Best spring golf destinations

Spring is one of the best times of year to plan a golf trip. Courses emerge from winter in peak condition, temperatures are ideal for walking, and many destinations offer strong value before peak summer pricing begins. Whether you’re planning a buddies’ golf trip, a couples’ getaway, or an early-season warm-weather escape, these are the best spring golf destinations in the U.S. and beyond.

Best for: West Coast variety, dramatic scenery & ideal March - May conditions

California offers one of the most diverse spring golf experiences in the United States. From the warm desert conditions of Palm Springs to the dramatic Pacific coastline of Monterey and San Diego, the state delivers variety few destinations can match. Spring is the ideal window — desert temperatures are comfortable before summer heat arrives, coastal fog begins to ease, and turf conditions are at their seasonal peak. Whether you’re chasing bucket-list layouts or resort relaxation, California stands out as a premier spring golf destination.

Spring also aligns with several high-profile professional events. The AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am is played each February along the Monterey Peninsula, elevating conditioning standards at Pebble Beach and surrounding courses heading into March and April travel.

Key regions:

• Palm Springs: Prime desert golf with near-perfect spring weather.

• Monterey Peninsula: Iconic oceanfront courses and cooler coastal air.

• San Diego: Resort golf with consistent sunshine and walkable layouts.

Top golf courses & resorts in California

PGA West (Palm Springs) Home to multiple championship layouts, including the Pete Dye Stadium Course, PGA West delivers bold bunkering, island greens, and tournament-level conditioning. Spring provides perfect desert temperatures and pristine fairways before peak summer heat.

Indian Wells Golf Resort (Palm Springs) The Celebrity and Players Course at Indian Wells Resort combines immaculate conditioning with panoramic Santa Rosa Mountain backdrops. Wide fairways and sculpted greens make this an enjoyable but strategic spring round.

Pebble Beach Golf Links (Monterey) One of the most iconic courses in the world, Pebble Beach features cliffside tee shots, small Poa annua greens, and some of golf’s most photographed ocean holes. Spring often offers clearer skies and improved pace of play before summer demand.

Torrey Pines - South Course (San Diego) A U.S. Open venue perched above the Pacific Ocean, Torrey Pines delivers dramatic coastal cliffs, strong finishing holes, and firm conditions in spring.

Spring travel tip: Palm Springs is best from early March through mid-April. For coastal golf, late April and May provide warmer air and reduced fog along Monterey and San Diego.

Best for: Lowcountry charm, coastal scenery, and strong spring value

South Carolina is one of the premier spring golf destinations on the East Coast. By March, the state’s coastal corridors come alive with blooming azaleas, vibrant marsh grasses, and firm fairways emerging from winter dormancy. Temperatures typically range from the mid-60s to mid-70s, offering ideal walking conditions without the humidity that defines the summer months.

Spring also places South Carolina firmly on the professional golf calendar. The RBC Heritage at Harbour Town Golf Links on Hilton Head Island is traditionally played in April, showcasing one of the most strategic layouts on the PGA TOUR.

Key Regions

• Myrtle Beach – High-volume golf capital with strong value.

• Hilton Head Island – Scenic, walkable layouts with tournament prestige.

• Kiawah Island & Charleston – Championship coastal golf with upscale accommodations.

Top Golf Courses & Resorts

Harbour Town Golf Links (Hilton Head) Home of the RBC Heritage, Harbour Town is a strategic masterpiece by Pete Dye. Tight, tree-lined fairways and tiny greens demand precision and shot control. Spring is the best time to experience it - firm turf, mild breezes, and tournament-ready conditions elevate the challenge.

The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island One of America’s most dramatic seaside layouts, the Ocean Course plays along the Atlantic with minimal protection from coastal winds. Spring brings steady breezes that enhance the links-style feel without the extreme heat of summer.

Caledonia Golf & Fish Club (Myrtle Beach) A Lowcountry classic, Caledonia Golf & Fish Club features oak-lined fairways, marsh carries, and a stunning clubhouse backdrop. In spring, blooming azaleas and immaculate conditioning make it one of the most visually appealing rounds in the region.

Tidewater Golf Club (North Myrtle Beach) Often called the “Pebble Beach of the East,” Tidewater offers elevated tees overlooking salt marsh and the Intracoastal Waterway. Spring provides clear skies and vibrant coastal scenery.

Palmetto Dunes – Robert Trent Jones Course (Hilton Head) This resort favorite blends oceanfront finishing holes with lagoon-lined fairways and broad landing areas. The Robert Trent Jones Course offers a walkable and scenic setting, which makes it especially enjoyable during mild spring temperatures.

Spring travel tip: Mid-to-late April offers the best balance of weather and availability, especially after early spring break travel subsides.

Best for: Desert sunshine, immaculate conditioning, and championship layouts

Scottsdale is one of the most reliable spring golf destinations in the United States. From March through April, expect dry air, blue skies, and daily highs in the mid-70s to low-80s. The Sonoran Desert landscape is at its most vibrant during spring, with blooming cacti and lush fairways following winter overseeding.

Spring in Scottsdale also coincides with one of the most famous events in professional golf - the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale. Played annually in early February, the tournament sets the tone for peak course conditioning across the region and reinforces Scottsdale’s reputation as a championship golf hub.

Top Golf Courses & Resorts TPC Scottsdale (Stadium Course) Famous for hosting the WM Phoenix Open, the Stadium Course features strategic bunkering and risk-reward opportunities. The par-3 16th hole amphitheater is iconic, but spring conditions across the entire course are exceptional.

Troon North (Pinnacle & Monument) These two championship courses at Troon North are framed by granite boulders and sweeping desert vistas. Elevated tee shots and sculpted bunkers define the experience. Spring offers firm turf and comfortable walking temperatures.

We-Ko-Pa (Saguaro Course) Designed by Coore & Crenshaw, Saguaro emphasizes natural movement and strategic angles. With no surrounding development, it provides a pure desert golf experience, especially striking under crisp spring skies.

Grayhawk Golf Club A modern championship venue known for wide corridors and firm, fast greens. Spring conditioning here rivals peak-season standards.

Spring travel tip: March commands premium pricing due to peak demand. Late April often delivers nearly identical weather with more attractive rates.

Best for: Oceanfront Caribbean golf and luxury resort escapes

The Dominican Republic is one of the premier spring golf destinations in the Caribbean. From March through April, temperatures are warm but moderated by steady trade winds, creating ideal playing conditions before the heavier humidity of late summer arrives. Fairways are lush following the winter high season, coastal breezes keep rounds comfortable, and resort infrastructure is fully operating at peak service levels.

The country’s championship reputation continues to grow thanks to professional events and global recognition. Corales Golf Club in Punta Cana hosts the PGA TOUR’s Corales Puntacana Championship each spring, showcasing dramatic oceanfront holes and reinforcing the region’s tour-caliber conditioning.

Key Regions

• Punta Cana – Known for all-inclusive luxury resorts and oceanfront championship layouts. Ideal for couples and group golf vacations.

• La Romana – Home to Casa de Campo and some of the Caribbean’s most prestigious courses, offering a more exclusive, villa-driven experience.

Top Golf Courses & Resorts Teeth of the Dog – Casa de Campo (La Romana) Pete Dye’s masterpiece features seven oceanfront holes carved into a rugged coral coastline. The crashing Caribbean surf and dramatic shot values make the Teeth of the Dog course one of the most celebrated courses in the world.

Dye Fore – Casa de Campo Perched high above the Chavón River, Dye Fore offers cliffside fairways and expansive views. Spring breezes enhance the dramatic elevation changes.

Punta Espada (Cap Cana) The Jack Nicklaus Signature design, Punta Espada, with turquoise ocean carries and bold coastal framing. The oceanfront holes are especially memorable in spring’s steady trade winds.

Corales Golf Club (Punta Cana) A Tom Fazio design and PGA TOUR host venue, the Corales Golf Club is spectacular. The final stretch along the ocean delivers one of the most dramatic finishes in Caribbean golf.

Spring travel tip: April typically offers slightly lower rates than peak winter season while maintaining excellent playing conditions.

Best for: Early warmth, wide-open landscapes, and championship venues

Texas is one of the strongest spring golf destinations in the United States, particularly from late March through April when temperatures settle comfortably in the 60s and 70s. Before summer heat intensifies, golfers can enjoy firm fairways, dry playing conditions, and vibrant Hill Country scenery at its peak.

Spring also places Texas firmly on the professional golf calendar. The Valero Texas Open at TPC San Antonio typically takes place in late March or early April, showcasing championship conditions at one of the state’s premier venues. In the Houston area, Memorial Park Golf Course hosts the Texas Children’s Houston Open, reinforcing the region’s PGA TOUR pedigree.

Key regions:

• San Antonio & Texas Hill Country – Rolling terrain, limestone outcroppings, and resort-driven golf experiences define this region. Spring wildflowers and mild temperatures create particularly scenic playing conditions.

• Austin – A blend of modern championship layouts and vibrant nightlife. Austin pairs serious golf with a dynamic food and music scene, making it ideal for group trips.

Top Golf Courses & Resorts TPC San Antonio (Oaks Course) Host of the Valero Texas Open, the Oaks Course at TPC San Antonio is a Greg Norman design that stretches through rugged Hill Country terrain. Native grasses, firm fairways, and exposed greens reward controlled ball flight - especially important during spring breezes.

Falconhead Golf Club (Austin) Designed by the PGA TOUR Design Center, Falconhead weaves through Hill Country terrain with dramatic elevation changes and strategic bunkering. Firm spring conditions enhance its shot values, especially on the approach to its well-protected greens.

Avery Ranch Golf Club (Austin) A popular championship layout, Avery Ranch features rolling fairways, water hazards, and scenic Texas limestone outcroppings. Spring brings lush fairways and comfortable playing temperatures, making it a strong value option for group trips.

Horseshoe Bay Resort (Hill Country) A true Texas golf destination, Horseshoe Bay offers multiple courses set around Lake LBJ with panoramic Hill Country views. The resort atmosphere, lakeside setting, and varied routing make it ideal for extended spring stays.

Spring travel tip: Target late March through mid-April for the best balance of comfortable temperatures and peak conditioning.

Best for: Reliable warmth, resort variety, and PGA TOUR venues

Florida remains one of the most dependable spring golf destinations in the United States. From March through early May, temperatures are warm but manageable, typically ranging from the low 70s to mid-80s depending on the region. Courses benefit from peak overseeding conditions, fairways are lush, and greens are typically at tournament quality following the winter high season.

Spring also places Florida at the center of the professional golf calendar. The Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill (Orlando), The Cognizant Classic at PGA National (Palm Beach Gardens), and The Valspar Championship at Innisbrook (Tampa Bay) all take place during the spring season. Additionally, Tiburón Golf Club in Naples hosts both PGA TOUR and LPGA events annually.

Key regions:

• Orlando - Combining high-end resort golf with easy travel access and entertainment flexibility. With multiple signature-course resorts located within a short drive of one another, it’s ideal for group trips and multi-course itineraries.

• Palm Beach & South Florida - Palm Beach offers a refined coastal atmosphere with a championship pedigree. Upscale resorts, ocean breezes, and tour-host venues define this region. Spring provides warm temperatures without peak summer humidity.

• Jacksonville - Home to TPC Sawgrass and a strong collection of coastal and inland layouts, the region blends tournament prestige with accessible resort and daily-fee golf. Spring is arguably the best time to visit, with temperatures in the 70s, lower humidity than summer, and firm, fast playing conditions across the area.

Top Golf Courses & Resorts TPC Sawgrass (Ponte Vedra Beach) Home of THE PLAYERS Championship, TPC Sawgrass is one of the most iconic venues in professional golf. The Stadium Course is famous for its risk-reward design, strategic bunkering, and the legendary island-green par-3 17th - one of the most recognizable holes in the world. Spring conditions are exceptional, with tournament preparation ensuring firm fairways and fast greens throughout March and April.

PGA National Resort (Palm Beach Gardens) Home of the famed “Bear Trap” - holes 15 through 17 - PGA National delivers one of the most recognizable finishing stretches in golf. The Champion Course tests even elite players during the Cognizant Classic each spring. Beyond the tournament layout, the resort offers multiple courses, a luxury spa, and refined South Florida hospitality.

Reunion Resort (Orlando) Reunion features three signature courses designed by Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, and Tom Watson, providing variety within a single resort footprint. The Palmer Course emphasizes risk-reward shot-making, the Nicklaus Course offers elevated greens and strategic bunkering, and the Watson Course delivers a more traditional links-inspired feel. Spring is one of the best times to visit Orlando, with warm but manageable temperatures and consistently strong turf conditions.

Innisbrook – Copperhead Course (Tampa Bay) Host of the Valspar Championship, Copperhead stands apart from typical Florida layouts thanks to its rolling terrain, tree-lined corridors, and tight shot values. The demanding “Snake Pit” closing stretch tests even elite players. Spring tournament preparation keeps conditioning sharp, and the surrounding resort provides a relaxed yet upscale atmosphere.

Spring travel tip: Early March sees elevated demand due to spring break and tournament season. For the best balance of warm temperatures, peak turf conditions, and improved availability, target late April or early May before summer humidity builds across South Florida.

Spring remains one of the most rewarding times of year to travel for golf. Whether you’re chasing desert sunshine in Scottsdale, coastal championship tests in South Carolina, iconic oceanfront layouts in California, Caribbean luxury in the Dominican Republic, wide-open Hill Country golf in Texas, or tournament-host venues in Florida, each destination offers a distinct experience at its seasonal best.

From PGA TOUR stops like TPC Sawgrass, Harbour Town Golf Links, and TPC San Antonio, to bucket-list coastal rounds at Pebble Beach and Teeth of the Dog, spring provides firm turf, manageable temperatures, and elevated course conditioning across many of the game’s most celebrated venues. It’s also a prime window for group trips and buddies’ getaways before peak summer travel begins.