Get into the Swing of Things: Nine Great Golf Stays to Celebrate Father’s Day
This year Father’s Day will be celebrated on June 18, giving people the opportunity to celebrate their dads, father figures and paternal bonds in every shape and form. With over half (57%) of global travelers reporting that physical activity is a key motivation to travel,* 2023 could be the year to take dad away to celebrate this special day. To show some true appreciation, opt for a golf getaway and combine his favorite pastime with an epic vacation. Whether experienced players ready for competition or novices searching for fun, travelers can perfect their swing against some incredible backdrops from mountain ranges to the Pacific Ocean. Feeling a bit green about booking the perfect golf break with dad? We have delved into our more than 28 million listings, including over 6.6 million in homes, apartments and other unique places to stay, to present nine spectacular stay-and-play breaks to help stay on course.
St Andrews, Scotland
For those looking for an ace of a stay to give dad the celebrity treatment, look no further than the prestigious Old Course Hotel in this seaside town on the east coast of Scotland. With an impressive seven courses to choose from and all within walking distance of the hotel, St. Andrew’s golf scene is suited to both beginners and well-seasoned experts, with lessons available upon request. To get into the golfing spirit, book a St Andrews Golf History Tour led by a fantastic local historian. Off the course, visitors can take in the beautiful scenery of West Sands beach, relax at the luxurious spa and dine at the hotel’s award-winning fine dining restaurant. The Road Hole includes delicious seafood and steaks, with dishes such as beef tartare and St Andrew’s Bay lobster as well as a selection of over two hundred whiskies – making this the perfect place to toast dad.
São João del Rei, Brazil
Situated in south-central Minas Gerais along the Lenheiro River, São João del Rei was originally a gold mining town and is now a South American hidden gem. There, travelers will find Garden Hill Hotel e Golfe, a gorgeous resort featuring a spectacular six-hole golf course ideal for both professional and amateur players. The stay offers golf lessons which may be the perfect gift to dads who are looking to improve and perfect their game. It also features tennis courts, an outdoor swimming pool and is home to a games room kitted out with table tennis, foosball and billiards, perfect for an epic family games night – and ideal for the two thirds (66%) of travelers seeking a destination with a variety of activities.* After an active day, guests can relax in their contemporary and cozy rooms and admire the sunset from the private balcony which overlooks the golf course.
Lijiang City, China
The traditional and above par Lijiang Gui Yuan Tian Ju Guesthouse is located in the quiet neighborhood of Lijiang’s old town in the southwestern province of Yunnan. The Booking.com Travel Sustainable property features many green spaces including a quaint courtyard full of tropical plants, and provides golf activities organized by local guides. Visitors staying at the guesthouse can reach the unique Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Golf Club, set at the bottom of this famous mountain, in just a short drive. This is the second highest golf course in the world and, thanks to its elevation, the golf ball flies 20 percent further than normal – giving dads that extra edge for a winning streak this Father’s Day. To explore the area, book a Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Baisha Village Tour for a cable car trip to a stunning viewpoint where travelers can capture the most epic family photo.
Stromberg, Germany
The stylish and sleek Land & Golf Hotel Stromberg is situated between the Rhine and the Moselle rivers in Germany and offers guests a luxurious stay with fantastic facilities. The country-house style hotel is home to a driving range, a pitch and putt area, a golf school and a challenging 18-hole golf course – all complemented by beautiful views of the rolling German countryside. Guests can soak up the fresh country air on the fairway, followed by a relaxing and restorative visit to the hotel spa’s sauna and steam rooms. For those seeking fun this Father’s Day, the hotel’s Birdie Bar hosts live music nights on Fridays and Saturdays for guests who wish to trade their golf shoes for dancing shoes. Visitors can explore the surrounding region of Rudesheim am Rhein with a Walking Tour to get an immersive feel for the area’s culture and history.
Palm Desert, California, United States
Golf enthusiasts will love a stay at The Westin Desert Willow Villas, which are ideally situated within a five-minute drive from three golf courses: the Desert Willow Golf Resort, Santa Rosa Country Club and Palm Desert Greens Country Club. On days off the green, families can take in the surrounding beauty with a tranquil horseback ride, an exhilarating hike, or even challenge dad to a basketball game for some family competitiveness. The accommodation’s restaurant serves delicious, hearty food from spicy chicken wings to crispy Caesar salad and makes efforts to reduce its food wastage. This Booking.com Travel Sustainable stay also provides guests with information regarding local ecosystems, heritage and visitor etiquette. Soar like an eagle on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway which allows travelers to ascend into pristine wilderness over the majestic San Jacinto Mountains.
Turin, Italy
For a fun Father’s Day, visitors traveling to Turin, a city famous for fast cars and chocolate in northern Italy, should stay at the distinctive Diamante MHotel, just a short drive from Turin’s city centre. This Booking.com Travel Sustainable hotel offers artistic and modern rooms and a popular onsite restaurant serving locally sourced vegan and vegetarian food. Golf enthusiasts can take a short drive to the renowned Royal Park Roveri Golf Course, a world heritage site home to the Trent Jones course, the Pramerica course, a driving range and a putting green – a dream for families seeking a great day out with their dads. After a day swinging clubs and aiming for a hole-in-one, visitors can celebrate with a Guided Martini Tour with Tasting, just a short drive away from the hotel, which offers a chance to learn about the history of this classic cocktail drink along with a delicious tasting experience.
Auckland, New Zealand
In the picturesque district of Mount Eden in the north island of New Zealand, families can enjoy a stay at the charming Eden Park Bed And Breakfast Inn. This quaint B&B offers four rooms and serves homemade breakfast every morning including delicious poached eggs to fill up on ahead of a game of golf. Eden Park is the ideal setting for those looking to explore the elegant surroundings of Mount Eden, including the world-famous golf, cricket and rugby grounds – perfect for dads who are sports enthusiasts. For visitors looking to take a swing, check out the Chamberlain Park Golf Course, the Titirangi Golf Course and the Wattle Downs Golf Course which are all a short drive away from the inn. After a day on the green, visitors can enjoy Auckland’s cityscape on a Waitematā Harbour Sailing Cruise – the perfect treat for dad to sit back and relax with a beer in hand.
Cafayate, Argentina
Situated in the Salta province in the Andean foothills, Grace Cafayate is a luxury hotel nestled amongst scenic vineyards. This breathtaking stay blends modern design with rustic style and is set against the backdrop of a stunning mountainous landscape. Just a short drive away is La Estancia de Cafayate golf course which offers visitors a very special golfing experience against the backdrop of the soaring red Andean mountains. After a day out on the green, guests can enjoy a dip in the hotel’s magnificent indoor or outdoor infinity pool, enjoy a celebratory cocktail at the pool bar or sample a fine red Argentinian wine in the vineyard. Besides that, this Booking.com Travel Sustainable stay uses 100% renewable energy throughout and invests a percentage of revenue back into community projects.
Ito, Japan
Travelers seeking a relaxing getaway this Father’s Day should book a stay at Hanafubuki in Ito, a coastal city on Japan’s Izu Peninsula renowned for its hot spring resorts. This traditional Japanese inn, known as a ryokan, includes tatami rooms, futon beds and seven private Japanese-style hot-spring baths, perfect after a day of pitching and putting. The Kawana Golf Course, just a short drive from the property, features the beautiful Fuji and Oshima courses where visitors can improve their handicap in a stunning seaside setting. Back at the inn, treat dad’s tastebuds to local cuisine at the Ozashiki Dining Room which serves silky Mineoka tofu and cherry leaf flavored sea bream sashimi. End an incredible trip by spoiling dad to a massage treatment after those challenging bunker swings.
*Research commissioned by Booking.com and independently conducted among a sample of 42,513 respondents across 33 markets (2,000 from USA, 1,008 from Canada, 2,000 from Mexico, 1,000 from Colombia, 2,000 from Brazil, 1,000 from Argentina, 2,000 from Australia, 1,000 from New Zealand, 2,000 from Spain, 2,000 from Italy, 2,000 from France, 2,000 from UK, 2,000 from Germany, 1,000 from Netherlands, 1,000 from Denmark, 1,000 from Sweden, 1,000 from Croatia, 1,000 from Switzerland, 1,000 from Belgium, 1,000 from Ireland, 1,000 from Portugal, 1,000 from Israel, 2,000 from India, 1,000 from China, 1,005 from Hong Kong, 1,000 from Thailand, 1,000 from Singapore, 1,000 from Taiwan, 1,000 from Vietnam, 1,000 from South Korea, 1,000 from Japan, 500 from UAE). In order to participate in this survey, respondents had to be 18 years of age or older, had to have traveled at least once in the past 12 months, and planning to travel in 2023 and be either the primary decision maker or involved in the decision making of their travel. The survey was taken online and took place in January and February 2023.