How to Plan the Perfect Group Golf Trip
By Greg Harris
A golf trip is as much about camaraderie as it is competition on the greens. A get-together of old college buddies. A corporate retreat. Or simply a getaway with your day-to-day golfing pals. They all strengthen bonds and forge memories beyond what happens on the course.
While many golfers want to visit Scottsdale, Pebble Beach, and other West Coast destinations, those in Northeast Florida don’t need to look that far. From Amelia Island all the way down to Palm Coast, keep reading as we explore the various ways that “First Coast of Golf” rivals anywhere in the country for hosting an epic golf trip.
Florida’s First Coast: The Perfect Destination
A golf destination must be accessible for all members of your group. Not everyone will be able to take weeks away from home to make it happen.
Northeast Florida is within a six-hour drive for some 50 million Americans. There are also numerous flight options. Jacksonville is a major air travel hub. Its international airport offers daily direct flights from dozens of U.S. cities.
There are many courses in the area that are playable for golfers of all ability levels. The region also features coastal beauty and year-round mild weather. The perfect conditions for your group to play its best. Away from the course, charming towns such as Amelia Island, Clay County, St. Augustine, and Palm Coast offer the ideal blend of culture and beachfront relaxation.
As an added perk, Northeast Florida has a special resource that can help your group identify ideal accommodations, plan itineraries, and book tee times.
Choose Lodgings Customized for Your Group
When it comes to accommodations for golf trips Northeast Florida has plenty of options and variety to fit your group size and needs. Welcome Home Vacation Rentals offers private homes within walking distance to the beach for parties that would like more privacy. Hyatt Regency Downtown Jacksonville is a great central option for those who need to be by the airport but also would like to play multiple courses across multiple counties.
Amelia Island has a wide selection of resorts and hotels to golf and nightlife such as the Residence Inn Amelia Island. Ponte Vedra Beach offers upscale resorts with beach access such as the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa. Palm Coast & The Flagler Beaches is known for its quiet neighborhoods and easy access to golf and nature. You can stay, play and be at the beach all on site at Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa. Up the road, play more golf at Halifax Plantation Golf Club - a course that exudes old Florida charm.
Identify the Best Courses for Your Group
What are the golfing goals of your group? Do you plan on some serious competition, with bragging rights (and more) on the line? Or do you just want to relish the beautiful weather and have some laidback time with friends, using golf as a backdrop?
The more serious groups often seek the best golf courses as “bucket-list” options such as THE PLAYERS Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass. These types of courses afford the chance to play where the pros play. The challenge of shooting a career-best round at one of these venues can be exhilarating.
Northeast Florida does not take a back seat when it comes to these premier greens. TPC Sawgrass, Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa, and Oak Marsh at Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa are all courses that have hosted PGA events or are known for their particularly challenging or iconic holes.
For the more laid-back demographic, the options are equally numerous. Bent Creek Golf Course is an affordable option with stunning scenery for casual play. St. Johns Golf & Country Club offers wonderful group amenities. The pine-lined fairways of Eagle Landing Golf Club in Clay County provide a fun, welcoming golf experience.
Book Tee Times Early
Understand that October through April is the peak season for golf in Northeast Florida. Tee times will go quickly during these months. Have the courses you want to play narrowed down and be ready to pounce when tee times become open to the public.Pro tip: contact the pro shop or booking office directly for any special group discounts. Check Florida Golf packages to connect with their trusted package providers for insider tips for further ideas on how to save your group time and money.
Lean on Trusted Resources to Plan the Perfect Group Golf Trip
Northeast Florida can match any golf destination putt for putt when it comes to both gameplay and off-course amenities. So don’t wait contact start planning your group’s golf-cation today!
About The Author
I'm Greg Harris, a retired writer now living the good life in Jacksonville, Florida. I launched my career and raised my family in Arizona, a place that still holds a special place in my heart. Over the years, I wrote about lifestyle, travel, and the everyday details that give life its texture and meaning. These days, I split my time between fishing, golfing, and soaking up the slower rhythm of retirement. While I'm no longer writing full-time, I still enjoy sharing stories and reflections whenever the mood strikes.