5 Affordable & Amazing Summer Golf Trips

Ah, summer golf trips. Nothing like hitting the road with your clubs, some cigars, and a group of friends or family to explore some of the most beautiful and most challenging golf courses across this great country. With the summer rapidly approaching, the Cigar World team wanted to deliver 5 of the best deals for summer golf trips.

These aren’t your over-hyped pilgrimages like Pebble Beach, Pinehurst or Myrtle Beach. No, these are the hidden gems that offer outstanding rates, outstanding golf courses, and of course, outstanding memories. So, pack your golf bags and get ready to explore 5 amazing and affordable summer golf trips for 2022.

Summer Golf Trip #5: Branson, Missouri

Tucked away in the rolling hills of southern Missouri lies Big Cedar Lodge in Branson, Missouri. 

This newfound golf mecca boasts some of not only the top golf courses in the Midwest, but in the entire country. With tracks like Payne’s Valley, Ozark National, and Buffalo Ridge you can satisfy any golfer looking to collect highly desirable bag tags. And, if you’re looking for a little more family friendly golf, then Branson offers choices like Top of the Rock, the Mountain Top course, and many more. 

Lastly, if you’re looking to take a break from the courses, spend a day out on beautiful Table Rock Lake or take in the sights and sounds of downton Branson.

Summer Golf Trip #4: Grand Rapids, Michigan

Dubbed as the Hamptons of Chicago, there aren’t many small cities in America that offer such a vast combination of urban activities meshed with incredible golf. Within an hour drive of Grand Rapids, you’ll find courses like Pilgrims Run, the Mines, and Diamond Springs. Each one of these Mike DeVris’ designs offers challenging golf that won’t break the bank account. 

If you’re looking for great casual golf and a city to explore at night – seriously, their craft beer scene is one of the best in the country –  there isn’t a better, more affordable golf trip in America.

Summer Golf Trip #3: Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, Alabama 

When thinking about amazing golf locations, the state of Alabama may not automatically register at the top of your list. Well, if you can get past the humidity, then please don’t miss out on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail.

Like the website says, the RTJ trail is world class golf that is anything but a world away. At eleven different sites across Alabama, you can find 26 amazing golf courses that boast 468 amazing golf holes. And, with tee times averaging around $60 per golfer, it’s without a doubt one of the biggest steals for tee time rates in the country.

Summer Golf Trip #2: Nekoosa, Wisconsin  

If you’ve heard of Mike Keyser and his Dream Golf team, then you know of the success he’s had with Bandon Dunes Resort in Bandon, Oregon. Well, he’s plucked two of his favorite architect teams from Bandon and taken them to the middle of Wisconsin to create Sand Valley Resort.

About an hour north of Wisconsin Dells, you’ll find Sand Valley. Without a doubt one of the most magical golf locations in the U.S. Both courses are rated top 30s in the country, so whether you want a Core/Crenshaw design or a David Kidd design, you’ll certainly have your choice for playing incredible quality golf.

In addition to the two, 18 hole courses, you’ll find the Sandbox, a 17 hole short course that’s guaranteed to be one of the most fun golfing experiences you’ll ever have. Golf aside, you can enjoy fine dining from the numerous restaurants, as well as tennis. 

Summer Golf Trip #1: South Pittsburg, Tennessee

Sweetens Cove is the place to be in 2022. With the new boom of golf, we’re hoping to see many many more boundary pushing golf courses like this appear across the country. 

If you’re not familiar with Sweetens Cove, it’s technically one course with a very unique design. It’s not 9 holes, it’s not even 18 holes, it’s really whatever you can imagine. There are 9 greens, but each green features 2 flags. You make a tee time, and then you have the entire day to play as many holes as you can handle. 

Sweetens isn’t so much a golf resort, it's a vibe within its own category in golf. If you can manage to grab a tee time, don’t wait, just book it. You won’t regret it.

5 must-have cigars to smoke on any golf trip.

Davidoff Grand Cru 

If you’re saving any dough on greens fees, then splurge on the stogie and reach for the Davidoff Grand Cru series. You won’t fret on any doubles or triples while puffing on this magical cigar.

Macanudo Cafe

THE cigar of all golf cigars. Macanudo Cafe is nothing short of perfection, much like the greens at any of the 5 courses above. It’s mellow, spicy, and priced right.

Macanudo Inspirado White

If you’re fond of Macanudo and are looking for something a little more complex than the Cafe, then splurge on Inspirado White. It’s sweet, spicy, rich, and nuanced, and perfect from tee to green.

Montecristo Classic

Widely known as one of the smoothest cigars around, Montecristo Classic is great for warm, sunny days on the golf course, and is perfect for cigar newbies or a seasoned aficionado.

Rocky Patel The Edge Connecticut 

If there’s anything that can make us feel “on the edge,” it’s golf. So, double down on it with The Edge Connecticut from Rocky Patel. Simply put, it’s extremely well-balanced, which is more than I can say for most of our golf swings. 

What’s your favorite golf trip? Let us know in the comments!