May Golf Getaways: Play More, Spend Less

Longer days, lighter crowds, and the best prices of the season

May is one of the most rewarding months in the golf travel calendar. Across much of the country, courses are in outstanding condition, temperatures are warm but comfortable, and daylight stretches long into the evening.

Southern destinations remain sunny without peak summer heat, while northern and mountain regions enter their prime season. It’s a month that offers variety, flexibility, and excellent value - ideal for group trips, milestone celebrations, and early-summer escapes.

With strong availability compared to peak March and April travel, May vacations give you access to exceptional golf without the peak-season pressure.

Why take a golf vacation in May?

  • Prime conditions before summer heat sets in
  • Improved availability versus peak March / April travel
  • Stronger value in select destinations
  • Play championship venues at unbeatable off-season prices
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Scottsdale May favorites

Explore our most popular Scottsdale golf packages this May, combining iconic desert layouts with luxury resort stays and early-morning tee time access.

May golf trips across Florida

From Orlando stay-and-play tours to PGA Tour venues along Florida’s Atlantic coast, discover warm-weather golf packages before peak summer humidity arrives.

Play PGA TOUR & Major venues in May

Experience tournament-tested layouts and major-host venues in prime May conditions, with customizable stay-and-play packages built around iconic championship golf.

Enjoy more golf out west this May

Explore standout western destinations including Palm Springs, Mesquite and Las Vegas, where warm mornings and extended daylight create ideal multi-round itineraries.

Head to South Carolina in May

Enjoy coastal breezes, lush fairways and tournament pedigree across Myrtle Beach and the Lowcountry - perfect for group trips and long weekend getaways.

Best destinations for golf in May

May opens up a broad mix of U.S. golf destinations. From desert layouts and Florida coastal resorts to Carolinas classics and West Coast sunshine, it's one of the most versatile months in the golf travel calendar.

Below are the standout May performers:

Scottsdale, Arizona Best for: Desert golf, premium resorts, and early-morning 36-hole days

May in Scottsdale marks the transition from peak spring to early summer - and that’s exactly what makes it so appealing. You’ll enjoy warm, desert air, wide-open skies, and noticeably improved value compared to March and April’s peak-season pricing. Courses remain in excellent condition, with firm, fast surfaces beginning to replace overseed lushness, creating a more traditional desert playing experience.

Early mornings are particularly enjoyable, offering comfortable temperatures and pristine course conditions. Afternoons bring classic Arizona sunshine, ideal for poolside relaxation or a second twilight round.

May travel tips:

  • Book tee times before 10am for the most comfortable temperatures.
  • Hydration is key - dry heat builds throughout the afternoon.
  • Late May can offer excellent resort value compared to peak spring pricing.

Florida Best for: Championship pedigree, coastal golf, and early-summer warmth

May is one of Florida’s most underrated golf months. Temperatures are warm but typically more manageable than mid-summer, and while humidity begins to rise, it has not yet reached peak levels. Course conditioning remains strong across the state, and availability often improves after the busy winter travel season.

From PGA Tour venues to coastal resort layouts, Florida offers variety - whether you’re seeking tournament-tested designs or relaxed ocean-adjacent rounds.

May travel tips:

  • Morning rounds are ideal before the afternoon heat builds.
  • Coastal breezes provide added comfort along Atlantic venues.
  • Consider midweek travel for the best availability at TPC Sawgrass.

Palm Springs, California Best for: Desert golf with resort-style downtime

Palm Springs in May offers strong value compared to peak winter pricing, while still delivering warm, sun-filled days and excellent playing surfaces. Conditions are dry and predictable, with firm fairways and receptive greens before summer heat intensifies.

Resort culture is in full swing - pools, patios, and mountain-view terraces create a laid-back yet upscale atmosphere. It’s an ideal blend of morning golf and afternoon relaxation.

May travel tips:

  • Schedule sunrise tee times for optimal conditions.
  • Take advantage of shoulder-season package pricing.
  • Plan poolside downtime between morning and late-afternoon rounds.

Las Vegas, Nevada Best for: Championship desert golf paired with nightlife energy

May is one of Las Vegas’ strongest golf windows. Clear skies, warm but manageable temperatures, and vibrant resort energy create the perfect balance between serious golf and social atmosphere.

The region’s courses are known for immaculate conditioning, dramatic desert framing, and high-end service. After your round, the Strip offers unmatched dining, entertainment, and nightlife options.

May travel tips:

  • Early tee times are essential by mid-May.
  • Combine one bucket-list round with a value second round.
  • Stay central on the Strip for easy post-round access.

South Carolina Best for: Classic East Coast layouts and ocean-adjacent golf

May is prime season along South Carolina’s coast. Temperatures are warm but typically not yet humid, and courses are presented in peak condition before summer vacation crowds arrive.

Hilton Head and Myrtle Beach offer contrasting but complementary experiences - from Harbour Town’s tournament heritage to the expansive variety of the Grand Strand.

May Travel Tips:

  • Early May offers slightly lighter demand than late May.

  • Coastal breeze makes afternoon rounds manageable.

  • Ideal destination for 4–8 player buddy trips.

Best golf courses to play in May

May is one of the most versatile months in the U.S. golf calendar. Desert layouts firm up beautifully, coastal venues hit peak turf conditions, and championship hosts shine before summer heat and humidity arrive. These standout courses deliver architectural pedigree, tournament history, and ideal seasonal playability.

TPC Scottsdale (Stadium Course) - Scottsdale, Arizona Ranked the no.37 course in Arizona by Top 100 Golf Courses Par: 71 | Designers: Tom Weiskopf & Jay Morrish | Opened: 1986

Host of the WM Phoenix Open, the Stadium Course is one of the most recognizable public venues in the country. Designed with spectator viewing in mind, it blends generous landing areas with precise approach angles and strategic bunkering. The closing stretch - highlighted by the iconic par-3 16th and risk-reward 17th - provides drama worthy of its PGA Tour status.

Why play in May: Peak overseed season has passed, meaning firmer fairways, excellent green speeds, and improved tee time availability compared to March and April.

TPC Sawgrass (Stadium Course) - Florida Ranked the no.2 course in Florida by Top 100 Golf Courses Par: 72 | Designer: Pete Dye | Opened: 1980

One of Pete Dye’s most strategic designs, TPC Sawgrass rewards placement over power. Angled fairways, bold mounding, and visually intimidating hazards demand disciplined shot-making. The par-3 17th island green remains one of golf’s most famous and nerve-testing holes.

Why play in May: Played shortly after THE PLAYERS Championship, the course remains in exceptional condition with slightly improved access following peak winter travel.

PGA West (Stadium Course) - Palm Springs, California Ranked the no.23 course in California by Top 100 Golf Courses Par: 72 | Designer: Pete Dye | Opened: 1986

Bold shaping, island greens and railroad-tie bunkering give the Stadium Course its unmistakable Dye character. Water hazards frame several key approach shots, and risk-reward opportunities abound for confident ball strikers. It’s a visually striking and mentally engaging desert test.

Why play in May: Shoulder-season pricing combines with firm, fast desert conditions before extreme summer heat arrives.

Cascata Golf Club - Las Vegas, Nevada Ranked the no.6 course in Nevada by Top 100 Golf Courses Par: 72 | Designer: Rees Jones | Opened: 2000

Cascata delivers pristine presentation and striking topography. Elevated tees offer expansive desert views, while cascading water features and bold bunkering frame many approach shots. It’s a demanding yet fair test with immaculate green complexes.

Why play in May: Clear skies and dry air create ideal ball flight and firming fairways.

Harbour Town Golf Links - South Carolina Ranked the no.7 course in South Carolina by Top 100 Golf Courses Par: 71 | Designers: Pete Dye with Jack Nicklaus | Opened: 1969

Host of the RBC Heritage, Harbour Town is a masterclass in positional golf. Narrow fairways, overhanging oaks and small, well-guarded greens reward accuracy over length. The lighthouse backdrop on the 18th is one of the most recognizable scenes in American golf.

Why play in May: Warm coastal temperatures without peak summer humidity make walking this classic layout especially enjoyable.

Best golf resorts to stay in May

May offers an ideal blend of strong course conditions, improved availability and attractive pricing before peak summer demand. These standout resorts provide the perfect base for a May golf vacation - whether you’re looking for on-site convenience or easy access to championship venues nearby.

Fairmont Scottsdale Princess – Arizona On-site golf? No (minutes from TPC Scottsdale)

"Has everything you would need for a break including proximity to two golf courses. Good food, and sports facilities including swimming, fitness rooms, spa, tennis, volleyball etc." - Trusted Golfbreaks customer

One of Scottsdale’s flagship luxury resorts, the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess combines upscale desert elegance with immediate access to some of Arizona’s most iconic golf. Located just minutes from TPC Scottsdale and within easy reach of Troon North and We-Ko-Pa, it’s perfectly positioned for a premium multi-course itinerary.

The resort delivers upscale desert luxury with multiple pool complexes, an award-winning spa, vibrant dining venues and expansive outdoor terraces. It strikes a perfect balance between championship golf access and elevated downtime, making it a favorite for buddy trips and milestone golf vacations alike.

Best for: Luxury desert stays paired with bucket-list Scottsdale golf.

PGA National Resort – Florida On-site golf? Yes (five courses including the Champion Course)

"A terrific place for a golf trip or family holiday as the spa and resort facilities are excellent. The four courses on the campus are of a terrific standard and will suit all level of players." - Trusted Golfbreaks customer

PGA National is one of Florida’s most complete golf resorts, offering five on-site courses highlighted by the Champion Course - home to the Cognizant Classic and the infamous “Bear Trap.” With extensive practice facilities, multiple dining venues and a full-service spa, it delivers a true stay-and-play experience without needing to leave property.

Extensive practice facilities, a full-service spa, multiple dining venues and villa-style accommodations make it ideal for both competitive golf groups and relaxed resort-focused getaways. The setting combines tournament pedigree with South Florida polish.

Best for: Championship golf on-site with resort-style amenities.

La Quinta Resort & Club – Palm Springs On-site golf? Yes (multiple courses including PGA West access)

"Excellent hotel, staff exceptionally friendly and helpful. It has been built to reflect a small village feel with everything around the main Plaza." - Trusted Golfbreaks customer

Framed by the Santa Rosa Mountains, La Quinta blends historic charm with expansive golf access. Guests can play multiple courses on-site and enjoy proximity to the renowned PGA West layouts, creating outstanding variety for multi-round itineraries.

Whitewashed casitas, courtyard pools and mountain-view patios create a classic Palm Springs atmosphere - perfect for morning rounds followed by relaxed desert afternoons.

Best for: Classic Palm Springs charm with extensive on-site golf variety.

Caesars Palace Resort & Casino – Nevada On-site golf? No (short drive to TPC Las Vegas, Cascata & Shadow Creek)

Caesars Palace is one of the most iconic resorts on the Las Vegas Strip, offering a bold, high-energy base for a May golf getaway. While golf is not located on-site, the resort provides easy access to several of the region’s premier desert layouts, including TPC Las Vegas, Cascata Golf Club and the ultra-exclusive Shadow Creek.

The property blends Roman-inspired grandeur with modern luxury, featuring expansive pool complexes, world-class dining, headline entertainment and vibrant nightlife - ideal for groups looking to combine serious golf with a memorable social scene.

Best for: High-energy Strip stays paired with championship desert golf access.

Sea Pines Resort – South Carolina On-site golf? Yes (Harbour Town Golf Links, Atlantic Dunes & Heron Point)

"The resort and courses were perfect. We will certainly be back again!" - Trusted Golfbreaks customer

Sea Pines is one of the most complete golf destinations on the East Coast. Home to Harbour Town Golf Links - host of the RBC Heritage - plus two additional championship layouts, it allows guests to stay and play within one cohesive coastal setting.

Villa accommodations, marina-side dining and beach access create a relaxed Lowcountry atmosphere that pairs beautifully with competitive championship golf.

Best for: Coastal stay-and-play convenience with PGA Tour pedigree.

Planning your May golf trip

May is one of the most rewarding months to travel for golf - but a little planning goes a long way. From tee time strategy to off-course experiences, here’s how to make the most of your trip.

Travel tips for May Prioritize early tee times - Desert destinations like Scottsdale, Palm Springs and Las Vegas warm up quickly by late morning. Booking before 10am ensures the most comfortable conditions and faster pace of play. Build a Balanced Itinerary - We can help you plan the dream itinerary; one marquee, bucket-list round (e.g., TPC Sawgrass, Harbour Town, TPC Scottsdale) with a second value or resort course to create a well-paced golf schedule. Consider midweek travel - Tuesday–Thursday rounds often provide better availability and smoother pace of play, especially at PGA TOUR venues. Pack for variable conditions

  • Lightweight, breathable golf apparel
  • Sun protection (hat, SPF, sunglasses)
  • Light layer for early morning tee times
  • Comfortable footwear for firm, fast spring turf

Beyond the Fairways One of the advantages of a May golf vacation is the balance between play and lifestyle. Each destination offers its own distinct off-course appeal.

Scottsdale

  • Rooftop bars and upscale dining in Old Town
  • Desert hiking in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve
  • Resort pool scenes and spa experiences

Florida

  • Beach access along the Atlantic coast
  • Waterfront dining and marina districts
  • Theme parks in Orlando

Palm Springs

  • Mountain-view patios and poolside relaxation
  • Joshua Tree National Park excursions
  • Spa and wellness experiences

Las Vegas

  • World-class dining and headline entertainment
  • Day clubs and pool complexes
  • Live shows and sporting events

South Carolina

  • Lighthouse views and marina dining in Hilton Head
  • Myrtle Beach boardwalk and oceanfront bars
  • Lowcountry seafood and historic Charleston day trips

Make It a Complete Golf Experience May offers more than just excellent golf conditions - it delivers destination energy without peak summer crowds. Whether you’re planning a competitive group trip, a couples’ getaway or a long weekend escape, balancing championship rounds with memorable off-course moments is what elevates the experience.

Our Golf Travel Experts can help you structure the perfect itinerary - from preferred tee times to dining reservations and custom trip enhancements.

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