Golfing Herald welcomes Nick Liddle, founder of yourgolfcourses.com, a site dedicated to being your one-stop shop to discover all the best public golf courses across cities and states in the United States.
On this website, there are hundreds of posts which will help you find information about public golf courses, including ranking and various recommendations such as best views, best for groups and best value. The site also enables you to discover the best golf resorts to stay at across most major golf destinations.
In this guest article, Nick highlights four destinations where you may wish to play golf in the United States in 2024 … and beyond!
A Remarkable Year
What a remarkable year 2023 has been for golf enthusiasts. With two months still to go, it is safe to say that this golf season is shaping up to be one of the most captivating in decades.
The Ryder Cup delivered an epic spectacle. Hosted on a pristine course in the heart of Italy featuring some of the finest players in the world, all at the peak of their abilities.
In the realm of the majors, in a touching tribute to the legendary Seve Ballesteros, we witnessed another Spanish champion donning the green jacket at The Masters … none other than Jon Rahm.
The underappreciated Brian Harman surprised everyone by securing victory at The Open, while the emerging talent of Wyndham Clark shone at the Los Angeles Country Club, the venue for the U.S. Open.
Lastly, LIV Golf made positive headlines this time, with Brooks Koepka emerging as the victor at the PGA Championship.
Next Year
So, with all that said and done, surely I cannot be the only one already daydreaming about my golf vacation in 2024. That is, of course, assuming I can resist the temptation to squeeze in one last trip this year!
With that in mind, here are four enticing options to consider for your 2024 golf getaway.
Destination #1 ~ Miami
When compiling a list of the greatest golf destinations, Florida invariably makes the cut. The Sunshine State offers an abundance of choices, no matter where you find yourself.
To the west, you have the likes of Tampa, Fort Myers, and Naples, golfing strongholds all nestled along the picturesque coastline. Meanwhile, the ever-popular Orlando is situated right in the heart of the state.
Venturing to the East Coast, you will discover Jacksonville in the north and a myriad of enticing options as you journey south.
However, for 2024, my sights are set on Miami. Perhaps it is because the Trump National Doral Golf Club has just hosted one of LIV Golf’s final events. Or maybe it is because this underrated city always loses out on the limelight to the aforementioned cities. Either way, Miami is at the forefront of my golfing plans.
There is so much to relish in this vibrant city. It boasts lush tropical landscapes and stretches of golden beaches that seem to go on forever. Plus, at every street corner, you will find a wealth of enticing bars and restaurants to choose from.
My preferred golf resorts in Miami include the conveniently located Trump National Doral, right near downtown Miami.
Alternatively, a bit further up the coast in Aventura, you will encounter the splendid JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa, boasting two championship golf courses.
And to wrap things up, the iconic Biltmore Resort is a timeless classic located in Coral Gables. Quality over quantity.
Destination #2 ~ Scottsdale
I can already hear you thinking, “Isn’t Scottsdale a fantastic choice regardless of the year?” And you are absolutely right.
Nestled in the eastern part of Phoenix, Arizona, Scottsdale is a haven for golf enthusiasts, boasting an abundance of high-quality golf courses, too numerous to list comprehensively. Among them are some of Arizona’s finest private golf courses, including gems like Estancia, Whisper Rock, Desert Highlands, Silverleaf, and Desert Mountain, just to name a few.
However, what keeps Scottsdale perennially popular is the wealth of excellent public golf courses it offers, making it a hotspot for stay-and-play golfers. To accommodate the influx of visitors, the city boasts a selection of top-notch golf resorts.
Many of these visitors inevitably make the trip to experience the excitement of the Waste Management Phoenix Open, hosted at TPC Scottsdale, which is unquestionably one of the most exhilarating stops on the PGA Tour … a must-check item on any golf enthusiast’s bucket list.
So, what sets Scottsdale apart for 2024? Honestly, part of the allure is that it has been quite some time since I last visited, and during that hiatus, several public courses have undergone notable renovations. For instance, the famous Stadium Course at TPC Scottsdale received a significant redesign, though it happened a few years ago. The Raptor Course at the exceptional Grayhawk Golf Club and the Cholla Course at We-Ko-Pa also underwent noteworthy transformations.
In essence, I am eagerly seeking any excuse to return to this remarkable golf destination. My recommendation? Well either stay in the heart of the city and venture out to explore the courses. Alternatively, opt for one of the fantastic golf resorts that Scottsdale has to offer.
Destination #3 ~ Pinehurst
I have some odd romantic notion that Pinehurst is a rudder of stability amidst a fast-paced golfing world filled with the clamour of competing tours and other distractions. The town is located in the serene heart of densely wooded North Carolina. With its timeless Donald Ross-designed courses, Pinehurst appears to be impervious to the commotion unfolding around it. However, I could not have been more mistaken. Pinehurst has seen its fair share of developments, and 2024 promises to be an exceptionally eventful year.
Let us start with the legendary Pinehurst No.2 Course, a masterpiece by Donald Ross, which is set to host the 2024 U.S. Open. Renowned as one of the most prestigious and sought-after courses in America, I am eagerly anticipating the grand spectacle of golf that awaits.
And there is more significant news to consider. Pinehurst is on the verge of unveiling its first new golf course in three decades – the Pinehurst No.10 Course, masterfully crafted by the immensely talented Tom Doak. Its grand opening is scheduled for spring 2024.
Continuing this path of rejuvenation, many of Pinehurst’s top golf courses have undergone renovations over the past decade. Kyle Franz lent his expertise to the revitalization of Pine Needles and Mid Pines. Simultaneously, Pinehurst Resort invested in refurbishing the No.2, No.3, No.4, and No.8 courses, with some of the most respected architects in the field ensuring they received the care they deserved.
The idea that Pinehurst is frozen in time could not be further from the truth … it is quite the opposite. Pinehurst emerges as the quintessential golf destination for 2024!
If you find it challenging to secure accommodations at Pinehurst Resort, consider staying at Mid Pines, Pine Needles, or the fantastic Talamore Resort for an equally memorable golf experience.
Destination #4 ~ Palm Springs
To bring things to a close, my last pick for 2024 is the sunny haven of Palm Springs in California. Nestled in the embrace of the Santa Rosa Mountains, this oasis is just a few hours’ drive east of Los Angeles, right in the heart of the Coachella Valley.
For over half a century, Palm Springs has served as a playground for people from all walks of life, offering a plethora of activities to enjoy. However, it is golf that captures our attention, and with over a hundred courses in the vicinity, it easily earns its reputation as one of the golfing capitals of the United States.
The area boasts a multitude of top-tier private courses alongside an abundance of quality public golf courses.
One of the most thrilling developments is unfolding at the epic Stadium Course at PGA West. Originally designed by the legendary Pete Dye, it is currently undergoing a renovation led by Timothy Liddy + Associates. Given Liddy’s extensive collaboration with Dye over many decades, he is undoubtedly the ideal candidate to oversee this project.
Though it’s being touted as a ‘light touch’ renovation, I’m genuinely eager to witness the final result, particularly because this is one of the premier public golf courses in Palm Springs.
When it comes to accommodation, you are spoiled for choice, with numerous golf resorts in Palm Springs ready to cater to your every need.
So, there you go. My four destinations to consider for a golf vacation in 2024. I would love to hear where you are thinking of going and why, so please use the comments section below.
The Nineteenth
I hope you have enjoyed this guest article from Nick Liddle.
If you wish to read more excellent articles by Nick or find out more about golf courses, resorts, travel, and accommodation in the United States, then please visit …
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