Where and When To Go in the U.S.

August 2, 2018

Travel

One of the best ways to enhance your golf vacation is to stay and play at the best time of the year for the resort or destination. Our experts offer advice on the optimum times to enjoy some of our more popular domestic golf vacation areas.

Bandon Dunes

People think Bandon Dunes, along the Oregon coast is a summer destination only. That’s not true as Bandon in winter is just as busy as summer although the days are shorter and the rates lower so it’s offset by the value packages. Since it’s right on the coast, the temperature rarely gets below the ocean temperature of about 52 degrees in Spring and Fall, and normally warmer. I always tell people that the perception of the weather at Bandon is far worse than the reality. Surprisingly, one of the best months is July when the days are long, it’s easy to fit in 36 holes and there is normally good availability. Want an insider tip? Mothers day, Fathers day and 4th of July are often wide open, if you can get away with it. The busiest months are always September and October, where groups had better plan a year in advance.–Bill Hogan

Pebble Beach

September and October are always the sunniest, warmest months but also the busiest so make your plans long in advance if you desire the Autumn. The summer is often impacted by the morning and late afternoon fog, or marine layer, due to the hot inland valleys drawing the cooling ocean effects. Normally, however, the fog burns off by about 11 and does not reappear until late in the afternoon. If it’s a dry year, November to March is a great option and often the packages are discounted and some extra amenities are included. In reality, however, there is never a bad day to play Pebble Beach or Spyglass Hill, given the opportunity!–Bill Hogan

Pinehurst

Spring and Autumn are prime seasons and the best weather, but also the higher package prices. During Summer you can save a few bucks and the heat and humidity is normally not unbearable at Pinehurst. Winter has great values but could get some frost delays in the morning.

Wisconsin

Whereas officially the season is May through Halloween, booking your package before June 1 or after October 15th might be risky. My ideal visit to Wisconsin would be June 15th to September 15th, where you can golf by day and later have a Spotted Cow adult beverage and bratwurst while listening to Bob Uecker on the radio. That’s Americana 101.–Bill Hogan

Hilton Head Island

Like most places on the Southeast coast of America, Spring and Autumn are prime season. The peak golf months are April, May and October. Summer is great for morning golf and afternoon at the beach or by the pool and prices are reduced off of spring and autumn rates. The top value months on Hilton Head Island are March, September and November.

Florida

From Thanksgiving to Easter is when the snowbirds flock in earnest to play on Florida’s more than 1,200 courses, which are open year round. Not surprisingly, greens fees are at their highest during this time frame. In south Florida, the low season is from May through October. While it can get really hot and sticky during the summer, you’ll find your best deals in June, July and August throughout the state. The good time to play in central Florida is in September and October–the kids are back in school, the courses are less crowded and you can find some good deals. Some of our more popular Sunshine State Resorts include PGA National Resort & Spa (Palm Beach Gardens), PGA Village (Port St. Lucie), Streamsong Resort (near Lakeland), Trump National Doral (Miami).