Woman's Golf Travel Trends

Beyond Your Local Golf Course: The Rise in Women's Golf Travel

For years, the image of golf has been dominated by men. But the landscape is changing. A vibrant and growing community of women are taking to the fairways, not just at their local courses, but around the globe. The rise of women's golf groups and tours, coupled with tailored travel experiences, is driving a boom in women's golf travel, creating a powerful trend reshaping the sport.

No longer a solitary pursuit or a male-dominated pastime, golf is becoming a vehicle for connection, adventure, and personal growth for women of all ages. From executive boardrooms to casual get-togethers at the range or golf entertainment facility, women are finding camaraderie and community in golf, and increasingly, they're seeking out unique golf travel experiences.

This segment contributes to billions of dollars in the overall golf industry worldwide—40% to be exact, and its growth is up by over 20% (National Golf Foundation).

So, where are women golfers traveling? The trend is toward a mix of classic golfing destinations and emerging hotspots. Traditional golfing meccas like Scotland, Ireland, and the American Southwest remain popular, offering challenging courses and stunning scenery. However, women are also seeking out more exotic locales, like the Caribbean, European islands, Mexico, and Asia.

Some experts have shared trends they’re seeing on the rise when it comes to booking golf travel. “The trends that I’ve seen are traveling to play bucket list courses as well as courses they’ve seen the tour players stop at. After The British Open this past year, I have had a tonne of clients inquire about playing Royal Troon and all around Scotland. It also has been pretty common to parlay these golf trips with attending a tour event. For example: spectating The Masters and playing the courses over at Champions Retreat or teeing it up at the very popular Sage Valley. We’re definitely seeing a tonne of international travel and I foresee Spain, especially the south of Spain to be very popular for travel and golf in 2025. Spain is considered to be one of the warmest and sunniest countries in Europe which is perfect for the fair-weather golfer (much like myself). Spain is home to over 400 golf courses, beautiful beaches, historical architecture, delicious food and sangria! Spain should be next on your golf travel destination list in 2025.” - Melissa Hoffman, Axeus Luxury Travel.

Luxury resorts with world-class amenities are a draw for many, offering a blend of challenging golf and pampering relaxation. But adventure travel is also gaining traction, with women seeking out opportunities to combine golf with other activities like hiking, wine tasting, or cultural experiences. Wellness-focused golf retreats are also on the rise, providing a holistic approach to the sport that incorporates fitness, nutrition, and mindfulness.

Skyler Baldwin, from C&R PR, who represents a robust list of golf and hospitality properties around the world shared that she too, is seeing an uptick in women’s golf outings and trips in the Southern California, South Florida, and Mexico markets like San Diego and Indian Wells, Cabo San Lucas and Punta de Mita, Miami and Palm Beach. “Golf travel, specifically, is expected to continue to grow over the next year and beyond as golf clubs and resorts refresh their course designs and implement new luxury golf services. For example, we have seen golf clubs introduce unique culinary programming, like caviar at the turn or complimentary signature cocktails, as well as offerings like cold towels after 18, golf club valet, children's programming, seasonal night golf, and more. At Park Hyatt Aviara, for instance, the Aviara Golf Club signature restaurant, Ember & Rye, frequently hosts dining events tied to golf tournaments or has tastings near the 18th green. As we go into 2025, we expect to see tourists booking trips specifically to play their bucket list golf courses, similar to folks traveling to see iconic landmarks.”

One of the most significant factors fueling this trend is the emergence of women's golf groups and tours and the opportunity to gather, learn, and play—whether that is with their group of girlfriends, family, or a group getaway. “It’s definitely more common to see girls’ golf trips and couples' golf trips these days. The trends that I’ve seen with these trips are traveling to hot spot destinations such as Pebble Beach, Pinehurst, and Kiawah Island to name a few. With plenty of options of lodging and dining and state-of-the-art spas combined with the iconic golf, you’ll never have to leave the property.” - Melissa Hoffman, Axeus Luxury Travel.

The appeal of women's golf travel goes beyond simply playing a round. It's about the overall experience. It's about the joy of sharing a laugh and their round with friends, new or old, family, partner, or colleagues on the 19th hole, the thrill of conquering a challenging course, and the satisfaction of exploring a new culture or an overall new experience within golf.

For many women, golf travel is a way to combine their passion for the sport with their desire for adventure and connection. It's a chance to escape the pressures of daily life, connect with nature, and challenge themselves in a supportive environment. Whether it's a weekend getaway with girlfriends, a couples' retreat, or a family vacation, golf travel offers a unique and rewarding experience for women of all ages and backgrounds. The boom in women's golf travel is more than just a trend; it's a movement. It's a testament to the growing power of women in the sport and their desire to connect, explore, and challenge themselves both on and off the course. It’s also a big reminder of how powerful the female consumer really is as it laps the growth in a typically male-dominated sector.

Some Quick Tips When Planning Your Next Golf Getaway:

• Research: Make sure to do your research even if you book through a travel advisor to make sure you’re aligning with everything you want out of the trip.
• Pricing: Depending on your style, the difference between a luxury experience versus a budget-friendly one could decipher where you stay, the course you play, and the overall cultural experience you’re looking for.
• Vibes: Have fun. Keep the vibes high, dress for the occasion, prepare for activities, and don’t forget to bring your clubs.
• Booking: Book in advance, everyone will thank you later. Popular destinations and courses tee sheets fill up quickly—especially the bucket list courses with some booking out over a year in advance.