The Perfect Combination: Five Beaches with Great Public Golf Nearby
When it comes to planning a dream vacation, there are two activities that often top the list: enjoying sun-soaked beaches and playing a round of golf. Luckily, the United States is home to a multitude of stunning beaches and world-class public golf courses. In this blog, we'll explore five of our favorite American beaches that offer the perfect combination of coastal relaxation and exceptional golfing opportunities. Whether you're an avid golfer or simply appreciate the beauty of a pristine beach, these destinations have something for everyone.
1. Clearwater Beach, Florida
Situated on the Gulf Coast, Clearwater Beach boasts powdery white sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters that lure visitors from near and far. Alongside its beach paradise, Clearwater offers access to top-notch golf courses. For golf enthusiasts, nearby public courses like Innisbrook Resort and Fox Hollow Golf Club provide challenging fairways and well-manicured greens.
The most notable public golf course in the area is Innisbrook Resort, offering several championship courses designed by renowned architects. With its challenging fairways and impeccable course conditions, Innisbrook provides an exceptional golfing experience and is one of the best golf resorts in the US. Additionally, Fox Hollow Golf Club is another popular choice, known for its scenic beauty and well-maintained greens. These public golf courses in Clearwater Beach offer golfers of all skill levels the chance to enjoy the game amidst the beauty of this coastal paradise.
2. Kiawah Island, South Carolina
Known for its untouched natural beauty, Kiawah Island is a haven for beach lovers and golf enthusiasts alike. The island's expansive coastline offers picturesque views and bucket list golf courses like The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Resort, Turtle Point Golf Course, and Osprey Point Golf Course provide a golfer's paradise. The Ocean Course, in particular, has hosted major championships and is renowned for its breathtaking coastal setting.
Designed by renowned golf course architect Pete Dye, the Ocean Course offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and presents a challenging yet memorable golfing experience. In addition to the Ocean Course, Kiawah Island features other exceptional courses, such as Turtle Point, Osprey Point, Cougar Point, and Oak Point, each offering its own unique layout and challenges. Golf travelers can choose from a range of accommodation options, including luxury resorts and vacation rentals, to complement their golfing experience on this picturesque island.
3. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
With its pristine beaches and world-class golf courses, Hilton Head Island is a premier destination for beach and golf lovers. Coligny Beach Park offers a serene coastal experience, while championship golf courses such as Harbour Town Golf Links, Heron Point Golf Course, and Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort beckon golfers of all skill levels. Harbour Town Golf Links is home to the PGA Tour's RBC Heritage tournament and is regarded as one of the best courses in the country.
Hilton Head is also a great option for those looking for an all inclusive golf resort. The Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort offers a range of accommodations, including villas and vacation homes, and provides all-inclusive golf packages for guests. With three championship golf courses—Arthur Hills, George Fazio, and Robert Trent Jones—Palmetto Dunes offers golfers of all skill levels a variety of playing experiences. The resort's all-inclusive packages typically include accommodations, unlimited golf on their courses, golf cart rentals, access to practice facilities, and sometimes even breakfast and other amenities. By choosing an all-inclusive golf resort in Hilton Head Island, visitors can combine their love for golf with the convenience of having all their needs taken care of in one place.
4. Maui, Hawaii
Maui is a tropical paradise where lush landscapes meet pristine beaches. Ka'anapali Beach and Wailea Beach offer idyllic settings for sunbathing and water activities. While on the island, golf enthusiasts can enjoy playing at public courses like the Plantation Course at Kapalua Resort, Wailea Golf Club, and Ka'anapali Golf Courses. These courses not only provide challenging play but also showcase breathtaking ocean views and volcanic scenery.
Golf enthusiasts visiting Maui can enjoy the experience of playing amidst stunning ocean views, lush tropical landscapes, and volcanic scenery. One renowned public golf course on the island is the Plantation Course at Kapalua Resort. This course, which hosts the PGA Tour's Tournament of Champions, features dramatic elevation changes, challenging fairways, and panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. Another notable option is the Wailea Golf Club, which offers three distinct courses: the Gold, Emerald, and Blue courses. Each course showcases its own unique design and challenges, while providing players with breathtaking vistas of the coastline and neighboring islands.
The Ka'anapali Golf Courses, located near Ka'anapali Beach, offer two public courses—the Royal Ka'anapali and the Ka'anapali Kai—both providing golfers with well-manicured fairways and unforgettable views. Whether you're an avid golfer or simply looking to enjoy a round amidst stunning scenery, Maui's public golf courses are sure to deliver a memorable golfing experience.
5. Outer Banks, North Carolina
The Outer Banks is a stretch of barrier islands offering a laid-back coastal ambiance and miles of sandy beaches. From the famous Cape Hatteras National Seashore to the scenic Nags Head beaches, there's no shortage of coastal beauty. Golfers can indulge in playing at public courses such as Kilmarlic Golf Club, The Currituck Club, and Nags Head Golf Links. These courses blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings, creating an unforgettable golfing experience.
Golfers and beach goers alike will appreciate the unique charm of this barrier island region while taking on the challenges of several exceptional public golf courses. One standout option is the Kilmarlic Golf Club, known for its picturesque setting and well-manicured fairways. Designed by Tom Steele, this 18-hole championship course offers a blend of scenic marshland views and challenging play. Another notable course is The Currituck Club, which features a stunning coastal landscape and a Rees Jones-designed layout that caters to all skill levels.
Golfers can also explore the Nags Head Golf Links, a historic course that offers a classic seaside golf experience with its windswept dunes and panoramic views of the Roanoke Sound. These public golf courses in the Outer Banks provide an excellent opportunity to combine the enjoyment of golf with the beauty of the coastal environment, making for a memorable golfing experience on North Carolina's captivating barrier islands.
Combining the allure of pristine beaches with exceptional public golf courses, these American destinations offer the perfect getaway for beach and golf enthusiasts alike. Whether you're seeking relaxation on sun-soaked sands or looking to perfect your swing on the fairways, these destinations provide the ideal blend of coastal beauty and golfing opportunities. So, pack your swimsuit, grab your golf clubs, and get ready to experience the best of both worlds at these remarkable American beach destinations.
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