The 12 Cheapest Places to Golf this Spring

As temperatures start to warm around the U.S., golfers pull out their clubs and start taking practice swings. It’s time for a spring golf trip, and the options continue to get better. 

While golf has a long history in the U.S. and U.K., it’s becoming more and more popular around the world. New courses in Thailand and elsewhere are opening up options for affordable, exciting golf trips. A U.S. golf trip is still appealing as well, especially in places like Florida, where you can almost guarantee good weather in the spring. More and more public courses open each year, bringing more people into the sport and providing options for all skill levels. 

Sometimes, a golf trip is a time to get in as many rounds as possible. Sometimes, it’s a way to see a new place while also finding time for an activity you love. Where you choose to golf will depend on how central golf is to the trip. You could combine golf with a family city escape in Chicago, or with a beach trip in Portugal. Or, go all in with a golf and spa weekend in Arizona. 

Don’t assume that an international trip will cost more. Some international golf rounds are shockingly affordable, and if you time it right, you can find great flight deals, too. Weigh how important the hotel, additional activities, and flight time are to your trip to help determine where is most affordable for you for a spring golf vacation. We’ve broken costs down by round of golf, hotel prices, and flights to help you get started.

Cheapest by golf round cost 

Golf isn’t known as the cheapest sport, but there are still courses out there for budget-conscious players. From public courses across the U.S. to worldwide destinations, there are plenty of affordable options that offer great value, challenging courses, and beautiful grounds. Of course, in some places, a lower cost of living makes golfing seem cheap for people traveling from higher-income countries. 

In Europe, destinations like Portugal offer rounds of golf at a fraction of the cost of U.S. courses. Meanwhile, places like Thailand deliver a more luxury experience for less than you’d likely pay stateside. Even in the U.S, though, you can find bargains in states like Alabama and Michigan, which, while they have very expensive courses, also have many public, more affordable greens. 

Below is the average golf round cost, translated to USD and rounded to the nearest dollar.  

12. Los Cabos: $200

11. Argentina: $150

10. Thailand: $80

9. Ontario: $80

8. South Africa: $80

7. Portugal: $70

6. Arizona: $70

5. Florida: $64

4. New Jersey: $62

3. Michigan: $49

2. Alabama: $47

1. Illinois: $41

Cheapest by average hotel cost 

To compile this list, we first looked at cities with affordable golf courses and entered those destinations into Booking.com. From there, we looked at the average three-star hotel prices for a three-night stay in April.

In most cities, prices range from high — including hotels with their own golf courses — to budget chains or in some cases hostels. We went with three-star hotels, but the best hotel for you could depend on how close you want to be to the golf course, dining options after a long day in the sun, and whether there are other nearby activities or the hotel is within walking distance of city sights outside of golfing. 

Below is the average cost of a three-night stay in April, translated to USD and rounded to the nearest dollar. 

12. Florida: $650

11. Arizona: $609

10. Cabo: $542

9. New Jersey: $525

8. Michigan: $455

7. Portugal: $450

6. Illinois: $417

5. Ontario: $381

4. Alabama: $369

3. South Africa: $351

2. Thailand: $300

1. Argentina: $184

Cheapest by lowest flight prices 

To determine the cheapest golf vacations by flight price, we looked at the major airports in each golf destination for travel in April. Prices will vary depending on how far ahead you book and your departure airport, but these are the average prices we saw and should give you a good ballpark. 

Flights are probably going to be the most expensive part of your golf vacation, so think about whether you want to fly somewhere only to golf, or also see sights and do other activities on your trip. If playing multiple rounds of golf at low prices is your trip goal, then you should go to the cheapest place to golf. But if you want to turn it into a bigger trip and only play a couple of rounds, it might be worth going somewhere with cheaper flights and hotels, but more expensive golf courses. 

Here are the cheapest places to fly by average roundtrip economy flight price. 

12. Thailand: $1,147

11. South Africa: $1,010

10. Portugal: $788

9. Argentina: $438

8. New Jersey: $173

7. Ontario: $305

6. Michigan: $262

5. Cabo: $169

4. Alabama: $134

3. Illinois: $124

2. Florida: $73

1. Arizona: $70

Overall cheapest 

Let’s put it all together. Based on the average flight cost, the average price of a round of golf, and the average three-night hotel stay, these are the cheapest places to golf this spring: 

12. Thailand: $1,527

11. South Africa: $1,441

10. Portugal: $1,308

9. Cabo: $911

8. Florida: $787

7. Argentina: $772

6. Ontario: $766

5. Michigan: $766

4. New Jersey: $760

3. Arizona: $749

2. Illinois: $582

1. Alabama: $550

12. Thailand 

Thailand is known for offering luxury golf experiences at a fraction of the cost of other parts of the world. Many courses are located at resorts, but even if you’re not staying on location, you can golf for the day. Near Bangkok, you’ll find lush greens designed by famous architects, while in Phuket, you can golf amid the mountains and jungle. 

While some of the most famous championship courses can be pricey, many clubs offer greens fees between $30-$100, especially near Bangkok and Chiang Mai. (Phuket tends to be a bit more expensive.) 

Caddie culture is another reason people love golfing in Thailand. Most courses require golfers to play with a caddie. Before you protest, understand that this is generally an affordable service, and it’s nice to have some assistance. 

Getting there: Most flights from the U.S. will land in Bangkok. While prices depend on when exactly you book, we generally see one-way economy flights for around $1,100, or 40,000 points. 

11. South Africa 

There are more than 400 golf courses across South Africa, meaning there’s a course for every type of player. Go high-end at Leopard Creek Country Club, on the edge of Kruger National Park (don't be surprised if you see a hippo, crocodile, or exotic birds while playing) or classic at the more affordable links course at the Durban Country Club. Some of the most affordable courses are just outside of Cape Town, where you’ll be joined by mostly locals. There are many more high-end or middle-range options. And you’ll have your pick of scenery, from ocean views to mountain backdrops and wildlife sightings. 

Whether you’re chasing a bucket-list round at a world-class venue or exploring more budget-friendly clubs, South Africa’s golf scene offers a mix of quality, diversity, and value.

Getting there: Flights from the U.S. will stop in Johannesburg or Cape Town. An economy ticket in the spring is about $1,010 for economy, or 67,500 points. Business flights are typically around 130,000 points, or $2,824. 

10. Portugal

Among the many reasons to golf in Portugal is the fact that you can do it almost all year long. The mild climate makes it possible to golf even in the winter. Many resorts are in the coastal resort areas of the Algarve. But you don’t have to stay in a resort, and Portugal is one of the more affordable countries in Europe when it comes to hotels. 

Another reason to love golfing in Portugal is the scenery: cliffs jutting out from the water, golden sand beaches, and beautiful flowers. Another is that there’s a dense concentration of courses, so you can try a few over a long weekend. 

Some courses are iconic, like the Arnold Palmer-designed Dom Pedro Victoria Golf Course. Others have distinctive features, like the cliff-top par-3 hole overlooking the Atlantic Ocean at the Vale do Lobo Royal Golf Course. 

If you don’t want to golf on the Algarve, there are also courses right outside Lisbon. Many clubs throughout the country are semi-public, meaning you get high-end services with more affordable access. The food is top-notch (seafood and Portuguese wine), and people linger post-round for long, late lunches or sunset drinks. 

Getting there: You’ll likely fly into Lisbon, where we see flight prices at around $780 for a one-way trip, or about 67,500 points. Business class flights are typically around $11,100, or 377,500 points. 

9. Cabo 

Cabo is one of the most popular golf destinations in North America, for good reasons. Views range from desert landscapes to ocean vistas (where you can sometimes even spot whales while on the range), and it’s almost always sunny. 

There are world-class courses, including El Cardonal, the first course designed by Tiger Woods, as well as several championship courses.  But there are more budget-friendly options as well. The Cabo San Lucas Country Club and Club Campestre San José offer lower green fees, especially later in the day. Prices vary depending on the season, but can be anywhere from $130 to $230. 

Cabo has gorgeous luxury resorts, some of them with golf clubs. But it also has plenty of affordable accommodation. Similarly, there are both high-end restaurants and amazing taco stands. Whether you’re hoping for a bucket list golf experience or want to golf a couple of times while on a beach vacation, you can find a course that works well with your trip. 

Getting there: If you’re flying from within the U.S., flights to Cabo can be as low as around $170, or 14,000 points. That makes the destination in some ways even more affordable than staying in the U.S. 

8. Florida 

Florida is one of the most popular golf destinations in the U.S., and for good reason. There are more than 1,000 courses across the state and it’s home to the PGA Tour, earning Florida the title of “golf capital” of the U.S. Consistently warm and sunny weather means you can golf all year, and millions of visitors come to do just that. 

Orlando, Palm Beach, and Jacksonville are the most popular golf destinations. The sport is so popular here that there are entire communities built around golf courses. But the system is also very much geared toward tourists. You can play a huge variety of public courses, or pay a fee for daily entry to some more exclusive clubs. Perhaps the best part of golfing in Florida is that after a hot day on the green, you can jump into the ocean or have sunset drinks by the pool. 

Getting there: There are numerous airports you could fly into in Florida, so if you’re trying to save money, look at flights before choosing where to golf. Spring flights to Orlando are typically around $266 for a one-way flight, or 19,700 points, while flights to Tampa are generally cheaper, at 7,500 points or $73. 

7. Argentina

Golf has a long tradition in Argentina, meaning you can find everything from historic clubs to brand new courses. Most are located around Buenos Aires. The country has produced numerous famous golfers, and golf clubs are part of many communities. 

People love golfing in Argentina because of the quality of the courses and the generally good, mild weather. And then there’s the food. Families gather at golf clubs on weekends, along with tourists, to feast on grilled meats while watching amateur competitions. While these clubs dominate Argentina’s golf scene, there are also semi-public clubs like the Hurlingham Club Golf Course and Pilar Golf Club. 

Outside of Buenos Aires, you can golf with the Patagonian mountains in the background, or amid the vineyards of Mendoza. 

While green fees aren’t the cheapest, you can make up for paying entry to golf clubs by finding cheap flights and hotels. Food, drinks, and other tourist activities are also generally affordable. 

Getting there: You’ll fly from the U.S. to Buenos Aires. We’ve seen economy flights for as low as $438 one way, or 39,500 points. Business fares can be as low as $7,230 one way, or 563,000 points. 

6. Ontario

Ontario has the most established golf scene in Canada, with more than 700 courses across pastures, forests, lakes, and cities. It can get busy from April to October, because the season is short and people are excited. But, the fact that everyone is so excited to get out and play also makes it a vibrant scene. 

The landscape is not only beautiful, but can make a round of golf more fun…or more challenging. Think granite outcrops, dense pine forests, and lots of lakes, especially in the Muskoka and Niagara regions. It’s especially beautiful — though more expensive — in September and October, when fall colors peak. 

You can golf a Canadian Open course, like the St. George’s Golf and Country Club, or take advantage of more accessible public golf. There are numerous municipal and regional courses that offer day passes. 

Getting there: You can fly into either Ottawa or Toronto, depending on where exactly you’re golfing. While prices vary depending on when in the golf season you’re visiting, we’ve seen flights to Ottawa for around $300 in the spring, or 13,200 points, and flights to Toronto at $524, or 23,000 points. 

5. Michigan

Golf in Michigan is regarded as some of the best in the United States, thanks to an abundance of courses, beautiful landscapes, and a strong golfing tradition. With nearly 1,000 courses across the state, Michigan consistently ranks among the top U.S. states for golf participation and course availability. 

That’s partly because so many courses are public, including Arcadia Bluffs Golf Club and Forest Hills Dunes Golf Club in the Lower Peninsula, and numerous courses around Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, Detroit, and Lansing. 

Golf season runs from spring through fall, and the cooler summer temperatures make it a popular destination for traveling golfers from across the Midwest.

You can golf in almost every part of Michigan, but the most famous areas are in the northern half of the state, particularly in Traverse City and Petoskey. Here, you can golf amid sweeping lake views, sand dunes, and dramatic bluffs. 

Golf is extremely popular in Michigan, which is great for budget travelers, as many courses are open to daily play. But even some higher-end courses are more affordable than comparable courses in other states. 

Getting there: Most flights will probably stop in Detroit or Grand Rapids. While flights vary depending on the month and time of week, we’ve found that the average flight to Detroit in April is about $262, or 16,000 points. 

4. New Jersey

New Jersey has both prestigious private clubs and a strong network of public courses. Many classic courses were built in the 19th century (thanks to its proximity to New York), and those courses are still central to New Jersey’s golf identity today. 

Pine Valley Golf Club, for example, is often cited as the best golf course in the world. Then there’s Liberty National Golf Club, with views of the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan skyline. Many visitors opt to golf on the coast, combining a golf trip with some beach and boardwalk time in Atlantic City. Here, you’ll find Atlantic City Country Club, known for popularizing the term “birdie.” 

New Jersey offers many courses in small areas, so whether you pick the beach, inland, or close to NYC, you can likely golf a couple of courses over a long weekend. That means you could also test out a coastal marshland course and a classic parkland green on one trip. 

Getting there: We’ve seen one-way economy flights to Newark in the spring for as low as $173, or 13,500 points. Depending on where you plan to golf, you could also fly into New York’s LaGuardia Airport (sometimes as low as $110 for a one-way flight, or 7,500 points) and rent a car. 

3. Arizona

When you think of Arizona, golf is probably one of the first things that comes to mind. It’s a defining element of the state’s tourism and a reason many retirees choose to relocate to Arizona. Year-round play, beautiful courses with varied terrain and levels, and a culture that caters to tourism make it a joy to visit for a golf trip. 

There are, of course, many exclusive clubs home to championship tours. But many of the best-known courses are open to the public. Golf with desert backdrops or amid towering cacti, then end your day with sunset drinks or at one of Arizona’s numerous spas. 

It’s not uncommon to visit solely for golf, getting in as many rounds as you can within a few days. But, you could also combine a round or two of golf with hiking, wellness, and world-class dining for a different type of trip. 

Getting there: Flights to Tucson from within the U.S. are generally affordable in the spring. We’ve seen fares as low as $70 or 7,500 points for a one-way flight. 

2. Illinois

Chicago has long been a hub of golf. The city played a large role in developing golf architecture and club culture in the U.S. But even outside of Chicago, there are hundreds of courses for all levels. 

While there are many famous courses, like the Medinah Country Club, which has hosted the U.S. Open, the PGA Championship, and the Ryder Cup, there are great public courses, too. 

Right on Lake Michigan in the heart of Chicago, you’ll find the Sydney Marovitz Golf Course, an affordable year-round (weather permitting) course for all skill levels. This is a great option for families, as kids 17-years-old and under play for free during certain hours. Combine a couple of golf rounds with museums and time on the lake for a family Chicago getaway.  Ravisloe Country Club in Homewood is another excellent public option, as is Canal Shores in Evanston. 

Getting there: You can golf all over Illinois, but you will likely fly into Chicago. Depending on when exactly you book and fly, you can find deals as cheap as $124 for a one-way flight in April, or 8,800 points. 

1. Alabama

Alabama has one of the best golf experiences in the United States: the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. The collection of 11 championship-quality courses, designed by Jones, is spread across the state. The project was started as an investment to diversify Alabama’s pension fund. But for visitors, what you’ll want to know is that green fees are very affordable. Most courses can be played for around $65 (a couple connected to hotels are around $120). 

Like most U.S. cities, hotel options range from budget to luxury. And while Birmingham and other cities have incredible fine-dining restaurants, there are also budget-friendly options as well. And golf clubs lean heavily into hearty Southern food, which you’ll be ready for after a day on the course. 

Whatever type of trip you choose, Alabama’s courses offer a unique American golf experience. 

Getting there: Because the courses are spread throughout Alabama, you can look at flight and hotel prices and choose the most affordable option for your trip. Or, you could make a road trip out of it and fly into one city, play courses across the state, and fly home from another airport. When we looked at flights to Birmingham, we saw an average price for April of $134, or 4,500 points.