Best Warm Weather Destinations to Escape Winter and Enjoy Golf Year-Round

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America’s hottest regions are also the hottest spots for golf. Yes, the American South and Southwest host lush, world-class golf courses that are enjoyed by both amateur and professional golfers drawn to warm, sunny year-round conditions. If you’ve recently relocated to the Houston area, the best part of all is that many of the country’s best warm-weather destinations with amazing golf courses are within driving distance. Get you a reliable auto transport plans squared away to ensure you’re ready to go, load up your golf clubs, and start enjoying the good life with year-round golf using this guide.

Top Warm Weather Golf Destinations for Year-Round Play

The good news is that you don’t have to look very far to find the best warm-weather golf destinations if you’re a new Houston resident. You already have an iconic place called Champions Golf Club right at your back door. A true heritage club, Champions Golf Club was founded by Jackie Burke Jr. and Jimmy Demaret in 1957. The club has hosted tournaments like the U.S. Open and the Ryder Cup. Guests can enjoy the vast fairways of Cypress Creek or the tighter shots and state-of-the-art layout of the newer Jackrabbit. Other top golf courses right within Houston include Memorial Park Golf Course (home of PGA Tour’s Houston Open), Wildcat Golf Club, and Golf Club of Houston.

Of course, you may be hoping to use your strategic location within a road trip’s distance of many world-class golf courses in warm-weather destinations in the United States to plan a more epic trip. Here’s a rundown of places to escape for incredible year-round golfing:

  • Stevens Park Golf Course (Dallas, TX): Described as the “Little Augusta” of North Texas, Stevens Park Golf Course is a gorgeous, tree-lined club that’s open to the public.
  • Cedar Crest Golf Course (Dallas, TX): A former country club, this now-public course is the home of the 1927 PGA Championship.
  • The Quarry Golf Course (San Antonio, TX): Contained within a former quarry, this course features challenging holes and exceptional views.
  • Lost Pines Golf Club (Austin, TX): This award-winning 18-hole course is prized for its uniquely Texan terrain and challenging holes.
  • The Audubon Park Golf Course (New Orleans, LA): Consider a road trip for this gorgeous course located minutes from downtown New Orleans. Featuring lagoons and contoured Bermuda fairways, this 18-hole course is famed for its stunning landscape featuring century-old oak trees.
  • Tiger Point Golf Club (Gulf Breeze, FL): This sunny course features water views and gorgeous rolling hills.
  • Osceola Municipal Golf Course (Pensacola, FL): Built in 1961, this course shows off ponds, creeks, and towering trees set on mature, scenic terrain.
  • The Preserve Golf Club (Vancleave, MS): Located just outside Biloxi, this course was designed by Jerry Pate on a scenic 245-acre property bordered by cypress swamps.

One of the biggest advantages of being in Houston is how many of these amazing golf courses are just a couple of hours away. You can easily leave on a Friday after work and return Sunday night feeling refreshed. With so many options within a couple of hours’ drive, you can enjoy golf anytime. 

Planning Your Winter Escape: Golf Vacations and Car Transport, Houston, Texas

There’s nothing like setting your golf bag down in your own trunk as you map the route for your relaxing, carefree golf getaway! You can rent a car for your next golf outing. But, having your own vehicle saves you money and gives you the freedom to explore courses with more freedom. When you rent a car, you may be tied down to mileage caps and subject to expensive 

rental fees if you turn the car in late. 

When you use your own car, you don’t have to worry about any of that. You can ship your personal car to your destination and explore at your own pace. When you find a dependable car transport Houston Texas residents trust for automobile shipping, you’ll be able to easily schedule and track your car’s journey—making it easy to start planning your golf getaway now instead of waiting.

Essential Packing Tips for Golfers Traveling to Hot Climates

Don’t let the heat and sun slow you down out there on the course! While sunshine and warm weather make golfing feel amazing in places with year-round warm weather, golfers who aren’t fully acclimated to the local climate may struggle if they aren’t prepared with all the right gear. Stay as cool as a cucumber swing after swing with this guide to what to pack for your hot-weather golfing adventures:

  • Disposable hat liner: Don’t skip the hat or visor because of sweat and overheating concerns. Just pack disposable hat liners that absorb sweat. Be sure to tuck a few extra into your golf back for easy switches.
  • Sunscreen: Sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher should be reapplied every few hours while golfing. Don’t forget your ears and lips when applying sunscreen.
  • Large water bottle: According to the Golf Range Association (GRA), golfers should drink 5 ounces to 8 ounces of fluid every 15 minutes. It works out to a big sip about once every two holes.
  • Face towels: Bring along a cooling towel to dab sweat from your face and neck. This will keep you comfortable and dry for all 18 holes. 
  • Extra gloves: Pack at least one extra pair of golfing gloves to ensure you have a dry pair if your original gloves get soaked from perspiration.
  • Moisture-wicking clothing: Select golf shirts and shorts with moisture-wicking fabrics that stay naturally dry and cool. Light-colored clothing is best for staying cool in hot, sunny conditions.

Whether you are looking for Championship-level courses or simply a fun, relaxing weekend getaway, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to tee off in the southern U.S. When you ship your own vehicle to the destination, you’ll have the freedom to explore hidden gems and truly enjoy the destination without feeling rushed. 

Ken MacLeod

Publisher Golf Oklahoma | Oklahoma's No. 1 Golf Source