What an exceptional year 2023 has turned out to be for golf enthusiasts. With a couple of months still on the calendar, it’s shaping up as one of the most captivating golf seasons in recent memory.
The Ryder Cup delivered a monumental spectacle, taking place on a pristine course in the heart of Italy, featuring some of the world’s finest players at the peak of their abilities.
In the realm of the majors, paying homage to the legendary Seve Ballesteros, we witnessed yet another Spanish champion donning the coveted green jacket at The Masters – the remarkable John Rahm.
The underappreciated Brian Harman surprised everyone with his triumph at The Open, while the emerging talent of Wyndham Clark shone at the iconic Los Angeles Country Club, the venue for the U.S. Open.
LIV Golf, on the other hand, managed to capture positive headlines this time around, with Brooks Koepka emerging as the victor at the prestigious PGA Championship.
So, with all these remarkable golf events behind us, I can’t be the only one already daydreaming about my golf vacation in 2024. That is, of course, assuming I can resist the temptation to squeeze in one last trip this year!
With that in mind, let’s explore four enticing options for your 2024 golf getaway.
Destination 1: Miami
When it comes to assembling a list of premier golf destinations, Florida is always a top contender. The Sunshine State offers an abundance of choices, regardless of your location.
To the west, you have the likes of Tampa, Fort Myers, and Naples, all nestled along the stunning coastline. Meanwhile, the ever-popular Orlando stands as the heart of golfing in the state.
Heading east, you’ll discover Jacksonville in the north, and as you journey south, you’ll encounter an array of enticing options.
For 2024, my focus is on Miami. Perhaps it’s because the Trump National Doral Golf Club recently hosted one of LIV Golf’s final events, putting Miami at the forefront of my golfing plans.
But Miami offers much more than just golf. It boasts lush tropical landscapes, miles of golden beaches, and a plethora of bars and restaurants at every turn.
And when it comes to golf resorts in Miami, there may not be a lot of choice, but what it has is quality over quantity.
Consider staying at the conveniently located Trump National Doral near downtown Miami or venture a bit further up the coast to Aventura, where you’ll find the splendid JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa with its two championship golf courses.
Destination 2: Scottsdale
You might be thinking, “Isn’t Scottsdale an excellent choice any year?” And you’re absolutely right.
Nestled in the eastern part of Phoenix, Arizona, Scottsdale is a golfer’s paradise, offering an array of high-quality courses too numerous to list comprehensively. Among them are some of Arizona’s finest private courses, including gems like Estancia, Whisper Rock, Desert Highlands, Silverleaf, and Desert Mountain.
Scottsdale’s popularity endures not just for its private courses but also for its top-notch public golf courses, making it an ideal spot for stay-and-play golfers. To accommodate the influx of visitors, the city boasts a selection of outstanding golf resorts.
Many visitors make the pilgrimage to the Waste Management Phoenix Open, hosted at TPC Scottsdale, which ranks as one of the most exhilarating stops on the PGA Tour – a must-see event for golf enthusiasts.
For 2024, Scottsdale offers a fresh appeal, with several public courses undergoing notable renovations.
The renowned Stadium Course at TPC Scottsdale received a significant redesign a few years ago. The Raptor Course at Grayhawk Golf Club and the Cholla Course at We-Ko-Pa also underwent remarkable transformations.
In essence, it’s the perfect time to plan a return to this remarkable golf destination. Whether you choose to stay in the heart of the city and venture out to explore the courses or opt for one of the fantastic golf resorts in Scottsdale, you’re in for an exceptional experience.
Destination 3: Pinehurst
Pinehurst has always held a special place in my heart, with its timeless charm and sense of stability amidst the ever-evolving golfing landscape.
Tucked away in the serene forests of North Carolina, Pinehurst, with its quintessential Donald Ross-designed courses, seems immune to the distractions and disruptions of the modern golf world.
However, the reality is quite different. Pinehurst has seen significant developments, and 2024 promises to be an exceptionally eventful year.
The iconic Pinehurst No.2 Course, designed by Donald Ross, is set to host the 2024 U.S. Open – a prestigious and highly sought-after event. The anticipation for this grand spectacle of golf is palpable.
Moreover, Pinehurst is preparing to unveil its first new golf course in 30 years, the Pinehurst No.10 Course, designed by the immensely talented Tom Doak, with a scheduled opening in spring 2024.
In addition to these exciting developments, many of Pinehurst’s top golf courses have undergone renovations over the past decade. Renowned architect Kyle Franz led the revitalization of Pine Needles and Mid Pines, while Pinehurst Resort invested in refurbishing the No.2, No.3, No.4, and No.8 courses, with the most respected architects overseeing the improvements.
Far from being frozen in time, Pinehurst has embraced progress, making it an ideal golf destination for 2024. If accommodations at Pinehurst Resort prove elusive, consider staying at Mid Pines, Pine Needles, or the fantastic Talamore Resort for an equally memorable golf experience.
Destination 4: Palm Springs
Concluding our list is the sunny haven of Palm Springs in California, which promises an unforgettable golf experience.
Nestled amidst the enchanting Santa Rosa Mountains, Palm Springs is a short drive east from Los Angeles, nestled within the Coachella Valley. For over half a century, it has been a playground for individuals of diverse backgrounds, offering a wide array of activities, with golf taking center stage.
Palm Springs boasts over a hundred golf courses, making it a true golfing capital of the United States. The region is home to both top-tier private courses and a wealth of quality public golf courses, providing options for every golfer.
One of the most exciting developments in the area is the renovation of the publicly accessible Stadium Course at PGA West, originally designed by the legendary Pete Dye. The project is led by Timothy Liddy + Associates, with Liddy’s vast experience from years of collaboration with Dye making him the perfect choice for the job.
Though it’s described as a ‘light touch’ renovation, I am genuinely excited to witness the final result, especially since the Stadium Course is one of the premier public golf courses in Palm Springs.
Palm Springs offers a plethora of accommodations, with numerous golf resorts ready to cater to your every need.
In conclusion, 2024 promises to be a thrilling year for golf enthusiasts. Whether you choose Miami, Scottsdale, Pinehurst, or Palm Springs, you’re in for a golf vacation to remember.
Enjoy the fairways, explore the courses, and make lasting memories on your golf getaway!
- Your 2024 Golf Vacation Destination! - November 7, 2023
