Scottsdale, Arizona, Named the Best Golf City in the U.S.

Looking to play a round of 18? Then, you might as well do so in the greatest golf destination in the nation. 

In November, luxury golf apparel brand Galvin Green released a study that analyzed the best golf cities in the U.S. The brand first identified the most populous cities in the nation and then evaluated them across 11 metrics, including how many golf courses were in the area, the number of restaurants (including how well they were rated), weather metrics (such as average temperature and rainfall), and the cost of hotels, beverages, and meals. After all was said and done, Scottsdale, Arizona, came out on top.

“There are 53 courses in Scottsdale … with a further 47 within 20 miles,” Galvin Green said in a press release obtained by Travel + Leisure. “Forty-nine percent of these are public courses, which is also above the national average (37.66 percent). Scottsdale also has a vast array of high-quality restaurants, with 743 rated four stars or above; this is above the average of 593, so there is plenty of choice for great meals while on your golf vacation.”

However, the team did add that while Scottsdale typically has great weather most of the year, summer temperatures can top 100 degrees — and it’s something to consider before booking a trip. 

Las Vegas came in second place thanks to its high number of top-notch restaurants (2,833 are rated four stars or over), and the fact that “activities outside of the course are abundant.” Perhaps best of all, a whopping 69 percent of its courses are public, meaning anyone can find a spot to play. 

The Hostess City of the South, aka Savannah, cinched third place with its 23, well-manicured courses. The top three were followed by Tucson, Arizona; Cincinnati; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Akron, Ohio; Fort Wayne, Indiana; Mesa, Arizona; and Orlando.

“Golf is about enjoying the experience — being outdoors, appreciating the beauty of the course, and spending time with friends and family,” a Galvin Green spokesperson said. “Every city provides different terrains, climates, and geographies that make their courses special and exciting to play, and this research reaffirms the incredible golf opportunities the U.S. has to offer.”

If you need more golf destination inspiration, check out T+L’s roundup of the 25 best courses in the world.