Looking for a way to bond with friends, family or colleagues beyond just dinner or drinks? As golf season gets into full swing, consider a group getaway, including bidding on exclusive packages that will get you up close to the pros.
The first major golf championship of the year tees off soon at the famed Augusta National. That signals to experienced players and novices alike that it’s time to tee up a golf-focused vacation – before the prime slots fill up on the starter’s sheet at some of the best golf resorts across the country.
While some golfers may have already thought about combining a group getaway with their urge to hit the links, planning can be a challenge when not everyone has the same skill level or interest in joining the on-course challenge. The trick is to choose a destination and hotel with a can’t-miss golf course but that also offers much more, such as wellness options to help kick back, recreational activities away from the course and exciting food and beverage offerings. Think private golf lessons, championship courses, tennis courts and classes, biking, hiking, fishing, surfing, spas, whiskey tastings and nightlife. And that’s just to start.
Hilton’s got you covered with more than 70 golf resorts around the world – many with perks and options that can help groups make the most of their trip, regardless of the average handicap. For instance, members of Hilton’s free-to-join Hilton Honors loyalty program can pool Points with up to 10 people to use towards their stay. And the designated planner can rest assured knowing they’ll get the best price for the group with Hilton’s Price Match Guarantee.
For smaller groups, planners can also search the Hilton Experiences Platform, which often has exclusive golf-related packages that Hilton Honors members can book or bid on with Points. For instance, the once-in-a-lifetime Sunday at the Masters package includes two tickets to the final round at Augusta and access to the Foundation Club, which includes an open bar and meals (bidding closes March 27). Or consider this golf and culinary experience that includes a round of golf with European Tour pro Chris Wood at Wentworth in London, followed by dinner at the Michelin-starred restaurant Galvin at Windows (bidding closes March 29).
Regardless of how many golfers join you on the trip, consider having each one choose an activity for the day or ideally the week. That’ll ensure variety and make everyone feel like they’re getting a fair shot, regardless of how many birdies they end their week with.
West Coast
- La Quinta Resort & Club, A Waldorf Astoria Resort (La Quinta, California): Awarded North America's Golf Resort of the Year by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators in 2011, La Quinta Resort & Club is the ideal destination for a golf getaway with a total of five diverse golf course options. Walk in the footsteps of golf legends on the Pete Dye Stadium Course at PGA West and on the challenging Jack Nicklaus Tournament Course. Or tee off with expertly organized group golf packages tailored to meet the needs of everyone in the gang. After your game, head to the can’t-miss Ernie’s Bar & Grill to refuel, or recharge at Spa La Quinta for a post-round treatment.
Southwest
- Boulders Resort & Spa, Curio Collection by Hilton (Scottsdale, Arizona): As one of the finest golf resorts in the world, Boulders Resort & Spa was named the 2019 North America Golf Destination of the Year by The Global Golf Tourism Association, awarded “Best Golf Resort in the Southwest” by Golf Digest and ranked a Gold Medal award winner by Golf magazine. The two championship golf courses were designed by Jay Morrish and are known for their rugged beauty and breathtaking desert panoramas. A perfect destination for an active getaway, the 1,300-acre grounds also offer an array of outdoor adventures such as desert hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing clinics, tennis, hot air ballooning, horseback riding, jeep tours, stargazing and much more.
South
- Hilton Atlanta/Marietta Hotel & Conference Center (Marietta, Georgia): Hilton Atlanta/Marietta Hotel & Conference Center is located just outside Atlanta and sits atop a hill with lush greens as far as the eye can see. City Club Marietta – the on-site, public golf course – is a challenging 18-hole, Par-71 championship course that boasts panoramic views from nearly every hole, with a magnificent tree-lined background. Golfers of all skill levels can practice on the chipping and putting greens and take advantage of golf lessons from skilled instructors. After a day on the greens, the group can explore shops, entertainment and dining at the nearby historic Marietta Square, or head to downtown Atlanta to enjoy a night on the town. The hotel is also located near hiking trails at Kennesaw Mountain, fishing and boating at Lake Allatoona and is just 30 minutes from Mercedes-Benz Stadium, home to the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United FC.
Europe
- Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian (United Kingdom): Conveniently set within an hour drive of more than 100 courses, Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian is the perfect base to discover and participate in Scotland’s finest golf courses and explore the city. History buffs and golf fanatics alike can enjoy a round at The Old Course at St. Andrews, which is known as the “Home of Golf” and where the game was first played 600 years ago. When the group is ready to go beyond the greens, Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are all within walking distance of the resort. Whisky aficionados will also appreciate the hotel’s proximity to some of the world’s finest distilleries which are open for tastings – try Glenkinshie or Tullibardine. You can also use Hilton Honors Points to book a Tee & Whisky Experience, which includes a round of golf at the championship Gullane Golf Course, lunch and traditional whisky tasting experience back at the hotel.
Looking for more golf getaways? Check out more of Hilton’s golf resorts and hotels here
