Of course we followed The Masters live from Augusta, GA, the U.S. Open in Pebble Beach, CA, and we'll be folowing the Ryder Cup in Wales this weekend. But we also have to hone our own game throughout the year. Check out CheapFlights.com's picks for 10 of the prime spots to tee off.
Portugal
When in Europe, follow the locals. Get your clubs ready for Algarve, Portugal, where news of the courses is quickly making the rounds. Besides their greens, the resorts at San Lorenzo, Vale de Lobo, Vilamoura and Quinta do Lago are also known for their food and wine.
Spain
Besides its A-list clientele and its reputation as Europe's Myrtle Beach, Costa del Sol is true to its name with its sunny weather, as well as its gorgeous coastline. Consider visiting Sotogrande nearby or Aloha and Torrequebrada and Las Brisas in Andalucia.
Florida
With more tour pros per square mile than any other city, Orlando boasts its selection of public-access golf, including Bay Hill, Grand Cypress, Orange County National and Disney. Home of the PGA Tour, Ponte Vedra Beach is also known for Players Championship Venue TPC at Sawgrass. Also, be sure to look into Amelia Island and the World Golf Village in St. Augustine.
Scotland
The home of golf, Scotland has recorded the game as far back as the 15th Century. Thankfully, nothing has changed, and the sprawling landscape continues to offer up plum locations in St. Andrews, Gleneagles and Carnoustie, known for its difficulty.
Arizona
Feel the heat on Arizona's land, where the golf courses in Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tuscon are located on the desert, alongside luxury accommodations. Besides its desert environment, each city also boasts more than 30 public access courses.
South Carolina
Pinehurst, Hilton Head and Charleston top the list in South Carolina, offering their resort layouts, as well as their Ryder Cup venues and PGA Tour stops. Tour Pinehurst and check out The Plantation, Mid Pines and Pine Needles, visit Hilton Head to try out Harbour Town or Palmetto Hall and be sure to swing out to Charleston for Kiawah Island Resort.
Ireland
Among the country's rolling green hills, pay a visit to Royal Portrush and Royal County Down in northern Ireland. For the VIP courses, go to County Kerry, Dooks, Killarney, Tralee and Waterville. In Dublin, Portamrnock, Druids Glen, and the European Club take the cake.
California
The Sunshine State has no want for variety of landscape or course. For a more natural environment, consider Lake Tahoe or for more deluxe amenities, opt for Pebble Beach or Spanish Bay near Monterey. Palm Springs provides the desert climate, and San Diego offers the full SoCal experience.
Canada
Just 90 minutes north of Vancouver, Canada's Whistler has two aces in resorts Big Sky and Chateau Whistler. In Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, go to Brudnell River Resort, as well as Links at Crowbush Cover.
Hawaii
To say nothing about Hawaii's beaches and weather, the golfing includes 54-hole complexes like Kapalua and Wailea. Lanai and Kauai are of particular note, and the Garden Isle ranks Princeville Resort, Kauai Lagoons and Poipu Bay among its best.
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