornelia Faldo Course – A challenging Nick Faldo layout renowned for its strategic design.
• Gloria Golf Club – Popular for its variety of courses, outstanding resort facilities and excellent service.

Where golfers recommend staying

Best for luxury all-inclusive stays

Perfect for golfers wanting everything taken care of from arrival to departure.

• Regnum Carya
• Gloria Serenity Resort
• Cornelia Diamond Golf Resort & Spa

Best for golf-on-site convenience

Ideal for groups wanting golf courses directly connected to their hotel.

• Sueno Hotels Golf Belek
• Kempinski Hotel The Dome
• Maxx Royal Belek Golf Resort

Best for: iconic links golf & bucket-list experiences Airport: Edinburgh, Glasgow or Inverness | Our experts recommend: May to September | Best value: April & October

With over 7.8% of respondents mentioning it, no destination captured the imagination of golfers quite like Scotland. From St Andrews to East Lothian and the Highlands, Scotland was repeatedly described as the ultimate bucket-list golf trip in our 2026 survey.

Golfers spoke passionately about the history, atmosphere and authenticity of Scottish golf, with many describing trips to St Andrews or the East Coast as lifelong ambitions finally achieved. Others highlighted Scotland’s incredible variety, from world-famous Open Championship venues to hidden gems offering exceptional value and warm hospitality.

St Andrews was by far the most frequently mentioned location in Scotland, with golfers calling the Old Course “iconic”, “special” and “a dream come true”. East Lothian also featured heavily thanks to its incredible concentration of links courses, while the Highlands earned praise for stunning scenery, peaceful surroundings and unforgettable golf experiences.

Why golfers rated Scotland so highly:

• Iconic bucket-list courses steeped in golfing history
• Incredible links golf and coastal scenery
• Friendly hospitality and authentic golf culture
• Huge variety of courses from championship venues to hidden gems
• Easy road-trip style golf tours across regions like Fife and East Lothian
• Memorable experiences playing where the game began

Courses golfers loved most in Scotland

• The Old Course, St Andrews – The most iconic course in golf and the ultimate bucket-list experience.
• Carnoustie – Frequently described as unforgettable for both its history and challenge.
• Kingsbarns – One of the most renowned modern links experiences in the world.
• Turnberry (Ailsa Course) – Golfers repeatedly highlighted the scenery, atmosphere and unforgettable closing stretch.
• North Berwick West Links – A favourite among traditional links lovers.
• Royal Dornoch – Widely regarded as one of the purest links golf experiences anywhere.

Where golfers recommend staying

Best for iconic golf experiences

Perfect for golfers wanting to stay close to Scotland’s most famous courses.

• Rusacks St Andrews
• Old Course Hotel, St Andrews
• Marine North Berwick

Best for luxury Scottish golf escapes

Ideal for golfers seeking five-star resorts and championship golf.

• Gleneagles Hotel
• Trump Turnberry
• Fairmont St Andrews

Best for: sunshine, nightlife & incredible course variety Airport: Malaga or Palma de Mallorca | Our experts recommend: March to June & September to November | Best value: February, March & November

Spain remains one of Europe’s most loved golf destinations and was among the most frequently mentioned countries at 7.4%. From the championship courses of the Costa del Sol to the beachside resorts of Majorca, golfers loved how Spain combines fantastic golf with sunshine, food, nightlife and relaxed Mediterranean culture.

The Costa del Sol stood out as Spain’s most popular golf region, with Marbella, La Cala and Sotogrande repeatedly highlighted for their concentration of world-class courses and vibrant social scenes. Golfers loved how easy it is to play several top-quality courses in a single trip, while still enjoying lively evenings, marina bars and fantastic restaurants.

La Cala was one of the most talked-about resorts overall, with many golfers describing it as the perfect all-round golf holiday destination thanks to its on-site accommodation, multiple courses and easy access to nearby towns and beaches.

Majorca was also mentioned due to its combination of scenic golf, great weather and relaxed atmosphere, while Murcia and the Costa Blanca were repeatedly highlighted as great-value alternatives with quieter courses and excellent resorts.

Why golfers rated Spain so highly:

• Reliable sunshine and ideal golf weather
• Huge variety of championship and resort courses
• Excellent nightlife and social atmosphere in places like Marbella and Puerto Banús
• Easy travel and short airport transfers
• Great food, beaches and off-course entertainment
• Strong value with options for every budget

Courses golfers loved most in Spain

• Valderrama – One of Europe’s most iconic golf courses and a true bucket-list venue.
• La Cala (Asia, America & Europa) – A favourite for golf groups thanks to its three varied on-site courses.
• Finca Cortesin – Widely renowned for luxury, immaculate conditioning and championship pedigree.
• Torrequebrada – A Costa del Sol classic known for its dramatic layout and fantastic conditioning.

Where golfers recommend staying

Best for golf & nightlife

Perfect for groups wanting easy access to bars, restaurants and multiple courses.

• La Cala Golf Resort
• Hard Rock Hotel Marbella
• Elba Estepona Gran Hotel & Thalasso Spa

Best for luxury golf escapes

Ideal for golfers seeking five-star golf and premium resort experiences.

• Camiral Golf & Wellness
• Arabella Golf Resort Mallorca

Best for: links golf, hospitality & unforgettable atmosphere Airport: Dublin, Belfast, Shannon or Knock | Our experts recommend: May to September | Best value: April & October

Ireland remains one of the world’s most loved golf destinations and was one of the standout countries at 3.4% in respondees' answers. Golfers often mentioned Ireland for its spectacular links courses, friendly locals, incredible scenery and unmatched social atmosphere.

From the world-famous fairways of Portrush and Ballybunion to the rugged beauty of Donegal and the southwest coast, golfers described Ireland as a destination that delivers unforgettable memories both on and off the course.

One of the biggest themes throughout the survey was the atmosphere surrounding Irish golf trips. Golfers consistently mentioned the “craic”, the welcoming hospitality and the experience of sharing great golf with friends in lively pubs and seaside towns after the round.

Donegal and the northwest coast were particularly popular among golfers seeking hidden gems and road-trip style adventures, while Northern Ireland drew attention for iconic championship venues and incredible value compared to other bucket-list golf destinations.

Why golfers rated Ireland so highly:

• Some of the world’s best links golf courses
• Friendly locals and legendary Irish hospitality
• Incredible scenery across coastal golf regions
• Fantastic pubs, nightlife and post-round atmosphere
• Ideal for golf road trips and buddy tours
• Memorable bucket-list experiences at iconic venues

Courses golfers loved most in Ireland

• Royal County Down – Widely regarded as one of the world's finest links courses, renowned for its stunning setting beneath the Mourne Mountains.
• Royal Portrush – One of the most talked-about courses in the survey and a true dream destination.
• Ballybunion – Frequently described as one of the greatest links experiences in the world.
• Old Head Golf Links – Famous for its spectacular cliff-edge setting and unforgettable views.
• Rosapenna – A standout Donegal destination offering multiple exceptional links layouts.
• Druids Glen – Loved for immaculate conditioning and a premium golf resort experience.
• Waterville – Combining dramatic coastal scenery with classic Irish links golf.

Where golfers recommend staying

Best for traditional Irish golf trips

Perfect for golfers wanting pubs, links golf and authentic Irish atmosphere.

• Slieve Donard Resort & Spa
• Rosapenna Hotel & Golf Resort
• Killarney Plaza Hotel & Spa

Best for luxury golf escapes

Ideal for golfers seeking five-star stays alongside world-class golf.

• The K Club
• Adare Manor
• Castlemartyr Resort

Insider tip: Our most experienced golfers love Ireland, read more about their top golf holiday priorities here.

Best for: easy-access golf breaks & underrated hidden gems Airport: Paris, Lille or LeShuttle/Ferry access | Our experts recommend: April to October | Best value: May, June & September

France emerged as one of the biggest hidden gems in our 2026 golfer survey, with 3.3% of golfers mentioning destinations like Le Touquet, Hardelot and Normandy for their excellent golf, relaxed atmosphere and incredible convenience from the UK.

Northern France in particular stood out as a favourite for shorter golf breaks, with many golfers highlighting how easy it is to travel via LeShuttle or ferry before being on the first tee just a few hours later. Golfers loved the combination of great-value golf, quality hotels, French food and lively evenings without the need for long-haul travel.

Le Touquet was the clear standout destination in France, regularly mentioned for its fantastic golf courses, bustling town centre and great restaurants and bars. Nearby Hardelot also earned huge acclaim, especially Les Pins, which many golfers described as one of the best hidden gem golf courses in Europe.

Normandy and Brittany were also popular among golfers seeking quieter, scenic golf trips with excellent hospitality and less crowded courses. Across the responses, golfers consistently described golf holidays in France as relaxed, welcoming and surprisingly good value.

Why golfers rated France so highly:

• Easy travel from the UK via LeShuttle, ferry or short flights
• Fantastic golf courses close together in Northern France
• Excellent food, wine and lively town atmospheres
• Great value compared to some other European golf hotspots
• Less crowded courses and relaxed pace of play
• Ideal for short golf breaks and road-trip style holidays

Courses golfers loved most in France

• Le Touquet La Mer – One of France’s most iconic golf courses and a favourite among repeat visitors.
• Les Pins, Hardelot – Frequently described as one of the best and most memorable courses in Northern France.
• Golf de Chantilly – A prestigious inland layout set within beautiful woodland surroundings.
• Golf Barrière Deauville – A classic Normandy course paired with luxury resort accommodation.
• Saint-Saëns Golf Club – Popular for scenic golf and relaxed countryside surroundings.

Where golfers recommend staying

Best for short-haul golf breaks

Perfect for golfers wanting easy travel and lively evenings.

• Le Grand Hotel Le Touquet
• Hôtel Barrière Le Westminster
• Hôtel du Parc Hardelot

Best for relaxed countryside escapes

Ideal for golfers seeking quieter surroundings and scenic golf.

• Hôtel Barrière L’Hôtel du Golf Deauville
• Domaine de la Bretesche Golf & Spa
• Saint-Saëns Golf Hotel

Best for: winter sun, luxury resorts & exotic golf escapes For golfers looking for warm weather, incredible value and a golf trip with a unique cultural twist. Airport: Marrakech or Agadir | Our experts recommend: October to April | Best value: November & January

Respondents repeatedly described Marrakech and Agadir in Morocco as unforgettable golf holiday experiences combining sunshine, luxury and culture.

Many golfers highlighted Morocco as the perfect winter golf escape, with its reliable weather, excellent value and luxurious golf resorts available at a fraction of the cost of some European destinations. Across the responses, golfers consistently mentioned fantastic hospitality, great food and the unique atmosphere that makes Morocco feel completely different from a traditional golf trip.

Marrakech was the most talked-about destination, with golfers loving the combination of championship golf, stylish riads, lively evenings and authentic Moroccan culture. Agadir was also mentioned for its relaxed beachfront resorts, all-inclusive hotels and easy-access golf courses.

Golfers frequently mentioned how Morocco offered more than just golf, with bustling souks, rooftop restaurants, spas and excursions all helping create memorable trips both on and off the course.

Why golfers rated Morocco so highly:

• Guaranteed sunshine during the winter golf season
• Luxury resorts and all-inclusive hotels at great value
• Excellent golf courses close together around Marrakech and Agadir
• Unique culture, food and atmosphere
• Friendly hospitality and relaxed pace
• Perfect for winter golf escapes with friends or couples

Courses golfers loved most in Morocco

• Royal Golf Marrakech – One of Morocco’s most historic and iconic golf courses.
• Assoufid Golf Club – Known for immaculate conditioning and breathtaking Atlas Mountain views.
• Al Maaden Golf Resort – A modern championship layout blending golf with striking Moroccan design.
• Fairmont Royal Palm – Loved for luxury surroundings and premium golf resort facilities.
• Taghazout Bay Golf Club – A standout Agadir-area course offering spectacular ocean views.

Where golfers recommend staying

Best for luxury golf & culture

Perfect for golfers wanting golf by day and Moroccan atmosphere by night.

• Fairmont Royal Palm Marrakech
• Tikida Golf Palace Agadir
• Hyatt Place Taghazout Bay

Best for: luxury golf & once-in-a-lifetime escapes Airport: Mauritius (Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport) | Our experts recommend: May to November | Best value: June & September

One of the most aspirational destinations mentioned in the survey was Mauritius, with golfers repeatedly describing it as “special”, “unforgettable” and “heaven on earth”.

From luxury beachfront resorts to spectacular oceanfront golf courses, Mauritius stood out as the ultimate long-haul golf escape. Golfers consistently described the island’s incredible hospitality, relaxed atmosphere and stunning scenery, with many describing it as the perfect destination for milestone birthdays, honeymoons and bucket-list golf trips.

A huge number of responses highlighted the overall experience rather than just the golf itself, with golfers mentioning the quality of the hotels, food, beaches and service alongside the championship courses. Many golfers also noted that Mauritius felt quieter and more relaxed than some other luxury golf destinations, making it ideal for both couples and golf groups.

Why golfers rated Mauritius so highly:

• Luxury beachfront resorts with world-class service
• Stunning tropical scenery and oceanfront golf
• Warm weather throughout the year
• Perfect for special occasions, honeymoons and celebrations
• Relaxed atmosphere with exceptional hospitality
• Championship golf courses paired with luxury accommodation

Courses golfers loved most in Mauritius

• Île aux Cerfs Golf Club – One of the world’s most spectacular island golf experiences, accessible only by boat transfer.
• Anahita Golf Club – A championship Ernie Els design with dramatic oceanfront holes and luxury surroundings.
• Heritage Le Château Course – Frequently praised for immaculate conditioning and tropical scenery.
• Links Course at Constance Belle Mare Plage – A favourite among repeat visitors for its playability and resort setting.

Where golfers recommend staying

Best for luxury all-inclusive golf

Perfect for golfers wanting five-star relaxation alongside championship golf.

• Constance Belle Mare Plage
• Heritage Awali Golf & Spa Resort
• Shangri-La Le Touessrok Mauritius

Best for: bucket-list golf, scenery & incredible value Airport: Cape Town or Johannesburg | Our experts recommend: October to April | Best value: November & February

South Africa stood out as one of the most memorable long-haul golf destinations, with golfers highlighting the incredible scenery, outstanding value and spectacular golf courses found across the country.

Many golfers described South Africa as offering far more than just golf, with safari experiences, wine regions, coastal road trips and luxury hospitality all helping create unforgettable holidays. Across the survey responses, golfers consistently highlighted the quality of the courses, the friendliness of the people and how surprisingly affordable many golf experiences felt compared to other premium destinations.

The Garden Route and Cape Town region were especially popular, with golfers loving the dramatic ocean views, mountain scenery and world-class golf layouts. Sun City also featured heavily thanks to its iconic resort courses and all-in-one golf holiday experience.

Why golfers rated South Africa so highly:

• Spectacular scenery and dramatic golf course settings
• Exceptional value for championship golf and luxury stays
• Warm weather and year-round golf conditions
• Incredible hospitality and welcoming atmosphere
• Easy to combine golf with safaris, wine tours and sightseeing
• Bucket-list golf experiences at globally recognised courses

Courses golfers loved most in South Africa

• Gary Player Country Club, Sun City – One of Africa’s most famous golf courses and a true bucket-list venue.
• Leopard Creek – A world-renowned safari-style golf course bordering Kruger National Park.
• Pinnacle Point – Renowned for its dramatic cliff-edge ocean views.
• Pearl Valley – A beautifully conditioned Jack Nicklaus design near Cape Town.
• Fancourt (The Links) – One of the highest-rated golf experiences in South Africa.

Where golfers recommend staying

Best for luxury golf & safari experiences

Perfect for golfers wanting a once-in-a-lifetime South African adventure.

• Fancourt Hotel
• Arabella Hotel Golf & Spa

Best for golf & wine country escapes

Ideal for golfers wanting golf combined with scenery, food and wine.

• Erinvale Estate Hotel & Spa
• Steenberg Hotel & Spa
• Pezula Nature Retreat

While they did not feature as prominently as the destinations in our top 10, several other locations earned passionate recommendations from golfers sharing their favourite golf travel memories.

• Dubai & the UAE were frequently highlighted for luxury resorts, immaculate course conditioning and guaranteed sunshine, making them a popular choice for winter golf escapes.
• The Dominican Republic stood out for its spectacular oceanfront golf, particularly around Punta Cana, where world-class courses combine with all-inclusive beachfront resorts.
• Cyprus earned praise for its reliable weather, relaxed atmosphere and excellent value, offering an appealing alternative to some of Europe's more established golf destinations.

Further afield, both Thailand and Vietnam received glowing reviews from golfers seeking unforgettable long-haul experiences. Respondents highlighted the combination of exceptional hospitality, fantastic value, tropical scenery and high-quality golf, with many describing trips to Southeast Asia as among the most memorable they had ever taken.

This survey was conducted among UK golfers in March 2026. Responses were collected via Crowd Signal from a sample size of 2,500 golfers with varying handicaps, ages, and travel habits. Segments were analysed by age, gender, and playing experiences to identify behavioural differences in golf travel preferences.

Golfers were recruited across Golfbreaks and Golfshake-owned channels across web, email and social media. 79% of the golfers surveyed were over 55 years old, so behavioural habits will be more reflective of this age range unless otherwise specified.

Due to rounding, percentages may not always total to 100%.

Choosing the right destination is only part of creating the perfect golf holiday. Once you have decided on the style of trip that suits your group, whether that is championship links, luxury all-inclusive resorts or relaxed sunshine golf, a little forward planning will help ensure everything runs smoothly from arrival to the final round.

Booking tips from Mark Bell, European sales manager at Golfbreaks

• Popular destinations like Portugal, Turkey and Scotland book up quickly during peak golf travel seasons, especially at bucket-list courses and premium resorts.
• Consider travelling in shoulder-season months for better value, quieter courses and ideal playing conditions.
• Mix championship courses with more relaxed resort layouts to keep the trip enjoyable for all ability levels.
• Stay close to nightlife, beaches or local attractions if your group wants more than just golf.
• Allow time to enjoy the destination itself, whether that means exploring local towns, relaxing at the resort or experiencing the food and culture.
• A well-balanced golf holiday often combines great courses with memorable off-course experiences, creating a trip your group will want to repeat year after year.

Q: Which golf destination is best for a group trip? A: Portugal and Spain were among the most popular destinations in our survey thanks to their combination of sunshine, nightlife, course variety and easy travel. Turkey is also ideal for groups wanting stress-free all-inclusive golf holidays.

Q: What is the best destination for bucket-list golf? A: Scotland and Ireland remain the ultimate bucket-list experiences for many golfers, offering iconic links courses, incredible scenery and unforgettable golfing history.

Q: Where can I find the best value golf holiday? A: Turkey, Morocco and Northern France were all mentioned by golfers for delivering fantastic value, with excellent golf, quality accommodation and affordable packages compared to other premium destinations.

Q: Which destinations are best for winter golf? A: Morocco, Turkey and Portugal are all excellent winter-sun golf destinations, offering warm weather and reliable playing conditions when UK courses are at their wettest.

Q: Are long-haul golf trips worth it? A: According to many golfers in our survey, destinations like Mauritius and South Africa provide once-in-a-lifetime experiences that combine world-class golf with incredible scenery, luxury resorts and unforgettable hospitality.

Q: Why should I book with Golfbreaks? A: With more than 25 years of experience arranging golf holidays worldwide, Golfbreaks offers expert advice, trusted resort partnerships and access to some of the world’s most sought-after golf destinations. Whether you are planning a quick European golf break or a bucket-list long-haul adventure, our specialists can help tailor the perfect trip for your group, budget and travel style.

Find out why booking with Golfbreaks means booking with peace of mind here

Q: How do I book my golf trip? A: You can browse golf holiday packages online or speak directly with one of our Golf Travel Experts for personalised recommendations. From all-inclusive resorts in Turkey to legendary links tours in Scotland and Ireland, we will help guide you every step of the way.

Discover more about how to book a golf trip here

The survey shows that golfers are looking for more than great courses. Reliable weather, easy travel, good value, memorable experiences and time spent with friends all play a major role when choosing a golf holiday.

While Portugal continues to lead the way for all-round appeal, Scotland and Ireland remain the ultimate bucket-list destinations, and long-haul escapes such as Mauritius and South Africa continue to inspire golfers planning their next unforgettable trip.

Whether you are planning your first golf break or your next bucket-list adventure, there has never been a better time to explore the world through golf.