The Best Places For Golf Enthusiasts To Tee Off Retirement
For many golfers, retirement means that golfing can become something they can do seven days a week. When this becomes the case, golfers want to be near the best courses that can be played at any time of the year. Those who are ready to spend their golden years playing eighteen holes should check out these cities with the most worthwhile golf courses.
Gulf Shores, Alabama
Not only does Gulf Shores, Alabama have beautiful beaches, fantastic dining options, and affordable housing, but they also have some of the best golf courses in the country.
Plenty of world-class golfers come here to play eighteen holes at courses such as Kiva Dunes, Craft Farms, and TimberCreek. Gulf Shores is a great location because of the coastal links, hillier courses, and elevated tees and greens.
Georgetown (Sun City), Texas
Sun City in Georgetown, Texas provides a tight-knit golf community, as well as beautiful scenery, walking trails, tennis courts, and large activity centers.
The three main courses in Sun City are the Legacy Hills Golf Club, the Cowan Creek Golf Club, and the White Wing Golf Club. It's also close to Austin, which has lots of arts and culture opportunities.
Hot Springs Village, Arkansas
One of the things golfers will appreciate about Hot Springs Village in Arkansas is that there are nine challenging golf courses to spend the day.
There is also a high percentage of retirees in the area. Hot Springs Village has a temperate climate, low cost of living, picturesque landscapes, and tons of sports clubs.
Bluffton, South Carolina
Situated between Hilton Head, South Carolina and Savannah, Georgia is the town of Bluffton, South Carolina. Bluffton sits on a river bluff alongside the Atlantic Ocean and has golf courses galore.
Some of the most exclusive include Berkley Hall, Colleton River Plantation Club, and Belfair Plantation. There are also other activities in the area such as fishing, boating, biking, and hiking.
Scottsdale, Arizona
Those who have saved a little more money should consider heading to Scottsdale, Arizona. They have tons of exquisite condos and homes, but that's not all.
Scottsdale is a major hub for golfers with over 200 golf courses that can be played practically every day of the year. Some of the best include Troon North's Pinnacle and Grayhawk Golf Club.
Tucson, Arizona
One of the most affordable places for golfers to retire is Tucson, Arizona. The city has a cost of living that's four percent below the national average with the average home price less than $200,000.
They have some of the most gorgeous golf courses in the United States, including The Gallery Golf Club, The Golf Club at Dove Mountain, and Omni Tucson National Resort.
Bend, Oregon
Those who are looking for a place with a great climate should check out Bend, Oregon. Not only is the weather beautiful, but they have a large variety of courses.
Golf Digest ranked Bend as one of the top 50 golf destinations in the world. Some of the courses to check out include Eagle Crest Resort and Aspen Lakes Golf Course.
St. George, Utah
One of the most popular retirement cities in Utah is St. George. The city is decked out in arched red rock bluffs that surround their prestigious golf courses.
There are also many other outdoor activities to try since it's so close to Zion National Park. Some golf courses to check out include Sand Hollow Golf Resort, Sky Mountain Golf Course, and Sunbrook Golf Club.
Monterey Peninsula, California
If money is no object, then golfers looking to retire should definitely head to the Monterey Peninsula in Monterey, California.
This town has some of the most prestigious golf courses in the world with celebrities and pro golfers in the vicinity. Be sure to check out Cypress Point Club, Monterey Peninsula Country Club, and Tehama Golf Club.
Sarasota/Bradenton, Florida
Sarasota/Bradenton, Florida stands out due to its diverse selection of private and public golf courses, moderate cost of living, terrific climate, and beautiful beaches.
Some of the classiest courses in the area include the Ritz-Carlton Members Club Sarasota and Sara Bay Country Club. There are also plenty of quality restaurants nearby that have great views of the ocean.
Fairfield Glade, Tennessee
Fairfield Glade is known as the "Golf Capital of Tennessee" because of the five world-renowned golf courses that add up to 90 holes.
The city has tons of retirement communities as well. Some great outdoor attractions in the area include national parks, boating, and fishing. Also, the median cost of living in the area is $49,260.
St. Simons Island, Georgia
Retirees who are looking for a golf course with a view should go to St. Simons Island in Georgia. The landscape is draped with laurel, magnolia, and towering live oak trees.
St. Simons is just a quick trip away from Savannah and is a top retirement destination in the South. There are eight public and semi-public courses and several country clubs.
Pinehurst, North Carolina
The feeling most get when stepping foot in Pinehurst, North Carolina is relaxation. This charming city has a small-town feel and temperate weather.
Also, frugal retirees will be glad that it's a lot less expensive than most coastal golf communities. Golf is part of Pinehurst's history, which is why it's called the "Home of American Golf."
Los Cabos, Mexico
There are many places outside the United States that can be fun for golfers to explore. Right at the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula is Los Cabos, Mexico.
The city has 16 top-quality courses and many of them have a residential component. The 1,800-acre Cabo del Sol resort has two golf courses, two miles of coastline, and a spa.
Costa Del Sol, Spain
Costa del Sol, Spain sits along the coast between Malaga and Sotogrande and is one of Europe's top golf destinations.
The area has about 50 golf courses. "If you drive along the coastline, there is literally one golf course after another, and most have a real estate component," said resort director Javier Rivadulla.
Algarve, Portugal
Algarve, Portugal can offer retirees an affordable cost of living, a temperate climate all year-round, and a booming economy.
The area has nearly 40 picturesque courses that are located in golf communities. Since there are so many courses, golf is one of the most popular activities in Algarve. Also, the city has tons of restaurants, beaches, and wildlife.
Cape Winelands, South Africa
Just about a half-hour from Cape Town, is the luxury golf community of Cape Winelands, South Africa. While the city has plenty of secure exclusive living areas close to premium golf courses and amenities, it's actually pretty affordable.
Buying a two-bedroom apartment in an upscale community starts at around $200,000.
Palm Springs, California
A little over 100 miles east of Los Angeles is the desert town of Palm Springs, California. One of the main reasons why golfers tend to retire here is the weather.
There is usually sunshine all year-round and golfers have the option to play at dozens of world-class courses. There are also tons of things to do in the area such as shopping and dining.
Phoenix, Arizona
One of the most popular American cities for golfers is Phoenix, Arizona. There is a large number of golf courses in the area with almost perfect weather throughout the year.
Retirees will appreciate that Phoenix has great medical care and tax rules for those who retire there. One of the best courses in the city is at The Phoenician Resort. It's challenging, yet fair.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Those who are dreaming of retiring just to play golf every single day should consider going to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. This city has over 115 golf courses where you can play right on the ocean, in the forests, or anywhere in between.
Their prices are fairly reasonable and there are other adult activities as well.
