Golf enthusiasts know that warmer weather means more chances to practice their swing, and what better way to combine travel and recreation than with a trip to a golf destination? With expensive equipment and high resort dues, golf can be one of the pricier hobbies. But it doesn't have to be. There are plenty of spots where you don't have to dish out hundreds of dollars to tee up. Realtor.com rounded up the 10 most affordable golf towns in U.S.
These locations “have the best balance of great access to golf courses, relatively affordable real estate, and weather best suited for days on the greens,” says Realtor.com. “Many are also places with a high quality of life, where a cost of living below the national average makes them affordable not just in terms of real estate, but also in terms of everyday expenses.”
In the 10th through 7th spots are: Omaha, Nebraska; Cincinnati, Ohio; Indianapolis, Indiana; Riverside, California; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; Mobile, Alabama; and Savannah, GA. Savannah is especially popular with "Lowcountry Golf" fans, Realtor.com states, with pleasant weather all-year round and an abundance of historic sites and activities to round out golf trips.
Biloxi, Mississippi ranks third as a cheap golf-lovers paradise. At least 11 golf courses are within close proximity to the city, including specialty “casino courses”—golf courses owned and operated by a Biloxi casino resort or are directly affiliated with a Biloxi casino property, according to the city’s official website.
READ THIS NEXT: The 7 Best Cruises to Book If You're Over 60.
Champion Traveler calculates that hotels average around $86 per night and vacation rentals between $240 to $560 per night for the entire home, making it a cost-effective retreat for golfing snowbirds who are looking to take advantage of the coastline’s mild winters.
Deerfield Beach, Florida came in second, with 12 golf courses to explore. Located between Fort Lauderdale and Boca Raton, it’s easy to travel to Deerfield Beach, and many of the condos and townhouses rented out as Airbnbs average between $50 to $90 a night.
Those looking to add a vacation home or relocate after retirement can find many affordable properties with top amenities. Realtor.com stated that homes within 10 minutes of a golf course came in around the $245,000 mark, “far below the national median of around $430,000,” so the investment value is worth it for those who want to golf all year round.
Sun City, Arizona took the number one spot on the list, with a whopping 28 golf courses and real estate priced about 9 percent below the national average. Opened in 1960, the area was the first active retirement community in the U.S., and its golf culture has exploded ever since.
RELATED: For more up-to-date information, sign up for our daily newsletter.
Realtor.com notes that the number of 55 and above communities makes it tricky for younger golfers looking to take advantage of the area, but according to Vrbo, the drive to Sun City is less than 30 minutes from Phoenix, AZ. Visitors can easily stay nearby and enjoy sightseeing, like the Westgate Entertainment District and State Farm Stadium, when not hitting the links.
For those looking for a daily tee-off or a leisurely weekend away with pals, these golf cities offer a fun getaway without breaking the bank.
