Destination guide
The six golf trip destinations that work best for groups are Scottsdale, Myrtle Beach, Pinehurst, Bandon Dunes, Kiawah Island, and Pebble Beach — ranked by group value: course quality per dollar, lodging that fits 8+, and logistics. But picking a destination should not come first. Budget and dates come first; once you know both, this list shortens fast. Here is who each destination is right for once you have that foundation.
By Neil Barris, founder of Outing.golfLast updated: June 2026
Destination assessments current as of June 2026.
Groups rarely agree on the exact same course preference. A destination with a mix of layouts and price points gives everyone something to look forward to.
On-site resort lodging, nearby rental houses, and hotel blocks all have tradeoffs. The right choice depends on group size, budget, and how much logistics you want to manage.
Direct flights, ground transportation, and proximity of courses to lodging matter more than most groups realize until they are standing in a rental car lot at 11pm.
Consistent weather, a wide range of course quality at different price points, and strong lodging options make Scottsdale one of the most reliable group destinations. It works for budget-conscious trips and high-end outings alike.
Best for: Groups that want flexibility on budget and course mix
More golf courses per square mile than almost anywhere else. Myrtle Beach is a strong value destination with a wide selection of public and semi-private courses, affordable lodging, and easy logistics for groups flying from the East Coast.
Best for: Groups prioritizing value and volume of golf
Pinehurst is a dedicated golf town with courses ranging from the iconic No. 2 to more accessible layouts. The pace is calmer than resort destinations, and the focus is squarely on the game. Strong fit for groups where everyone is serious about golf.
Best for: Golf-first groups who want a classic, focused trip
Bandon is a bucket-list destination for serious golfers — walking-only, ocean-side courses with no carts and no distraction. The experience is unlike anything else in the US. Best for groups where everyone is committed to the game.
Best for: Serious golfers looking for a bucket-list experience
Kiawah offers high-end resort experience with championship-quality courses. The Ocean Course is one of the most recognized in the country. A strong choice for groups with higher budgets and a mix of on-course and off-course interests.
Best for: Higher-budget groups who want a premium resort experience
Pebble Beach is the classic US golf bucket list destination. Courses like Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spyglass Hill are on most golfers' wish lists. Expensive but worth it for the right group.
Best for: Once-in-a-while bucket list trips for dedicated golfers
The problem with destination research is that it happens in a vacuum. Someone finds a great resort and shares it in the chat. Someone else finds a different option. Nobody compares them against the same criteria, and the group ends up debating vibes instead of making a structured decision.
A golf trip planner that keeps destinations, courses, and lodging tied to the same shortlist — alongside group budget and date data — makes the comparison much easier. You are not just comparing places; you are comparing which place fits the group you actually have.
FAQ
It depends on the group. Scottsdale is the most flexible — consistent weather, courses at every price point, and strong group lodging. Myrtle Beach wins on value and volume of golf. Pinehurst and Bandon Dunes are best when everyone in the group is serious about the game.
No. Budget and dates should come first. Once you know the group's real per-person budget window and the dates that work, the destination list shortens fast — and you avoid debating places half the group can't afford or attend.
Myrtle Beach. It has more golf courses per square mile than almost anywhere else, a wide selection of public and semi-private courses, affordable lodging, and easy logistics for East Coast groups.
Scottsdale and Myrtle Beach both offer a wide range of course difficulty and price points, so casual and serious golfers can each get what they want. Walking-only, golf-first destinations like Bandon Dunes are a tougher fit for mixed groups.
Related destination guides
Courses, budget ranges, and what to know before you organize a Scottsdale trip.
How to navigate 100+ courses and build the right shortlist for your group.
What makes Pinehurst different and which version of the trip fits your group.
Coachella Valley course guide, budget ranges, and best time to go.
Golf trip planning tool
Outing.golf helps you compare destinations against real budget and date data from your group — so the decision is based on what fits, not what sounds good in a chat.