Planning guide
The best destination for your group depends on budget, group size, how seriously everyone plays, and whether non-golf activities matter. This guide covers the major options from a group organizer's perspective — not just which courses are good, but what you actually need to know to plan there.
Best for
Groups of 4–16, wide budget range, first-timers and regulars alike
Myrtle Beach is the most popular domestic golf trip destination for a reason: it has more courses than any other market in the US, a wide pricing spread, and enough non-golf options to keep mixed-interest groups happy. The challenge for organizers is that 80+ courses means too many options without a way to narrow them down. Budget and course style (resort, daily-fee, links-style) should filter the list before you show anyone anything.
Organizer note
Budget overlap matters more here than anywhere else because the spread between a $40 daily-fee round and a $180 resort round is enormous. Know your group's real range before you start building a shortlist.
Best for
Groups of 4–12, premium and bucket-list trips, bachelor parties
Scottsdale is the premier domestic golf destination for groups that want a high-end experience. World-class resort courses, reliable winter and spring weather, and a strong food and nightlife scene make it one of the most complete group destinations in the country. It works especially well for bachelor trips where not everyone is a hardcore golfer.
Organizer note
Scottsdale has significant seasonal pricing swings. January through April is peak season and peak pricing. May onward drops significantly. If your group is flexible on timing, the off-season value is substantial.
Best for
Serious golfers, groups of 4–12, historic and classic course experiences
Pinehurst is the closest thing the US has to a dedicated golf village. The entire area exists around golf, which makes it an exceptional destination for groups where everyone is genuinely there to play. The resort itself has nine courses, including No. 2 — one of the most famous courses in the world. It is a quieter, more golf-focused experience than Myrtle Beach or Scottsdale.
Organizer note
Pinehurst is not a great fit for groups with non-golfers or people who need a lot of entertainment outside of the game. It is perfect for groups where golf is the entire point.
Best for
West Coast groups, winter trips, resort-style experiences
Palm Springs and the surrounding Coachella Valley have more golf courses per capita than almost anywhere in the country. The combination of desert mountain scenery, reliable sunshine from November through April, and strong resort infrastructure makes it a strong choice for West Coast groups looking for a destination with a full resort experience attached.
Organizer note
Summer is completely off the table — temperatures regularly hit 115°F. Plan for November through April. Like Scottsdale, timing significantly affects both pricing and playability.
Best for
Serious golfers, bucket-list trips, groups of 4–8
Bandon Dunes is unlike any other domestic golf destination. Five courses on the Oregon coast, all walking-only, all links-style, all designed with serious golfers in mind. There is essentially nothing to do there except play golf — which is exactly the point. If your group wants the most purely golf-focused experience available in the US, this is it.
Organizer note
Bandon is not a budget destination and it is not right for groups where anyone is a casual golfer. Groups tend to be smaller (4–8) and more intentional. The isolation is a feature, not a bug.
Best for
Southeast groups, serious golfers, mid-range bucket-list
Streamsong is one of the most underrated golf destinations in the country. Four courses built on reclaimed phosphate mining land in central Florida, with dramatic elevation changes you would not expect in the state. The resort is remote, golf-focused, and consistently ranks among the best resort experiences in the US.
Organizer note
Streamsong is a strong pick for Southeast groups who want a bucket-list feel without flying to Oregon or paying Scottsdale peak prices. The remoteness means you stay on property, which simplifies logistics considerably.
Best for
Midwest groups, annual trips, value-focused outings
Wisconsin has an outsized golf infrastructure for a Midwest state — including Whistling Straits and Erin Hills, two courses that have hosted major championships. Outside of those marquee names, Wisconsin has hundreds of quality courses at accessible prices, making it one of the best value golf trip destinations for Midwest groups.
Organizer note
Wisconsin golf season runs May through October. The sweet spot is June through August. If your group has a mix of serious golfers and casual players, Wisconsin can accommodate both with marquee courses and solid daily-fee options at very different price points.
Related
How budget ranges determine which destinations are actually on the table.
A phase-by-phase checklist for organizing a group trip from scratch.
What to know when planning a group trip to the Grand Strand.
See how Outing.golf collects group input and gets everyone aligned.
Group golf trip planner
Once you know the destination, Outing.golf helps you collect budgets, dates, and course preferences from the group so you can move from shortlist to confirmed plan without the usual back-and-forth.