Golf Getaways
Where should the foursome go?
Find the right kind of golf trip from West Michigan.
Golf trips
All destinations
8 destinations to explore
More ways to narrow it down
Curated destination guide
French Lick
French Lick, Indiana · Closer premium weekend
A strong closer premium option when golf quality matters more than volume or value.
What the published evidence says it costs
2026 Pete Dye: $450 Sun–Thu / $500 Fri–Sat including cart; mandatory forecaddie $50 per person per round plus gratuity. Same-day Pete Dye replay $200. One-a-Day and Hall of Fame packages include carts, bag storage and shuttle; package pricing requires quote.
The catch
Premium per-round cost for a shorter trip. Less golf volume than a value basecamp.
- Best for
- Groups who care more about golf quality than volume or value, and want a shorter trip.
- The golf
- Pete Dye Course and Donald Ross Course, published with replay policies and cart inclusion.
- Trip length
- Two nights or a weekend.
- Getting there
- About 7 hours driving from the Grand Rapids area · roughly 337–394 road miles depending on route. Planning estimate, not live traffic.
- Where to stay
- Confirm during planning
- When to go
- Confirm during planning
Costs, package details & tradeoff
Published price evidence
2026 Pete Dye: $450 Sun–Thu / $500 Fri–Sat including cart; mandatory forecaddie $50 per person per round plus gratuity. Same-day Pete Dye replay $200. One-a-Day and Hall of Fame packages include carts, bag storage and shuttle; package pricing requires quote.
Fact · French Lick Resort · checked 2026-09-23 · valid through 2026-10-31
Read the rate basis above: golf-only, lodging-only, and package rates are different. These are not live quotes for your complete trip.
Package or build your own
One-a-Day and Hall of Fame packages are published through Oct. 31, 2026; carts, bag storage and shuttle are included. Pete Dye forecaddie fee is additional. Southern Indiana Golf Tour is published for Apr 1–Nov 1, 2027.
Fact · French Lick Resort · checked 2026-09-23 · valid through 2027-11-01
The tradeoff
Premium per-round cost for a shorter trip. Less golf volume than a value basecamp.
GRGS judgment · checked 2026-09-23
Curated destination guide
Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina · High-density, many-choice golf market
Choose this for breadth and density, then narrow hard. Compare against Santee if value leads.
What the published evidence says it costs
Price needs re-verification for your dates.
The catch
Abundance creates decision complexity; more choice is not automatically a better trip.
- Best for
- Groups who value choice and breadth.
- The golf
- More than 90 golf courses.
- Trip length
- Confirm during planning
- Getting there
- About 14.5–17 hours driving from the Grand Rapids area, depending on route. Planning estimate, not live traffic.
- Where to stay
- Confirm during planning
- When to go
- Confirm during planning
Costs, package details & tradeoff
Published price evidence
Not yet verified
Read the rate basis above: golf-only, lodging-only, and package rates are different. These are not live quotes for your complete trip.
Package or build your own
Stay-and-play structures include 3-night stays with a fourth round free, 4-night options, and make-your-own packages.
Fact · Visit Myrtle Beach · checked 2026-09-23
The tradeoff
Abundance creates decision complexity; more choice is not automatically a better trip.
GRGS judgment · checked 2026-09-23
Curated destination guide
Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina · Golf + beach basecamp
A strong golf + coast alternative. Pick the package deliberately rather than by headline price.
What the published evidence says it costs
2026 dynamic golf: winter AM $105–120 / PM $67–95; spring AM $125–205; summer AM $150–170; fall AM $175–195. Multi-round packages: winter $250–425, spring $325–659, summer $375–575, fall $425–650. 4-day/3-night villa packages from $599 early spring / $699 spring per golfer (4 golfers); summer hotel package from $725 per golfer double occupancy. Lodging, 3 days unlimited golf, taxes and fees included; gratuity/parking exclusions vary by package.
The catch
The market is broad; package choice needs care.
- Best for
- Groups wanting a resort or island trip with golf, rather than a pure golf compound.
- The golf
- Package golf across four clubs and eight 18-hole combinations.
- Trip length
- Published 4-day / 3-night packages with three days of unlimited golf.
- Getting there
- Confirm during planning
- Where to stay
- Confirm during planning
- When to go
- Confirm during planning
Costs, package details & tradeoff
Published price evidence
2026 dynamic golf: winter AM $105–120 / PM $67–95; spring AM $125–205; summer AM $150–170; fall AM $175–195. Multi-round packages: winter $250–425, spring $325–659, summer $375–575, fall $425–650. 4-day/3-night villa packages from $599 early spring / $699 spring per golfer (4 golfers); summer hotel package from $725 per golfer double occupancy. Lodging, 3 days unlimited golf, taxes and fees included; gratuity/parking exclusions vary by package.
Fact · Heritage Golf Collection · checked 2026-09-23 · valid through 2026-12-31
Read the rate basis above: golf-only, lodging-only, and package rates are different. These are not live quotes for your complete trip.
Package or build your own
Both: dynamic daily rates, or packages including lodging, taxes and fees (subject to change).
Fact · Heritage Golf Collection · checked 2026-09-23
The tradeoff
The market is broad; package choice needs care.
GRGS judgment · checked 2026-09-23
Curated destination guide
Gulf Shores / Orange Beach
Gulf Shores, Orange Beach & Fort Morgan, Alabama · Golf + beach, multi-course basecamp
A compelling golf + beach option where off-course value matters. Compare with the RTJ Trail only if golf volume leads.
What the published evidence says it costs
Price needs re-verification for your dates.
The catch
A beach trip with golf, not the same product as the RTJ Trail's golf-system depth.
- Best for
- Groups wanting off-course beach time and multiple public-access choices.
- The golf
- Named package structures include Pure Palmer (three Arnold Palmer-designed courses), The Elite (Kiva Dunes, Peninsula, Cypress Bend), Premium Pass and Fort Morgan's Finest. Craft Farms has two Palmer 18-hole courses.
- Trip length
- Confirm during planning
- Getting there
- Confirm during planning
- Where to stay
- Kiva Dunes has lodging and stay-and-play capability.
- When to go
- Confirm during planning
Costs, package details & tradeoff
Published price evidence
Not yet verified
Read the rate basis above: golf-only, lodging-only, and package rates are different. These are not live quotes for your complete trip.
Package or build your own
Both stay-and-play and golf-only package options exist.
Fact · Alabama Beaches (official) · checked 2026-09-23
The tradeoff
A beach trip with golf, not the same product as the RTJ Trail's golf-system depth.
GRGS judgment · checked 2026-09-23
Curated destination guide
Big Cedar Lodge
Branson area, Missouri · Premium resort compound
A premium compound where one basecamp covers the whole trip.
What the published evidence says it costs
2026 peak (Apr 13–Oct 25) resort-guest starting rates: Payne's Valley $425, Ozarks National $275, Buffalo Ridge $275, Cliffhangers $225, Top of the Rock $135, Mountain Top $100. Shoulder (Mar 6–Apr 12, Oct 26–Dec 6) rates are lower.
The catch
Not a pure-value play; the headline course carries a premium.
- Best for
- Groups wanting concentrated golf and a resort experience in one place.
- The golf
- Payne's Valley, Ozarks National, Buffalo Ridge, Cliffhangers, Top of the Rock, Mountain Top.
- Trip length
- Confirm during planning
- Getting there
- Confirm during planning
- Where to stay
- Confirm during planning
- When to go
- 2026 seasons published: shoulder Mar 6–Apr 12 and Oct 26–Dec 6; peak Apr 13–Oct 25.
Costs, package details & tradeoff
Published price evidence
2026 peak (Apr 13–Oct 25) resort-guest starting rates: Payne's Valley $425, Ozarks National $275, Buffalo Ridge $275, Cliffhangers $225, Top of the Rock $135, Mountain Top $100. Shoulder (Mar 6–Apr 12, Oct 26–Dec 6) rates are lower.
Fact · Big Cedar Lodge · checked 2026-09-23 · valid through 2026-12-31
Read the rate basis above: golf-only, lodging-only, and package rates are different. These are not live quotes for your complete trip.
Package or build your own
Not yet verified
The tradeoff
Not a pure-value play; the headline course carries a premium.
GRGS judgment · checked 2026-09-23
Curated destination guide
Scottsdale
Scottsdale, Arizona · High-choice desert winter-sun market
One of the strongest high-choice winter-sun fly markets. Narrow to a basecamp and three or four courses.
What the published evidence says it costs
Price needs re-verification for your dates.
The catch
Abundance: the city is many trips, not one. Basecamp choice decides the trip.
- Best for
- Groups who want to choose from a premium-to-value spectrum.
- The golf
- Named public/resort anchors include TPC Scottsdale, We-Ko-Pa, Troon North, Grayhawk, Boulders, Kierland, Camelback and Phoenician.
- Trip length
- Confirm during planning
- Getting there
- Confirm during planning
- Where to stay
- Confirm during planning
- When to go
- Confirm during planning
Costs, package details & tradeoff
Published price evidence
Not yet verified
Read the rate basis above: golf-only, lodging-only, and package rates are different. These are not live quotes for your complete trip.
Package or build your own
Not yet verified
The tradeoff
Abundance: the city is many trips, not one. Basecamp choice decides the trip.
GRGS judgment · checked 2026-09-23
Curated destination guide
Reynolds Lake Oconee
Lake Oconee, Georgia · Premium resort compound, golf + lake
A strong premium compound. Choose Unlimited only if the group will actually play it.
What the published evidence says it costs
Current published Stay & Play 18 from $490 non-peak / $545 peak, single occupancy, per person; varies by occupancy and accommodation.
The catch
Premium resort pricing; compare with Sea Island or Pinehurst, not value road trips.
- Best for
- Groups wanting concentrated golf plus resort and lake amenities.
- The golf
- Access includes the Landing, National, Oconee, Preserve and Great Waters under package terms.
- Trip length
- Confirm during planning
- Getting there
- Confirm during planning
- Where to stay
- Cottage or condo lodging.
- When to go
- Confirm during planning
Costs, package details & tradeoff
Published price evidence
Current published Stay & Play 18 from $490 non-peak / $545 peak, single occupancy, per person; varies by occupancy and accommodation.
Fact · Reynolds Lake Oconee · checked 2026-09-23
Read the rate basis above: golf-only, lodging-only, and package rates are different. These are not live quotes for your complete trip.
Package or build your own
Package-first; includes replay rates, carts, practice facilities and breakfast.
Fact · Reynolds Lake Oconee · checked 2026-09-23
The tradeoff
Premium resort pricing; compare with Sea Island or Pinehurst, not value road trips.
GRGS judgment · checked 2026-09-23
Curated destination guide
Greater Palm Springs / Indian Wells
Coachella Valley, California · High-density desert winter-sun market
A useful Scottsdale alternative, especially if resort golf and off-course time lead.
What the published evidence says it costs
Price needs re-verification for your dates.
The catch
Many choices; the basecamp decides the trip.
- Best for
- Groups valuing resort golf and Palm Springs off-course experience.
- The golf
- Indian Wells Golf Resort has 36 holes; La Quinta Resort advertises access to five championship courses including PGA WEST Stadium.
- Trip length
- Confirm during planning
- Getting there
- Confirm during planning
- Where to stay
- Confirm during planning
- When to go
- Confirm during planning
Costs, package details & tradeoff
Published price evidence
Not yet verified
Read the rate basis above: golf-only, lodging-only, and package rates are different. These are not live quotes for your complete trip.
Package or build your own
The destination maintains a current golf deals / stay-and-play page. No single market price.
Fact · Visit Greater Palm Springs · checked 2026-09-23
The tradeoff
Many choices; the basecamp decides the trip.
GRGS judgment · checked 2026-09-23
Side by side
No winner. The tradeoffs are yours to weigh.
| Field | Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail | Sea Island | Streamsong |
|---|---|---|---|
| From West Michigan | About 11–13 hours driving from the Grand Rapids area to the Birmingham-area Trail sites, depending on route. Planning estimate, not live traffic. Approx. · third-party · Third-party routing estimates · checked 2026-09-23 | Not yet verified | Not yet verified |
| Drive or fly | Long drive or fly-or-drive territory, depending on which sites you pick. GRGS judgment · checked 2026-09-23 | Not yet verified | Not yet verified |
| Ideal duration | Not yet verified | Three-night minimum; parties of 11 or fewer under the cited offer. Fact · Sea Island · checked 2026-09-23 | Not yet verified |
| Golf volume | Winter Unlimited from $115 pp all day, Nov 16, 2026–Mar 7, 2027; pricing varies by site/date. Fact · RTJ Golf Trail · checked 2026-09-23 · valid through 2027-03-07 | Not yet verified | Not yet verified |
| Price evidence | Winter 2026–27 (Nov 16, 2026–Mar 7, 2027): 2 Days or More from $85 pp/day with cart + range balls (higher at Ross Bridge/Lakewood); Winter Magic $200 (Oxmoor Valley + Ross Bridge); Winter Swing $216 (Magnolia Grove + Lakewood). Fact · RTJ Golf Trail · checked 2026-09-23 · valid through 2027-03-07 | Not yet verified | Published daily golf (resort / guest): Oct 1–Dec 14, 2026 $375/$425; Dec 15, 2026–Jan 13, 2027 $315/$365; Jan 14–Apr 30, 2027 $395/$445. Cart fees $35 additional; caddie fees published separately. Fact · Streamsong Resort · checked 2026-09-23 · valid through 2027-04-30 |
| Tradeoff | Sites are spread out; site choice decides how much time goes to driving. GRGS judgment · checked 2026-09-23 | Service-heavy premium resort; value is not the point. GRGS judgment · checked 2026-09-23 | A simpler decision than Scottsdale, at materially higher golf cost in prime winter. GRGS judgment · checked 2026-09-23 |
Your next golf trip might be closer than you think.
Start with the golf. GRGS will help you understand the rest.
Explore all destinationsGRGS helps you decide where to go and shows you the official place to continue when you are ready.
When is it actually worth going?
Warm is not the same as playable. No window has enough verified evidence to tell your foursome to go today.
- WATCHING — Watching. Conditions are not yet worth a trip.
- LOOKING GOOD — Looking good on the forecast. Not yet confirmed with any course.
- VERIFIED TODAY — A course has confirmed it is operating today, with ground conditions checked.
- GET YOUR FOURSOME — Confirmed operating, conditions checked, and worth the drive. Call your group.
How Golf Getaways works
GRGS recommends and organizes options. Each course, hotel, restaurant, and other provider confirms availability, sets its terms, fulfills its services, and collects charges directly.