If you are like me, you always need to have something rewarding on the horizon like traveling to world-class golf communities and exploring what they have to offer. Thoughts of silky fades or baby draws, rising with power and grace on a tropical fairway can keep the soul-crushing weight of board meetings and stakeholder management at bay. After all, nothing can dull the joy of a nine-iron struck firmly and squarely to a Sunday pin. So there’s no time like the present to start thinking about summer and fall golf travel to some amazing places that will keep your spirits up and your game in shape.
Communities Around the World That Combine Luxury Real Estate with Top-Tier Courses
All the destinations on my golf getaways itinerary are in golf communities that have opportunities for you to be an owner, so you can call these beautiful places home. Whether you prefer the rugged appeal of the American West, the tropical allure of Hawaii or Mexico, or even more exotic locations like The Bahamas or New Zealand, this globe-trotting adventure will get you there. Your Zen golf community awaits.
Talking Rock Ranch
Beginning in summer, we head to central Arizona’s Bradshaw mountains where temperatures are mild. Nestled within Prescott, Arizona’s breathtaking terrain, Talking Rock Ranch creates an idyllic retreat. Symmetry Companies, a Scottsdale-based master-planned community developer specializing in luxury residential neighborhoods featuring elite private golf clubs, is unveiling an extensive $10 million renovation at Talking Rock Ranch. It marks the largest renovation in the community’s more than 20-year history with new club cabins, elevated dining experiences, enhanced amenities and more. The community is surrounded by gentle rolling hills and indigenous vegetation, offering residents a tranquil setting that captures the essence of the American Southwest.
The region’s temperate climate allows for exceptional year-round playability on the 18-hole championship golf course masterfully sighted by renowned designer Jay Morrish. This exceptional layout harmonizes with the natural landscape while providing an engaging challenge for players of all abilities.
Talking Rock Ranch
Beyond golf, Talking Rock Ranch embodies authentic western charm and fosters a vibrant community spirit. The thoughtfully curated amenities support a fulfilling lifestyle, with experiences designed to enrich daily living. The two new luxurious club cabins span 3,760 square feet each and feature high-end finishes and flexible configurations for visiting guests. Real estate options have expanded with Symmetry Homes’ semi-custom residences starting at $1.55 million, ranging from 2,700 to 4,200 square feet and blending ranch aesthetics with modern design.
Tributary
While the summer continues to heat up the southwest, let’s head north to Idaho and the shadows of the Teton mountain range. Just beyond the bustling slopes of Jackson Hole lies Tributary, the Rocky Mountain West’s best-kept secret. This exclusive 1,500-acre private club community offers adventure seekers a rare combination of natural splendor and refined luxury. Nestled among wildlife-rich landscapes, fly fishing ponds and 500 acres of protected wetlands, Tributary provides an authentic mountain experience without sacrificing sophistication.
The championship golf course at Tributary stands as a masterpiece of modern course design. Acclaimed architect David McLay-Kidd (Bandon Dunes, St. Andrews Links Castle Course) has harmoniously blended challenging play with environmental stewardship. The course winds through 50 acres of vibrant wetlands that serve as sanctuaries for native wildlife and plant species, creating a playing experience that honors its spectacular setting. As players navigate each hole, they’re treated to breathtaking panoramas of the Big Hole Mountains and the towering Tetons that command attention with every swing. The 16th hole delivers perhaps the most dramatic moment—golfers tee off directly facing the majestic Grand Teton, creating an unforgettable alpine golfing experience. Even during winter months, members can perfect their technique on Tributary’s state-of-the-art indoor simulator, offering virtual access to some of the world’s most celebrated courses.
Tributary
Residences start at $3 million and feature mountain modern designs with open floor plans that seamlessly connect indoor living with the breathtaking surroundings, showcasing local materials and expert craftsmanship. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the seven fishing ponds, a two-mile elevated boardwalk and seasonal activities ranging from cross-country skiing to archery. Winter adventures continue with a private ski lounge at nearby Grand Targhee Resort, just 25 minutes away, while families can enjoy the kid-friendly snowmobile track and ice-skating rink. Tributary truly represents the last frontier of exclusive mountain living in the American West.
Before the kids head back to school, let’s travel through some time zones and cross the International Date Line. We are headed across the Pacific Ocean to the stunning island nation of New Zealand.
The Hills
First up, The Hills and the prestigious Hills Golf Club, set within the stunning landscape of Queenstown on New Zealand’s South Island, is embarking on a comprehensive redevelopment. Industry leaders Jim Rohrstaff and Ric Kayne—the successful team behind New Zealand’s acclaimed Te Arai Links (public) and Tara Iti (private)—have partnered with Sir Michael Hill and his daughter Emma Hill to reimagine this exclusive private club. Established in 2007 by prominent New Zealand businessman Sir Michael Hill, The Hills golf course transformed a former deer farm near Arrowtown into a premier golfing destination. Designed by Darby Partners, the property expanded in 2019 with “The Farm,” a nine-hole par three course created by Darius Oliver. The Hills is renowned for its striking sculptures throughout the grounds, which will remain intact during renovations.
The Hills
Known as the adventure capital of the world, Queenstown offers everything from fly-fishing to heli-skiing, mountain biking, hiking, and much more. Within a 15-minute drive, there are multiple wineries and farm-to-table dining options. There’s no reason to ever want to leave one of the finest golf clubs and lifestyle communities in the world. There are a limited number of residences and lots available for those who wish to call The Hills their home.
Our next stop is Te Arai Links on North Island which represents a world-class coastal golfing experience located a scenic 75-minute drive from Auckland. This comprehensive resort features two pure links courses—one designed by Tom Doak and another by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw—both achieving impressive rankings on Golf Digest’s 2024 World’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses (North Course at No. 36 and South Course at No. 40).
Beyond golf, the property offers luxury accommodations, recreational facilities including pickleball, tennis, and basketball courts, walking trails with beach access, four dining venues and the world’s largest putting green. The property overlooks one of New Zealand’s most beautiful white sand beaches.
For premium real estate options, there are 125 private home sites spread over 2,600 acres. All home sites offer stunning Pacific Ocean views along with access to more than seven miles of pristine white sand beach and one of New Zealand’s top surf breaks.
The Abaco Club
As we move into fall, it’s time to look for warm tropical climates, so we will head down to The Bahamas. Nestled on Great Abaco Island’s pristine coastline, The Abaco Club offers an exclusive retreat where championship golf and luxury real estate create the ultimate Bahamian paradise. This 500-acre sanctuary features a Scottish-style tropical links course consistently ranked as The Bahamas’ finest golf destination, challenging players with oceanfront holes set against breathtaking Caribbean vistas. The golf experience is complemented by expansive practice facilities and a new “19th Hole” adults-only member lounge coming in 2025 as part of the Winding Bay Club development—a premier beachfront amenity that will feature an infinity edge pool, full-service bar and thoughtfully designed clubhouse.
The Abaco Club
Real estate opportunities shine equally brightly with The Cays, the community’s newest neighborhood designed by acclaimed firm AvroKO. Phase 1 will deliver stunning beachfront villas that blend indoor-outdoor living spaces with waterfront views. Limited residences remain available at $4.4M and $5.7M, with Phase 2 launching summer 2025. Homeowners enjoy an extraordinary lifestyle beyond the greens with tennis, pickleball and basketball courts, plus two miles of powder-soft beaches. Water enthusiasts can access world-class fishing and boating from the private Yacht Club and Marina, pursuing trophy bonefish or deep-sea marlin. This harmonious integration of world-class golf and luxurious island living creates an unparalleled private retreat where paradise comes standard with membership.
Hokuli’a
While you still have your golf shorts and flip flops packed, let’s jump on the jet and head to Hawaii to the iconic Kona Coast of Hawaii Island (also known as the Big Island), and the unique golf community of Hokuli’a.
Hokuli’a offers a residential experience across 1,260 oceanfront acres. This exclusive community has recently completed significant enhancements to its crown jewel—the Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course—featuring renovated bunkers and greens that challenge players while showcasing panoramic Pacific views.
Hokuli’a
What truly sets Hokuli’a apart is its distinctive “agrihood” concept. Unlike traditional resort communities, Hokuli’a occupies cherished agricultural land once favored by Hawaiian royalty for its fertile soil and gentle climate. Homeowners can cultivate fruit trees or coffee on agricultural easements, fostering a community where harvest-sharing and chef-prepared dishes featuring home-grown ingredients have become beloved traditions. The community offers both finished homes and custom homesites, including the newly released “Nalu Kai” oceanfront parcels. These 20 premier lots command spectacular views with direct ocean access along three miles of shoreline, priced from $4.5 million to $8 million. Residents enjoy recently upgraded amenities including refined dining facilities, resurfaced tennis courts and new pickleball courts—all while experiencing expansive lots with unobstructed ocean views. The strong market response, including Hokuli’a’s record $8.2 million home sale in 2024, reflects growing interest in this harmonious blend of luxury living, championship golf and sustainable agricultural heritage.
Cabo Real Surf Club
Heading over to Mexico, the pristine coastline of Los Cabos, one of Mexico’s premier resort destinations, is about to witness a revolutionary development that promises to reshape high-end residential communities. Cabo Real Surf Club is nestled within the established 3,000-acre Cabo Real masterplan. This innovative project represents a partnership between U.S.-based Meriwether Companies and the pioneering Sanchez Navarro family. The development has already made waves in the luxury real estate market, securing over $50 million in homesite sales since its founders’ launch in early 2024.
Cabo Real Surf Club includes a Robert Trent Jones II championship golf course that is currently undergoing multi-million-dollar enhancements. The course is scheduled for completion in 2025 when it will become an exclusive private club.
The community’s crown jewel is its private Endless Surf wave basin, making it North America’s first private residential community to offer this cutting-edge technology. It can generate hundreds of customizable waves per hour with waves reaching heights of seven feet.
Cabo Real Surf Club
The Cabo Real Surf Club stretches from the Sea of Cortez through dramatic arroyos to the mountain foothills. For those interested in calling this paradise home, real estate offerings include custom Estate Lots and Villa Homesites with four and five-bedroom plans. The exclusive Boardwalk Homesites, situated along the wave basin, feature pre-designed residences by acclaimed Mexico City architecture firm Sordo Madaleno. Reservations are now open for the Surf Casitas—three-bedroom homes adjacent to the surf basin, starting at $2.5 million.
The amenities read like a luxury lifestyle wish list: a private oceanfront beach club with an infinity pool and one of Los Cabos’ top swimmable beaches, a state-of-the-art golf clubhouse and a comprehensive racquet sports center. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the extensive network of mountain biking and hiking trails.
This groundbreaking community is on track to welcome its first residents in 2026, marking a new chapter in luxury residential development where technology, sport and high-end living converge to create an unprecedented lifestyle experience.
