The 12 Cheapest Golf Destinations This Spring, Ranked

A new report breaks down where you can plan a golf trip for less—some totals start around $550.

Golf trips have a reputation for being expensive. Flights, hotels, green fees…it adds up quickly.

But a new report from point.me looked at all three and found there are still places where you can plan a full golf getaway without blowing your travel budget. They analyzed average flight prices, a three-night hotel stay, and the cost of a round of golf to estimate total trip costs for popular destinations this spring.

Some of the results are pretty predictable. A few are not.

Here’s how the 12 cheapest golf destinations stack up right now.

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12. Thailand

Estimated total trip cost: $1,527

Thailand comes in as the most expensive on this list overall, but it’s still surprisingly affordable for what you get. Golf here leans more “luxury for less,” with well-maintained courses, caddies included, and dramatic scenery depending on where you play.

If you’re already planning a bigger trip, adding a round (or two) makes a lot of sense. I’d personally pair it with time in Bangkok or Chiang Mai—you can easily turn this into a full itinerary rather than a golf-only trip, as there are so many fun things to do in Thailand.

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11. South Africa

Estimated total trip cost: $1,441

South Africa is one of those places where the value really shows once you’re there. There are hundreds of courses, and the settings range from coastal views to wildlife reserves.

Flights are what push the total cost higher, but once you land, everything from golf to dining tends to feel more affordable compared to the U.S.

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10. Portugal

Estimated total trip cost: $1,308

Portugal is one of the easiest places in Europe to justify a golf trip. The Algarve is packed with courses, and you can play multiple rounds without needing to move hotels.

It’s also not just about golf. Between the coastline, the food, and the overall vibe, this is the kind of trip where golf is just part of the plan—not the entire reason you go.

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9. Cabo

Estimated total trip cost: $911

Cabo is one of the few destinations where you can mix a beach vacation with a legitimately good golf experience. The views alone, desert meeting the ocean, are hard to beat. And there are so many fun things to do in Cabo.

Green fees can vary a lot depending on the course and time of day, but there are still ways to do this without going full luxury mode.

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8. Florida

Estimated total trip cost: $787

Florida being on this list is not exactly shocking. With more than 1,000 courses across the state, it’s one of the easiest places in the U.S. to plan a golf trip at almost any budget.

You also get reliable weather and the option to mix in beach time and tons of other fun activities, which honestly makes the whole trip feel less golf-obsessed.

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7. Argentina

Estimated total trip cost: $772

Argentina is a bit of a sleeper pick here. Golf has a long history around Buenos Aires, and there’s a strong local club culture that makes the experience feel different from the U.S.

Flights can be relatively reasonable, and once you’re there, hotels and food are where you’ll really notice the value. (This is a great itinerary for Argentina to get you started.)

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6. Ontario

Estimated total trip cost: $766

Ontario has more than 700 golf courses, and the variety is part of the appeal. You’ve got everything from lakeside courses to forest-lined fairways.

The season is shorter, which makes spring and summer trips feel a little more in-demand—but still manageable price-wise compared to other destinations.

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5. Michigan

Estimated total trip cost: $766

Michigan is consistently ranked as one of the best golf states in the U.S., and it’s surprisingly accessible. A lot of the courses are public, which keeps things more affordable.

Northern Michigan, in particular, is where you’ll get those scenic lake views and dunes that make it feel like a proper getaway.

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4. New Jersey

Estimated total trip cost: $760

New Jersey has a mix of historic courses and more modern public options, especially along the coast.

It’s also one of the easier golf trips to pair with something else—like a weekend in New York City or time down the Jersey Shore.

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3. Arizona

Estimated total trip cost: $749

Arizona is built for golf trips. The desert scenery, the number of courses, and the overall infrastructure around golf tourism make it one of the most straightforward places to plan a trip.

Flights are also relatively affordable in the spring, which helps keep the total cost down.

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2. Illinois

Estimated total trip cost: $582

Illinois is one of the biggest surprises on this list. Chicago has a deep golf history, but there are also plenty of public courses that keep things accessible.

It’s also an easy trip to turn into something more well-rounded with museums, restaurants, and lakefront time…without adding much extra cost. Check out the video of Chicago below for more ideas.

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1. Alabama

Estimated total trip cost: $550

Alabama takes the top spot, largely thanks to the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. It’s a collection of courses across the state that were designed to be both high-quality and relatively affordable.

If you’re willing to road trip between courses, you can turn this into a multi-stop golf itinerary without the price tag you’d expect from similar setups elsewhere.