Where to Golf in December

As the fall turns into winter in the northern states and Canada, golfers begin to look south to continue to play their favorite game. The desire to improve the game that was reaching a peak in the summer leads the enthusiast to contemplate the question of where to golf in December. There are many choices, but some locations stand out for the quality of their courses and the opportunities for activities between rounds (or for family members who are not single-minded golfers).

Myrtle Beach, SC

There are an overwhelming number of golf courses in the Myrtle Beach area. Choosing which of the 60 or more courses to play on your vacation is not going to be easy. An excellent place to start your golfing vacation is the Myrtle Beach National King's North , an Arnold Palmer-designed course that receives consistently high ratings in all the major golf magazines.

The par-5 sixth hole is infamously known as "The Gambler." You will be delighted or devastated as you attempt the shortcut aiming for an extremely tricky island green. Don’t worry if you lose a ball on this one, as you can get it right on the next round. Or the next one. The challenge is not over yet, as the 18th hole is downright mean, with more than 40 sand traps to hinder your way to the green.

Myrtle Beach is ideal for the golfer who wants to be sure that the non-golfing family members are entertained on a December vacation. There is plenty to do in town, like the Carolina Opry , and there are endless beaches to walk and play on.

Las Vegas, NV

The non-golfer can be perpetually entertained in Vegas, while the avid golfer can guiltlessly pursue the sport on one of several excellent courses. Between rounds you will eat well, have fun gambling, and take in the best evening entertainment outside of Los Angeles or New York.

Vegas has a unique golf course that is a fascinating play for golfers who have a passion for the British Open. The course at the Royal Links Golf Club is, as the name implies, an homage to the old world tradition of links style golf. Inspired by courses on the British Open rotation, the Royal Links has versions of holes at St. Andrews and Royal Troon, among others. Playing at Royal Links is a way of re-living the history of golf in the British Isles, and everyone who plays a round here is challenged by a completely different type of golf than is usually found on American courses.

Los Angeles, CA

There is no shortage of golf courses in Los Angeles, so the City of Angels will definitely be on your list of where to golf in December. But there is a special experience awaiting you if you drive the hour or so out of town to Riverside.

The Oak Quarry Golf Club always rates very highly, and has some of the best holes in all Southern California. It is on The Top 10 Must Play list of the LA Times, and Golf Digest awards it 4.5 stars. The 14th hole has been declared Southern California's best par 3, while the 4th hole has been named the prettiest par 4. The scenery along the course, laid out in the old Jensen Quarry , is gorgeous, and in the clear December air the contrasts between the green of the course and the rock is at its crispest.

Boca Raton, FL

December is perhaps the best month for golfing in Florida. The temperature is ideal, the fall storms and hurricane season have passed, and the courses are not as crowded as they will be when winter really hits the northern states.

The Boca Dunes Golf and Country Club stands out as a great place for golfers both young and old. It has a fun 9-hole, 27-par, 1,627-yard course which the kids will love; and a 72-par, 18-hole course designed by Robert Von Hagge and Bruce Devlin with a yardage in excess of 7,000. The long course is set in a typical Florida landscape, where the natural vegetation is an important feature. Besides the short executive course, those in your family who aren’t ready for the full 18-hole challenge can amuse themselves at the driving range that is open until 10 pm.

We hope you have enjoyed this guide for where to golf in December. Make sure to book your a vacation home or condo right by the course, so that you have easy access!