The top US states for a golfing holiday

Telegraph

21 hours ago

Home to more than 40 per cent of the world's golf courses, if you're looking to hit that hallowed hole-in-one, there's no better place than America. Challenging fairways, sensational vistas and the chance to tread the same turf as the greatest golfers in history, the US golf scene is unbeatable. Check out these states for your next golfing holiday.
Florida
Soaked in sunshine and with more courses than any other state, it's easy to see why Florida is one of the most popular golfing destinations in America. It's home to big hitters like TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, which hosts The Players Championship. In Orlando, the ChampionsGate Country Club and its 18-hole International Course, designed by Greg Norman, is a popular choice, not least because it's a 15-minute drive from Walt Disney World.
The sweeping shores of the Gulf Coast are equally blessed, particularly in Naples, which has almost a hundred courses. Don't miss a round or two at Tiburón Golf Club, which has two 18-hole championship courses, Black and Gold.
While you're there… Visit the Everglades National Park and come nose to snout or beak with alligators, pink-hued roseate spoonbills and American bald eagles.
California
The Hollywood of America's golfing scene, California, has a star-studded appeal. One of the most scenic courses is Pebble Beach Golf Links on the Monterey Peninsula. It's regularly ranked as one of the world's best, thanks to the incredible ocean views from every hole.
The clifftop location of Torrey Pines in San Diego is another favourite of golf fans, not least because it was where Tiger Woods had his heroic US Open win in 2008. It's also a swing away from nature reserves, beaches and the San Diego Zoo.
Palm Springs is renowned for its golfing scene. PGA WEST has nine courses, including the Pete Dye-designed TPC Stadium Course, which has dramatic bunkers and the notorious 'Alcatraz' island green.
While you're there... Go wine tasting in Napa Valley. Hire a bike or hop aboard the Napa Valley Wine Trolley to taste your way around California's greatest wineries.
Arizona
Cavernous canyons, rugged red rocks, giant saguaro cacti … the courses in Arizona have a Wild West vibe. One of the most popular is TPC Scottsdale, famous for the Stadium Course, which has the 'Coliseum', a grandstand with a bird's-eye view of the 16th hole.
Alternatively, you can tee off at Troon North Golf Club in the Sonoran Desert near Scottsdale, where the rolling fairways run through the ravines and granite boulders of Pinnacle Peak. And don't miss SunRidge Canyon, which snakes through canyons and ridges with views that'll make you miss your shot as you soak it all in.
While you're there… Visit the Grand Canyon. Hike one of the many trails of the South Rim or take the Desert View Drive at sunset, a scenic 25-mile stretch from Grand Canyon Village.
North Carolina
With blue-tinged mountains, Gilded Age mansions and stacks of Southern charm, it's easy to see why North Carolina attracts the more discerning golfer. Top of the league is Pinehurst Resort in Sandhills, which has 10 courses, including Pinehurst No. 2, the Donald Ross-designed course, which has hosted the most single-course championships than any other course in America.
Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte is another classic course, which hosted the PGA Championship 2025 in May. Famous for its terrifying final three holes, which members call the Green Mile, it sent Masters champion Rory McIlroy home early this year.
Luckily for Rory, there's plenty to do in the state, from the Biltmore Estate in Asheville to the beautiful beaches of the Outer Banks.
While you're there… Hit the Blue Ridge Parkway, hailed as 'America's favourite drive'. Stop off for a hike along the Appalachian Trail or go wine-tasting in Hendersonville wine country.
Wisconsin
From the Ryder Cup to the US Open, Wisconsin is a magnet for big-name golf tournaments. Golfers from all around the world come to pay homage at Brown Deer Park, Milwaukee, where Tiger Woods made his professional debut.
Another historic course is Whistling Straits in Sheboygan, which was the first public course in a generation to host the Ryder Cup. Designed by Pete Dye, this challenging course overlooking Lake Michigan also held the PGA Championship three times and the US Senior Open.
Beyond the greens, Wisconsin has plenty to offer, from historic state parks and the Frank Lloyd Wright Trail to an extensive craft brewery scene.
While you're there... check out the Harley Davidson Museum in Milwaukee. The all-American motorcycle brand is an icon of Wisconsin and a must-visit for Hog fans.