By PEAKLIFE
12-Apr-2025
By PEAKLIFE
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As the spring sun rises over manicured fairways and iconic clubhouses, golf’s major championship season in the U.S. swings into motion. From the hallowed grounds of Augusta to the dramatic cliffs of Pebble Beach, there’s a distinct energy that courses through the country each year from April through June.
Fred Dixon, President and CEO of Brand USA, puts it perfectly: “The U.S. is a premier golfing destination, not just for seasoned veterans and budding amateurs, but also for those looking for activities surrounding a trip to the links—whether that’s enjoying local wine and culinary offerings, exploring nearby parks and natural wonders after a round of 18 holes, or simply fitting in some much-needed R&R at one of many golf resort spas around the country.”
And that’s the secret—golf in the U.S. is far more than a sport. It’s a lifestyle experience.
Championship Season: Where Legends Tee Off
This year, the Masters Tournament returns to Augusta National in Georgia (April 10–13), the PGA Championship lights up Quail Hollow in North Carolina (May 12–18), and the U.S. Open will challenge the world’s best at Oakmont Country Club in Pennsylvania (June 12–15). The women’s game follows with equal prestige, with majors such as the Chevron Classic in Texas (April 24–27) and the U.S. Women’s Open at Erin Hills in Wisconsin (May 29–June 1).
Even if you can’t score a tee time at these storied, often members-only courses, the U.S. is home to countless public gems that offer the thrill of championship-level play—without the velvet rope.
Across the States: Where to Play
In New York’s Bethpage State Park, the infamous Black Course awaits—equal parts affordable and formidable. Nearby, Pennsylvania’s Morgan Hill and Skytop Lodge in the Pocono Mountains offer mountain vistas and serene settings.
Florida, widely revered as the “Golf Capital of the World”, boasts over 1,200 courses, including the legendary TPC Sawgrass with its iconic “Island Green”. Meanwhile, California delivers cinematic fairways with names like Pebble Beach and Torrey Pines, where you can tee off to the sound of ocean waves. Head north, and Wisconsin’s Whistling Straits, Minnesota’s Giants Ridge, and Michigan’s Arcadia Bluffs remind us that some of the most majestic golfing moments happen far from the coasts.
For those looking to play under big skies and breathtaking elevation, the western U.S. and the Rockies offer adventure and challenge in equal measure. Gamble Sands in Washington, Sedona Golf Resort in Arizona, and Bella Ridge—Colorado’s latest new course—are ideal for those seeking wide open beauty and relaxed vibes.
The 2025 Course Launches: New Greens, Fresh Dreams
This year, a slew of exciting new courses are rolling out the green carpet. Among them are Karoo and Roost at Cabot Citrus Farms in Florida, The Dozen in Michigan with its inventive 6-hole loops, and The Keep at McLemore Resort in Georgia, where five of its 18 holes are perched on the cliff's edge with views for days.
Tiger Woods’ Payne’s Valley gets a neighbour in Cliffhangers—a par-3 course at Big Cedar Lodge in Missouri—and in Washington, Gamble Sands expands with Scarecrow, a “sibling” to its signature Sands course.
Beyond the Fairway
Because golf trips in 2025 aren’t just about the game—they’re about everything around it.
Sip & Swing: From Napa’s rolling vineyards to Oregon’s Pinot-filled Willamette Valley, wine country and golf go hand in hand. Over in New York, the Finger Lakes and Long Island offer wine trails perfect for a celebratory toast after a birdie (or a bogey).
Spirited Journeys: Trace the roots of bourbon and whisky on immersive tasting tours in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia. Pair a round of golf with a tour along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, or head to Tennessee to explore historic distilleries where the stories are as rich as the pours.
Spa Serenity: After walking 18 holes, few things rival the pleasure of a well-earned massage. Iconic resorts like Pebble Beach, Four Seasons Hualalai in Hawaii, and Torrey Pines offer top-tier spa programmes where wellness is par for the course.
Adventure Awaits: Love hiking as much as you love hybrids? Play in national parks like Bethpage and Torrey Pines, or explore the red rock beauty of Utah’s Sand Hollow. Kayak near Edgewood Tahoe, zip-line after your round in the Smoky Mountains, or watch the sunset over the Ozarks at Big Cedar Lodge.
How to Golf Smart in 2025
A luxury golf vacation doesn’t have to break the bank. Plan around the shoulder seasons—April-May or September-October—for perfect weather and more forgiving rates. Opt for twilight tee times, midweek rounds, and multi-round deals for added value. Want to splurge wisely? Stay just outside major cities or look for resorts offering unlimited play and stay packages. A bit of planning goes a long way—especially when you're planning something as indulgent as a golf trip in the U.S.
So whether you're chasing your handicap or just the horizon, the United States has crafted a playground where golf meets gourmet, green meets grandeur, and play meets pause.
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