Planning a city break but worried about missing out on golf?
You don’t have to choose between exploring historic streets and hitting the fairways. Many urban destinations offer excellent golf courses just a short drive from major attractions, letting you experience the best of both worlds. Here’s how to seamlessly blend your love of golf with urban exploration on your next trip.
Photo by Thomas Ward
1. Research Golf Courses Near Your Destination
Start by mapping out golf courses within 30-45 minutes of your hotel. This sweet spot gives you easy access without eating up too much of your day.
Use online booking platforms to compare options and read reviews from other travellers. Pay attention to course difficulty ratings to match your skill level, as nothing ruins a vacation round like spending four hours in the rough.
Check if courses offer twilight rates or special packages for tourists. Many urban courses cater specifically to visiting golfers with flexible booking options.
2. Pack Smart or Rent Equipment
Traveling with your own clubs gives you the comfort of familiar equipment. But schlepping a golf bag through airports and city streets can be exhausting.
Consider these factors before deciding:
- Bring your clubs if: You’re staying a week or longer, playing multiple rounds, or your airline offers free golf bag transport
- Rent clubs if: You’re only playing once or twice, traveling light is a priority, or you want to avoid baggage fees
Most courses offer rental sets ranging from basic to premium options. Call ahead to reserve quality equipment, especially during peak season. If you want to practice your swing before travelling or during off-days, Golfbays makes golf simulation accessible for everyone, letting you familiarise yourself with different courses from home. It’s a convenient way to keep your skills sharp between rounds.
Always check your airline’s golf equipment policy before booking. Some carriers charge hefty fees, while others include golf bags in your standard baggage allowance.
3. Book Tee Times in Advance
Secure your tee times before you even pack your bags. Popular urban courses fill up quickly, especially on weekends.
Early morning slots (6-8 AM) work perfectly for city breaks. You’ll finish your round by mid-morning, leaving the entire afternoon for sightseeing, shopping, or lunch at that restaurant you’ve been researching.
Late afternoon times also work well, letting you explore the city during the day and golf when attractions start closing. Plus, you’ll often catch beautiful sunset views on the back nine.
Most courses now offer online booking systems, allowing you to reserve tee times and pay in advance. This eliminates the hassle of calling during business hours across different time zones.
4. Choose Accommodation Near Golf Courses
Location makes or breaks a golf-friendly city break. Look for hotels positioned between the city center and nearby courses.
Many golf resorts are situated on the outskirts of cities, offering the best of both worlds. You’ll have course access steps from your room while remaining close enough to reach downtown attractions in 15-20 minutes.
Key features to look for:
- Shuttle services to golf courses and the city center
- Secure storage for golf equipment
- Early breakfast options for morning tee times
- Partnerships with local courses for discounted rates
5. Plan Non-Golf Activities
- A successful golf city break requires balance, especially when traveling with non-golfing companions. Build a flexible itinerary that satisfies everyone.
- Schedule your golf for one part of the day and dedicate the other half to shared activities. Museums, food tours, and local markets work perfectly alongside golf rounds.
- Give your travel companions the itinerary in advance so they can plan their own adventures while you’re on the course. Meet up afterwards to share stories over dinner at a local restaurant.
6. Consider Off-Peak Travel
Shoulder seasons offer the best value for golf city breaks. You’ll find better rates on both green fees and accommodations while avoiding summer crowds.
Spring and fall provide ideal golf weather in most destinations without the peak tourist rush. Courses are less crowded, and you won’t need to book tee times months in advance.
Off-peak travel also means shorter lines at popular attractions and easier restaurant reservations. You’ll experience the city more like a local than a tourist.
Check course websites for seasonal promotions. Many offer significant discounts during quieter months to attract visitors. For ideas on travel entertainment, there are plenty of activities that pair perfectly with a golf-focused trip.
Best Cities for Golf and Sightseeing
Edinburgh combines historic charm with links golf heritage. Play the famous courses around the city before exploring the castle and the Royal Mile.
San Diego offers year-round sunshine, Torrey Pines Golf Course, and diverse neighbourhoods from the Gaslamp Quarter to La Jolla’s beaches. Perfect weather makes any time ideal for golf and urban exploration.
Barcelona surprises many with excellent courses in the nearby hills. After your round, return to Gaudí’s architecture, tapas bars, and Mediterranean beaches.
Dubai delivers luxury golf experiences minutes from world-class shopping and futuristic architecture. Desert courses provide a unique backdrop you won’t find anywhere else.
Mexico City blends world-class golf with vibrant culture and cuisine. The city’s high altitude adds an interesting challenge to your game, and navigating Mexico City’s metro makes getting between golf courses and attractions surprisingly easy.
Conclusion
City breaks and golf complement each other perfectly when you plan strategically. By researching courses, booking smart, and balancing your itinerary, you can enjoy both urban culture and time on the fairways. Start planning your next adventure, as your clubs do not need to stay home just because you are exploring a new city.