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We write a lot about "buddy trips" (often all-male or all-female) as a main type of golf vacation, but we know all too well that these are far from the only way to craft a memorable golf travel experience.
I was reminded of this when I received a note about the International Husband & Wife Golf Championship. The "IH&WGC" is being played for the 32nd time this year (host sites rotate around the Caribbean), and even though team golf can get intense at times, we're not aware of it ever resulting in divorce proceedings.
In other words, spousal golf is happy golf, so if you and your better half are looking for a great golf getaway, below are some of our best suggestions.
Trump National Doral - Miami, Fla.
One could say the thrice-married Donald has a lot of experience with matrimony, so it's a good assumption that upon assuming control of Doral, he would focus on making it a particularly appealing destination for couples. His team succeeded - in addition to making improvements to all on-site golf courses, the 48,000 square foot spa is now undergoing a major renovation project that will bring it into similar prominence.
Hammock Beach Resort - Palm Coast, Fla.
Many top-echelon golf resorts' courses tend not to be very female-friendly, but this is not the case at Hammock Beach, whose golf offerings feature enough width off the tee and manageable approaches to greens that husbands and wives alike enjoy playing both the Tom Watson-designed Conservatory Course and the Jack Nicklaus-designed Ocean Course. The resort even offers a popular "Couples Golf Package" for traveling lovebirds.
Destination Kohler/The American Club Resort - Kohler, Wisc.
On the golf side, the Whistling Straits facility has gotten the bulk of recent press, having hosted the 2015 PGA Championship. But its Blackwolf Run complex is equally as famous in the women's game, having hosted two U.S. Women's Opens. The resort's overseers understand the appeal to couples, as evidenced by the popular Celebration Experience package, which includes champagne, chocolates and rose-petal turndown service. Furthermore, the Kohler Waters Spa, one of the best of its kind in the world, is particularly known for its range of couples' massages. What could be better before or after a round on one of the resort's four Pete Dye-designed courses?
Royal Isabela - Isabela, Puerto Rico
Royal Isabela is one of those under-the-radar, peaceful enclaves that the Caribbean seems to be losing in favor of overcrowded, noisy resorts that seem to pack people together like sardines. Its quiet beauty makes it especially well-suited to those looking for a romantic getaway, as the resort's accommodations consist of 20 separate, 1,500 square foot "Casitas," each with a pool.
Arizona Biltmore - Phoenix, Ariz.
On the flip side from the likes of the smaller Royal Isabela lies the grand Arizona Biltmore, which dates to 1929 and has hosted Presidents and their wives, who have taken advantage of the facility's intricate gardens, eight swimming pools, spa and two championship golf courses. Now under the Waldorf Astoria aegis, the Arizona Biltmore offers the same level of service those familiar with the brand's flagship New York location have come to expect and appreciate.
Pebble Beach Resorts - Pebble Beach, Calif.
It should come as no surprise that perhaps the most visually stunning golf destination in the United States is also ideal for couples, especially now that Casa Palmero, a 24-room Italianate boutique hotel, is part of the accommodations offerings. Located next to the award-winning Spa at Pebble Beach, it is a terrific option for a couple looking for a quiet post-golf retreat.
Do you take many golf vacations with your significant other? What are some of the couple-friendliest golf resorts you've visited?
Bump for Trump, the guys who had to make political commentary are probably as lousy at golf as they are at being people. I’m sure they can’t afford any of these destinations anyway.
For a sure wonderful experience you can't miss with Pebble or the Trump courses we also like many of. The Arizona resorts.
For real affordable couples golf, try the Alabama Golf Trail, a mixture of premium and decent quality courses. My wife and i enjoyed both Auburn/Opelika and the Prattville Courses. Reasonable costs with decent places to stay, good food and good golf.
If your wife really loves to play and wants to play in places where she will TRULY have a real selection of tees from which to play, go to Mike Keiser's courses...either Bandon or Cabot...and soon Sand Valley in Wisconsin.
Jann Leeming, my wife and I have worked with Mike to put this in place.
All his courses have tees for swing speeds of 65/75/85/95 & 105mph. You are unlikely to find this anywhere else.
Arthur Little
I agree that Silverado and Casa de Campo are great. Just returned to U.K. from Kohler where American Club is greatly over priced and Spa also way over the top. Courses are superb and caddies vary in quality.Tuckers Point in Bermuda is pretty good with a fair sprinkling of good courses within easy reach but best of all is the Arnold Palmer layout in North West Costa Rica - fabulous course and a hotel where you can be lulled to sleep - or serenaded whilst enjoying your wife/girlfriend - by the sound of Papagayo Bay on one side of the hotel and the Pacific Ocean on the other. Total bliss !
Princeville Kauai is spectacular. It's a tragedy that the Prince Course has been closed to be turned into an ultra-private club, but the Makai Course is very fun. We have a week at the Westin Ocean Resort, but those get offered from time to time to non-owners. Or, bring lots of money and stay at the St. Regis. While you're in Princeville you can go to any number of beaches, hike (including on the amazing Na Pali coast), go stand-up paddle boarding or kayaking. Just go in summer and bring an umbrella - it's green and lush for a reason. And head down towards Poipu for lots more golf.
Our most memorable golf trip by far was St Andrews Scotland. We stayed at the Fairmont which is just a short drive from town and is surrounded by two very playable golf courses. Getting on the Old. Course as a couple is not as hard as you might think. You can register on a ballot three days in advance or just sign in with the stater as there is usually twosomes that you can join. The town of St Andrews is very interesting so it is much more than a golf trip
My wife loved Pinehurst, Kohler, and Bandon Dunes.
For great golf, visit Traverse City, Mi. A beautiful summer resort area with many nice Hotels, reasonable. Two must play courses are Arcadia Bluffs and Forest Dunes. Each about a 50 mile drive thru beautiful northern Mi. countryside. You won't play two better golf courses. Each has great clubhouse facilites.
My wife and I would suggest Pinehurst (Holly Hotel), Hilton Head (condo on the harbor in Sea Pines) or Grand Cypress (private villa) as worthy alternatives to this list.