Where to Play Golf This Winter Without Flying Overseas

Snow on the ground doesn’t mean your golf season is over. In these six U.S. states, you can tee off in January wearing short sleeves. And it costs less than you think.

We should start by discussing golf in South Carolina. The coast offers plenty of playable days in the fifties and sixties, with less humidity than the summer months. You might face a frost delay in the morning, but by late morning it is usually go time. Hilton Head’s Harbour Town is the headliner, but Myrtle Beach provides the most value with golf-and-hotel packages.

Expect to see marshes, live oaks, and steady coastal winds that make you think about shot shape. In terms of value, many courses fall in the $50 to $150 range, with the big resort names slightly higher. Bring layers, plan for later tee times, and you will find Southern hospitality both on and off the course.

South Carolina: Marsh Views and Mild Days

• Best Courses: Harbour Town Golf Links (Hilton Head), Caledonia Golf & Fish Club (Pawleys Island), Barefoot Resort (Myrtle Beach).
• Value Tips: Myrtle Beach packages bundle golf + hotel starting around $60 per round. Many courses in the $50–$150 range.
• Weather: Fifties and sixties with some frost delays.

Pro Tip: Book tee times after 10 a.m. to avoid frost delays and enjoy warmer temps.

Texas is next. It is a big state, and the winter golf window is just as big. Cold snaps happen, but in places like Austin, San Antonio, Houston, and even Dallas-Fort Worth, you will find sunny and playable days most of the season. The Hill Country layouts showcase elevation changes and limestone cliffs, while the big cities offer a mix of well-kept munis and upscale daily fees.

You will see oaks, creeks, and big Texas skies. Value runs strong here, with plenty of $40 to $120 courses and resort rounds that range from $120 to $250. The courses pride themselves on pace of play and friendly service. One tip: if a cold front blows through, wait a couple of days. Texas sunshine warms things up fast.

Texas: Big Skies and Big Value

• Best Courses: Barton Creek (Austin), TPC San Antonio, Memorial Park (Houston), Cowboys Golf Club (DFW).
• Value Tips: Public courses from $40–$120, resort rounds $120–$250.
• Weather: Cold snaps pass quickly, sunny, playable days most of the season.

Pro Tip: If a cold front blows through, wait 48 hours. Texas sunshine warms things up fast.

Nevada might be better known for casinos, but it is also one of the easiest golf getaways in the winter. Las Vegas offers dry, sunny days and reliable weather. Mornings can be chilly, and the odd cold snap can sneak in, but most days are prime for golf. Vegas itself has a deep roster of desert courses, from scenic budget-friendly layouts to high-end resort properties.

Mesquite to the north gives you dramatic canyon golf, while Laughlin to the south provides affordable sunshine. The price range is wide. Most good daily fees run from $80 to $250, but you can splurge if you want to. If you get lucky at the tables, you may even land a free round at Wynn’s famous resort course.

Nevada: Desert Fairways Beyond the Strip

• Best Courses: Shadow Creek (Vegas), Cascata, Wolf Creek (Mesquite), Laughlin Ranch.
• Value Tips: Daily fees $80–$250, splurge options much higher. Mesquite and Laughlin offer strong affordability.
• Weather: Dry, sunny days; chilly mornings but generally stable.

Pro Tip: Plan an early round, then enjoy Vegas nightlife, the tee sheet clears faster in the afternoons.

California is a choose-your-own-adventure for winter golf. Palm Springs is king, with sunny, cloudless days and perfectly manicured desert layouts. San Diego brings a milder coastal climate with a laid-back vibe, while Los Angeles and Orange County offer a deep lineup of both public and resort courses. Coastal Southern California can see some winter rain, but there are still plenty of playable days. The course variety is unmatched.

You can play a muni like Torrey Pines in the morning, then drive to a polished desert resort for the next day. Prices reflect the range: desert resorts run $100 to $250 or more in peak season, coastal munis can be $30 to $80 for locals, and premium destinations climb much higher. With so many airports and easy access between regions, California can deliver a complete winter golf trip if you plan correctly.

California: Sunshine From Coast to Desert

• Best Courses: Torrey Pines (San Diego), PGA West (Palm Springs), Pelican Hill (Orange County).
• Value Tips: Munis $30–$80, desert resorts $100–$250+, premium coastal resorts higher.
• Weather: Palm Springs nearly rain-free, coastal areas mild with occasional showers.

Pro Tip: Mix it up. Play a coastal muni like Torrey Pines one day, then head inland for a Palm Springs resort round the next.

Florida is the classic winter escape. The season is dry, with low humidity and temperatures in the sixties and seventies. A cold front might roll through, but it usually passes quickly. South Florida, Naples, and the Palm Beaches offer luxury resorts. Orlando brings sheer volume with countless courses, and Tampa provides strong value on the Gulf Coast.

Florida golf comes in every flavor: PGA-level resorts, local munis, and everything in between. Prices range from $40 to $120 at many daily fees to $150 to $400 for the peak-season resort courses. The infrastructure is designed for golf travel, with airports everywhere and clusters of courses packed together. The pro tip here is to book early. January through March are peak season. Play weekdays or afternoons for better rates and fewer crowds.

Florida: Classic Winter Escape

• Best Courses: TPC Sawgrass (Ponte Vedra), Streamsong Resort (Lakeland), Bay Hill (Orlando), Trump National Doral (Miami).
• Value Tips: Many daily fees $40–$120, resort golf $150–$400 during peak.
• Weather: Dry season, 60s–70s, with quick-moving cold fronts.

Pro Tip: January to March is peak season. Book early and target weekday or afternoon tee times for better rates.

And then there is Arizona. This is the state that consistently delivers the best mix of weather, conditioning, and convenience. Phoenix and Scottsdale live in the seventies for much of the winter, with crisp mornings and warm afternoons. Rain is rare and usually short-lived. The desert courses are beautifully conditioned, with firm fairways, smooth greens, and striking scenery.

Tucson, just a couple of hours away, adds dramatic mountain backdrops and lower prices. Most winter rounds in Scottsdale fall in the $150 to $350 range, but there are plenty of $70 to $150 options and strong twilight deals. Arizona has become a bucket-list destination for golfers in the know, and it is worth planning well in advance if you want prime tee times.

Arizona: The Winter Golf Capital

• Best Courses: TPC Scottsdale, Troon North, We-Ko-Pa, Ventana Canyon (Tucson).
• Value Tips: Scottsdale $150–$350 peak, Tucson offers $70–$150 rounds and solid twilight deals.
• Weather: Seventies most days, crisp mornings, rare rain.

Pro Tip: Twilight tee times in Scottsdale deliver firm fairways, stunning sunsets, and big savings.

Across these states, the common thread is value. You do not need to fly overseas or join a private club to enjoy winter golf. With the right timing and planning, you can tee it up for under $100, even during peak season.

For golfers stuck in snowy states, a trip to South Carolina, Texas, Nevada, California, Florida, or Arizona can keep your game sharp and your spirits high until spring returns at home.

From coastal Carolinas to the Arizona desert, these states deliver playable winter golf at prices that fit nearly any budget. With smart timing, you can tee it up under blue skies for less than $100, even in peak season.