Golf Travel Survey 2026: Resort-style golf comes out on top for beginner golfers

Golfbreaks surveyed more than 2,500 golfers in 2026 to understand how golfers plan and experience golf holidays. For this analysis, we focused on golfers who have been playing the game for five years or less, exploring the destinations, experiences, and booking factors that matter most to those new to the sport.

As golf continues to attract new players, beginner golfers represent a growing segment of the golf travel market. Many are taking their first dedicated golf holidays and are looking for destinations that offer accessible courses, good value, and memorable experiences both on and off the course.

The findings reveal what newer golfers prioritise when choosing a golf holiday, from course difficulty and resort facilities to social experiences and overall value, while highlighting the factors that can help turn a first golf trip into a lifelong passion for golf travel.

Read the full Golf Travel Trends Report here

• Nearly three-quarters (72.2%) of golfers with less than one year's experience say food and drink is an important part of a golf holiday, showing that beginners view golf trips as much more than just time on the course.
• The importance of travelling with friends increases rapidly as golfers gain experience, rising from 46.7% among those playing for less than a year to 65.5% after three to five years, suggesting social experiences become an even bigger driver of golf travel over time.
• Resort golf is the clear favourite for newer players, with 63.3% of golfers who have been playing for one to two years preferring resort-style golf, highlighting the appeal of convenience, on-site facilities and a relaxed atmosphere.
• More than 8 in 10 beginner golfers rank value for money as one of their top booking priorities, reinforcing the importance of affordable, high-quality golf holidays for those new to the game.

For golfers still relatively new to the game, value for money is the single biggest factor when choosing a golf holiday.

Among golfers with less than one year of experience, 81.1% selected great price/value as one of their three most important booking considerations. That rises slightly to 83.3% among golfers who have been playing for one to two years.

While newer golfers still want quality golf, they are often balancing golf travel against other priorities and are less likely to be chasing expensive bucket-list experiences.

The findings suggest that beginner golfers want reassurance that they are getting plenty of golf, good accommodation and an enjoyable holiday without overspending.

The survey found that newer golfers are significantly more likely to favour resort-style golf.

Almost half (48.9%) of golfers with less than one year of experience selected resort courses as a preferred course type, rising to 63.3% among golfers who have been playing for one to two years.

For beginners, the appeal is easy to understand. Resort golf offers:

• Multiple courses in one location
• Practice facilities
• On-site accommodation
• Simple logistics
• A relaxed atmosphere

Rather than travelling specifically for a famous course, many newer golfers are looking for destinations that make the entire experience easy and enjoyable.

Like experienced golfers, beginners see golf holidays as social experiences.

Among golfers with less than one year of experience, 46.7% selected playing with friends as their ideal golf trip, rising to 58.3% among those playing for one to two years and 65.5% among golfers with three to five years of experience.

The survey suggests that many newer golfers view golf travel as an opportunity to spend time with friends, enjoy new destinations and create memories, rather than focusing solely on scores and competition.

Interestingly, competitions and organised events remained a niche preference across the wider survey, highlighting the importance of the social side of golf travel.

One of the clearest themes from the survey is that beginner golfers value more than just the golf itself.

Among golfers with less than one year of experience, 72.2% rated food and drink as highly important, while 61.1% placed significant importance on culture and sightseeing. A further 44.4% rated spa and leisure facilities as important parts of the trip.

The golf remains important, but for many newer players it forms part of a broader holiday experience that includes relaxation, entertainment and exploring the destination.

While beginner golfers share many of the same priorities, the survey suggests that travel preferences begin to evolve surprisingly quickly as experience grows. From golfers looking for straightforward resort experiences and great value to those beginning to explore different course styles and destinations, experience plays an important role in shaping the ideal golf holiday.

Less than one year playing: The value-focused beginner

Golfers with less than one year of experience place the greatest emphasis on value for money, with 81.1% selecting great price/value as one of their most important booking considerations.

This group is also highly attracted to destinations that make golf travel simple and stress-free, favouring resort environments, convenient logistics and destinations that offer plenty beyond the golf course itself.

Recommended destinations according to Nick Roberts, Head of Product:

• Portugal
• Turkey
• Costa del Sol
• Marrakech

These destinations offer reliable sunshine, excellent value, quality resorts and easy-to-organise golf experiences, making them ideal for those booking their first golf holidays.

1-2 years playing: The resort enthusiast

Golfers with one to two years of experience showed the strongest preference for resort-style golf, with 63.3% selecting resort courses as a preferred course type.

At this stage, golfers are becoming more confident travellers and are often looking for destinations that combine multiple courses, quality accommodation and a vibrant holiday atmosphere.

Recommended destinations according to Benjamin Gayton, Head of Worldwide Product:

• Algarve
• Belek
• La Cala
• Murcia

These destinations provide a blend of great golf, resort facilities and convenience, allowing golfers to enjoy a complete holiday experience while continuing to develop their game.

3-5 years playing: The developing golf traveller

By three to five years of playing experience, golfers often begin broadening their horizons and developing stronger preferences for specific course styles and destinations.

Playing with friends becomes increasingly important, while many golfers start looking beyond traditional resort golf towards destinations that offer greater variety and golfing character.

Recommended destinations according to Judith Cook, Product Director:

• Portugal
• Dublin
• Le Touquet
• Southport

These destinations combine excellent golf with strong off-course experiences, giving golfers the opportunity to explore different styles of golf while still enjoying the convenience and social aspects that remain important at this stage of their golfing journey.

Read the full analysis: Golfers' most recommended destinations

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%.

Planning your first golf holiday can feel overwhelming, but the survey findings provide a clear picture of what newer golfers value most. While every golfer is different, the data suggests that beginners are looking for the same core ingredients: great value for money, easy-to-organise destinations, quality accommodation and the chance to enjoy memorable experiences with friends.

Unlike more experienced golfers who often prioritise iconic courses and golfing heritage, newer golfers tend to focus on the overall holiday experience. Resort destinations, convenient travel arrangements and destinations that offer plenty to do both on and off the course are particularly appealing.

To help put these findings into practice, we've also included expert booking tips from one of Golfbreaks' Golf Travel Experts, Mark Bell, who has spent years helping golfers plan unforgettable golf holidays and find the right destinations for every type of trip.

Whether you are booking your first golf trip with friends or planning your next golfing getaway, understanding what beginner golfers value can help you choose a destination that delivers the right balance of golf, relaxation and fun.

• Prioritise value for money. More than 80% of golfers with two years of experience or less ranked great price/value among their most important booking considerations.
• Choose destinations with resort facilities and multiple courses to make planning simpler and provide plenty of flexibility during your stay.
• Consider the full holiday experience, not just the golf. Food, accommodation, atmosphere and convenience all play an important role for newer golfers.
• Travel with friends where possible. The survey found that social experiences are a major part of golf travel, with playing with friends becoming increasingly important as golfers gain confidence.
• Look for destinations with straightforward logistics, particularly if it is your first overseas golf trip.
• Balance golf with time to relax and enjoy the destination, rather than trying to pack too much into the itinerary.

Q: What matters most to beginner golfers when booking a golf holiday? A: Value for money is one of the biggest priorities. More than eight in ten golfers with less than two years of experience selected great price/value as one of their most important booking considerations. Newer golfers also place a strong emphasis on convenience, quality accommodation and the overall holiday experience.

Q: What type of golf courses do beginner golfers prefer? A: Resort golf is the clear favourite among newer golfers. Nearly half (48.9%) of golfers with less than one year of experience selected resort courses as a preferred course type, rising to 63.3% among those who have been playing for one to two years. Resort destinations often offer multiple courses, on-site accommodation and easy logistics, making them ideal for newer golf travellers.

Q: Are golf holidays more about the golf or the holiday experience? A: For many beginner golfers, it is both. While quality golf remains important, newer golfers are often just as interested in good food, comfortable accommodation, social experiences and exploring new destinations. The survey suggests that many see golf as one part of a wider holiday experience rather than the sole focus of the trip.

Q: Should beginner golfers choose famous golf destinations? A: Not necessarily. While iconic golfing destinations can be appealing, beginner golfers often get more enjoyment from destinations that offer great value, convenient travel and a relaxed atmosphere. Resort destinations in Portugal, Turkey and Spain frequently provide the ideal balance.

Q: How do I book my first golf holiday? A: You can browse golf holiday packages online or speak directly with one of our Golf Travel Experts for personalised recommendations. Whether you are looking for an all-inclusive resort, a sunshine golf break or a short trip with friends, we can help you find a destination that matches your experience level, budget and travel style.

Learn more about how to book a golf holiday here.

If there is one clear takeaway from our survey, it is that the best golf holidays for beginners are often the simplest. Great value, enjoyable courses, quality accommodation and time spent with friends consistently matter more than famous venues or bucket-list experiences.

As golfers gain experience, their preferences naturally evolve, but the foundations of a memorable golf holiday remain remarkably consistent. Good golf, good company and a destination that makes everything easy continue to be the ingredients that define a successful trip.

Whether you are planning your very first golf holiday or looking for inspiration for your next getaway, choosing a destination that balances golf with relaxation, convenience and great experiences is often the best place to start.