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Home » Best Places To Play Golf in January (Top WINTER Destinations)

Best Places To Play Golf in January (Top WINTER Destinations)

Hawaii Prince Golf Club

Wondering where the best places to play golf in January are? We have a full guide to golfing around the world in January.

Whether you are looking for the top golf resorts or exotic golf destinations to play, you have plenty of choose throughout the month of January.

Not everywhere enjoys warm, ideal golfing weather in January. Particularly if you live in the northern hemisphere in Europe, Canada or the northern states of the United States.

That doesn’t mean the clubs have to go away. There are still some a number of great options to get your golf fix in as the new year begins.

Best Golf Destinations in January

Some of the best places to play golf in January would likely be in warm and sunny destinations where the weather is conducive to outdoor activities.

Some popular options include southern states in the United States such as Florida, Texas, and California, as well as tropical locations like Mexico, the Caribbean and Hawaii.

Dubai and Abu Dhabi also top the list of January possibilities along with South Africa and Australia as they enjoy the last of the summer months.

These places typically offer a wide range of golf courses to choose from, so you can find one that suits your skill level and preferences.

Additionally, many of these destinations offer other attractions and activities, so you can enjoy a well-rounded vacation even if you’re not a golf enthusiast.

Best Places to Golf in the US in January

The southernmost states are ideal destinations if you are looking for the best places to play golf in January.

Some of the most famous golf courses that the USA has to offer are located in California and a January vacation to this west coast state opens up plenty of options. From Pebble Beach to The Olympic Club, play some of the very best.

Pebble Beach

Florida is a major tourist destination with world-famous beaches, the everglades, and the home of Disney World. Golf is just as big an attraction with the sunshine state home to the likes of TPC Sawgrass, Bay Hill and Trump National Doral.

Home to a number of golf resorts and top courses, Arizona, Texas and even Las Vegas can also go high on a list of January options.

Best Places to Golf in Mexico in January

For January warmth and some top class golf venues, Mexico is an ideal option. Concentrate on the popular tourist destinations in Cancun and Playa del Carmen for an all round vacation.

El Camaleon Course at Mayakoba, home to the World Wide Technology PGA Tour event, is among the must play courses along with the Moon Palace Resort, Grand Coral Golf Riviera Maya and Iberostar Playa Paraiso Golf Club.

El Camaleon Golf Club

Best Places to Golf in Hawaii in January

The PGA Tour kicks off in Hawaii each year in January for a reason, and that is because you are all but guaranteed some glorious winter sunshine.

Hawaiian developers have had the golfing vacationers in mind for decades. As a result, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to golf courses to play in Hawaii.

The Plantation Course at Kapalua Golf Course is home to the Tournament of Champions and Wai’alae Country Club hosts the Sony Open. Others to play include Ewa Beach Golf Club in Honalulu and Nanea Golf Course on the west coast of the big island.

Kapalua Plantation Course

Best Places to Golf in the Caribbean in January

Combine the golden sandy beaches of the Caribbean with some of the best golf courses with stunning scenery on a memorable January or February trip.

From Antigua and Barbados to the Dominican Republic and St Lucia, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing a Caribbean island.

The Royal Westmoreland Club in Barbados, Teeth of the Dog Golf Course at Casa de Campo in Dominican Republic and Cedar Valley and Jolly Harbour in Antigua are some of the options.

The Royal Westmorland Club

Best Places to Golf in Dubai in January

Dubai has a lot to offer in terms of year-round golf, late-evening golf, and some of the world’s best known courses.

The Earth Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates, which hosts the DP World Tour Championship, the Emirates Golf Club with the The Majlis Course and Faldo Course, and Montgomerie Golf Club Dubai, are just some of the top class options.

Earth Course

Best Places to Golf in Abu Dhabi in January

Abu Dhabi is open for golf all year round, but the early months of the year are ideal in terms of temperature with a slightly cooler feel.

Home to the Abu Dhabi Golf Club, host of the HSBC Abu Dhabi Championship, the stunning Yas Links and Saadiyat Beach Golf Club among others, add the UAE to your list.

Best Golf Courses in Abu Dhabi

Best Places to Golf in South Africa in January

Golf in South Africa is best either side of Christmas, which is the very reason why the DP World Tour heads to the country around this time.

The Gary Player Golf Course and Country Club at Sun City, home to the Nedbank Challenge, is a must visit for a vacation, while you will struggle to find a more stunning setting that the Leopard Creek Country Club with wildlife on the course during the Alfred Dunhill Championship.

Gary Player Golf Course in Sun City
(Credit: Sun International)

Best Places to Golf in Australia in January

The Australian summer continues into January making Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth among the options to get golfing.

Royal Melbourne Golf Club, Kingston Heath Golf Club and Victoria Golf Club in Melbourne, New South Wales in Sydney, Royal Queensland Golf Club in Brisbane and Barnbougle Dunes in Tasmania are among the best courses in Australia.

Royal Queensland Golf Club
Image: Royal Queensland Golf Club