From Florida to Arizona, choices abound for sports-loving clans seeking time together
Life is fun when you combine the best two things in the world: family and vacations. But planning an epic reunion can be an ordeal if you want to ensure that everyone is having fun.
If you’re looking for a way to get everyone involved and please the golfers in your group, consider a golf resort for your next family reunion. Many golf resorts provide a great experience even for the non-golfers in your family.
With picture-perfect landscapes and exciting activities awaiting guests of all ages, the following golf resort destinations provide an ideal way of spending quality time with the people that matter to you most.
DeGray Lake Resort State Park, Arkansas
Situated near Little Rock and Hot Springs, DeGray Lake Resort boasts panoramic views of DeGray Lake. It’s perfect for families who love basking in the wonders of nature. You’ll find many outdoor activities and enjoy first-class accommodations.
The resort park offers a 96-room lodge and a 300-seat conference center with breakout meeting rooms. Facilities include tennis courts, a swimming pool, full-service marina and stables with guided horseback riding. You can rent bicycles or kayaks, and guided hikes and birding tours are available.
The 18-hole championship golf course has a practice green, driving range and pro shop, making it an ideal playground for both avid golfers and family members who want to learn the sport.
Besides a lodge, DeGray Lake Resort State Park features 81 campsites and three yurts.
With such a variety of amenities and activities, your family will never run out of things to do.
Families can choose from four courses at Florida’s Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. Photo courtesy of Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, Florida
At Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, families have the best of both worlds: a sunny beach and a tranquil golf course. You can swim in the emerald-green waters, play tennis and enjoy beach bonfires at night. Adults find exciting nightlife at Baytowne Wharf.
Guests are entitled to two complimentary 4-hour bike rentals every day. Kid-friendly amusements include the Baytowne Adventure Zone, Baytowne Carousel and Blast Arcade & Laser Maze.
There are four golf courses in Sandestin: The Links, Baytowne Golf Club, Raven Golf Club and Burnt Pine Golf Club. That’s 72 holes from the pristine beach to the bay; each course has its unique rewards, challenges and characteristics. Don’t forget to wear a hat to protect yourself from the scorching afternoon sun.
Pinehurst Resort, North Carolina
Boasting nine world-class courses, Pinehurst Resort offers plenty for families who golf. Each course has its own characteristics and challenges, but No. 2 remains the resort’s most celebrated golf course. For many years, it served as the site for more golf championships than any other course in the United States.
You can choose from the three state-of-the-art hotels: Carolina, Holly or Manor. If you’re looking for exclusive spaces, The Villas are ready to welcome you with open arms. Your family will keep busy with fishing, swimming, boating and shopping.
Kiawah Island Golf Resort, South Carolina
Looking for a sophisticated way to enjoy quality time with loved ones you haven’t seen in a while? Nothing beats the first-class services, five-star accommodations and luxurious amenities of Kiawah Island Golf Resort. Situated amidst tranquil natural surroundings, it offers five golf courses: The Ocean Course, Osprey Point, Oak Point, Turtle Point and Cougar Point.
Gather your family in The Sanctuary Hotel, The Cottages at the Ocean Course or a charming villa and its exclusive perks. You also can rent one of the vacation homes for an ultimate island experience.
In the morning, relish in the natural beauty of Kiawah’s 10-mile stretch of shoreline. Build sandcastles, play games and enjoy water activities like surfing and paddle boarding. In the afternoon, wear your best golf shirt and head over to any of the five courses. After your rounds on the course, gather the whole family in one of Kiawah Dining Collection’s eateries across the island.
Kingsmill Resort offers three championship golf courses. Photo courtesy of Kingsmill Resort
Kingsmill Resort, Virginia
Kingsmill Resort in Williamsburg is a premier golf and spa destination for families looking for leisure pursuits away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Kingsmill boasts an unparalleled range of amenities, breathtaking views of the James River and three championship golf courses.
Avid golfers in the family will surely love practicing their swings on the beautiful River Course, which is rated as one of the best golf courses in Virginia. Non-golfer adults can receive world-class spa services at Kingsmill Spa, get fit in the Fitness Center, visit local historical attractions, and enjoy water activities such as jet skiing, kayaking and paddle boarding.
Meanwhile, children can rent bikes and enjoy a leisurely ride along the bike trails, bond over games in the Game Room and ride the tide at The River Pool.
Omni Mount Washington Resort, New Hampshire
Escape the bustling streets of the city and seek sanctuary in the mountains of New Hampshire. Offering a luxurious ambiance and world-class amenities, the Omni Mount Washington Resort will give you the reunion of your dreams, No wonder presidents and celebrities take delight in its endless amenities and recreational pursuits.
Golfers can hit the links at the award-winning 18-hole and 9-hole championship golf courses, while others can shop around, visit local tourist attractions and slide along a zip line.
Walt Disney World, Florida
Got to make a bunch of little kids happy and excited? Look no further and book a trip to the happiest place on Earth! Walt Disney World will take out the hassle of planning a thrilling vacation with kids. So if you want the golfers in your family to enjoy a peaceful round of play while the kids have the time of their lives, this is the best place to be.
Walt Disney World offers four golf courses for families to experience. Discover Disney’s Magnolia Golf Course, an 18-hole golf course featuring sweeping greens, elevated tees and challenging hazards. In fact, 11 of the 18 holes are near water hazards, and 97 bunkers are dotted across the landscape. Additional courses include Disney’s Palm Golf Course, Disney’s Lake Buena Vista Golf Course and Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course.
Programs for young golfers are available at Walt Disney World as well. These include instructional golf clinics for juniors at select dates and times, PGA instruction for kids ages 7-17, and performance-based practice and training. Kids ages 7-15 have the opportunity to join the Walt Disney World Fall Junior League, too. FootGolf; a combination of both soccer and golf, can be played by both adults and children on Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course.
Arizona’s Wigwam Resort offers three championship golf courses. Photo courtesy of The Wigwam Resort
The Wigwam Resort, Arizona
The Wigwam Resort is famed for its exceptional hospitality and luxurious amenities. This 440-acre getaway in greater Phoenix is perfect for families looking to catch up while doing relaxing activities together. The Wigwam Resort offers luxury suites, pools, three restaurants, a world-class spa, nine tennis courts and three 18-hole championship golf courses: The Golf Course, The Blue Course and The Red Course, the most famous among the three. If you don’t want to go through the hassle of traveling with golf clubs, don’t worry because the resort offers rental services.
You can also enjoy evening activities on Wigwam’s manicured lawns. Play ping-pong, volleyball, cornhole and bocce all together.
Callaway Gardens Resort, Georgia
Imagine taking a morning stroll with your loved ones you haven’t seen in a while. Spend the afternoon biking or hiking along the silent trails or take a plunge in Robin Lake while golfers in the family tee up on a PGA-level golf course. These are only a few of the many exciting activities your whole family can do at Callaway Gardens Resort.
Here, the entire family has 2,500 acres of trails, gardens, and natural vistas to explore. Visit the Callaway Discovery Center, go bird- and butterfly-watching or take a lovely stroll through the flower-filled gardens. Thrill-seekers can head for Callaway Gardens’ TreeTop Adventure and Ziplines, and family members who enjoy fishing and boating will have plenty of fun on Callaway Gardens’ private lakes. Callaway Gardens offers 10 lighted clay and hard surface courts as well.
Golfers can choose from two courses at Callaway Gardens Resort. The resort’s Mountain View Course has hosted the PGA Buick Challenge 12 times, while the Lake View Course offers beautiful scenery with wider fairways and plenty of water features. A Twin Oaks Practice Facility is available for guests who want to improve their game.
About the Author
Jordan Fuller is a passionate traveler, golf coach and writer hailing from Nebraska. He enjoys hitting the links, coaching novice and avid golfers, and providing free professional golf advice on his website, Golf Influence.
