How To Plan An Epic Guys Golf Trip

By: Jan Berge February 9, 2026

Every golfer dreams of escaping the daily grind and heading out on a trip with buddies. Whether that means teeing it up at a true bucket‑list destination or simply enjoying a fun, affordable golf weekend, a great guys golf trip is all about finding the right mix of courses, location, people, and planning.

This guide breaks down the best destinations, key planning steps, and fun on‑course games to make your trip unforgettable.

Bucket List Location - Pinehurst

Step 1: Choose Your Group and Consider Skill Levels

Before picking any destination, figure out who’s going and how well everyone plays.

Why does this matter:

• A group of mixed‑skill golfers may struggle on elite championship courses.

• Scratch golfers may be disappointed if the trip is filled with short, easy layouts.

• Groups of 8+ need ample tee time availability and good pace of play.

Match the course difficulty to your group so everyone has fun and not just the best players.

Step 2: Decide on the Type of Trip: Bucket List or Fun Destination

Bucket List Destinations to consider:

These trips are dream experiences but usually come with higher prices and planning requirements. Examples include:

• Pebble Beach

• Pinehurst

• Bandon Dunes

• Kiawah Island

• Whistling Straits

• Streamsong

• TPC Sawgrass

These destinations often require booking months in advance, staying on‑site, or meeting minimum‑night requirements.

Here are some fun destinations:

Not every trip needs to be a once‑in‑a‑lifetime splurge. Some places offer great golf and plenty of off‑course entertainment:

• Las Vegas

• Scottsdale

• Mesquite

• New Orleans

• Nashville

These trips are all about good vibes, solid courses, nightlife, food, and memories with friends.

Wolf Creek in Mesquite

Step 3: Book Tee Times Early which is often the Most Overlooked Step

Securing tee times is often the hardest part of planning a golf trip, and it should be done before anything else!

Why booking tee times matters the most:

• Bucket list courses fill up months (sometimes a year) ahead.

• Popular destinations like Pinehurst or Bandon may have limited availability.

• In peak months (e.g., spring in Vegas or Scottsdale), affordable tee times disappear quickly.

If you wait too long, you may end up stuck paying $300+ for a round that could have been $100 earlier due to the only courses available are the very expensive ones.  Or worse, missing out entirely.

Step 4: Plan Flights and Transportation

Once tee times are confirmed then plan your travel.

Important travel considerations:

• Many bucket‑list destinations require driving from major airports.

– Pinehurst → ~2 hours from Raleigh or Charlotte

– Bandon Dunes → ~4 hours from Portland

• Allow enough buffer time for rental cars, traffic, or returning to the airport.

• Never book a return flight that forces you to rush off the course.  You’re paying too much to leave early.

Avoid the classic mistake: golfers sprinting off the 16th hole to catch a flight.

Step 5: Choose Lodging That Fits Your Group

Best lodging options

On‑site resorts (ideal for bucket list trips): Pebble Beach, Pinehurst, Kiawah, and Bandon often require multi‑night stays to access their top courses.

Hotels & Casinos (trip‑friendly + nightlife):

Vegas, Mesquite, Nashville, New Orleans

Airbnbs (great for groups):

Perfect for 4–12 guys needing space, shared areas, and a kitchen.

Cost‑saving tip

Booking a place with a kitchen can save hundreds on breakfast and snacks.

Step 6: Don’t Forget the Overlooked Details

These small things can make or break the trip:

• Golf travel bag — essential if you're flying

• Weather check — don’t be the guy buying Walmart slacks before teeing off at Pinehurst because all you packed were shorts.

• Buffer between rounds — if playing 36 in a day, leave room for lunch and travel time.

• Transportation — plan Ubers or assign drivers ahead of time.

• Snacks and hydration — especially in desert or summer destinations.

A little preparation saves a lot of stress.

Step 7: Add On‑Course Games to Make It Competitive and Fun

A guys golf trip isn’t complete without betting games and friendly competition. Popular options include:

• Nassau

• Skins

• Wolf

• Bingo Bango Bongo

• Best Ball

• Scramble

• Stableford

• Gross/Net scoring

• Ryder Cup team format

Games help keep everyone engaged and create memorable stories.

Final Thoughts

A great guys golf trip isn’t just about the courses.  It’s about the laughs, the competition, and the memories you’ll talk about for years. Whether you choose a world‑famous resort or a casual fun‑in‑the‑sun destination, proper planning ensures everyone has an amazing time.

If you follow the steps above by choosing the right group, picking the perfect destination, booking early, and planning travel and lodging, you’ll set the stage for an unforgettable golf adventure!

For assistance to book your travel, reach out to our golf travel partner at JEL Golf Travel: Discover the Perfect Getaway.