Planning a golf trip in 2026 offers more exciting options than ever before. New resorts have opened, classic destinations have completed major renovations, and emerging golf regions are finally getting the attention they deserve. Whether you’re looking for coastal links, desert solitude, mountain scenery, or tropical warmth, this guide covers the best golf travel destinations for 2026. From proven favorites like Scotland and Ireland to rising stars like Vietnam and New Zealand, you’ll find destinations that combine world-class golf with unforgettable travel experiences. This is the year to book that bucket-list trip.
1. Scotland – The Home of Golf
Scotland remains the ultimate golf pilgrimage. The 2026 season offers improved access to the St. Andrews Old Course (the ballot system remains, but new tour operators offer guaranteed packages). Royal Dornoch, Muirfield, and Carnoustie continue to rank among the world’s best. The new must-play? Cabot Highlands (formerly Castle Stuart), which has completed a full renovation and added a second course designed by Tom Doak. The best travel strategy: base yourself in St. Andrews for 3-4 days (play Old Course, New Course, and Kingsbarns), then drive north to Inverness for Royal Dornoch and Cabot Highlands. Summer 2026 tee times are already booking; secure packages by early 2026. Average trip cost (airfare, lodging, golf, car) for 7 nights is $3,500-5,000 per person. Scotland delivers history, scenery, and the purest links golf on earth.
2. Ireland – Rugged Beauty and Warm Welcome
Ireland rivals Scotland for links quality, with the advantage of more remote, less crowded courses. Royal County Down (#1 in many world rankings) and Royal Portrush (#6) lead the list. But the hidden gems—Ballybunion, Lahinch, Carne, Enniscrone, Donegal—are equally spectacular. The 2026 season brings the reopening of Portmarnock’s newly restored links and the debut of the Waterville Golf Links renovation. The southwest (Lahinch, Ballybunion, Tralee, Waterville) and the northwest (Carne, Enniscrone, County Sligo) are the best regions for pure golf. Add a few days in Dublin for pubs and history. Cost for a 7-night self-drive trip: $3,000-4,500 per person. The Irish welcome is legendary—you’ll leave with new friends and unforgettable rounds.
3. Vietnam – The World’s Most Exciting New Golf Destination
Vietnam has exploded onto the golf scene. The crown jewel is The Bluffs Ho Tram Strip (Greg Norman), consistently ranked among the world’s top 30 courses and set on dramatic coastal dunes. New for 2026: the unveiling of the full 36-hole complex at KN Golf Links (by Nicklaus Design) in Cam Ranh, plus the debut of the beachfront 9 at Starlight Golf Club (near Phan Thiet). The best package: combine Ho Tram (2 rounds), Phan Thiet (2 rounds), and Da Nang (Ba Na Hills and Montgomerie Links). Vietnam offers incredible value: green fees $100-150, luxury hotels under $200 per night, and some of the world’s best food. The peak season is December-April; summer is hot and humid. A 10-day Vietnam golf trip costs $2,500-3,500 including international flights. It’s a long journey from North America, but for savvy golfers, it’s the best value-to-quality ratio in the world.
4. New Zealand – South Island’s Untamed Links
New Zealand’s South Island has emerged as a bucket-list golf destination. The centerpiece is Tara Iti (Tom Doak, #7 in world ranking), a private club that allows limited public access through stay-and-play packages at the associated lodge. New for 2026: the opening of The Hills’ second course and the completion of Te Arai Links’ South Course (Doak’s second design on the North Island). But the real draw is the South Island: Jack’s Point (Queenstown, dramatic mountain-lake setting), The Hills (Queenstown, art-filled design), Cape Kidnappers (Hawke’s Bay, cliff-edge thrills), and Paraparaumu Beach (Wellington, classic links). The challenge: New Zealand requires 14+ hours of flying from the US West Coast. Budget at least 12 days and $4,000-6,000 per person. But for those who make the journey, New Zealand offers golf in landscapes that feel prehistoric.
5. Oregon, USA – Bandon and Beyond
Bandon Dunes remains America’s top golf destination, but Oregon offers more than Bandon. In 2026, the new Sheep Ranch track at Bandon (Coore & Crenshaw, opened 2020) is finally mature, and the resort has added a second short course (Shorty’s). The best Bandon package: 5 nights, 6 rounds (play all six courses). Book 12-18 months in advance for peak season (May-October). Beyond Bandon, explore central Oregon’s Silvies Valley Ranch (unique “reverse course” and 7-hole reversible course) and the new Tetherow Skins Game course (Bend). The Oregon coast’s other gems—Gearhart Golf Links, Salishan Spa & Golf Resort—offer affordable alternatives. A Bandon-only trip costs $1,500-2,500 for 3 nights; add central Oregon for a 7-day Oregon golf road trip at $2,500-3,500. Late spring (May) and early fall (September) offer ideal weather without peak crowds.
6. Wisconsin, USA – The Midwest’s Heavy Hitter
Wisconsin has become a top-tier golf destination, anchored by Whistling Straits (Pete Dye, Ryder Cup 2021) and Blackwolf Run (also Dye) in Kohler. But the state’s rising star is Sand Valley Golf Resort, which now features four courses: Sand Valley (Coore & Crenshaw), Mammoth Dunes (David McLay Kidd), the Lido (new Doak design, opened 2023), and the par-3 Sandbox. Sand Valley offers Bandon-like walking culture and pure golf at lower prices ($200-250 per round). The best itinerary: fly into Milwaukee, drive to Kohler (2 rounds), then drive north to Sand Valley (3 rounds), and finish with a round at Lawsonia’s links course (hidden gem). Total 5-6 nights, 5-6 rounds. Cost: $2,000-3,000 per person. Wisconsin is best in summer (June-August) and early fall (September). The new Sand Valley accommodations (lodge, cottages, and the new “Mulligan House”) make it a true luxury golf resort.
7. Portugal – Europe’s Year-Round Golf Playground
Portugal’s Algarve region offers Europe’s best winter golf (December-February temperatures average 60°F). The crown jewel is Monte Rei (Jack Nicklaus signature course), consistently ranked Europe’s best. But the Algarve offers dozens of world-class courses at reasonable prices: Quinta do Lago (South and North courses), Vale do Lobo (Royal and Ocean), Vilamoura (Victoria, Old Course, Pinhal), and the new Ombria Resort (Nicklaus design). Beyond the Algarve, Lisbon’s Belas Clube de Campo (David McLay Kidd) and the Oitavos Dunes (Arthur Hills) are excellent. Green fees range $80-200, well below UK and Ireland prices. Add Porto’s Vidago Palace Hotel & Golf for a northern experience. A 7-night Algarve package (lodging + 5 rounds) costs $1,000-1,800, plus airfare (~$600-900 from US East Coast). Portugal is the best value for European golf travel in 2026.
8. Japan – The Rising Sun of Global Golf
Japan’s golf culture is deep, and its courses are finally gaining international recognition. Hirono (#8 global ranking) and Kawana Hotel’s Fuji Course (classic design with Mount Fuji views) lead the list. New for 2026: the expansion of Hokkaido’s golf offering, including the second course at the Hokkaido Classic (Tom Fazio), and the opening of the Okinawa Golf Resort’s 36 holes. For international travelers, the best strategy: base in the Tokyo area (play Hirono, Oarai, and the newly opened Tokyo Golf Club public track), then take a domestic flight to Hokkaido (2 more rounds) or Okinawa (beach golf). Japan can be expensive—green fees often exceed $300, and luxury hotels are $400-600. But the combination of exceptional service, food, and culture makes it a once-in-a-lifetime trip. Budget 10-14 days and $5,000-7,000 per person. Peak seasons: spring (cherry blossoms) and fall (foliage) are spectacular.
9. Mexico – Close, Affordable, and Spectacular
Mexico offers the best combination of proximity, price, and quality for US golfers. The top destination is Los Cabos, where the Diamante Cabo San Lucas resort features two Tiger Woods-designed courses (El Cardonal and the new Dunes Course) and a Davis Love III layout. Cabo’s other gems: Quivira (Jack Nicklaus, ocean views on every hole), Puerto Los Cabos (Greg Norman and Nicklaus combo), and the classic Cabo Real (Robert Trent Jones Jr.). Second destination: the Riviera Maya, anchored by Mayakoba’s El Camaleón (Greg Norman, PGA Tour host) and new courses at Hard Rock Riviera Maya and Rosewood Mayakoba. Green fees in Cabo: $200-400; all-inclusive packages can lower costs. Fly into SJD (Cabo) or CUN (Riviera Maya) from any major US hub. A 5-nights, 4-rounds package: $1,800-2,500. Mexico is best November-April; summer is very hot and humid.
10. Australia – The Sandbelt and Beyond
Australia’s Sandbelt region near Melbourne is home to a concentration of world-class courses: Royal Melbourne (West, #5 global), Kingston Heath, Victoria Golf Club, and the new 2026 addition, Peninsula Kingswood’s North Course (a modern masterpiece). The Sandbelt alone justifies the trip. But extend to Tasmania for Barnbougle Dunes and Barnbougle Lost Farm (two of the world’s best links). Add the New South Wales Golf Club near Sydney (cliff-edge spectacular). Australia is a long haul from the US (15+ hours). Budget 12-14 days and $4,000-6,000 per person. The opposite season makes it ideal for North American golfers seeking winter escape: December-February (Australia’s summer) is perfect golf weather. Book 2026 Sandbelt rounds early—Royal Melbourne requires a letter from your home club. This is a trip for serious golfers, not casual vacationers, but the quality of the courses is staggering.
Final advice for 2026 golf travel: The best single factor for a perfect golf trip is timing. Book 6-12 months in advance for Scotland, Ireland, and Bandon. For Portugal and Mexico, 2-3 months is often sufficient. Vietnam, New Zealand, and Australia require more lead time (8-12 months). Always add at least one buffer day in case of weather delays. Consider using a golf tour operator for complex itineraries (Scotland, Ireland, New Zealand) but book direct for single-destination trips (Pebble, Bandon, Sand Valley). Budget carefully: green fees and lodging are only part of the cost; factor in flights, rental car (or transfers), caddies, meals, and insurance. And finally, choose destinations that match your group’s golf appetites. A hardcore 36-hole daily crew belongs at Bandon or Sand Valley; a mixed group with non-golfers belongs at Pebble, Mayakoba, or Portugal. The right destination makes the trip. The right company makes it unforgettable.
