Playing a round of golf is always a treat, but playing a round of golf on vacation is truly something special. Watching the morning dew glisten on freshly trimmed greens as you line up a perfect put—there’s nothing like it. Seeing rolling greens and tree-lined fairways laid out before you as you get ready to tee off—the sights never get old. While most vacation destinations have at least an option or two for golfers, there are several places across the South where golf isn’t only part of the fun, it’s the main attraction. These are the 10 best golf destinations in the South, as voted on by Southern Living readers.
South’s Best Voting Process
An online survey was conducted by third-party agency Proof Insights among Southern Living consumers, asking them to rate their favorite places across the South. The survey was fielded from July 9 to September 9, 2025, and had over 17,000 respondents.
Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
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Evan Schiller
As the former headquarters of the PGA of America, it’s no surprise that Palm Beach Gardens is a bucket-list destination for avid golfers. Though the PGA of America made the move to Frisco, Texas in 2022, this city just north of Palm Beach remains a top destination for golfers thanks to 14 courses and the PGA National Resort. The luxury resort features six championship courses, a sports and racquet club, and a variety of accommodations ranging from guests rooms to cottages to larger vacation homes.
Orlando, Florida
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Family-friendly fun is often the headline for vacations in Orlando, thanks to Disney World and Universal Studios’ many theme parks. But the year-round warm weather also makes this place a paradise for golfers, who will have their pick of the lot from dozens of resorts and golf clubs offering championship courses designed by the greats, including Greg Norman, Jack Nicklaus, and Arnold Palmer.
Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida
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It’s not often that golfers have the opportunity to play on the same courses as the pros, but TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach was created to give fans exactly that experience. As the permanent host of the PLAYERS Championship, the course and surrounding area were built with fans in mind and is the first true Stadium Course. Outside of TPC Sawgrass, visitors can take advantage of Ponte Vedra Beach’s gorgeous setting by checking out seaside courses with sweeping views of the ocean.
Naples, Florida
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This Southwest Florida city has dubbed itself the Golf Capital of the World thanks to the sheer number of options golfers have for courses. With more golf holes per capita than any other U.S. city, you could come here annually and still not swing on all its courses. From luxury resort courses to well-maintained public courses, you’ll have your pick of the lot. Tiburón Golf Club’s two 18-hole Greg Norman-designed golf courses are a great place to start.
Amelia Island, Florida
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Omni Amelia Island
Thirty minutes from Jacksonville, just off Florida’s northwest tip, is one of the South’s most charming beach destinations. Though it has lots of draws, from great outdoor adventure to interesting history and, of course, beautiful stretches of shoreline, you’d be remiss to plan a trip without including at least one round of golf. With 99 holes of championship golf across five courses, there’s lots to choose from when scheduling a tee time. Built in 1972 and newly renovated in 2025, the Oak Marsh course at Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa shows off the best of the island thanks to its tight fairways that meander along salt marsh creeks bordered by moss-draped oaks.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
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The stunning natural landscape of this South Carolina beach town makes it more than a standout location for golfers looking to soak up the scenery while hitting the links. Tidal marshes and the Intracoastal Waterway are just a couple of the sights to be seen. With an impressive list of public courses and plenty of resorts offering enticing “stay and play” packages, it’s easy to plan a golf vacation to this coastal community.
Kiawah Island, South Carolina
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Kiawah Island Golf Resort
Most golfers are familiar with the Ocean Course at Kiawah Island thanks to its TV time as the host to several major championships. Though golfers have to battle the elements, including strong coastal winds and exposure, it rewards them with some of the most photo-worthy scenes you’ll find anywhere. Though small, measuring only roughly 10 miles long and 1.5 miles wide, the island is home to five public courses and an excellent golf learning center at Kiawah Island Resort.
Sea Island, Georgia
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You’ll find yourself surrounded by rolling dunes, salt marshes, tidal creeks, and the vast blue Atlantic Ocean while driving in a putt or chipping your way out of a bunker on Sea Island. Ranked as the number one golf hotel by Golf Digest Index, Sea Island Golf Club is home to three 18-hole championship courses, each offering a style and specialty of its own. A stay at The Cloister or The Lodge at Sea Island will grant you permission to book a tee time. Guests of The Inn by Sea Island can also play a round by booking special Sea Island Golf Packages.
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
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The Lowcountry is blessed with a number of top golfing destinations, but Hilton Head may be its crown jewel. A number of courses on the island are known and admired by golfers around the world. Two of the most popular are the Robert Trent Jones Course at Palmetto Dunes and the Harbour Town Golf Links, famously designed by Pat Dye and home to the PGA Tour’s RBC Heritage tournament. Regardless of where you play, you’re guaranteed gorgeous greens and postcard-worthy views.
Pinehurst, North Carolina
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Pinehurst Resort
Often referred to as the “Cradle of American Golf”, Pinehurst has a long history that dates back to 1895 when its founder, James Walker Tufts, famously hired the landscape architect behind Central Park to create Pinehurst Resort. In 1900, he tapped Scottish course designer Donald J. Ross to be the director of golf at the resort. In the 100-plus years since, Pinehurst has hosted dozens of golf championships and has been the backdrop for some of the sport’s most historic moments. Golfers can play on 10 18-hole courses that are part of Pinehurst Resort, or expand to the 40 sprinkled throughout Moore County. While golf is the big draw for Pinehurst Resort thanks to its world-class facilities, respected lessons, and the USGA Experience and World Golf Hall of Fame, the Village of Pinehurst has its own allure. Local shops, cafes, and restaurants line the teardrop-shaped town green, and there are hiking and biking paths running in and out of town.