The calendar’s continued creep towards Thanksgiving means we are heading deeper and deeper into the teeth of winter. For most people around the country, this time of year means there are few opportunities for golf, if any. However, for the lucky residents of the warmer parts of the nation, golf season lasts all year long. Here are some of the top winter golf destinations in the U.S.
San Francisco
Although the Bay Area is considered northern California, an average January temperature of 56 degrees means it’ll never be too cold to hit the course. Winter rates mean you’ll be able to get a great deal on some of the best courses in the country. Of course, Pebble Beach will be the one that jumps to mind, but don’t overlook some of the other great golf San Fran has to offer. Courses like Half Moon Bay, Cinnabar Hills and TPC Harding Park may not carry the prestige of Pebble, but can go toe to toe with the best courses in the country. If you find yourself in the area this Holiday season, make sure to check out Hiddenbrooke Golf Club. Often ranked as one of the top-10 public courses in the country, the Arnold Palmer design offers unique challenges that can be enjoyed by golfers of all skill levels.
Arizona
Where better to go to escape the ravages of winter than the desert? An average high of 67 degrees for the month of January means you better pack your shorts as well as your clubs. The state’s topography lends itself to some unique and exciting golf course designs and multi-course clubs like Troon and We-Ko-Pa mean no matter where in Arizona you may find yourself, you can be sure there will be plenty of excellent golf around. If you find yourself in Tucson, be sure to check out the Mountain course at Ventana Canyon. Designed by Tom Fazio, the course offers beautiful and dramatic vistas with fairways lined by cacti and red rock. Probably one of the most photographed holes in the country, the par-3 third-hole gives golfers an exciting tee shot over a cactus-filled valley into a green set between two massive boulders.
Orlando
There is a reason so many Tour pros call the Sunshine State home. Warm weather and an abundance of top-class courses to choose from makes Florida a golfer’s paradise. Orlando offers the added bonus of having plenty of entertainment options for the whole family. While the kids can get excited about heading to Disney’s Magic Kingdom, you can look forward to a round at Disney’s Magnolia Golf Course. With elevated tee, spacious greens and wide fairways, the course will invite you to hit it long. However, the abundance of water hazards will keep any golfer prone to the occasional wayward shot honest. Some famous cartoon characters also provide a fun challenge with a bunker shaped like Mickey Mouse’s head guarding the green of the par-3 sixth hole.
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
One of the Nation’s more popular golf destinations in the summer, crowds begin to die down in the winter. That translates to more tee-times and cheaper rates at some truly great courses. With daytime highs in the mid-60’s and courses like Harbour Town, Dafuskie Island and Pete Dye’s Heron Point, Hilton Head makes an excellent choice for a weekend golf getaway. For a truly great value, head over to Hilton Head National. With nine holes designed by Gary Player and nine designed by Bobby Weed, the course offers a variety of shot options and has been a must-play in the area for the last 27 years.
Harbour Town Golf Links
