For golf lovers and sun seekers alike, there’s no greater luxury than combining a perfect swing with the sound of crashing waves. Around the world, a few rare destinations offer this ideal balance between sport and serenity — where fairways meet fine sand, and the sea breeze becomes part of the game. Here are five of the most spectacular places where golf and beach coexist in absolute perfection.
🏝️ Maui, Hawaii – Kapalua Bay & Ka’anapali Beach
Maui, often described as the jewel of the Pacific, delivers an unforgettable golf experience. The Plantation Course at Kapalua Bay, designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, is one of the most scenic courses in the world. Perched between volcanic ridges and ocean cliffs, each hole seems suspended between heaven and sea.
When you finish your round, head down to Ka’anapali Beach, a golden stretch of paradise perfect for snorkeling, paddleboarding, or simply relaxing with a Mai Tai in hand. Maui blends the magic of tropical adventure with championship-level golf — a dream come true for any player seeking paradise with a putter.
🌅 Kiawah Island, South Carolina – The Ocean Course & Beachwalker Park
A few hours from Charleston, Kiawah Island is a masterpiece of coastal golf architecture. The Ocean Course, designed by the legendary Pete Dye, has hosted the Ryder Cup and multiple PGA Championships. With ten holes directly bordering the Atlantic Ocean, players are challenged not only by the course’s strategic design but also by the unpredictable coastal winds.
After a round of golf, stroll along Beachwalker Park, where the vast beach stretches endlessly beneath pastel sunsets. Kiawah embodies the art of Southern elegance: world-class golf wrapped in the quiet beauty of the Carolina coast.
🌊 Coronado, California – Torrey Pines & Coronado Central Beach
Just across the bay from San Diego, Coronado Island blends classic Californian glamour with breathtaking golf. The Torrey Pines Golf Course, perched atop coastal cliffs, is one of the most iconic in the United States — host of multiple U.S. Opens and a favorite of PGA Tour players.
From the fairways, the Pacific shimmers below, inviting you to trade your clubs for a towel and head to Coronado Central Beach, one of America’s most pristine stretches of sand. With elegant hotels, palm-lined avenues, and a timeless seaside charm, Coronado offers an unmatched mix of sport, luxury, and ocean air.
🦩 Estero, Florida – Old Corkscrew Golf Club & Clam Pass Park
In the heart of Southwest Florida, near Naples, lies Old Corkscrew Golf Club, a hidden gem designed by Jack Nicklaus. Certified as an Audubon Sanctuary, this course meanders through cypress forests and reflective lakes — an oasis of calm and challenge for purists.
After golf, head to Clam Pass Park, accessible by a boardwalk through mangroves and tropical birds. The reward? A serene beach where gentle waves meet white sand — a haven for those who crave peace after a day on the greens. Naples and Estero have mastered the art of quiet luxury, where nature and refinement coexist effortlessly.
🌺 Carmel-by-the-Sea, California – Del Monte Golf Course & Carmel Beach
Carmel-by-the-Sea, one of California’s most romantic towns, offers a mix of bohemian spirit and coastal sophistication. The Del Monte Golf Course, the oldest operating course west of the Mississippi, welcomes players amid pine forests and rolling hills just minutes from the Pacific.
A short drive away lies Carmel Beach, a postcard-perfect stretch of soft white sand framed by cypress trees and dramatic cliffs. Few places capture the essence of California like this — where every tee shot comes with a sea breeze and every evening ends with a fiery sunset over the Pacific.
✨ When Golf Meets the Sea
What unites these destinations is their ability to transform golf into a full sensory experience. Each swing is accompanied by the scent of salt air, the cry of seabirds, and the rhythm of the waves. Beyond the scorecard, the real magic lies in the journey — the perfect alignment of sport, landscape, and serenity.
Whether you prefer the wild beauty of Hawaii, the elegance of the Carolinas, or the California coastline’s timeless charm, these havens prove that golf is more than a game. It’s a way of exploring the world — one fairway, one ocean view, and one unforgettable moment at a time.
