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Ultimate Weekend Golf Trips with Entertainment for Non-Golfers

Not everyone lives and breathes golf. Yet, many of us have that golf-crazy friend or family member we'd happily tag along with. Luckily, golf weekend getaways have changed over the years, as resorts now offer a plethora of options. You can find anything from spas, exquisite dining, cultural site visits, and outdoor adventures for your non-golfing companions.
In this article, we're going to cover how you can get the best of both worlds: tee times for golfers and entertainment for everyone else.

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Trends and Innovations in Golf Tourism

The first trend is the emergence of high-tech and entertainment-centred golf venues. PopStroke, co-founded by Tiger Woods, has recently launched across Texas. There's also a new location in Austin, which includes mini-golf, dining, esports, ice cream parlors, and even pickleball and sand volleyball courts to keep the non-golfing friends entertained while the golfers play (or chill).

Elsewhere, Inside 9 Golf and Social Club (located just outside of San Antonio) is expected to be launched by the end of 2025 or early 2026. It features Golfzon simulators that replicate courses like Pebble Beach, a work environment, food/drink service- all set for either a casual day of fun or a more serious day in a social environment.

And in Illinois, there’s a new venue called Tee Shots, and it features indoor simulated golf. There's also an interactive sports bay to play various sports like:

  • Basketball;
  • Soccer;
  • Hockey;
  • Gaming Arcades.

It's a great, non-golf alternative for families and groups.

Entertainment After the Golf Balls Stop Rolling

For guests who are not swinging a club but still want a taste of this sport, online platforms enable fans of the game to follow live tournaments and make bets on the outcomes. Casual players can also play golf-themed slots and digital games during downtime. Of course, they can also go for iconic classics such as the Book of Dead online slot, as they can easily find free spins promos for it. This adventurous Egyptian-themed game is beloved by slot players globally and is often marketed as competition to sports-themed online slots.

Another noteworthy destination is Madeira, as it is ranked among the best emerging golf destinations of 2024. You have both golf and hiking, wine tours, and beaches. So non-golfer alternatives are plentiful while their companions take on challenging fairways.

Golf Resorts Perfect For Everyone

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Traditional golf resorts offer attractions beyond the golf course, like luxury amenities and cultural discoveries. 

  • Arabella Golf Resort Mallorca. A top European Golf Resort has three fantastic courses. But guests also enjoy easy access to spa services and Mediterranean dining.
  • In the UK, Golf resorts like Gleneagles, Rockliffe Hall, and Star Castle perfectly blend golf with a world-class spa, gourmet restaurants, history, and even castles and islands. 
  • Top golf destinations in the southern US, like Reynolds Lake Oconee, Pinehurst Resort, Kiawah Island Resort, Big Cedar Lodge, and Sea Island, also feature luxurious accommodations, beach locations, a spa, and outdoor recreation
  • Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina is stunning and boasts ten golf courses, hotels, villas, endless leisure activities, and incredible historic elements.
  • Kiawah Island Golf Resort also offers five golf courses, scenic beachfront property, award-winning dining options, and a first-class tennis centre.

Nightlife and Local Culture 

Golf resorts aren't only for daytime activities. For example, Orlando has some of the top golf resorts that are within a short driving distance of its famous theme parks. These parks let you catch neat live shows and explore diverse dining districts. 

The golf havens of Scotland are typically near whisky distilleries, medieval castles, and friendly pubs that can turn a golf getaway into a cultural adventure. Ireland is also very famous for being one of the top golf destinations to vacation in. Emerald Isle and Straffan are just some of the places that offer golf resorts and nice relaxation activities. 

In the US, there are even places like Las Vegas where world-class golf is mixed with casinos, concerts, and entertainment venues. Golf during the day and culture by night is becoming more of a common way to plan vacations, so every member of a group has something to look forward to on the weekend.

New Names, New Stories

Travelers have their own experience to offer up. A person on GolfWRX forum mentioned that Pebble Beach stands out for non-golfers thanks to the spa, the scenic 17-Mile Drive and Cannery Row, and shopping/beach access. The person said, “Pebble is hands down the winner” when compared to ‘wife-friendly’ resorts.

Don't limit the experience to only St. Andrews in Scotland. The non-golfer could visit the historic Edinburgh, enjoy the Perthshire countryside, take a walking tour of Stirling Castle, or trek through the Highlands and Loch Ness. 

Conclusion

While golf might be the main game for some, world-class golf weekend escapes are designed for everyone. Whether you are swinging the clubs on high-tech simulators, enjoying a sports centre like PopStroke or Tee Shots, there is something for every type of traveller.