2026 Top Golf Destinations by Month
If you’re planning a golf experience for 2026, here’s a month-by-month list that pairs bucket-list courses with can’t-miss local experiences. See the best of the world of golf and the best off-course activities that make the destination worth the trip even for non-golfers.
January: The Dominican Republic - Punta Espada Golf Club
Kick off the year with a Caribbean golf escape that delivers dramatic oceanfront holes, warm breezes, and pure “winter reset” energy. Punta Espada is famous for its cliffside fairways and turquoise water views, making it one of the top luxury golf destinations in the Dominican Republic.
Off the Course:
- Snorkeling and catamaran cruises along the Punta Cana coastline
- Scape Park adventures (caves, ziplines, cenote swims)
- Beach clubs, spa days, and fresh seafood dinners right on the sand
February: Los Cabos, Mexico - Quivira Golf Club
Los Cabos brings big views and even bigger drama, and Quivira’s layout leans all the way into it, desert-meets-ocean golf with cliffside tee shots and panoramic Pacific scenery. February is prime time: sunny days, crisp mornings, and perfect post-round cocktails.
Off the Course
- Sunset whale watching (peak season)
- Cabo San Lucas marina, nightlife, and oceanfront dining
- Day trips to Todos Santos for art galleries and surf-town charm
March: South Africa - Fancourt, The Links Course
March is one of the best months to visit South Africa’s Garden Route: mild weather, lush scenery, and the chance to combine championship golf with unforgettable wildlife experiences. Fancourt’s The Links is known for its pure playing surfaces, strategic design, and elite-level conditioning—a must for serious golfers.
Off the Course
- Safari day trips to private game reserves
- Coastal drives to Knysna and Plettenberg Bay
- Wine tastings and farm-to-table dining along the route
April: Spain - Real Club Valderrama
Valderrama is a legend—tight fairways, cork trees, and an atmosphere that feels like golf’s “grand theater.” April is ideal in southern Spain: crisp spring mornings, perfect walking temperatures, and long afternoons to explore Andalusia.
Off the Course:
- A day trip to Gibraltar (views, history, and the famous Rock)
- Marbella beach clubs and luxury shopping
- Tapas crawls and white villages (pueblos blancos) in the hills
May: Costa Navarino, Greece - The Olympic Course
May in Greece is a cheat code: warm sun, fewer crowds, and that golden Mediterranean light. Costa Navarino is built for golf travelers—multiple courses, coastal scenery, and a five-star vibe that blends Greek hospitality with modern luxury.
Off the Course:
- Ancient ruins (Palace of Nestor, Ancient Olympia within reach)
- Beach time, paddleboarding, and sunset cocktails
- Local olive oil tastings and traditional village food tours
June: Ireland - Old Head Golf Links
Old Head is pure bucket list: a cliffside links course set on a headland with crashing waves on nearly every hole. June brings long daylight hours and prime summer energy—perfect for a full Ireland golf road trip.
Off the Course
- Kinsale: one of Ireland’s best food towns (seafood heaven)
- Whiskey tastings and heritage sites in Cork
- Coastal hikes with views that rival the course itself
July: Norway - Lofoten Links
If you want the most unforgettable golf “vibe” of the year, July in Lofoten is it—midnight sun, rugged peaks, and golf by the sea above the Arctic Circle. Lofoten Links is where nature is the main feature and every photo looks like a travel poster.
Off the Course:
- Hiking and photography in dramatic fjord landscapes
- Kayaking, fishing villages, and Scandinavian coastal cuisine
- Late-night rounds under the midnight sun (seriously, it’s surreal)
August: Scotland - The Ailsa Course
August in Scotland is peak golf season, and the Ailsa Course delivers classic seaside drama and iconic heritage. Expect true links golf, changing winds, and views across the water that feel almost cinematic.
Off the Course
- Whisky trails and distillery tours in Ayrshire
- Castle visits and coastal road trips
- Traditional pubs, fresh local seafood, and classic Scottish hospitality
September: Portugal - West Cliffs Golf Club
Portugal in September is a perfect blend of sun and comfort—warm days, cooler evenings, and ideal golf conditions. The West Cliffs is modern, bold, and incredibly playable, offering coastal views and course challenge that rewards smart shot-making.
Off the Course:
- Beach days and ocean swims without summer crowds
- Wine tastings, seafood markets, and seaside town exploring
- Surf lessons and sunset viewpoints along the Atlantic
October: California - Pebble Beach
Few names in golf carry the weight of Pebble. October on the Monterey Peninsula often brings crisp mornings, beautiful light, and that classic coastal atmosphere. Pebble Beach is all about iconic holes, ocean views, and golf history you can feel on every tee box.
Off the Course:
- 17-Mile Drive, Big Sur day trips, and coastal hikes
- Aquarium visits and waterfront dining in Monterey
- Wine tasting in Carmel Valley and boutique shopping in Carmel-by-the-Sea
November: Barbados - Apes Hill Golf Resort
November is a perfect time for Barbados: warm weather, vibrant culture, and an easy mix of luxury and laid-back island life. Apes Hill offers an elevated, scenic experience with tropical terrain, breezy conditions, and a strong resort feel that’s ideal for a golf-and-beach getaway.
Off the Course:
- West coast beaches and snorkeling reefs
- Rum distillery tours and local Bajan cuisine
- Catamaran cruises, cave tours, and sunset beach bars
December: New Zealand - Cape Kidnappers
Close out the year with a true “end-of-the-world” stunner. Cape Kidnappers is famous for its clifftop holes, wild coastal scenery, and unforgettable architecture. December in New Zealand means summer—perfect for pairing golf with wine country and outdoor adventure.
Off the Course:
- Hawke’s Bay wine tours and vineyard lunches
- Coastal cycling, hiking, and wildlife viewing
- Art Deco exploring in nearby Napier