Tired of looking at snow-covered fairways or feeling the winter chill seep into your bones? That itch to play golf in February is perfectly normal, and the great news is, you absolutely can. This guide will walk you through the best sun-drenched U.S. and international destinations for a winter golf escape, and I’ll even share some practical tips for braving a round in the cold if a trip isn’t on the cards this year.
Why February is a Great Time for a Golf Trip
There's a simple reason why heading south for golf in February feels so good: it’s a total escape. Swapping gray skies and frozen ground for green grass and sunshine does wonders for your mood. It’s a chance to stop a long winter layoff from turning into real rust on your swing.
Beyond the mental boost, February can be a sweet spot for a golf trip. While a few destination markets like Scottsdale are in their peak season, many others offer a slightly less crowded experience than the spring break rush in March and April. You’re hitting that perfect window of fantastic weather without peak-peak season crowds in many locations. It gives you a head start on the season, helps you find your swing rhythm early, and gives you something to look forward to during the coldest part of the year.
The Classic Sun-Soaked Escapes: Best U.S. States for February Golf
If you're looking to stay domestic, you have some truly world-class options that are in their prime during the winter months. These "Big Three" states are famous for February golf for a good reason.
Florida: The Swiss Army Knife of Golf Destinations
You can’t talk about winter golf without talking about Florida. The sheer volume and variety of courses are unmatched. Whether you want a simple, budget-friendly trip or a luxurious, top-100 experience, the Sunshine State has it.
- Orlando Area: This is a popular spot because you can combine golf with a family vacation. You have resort courses galore like those at Bay Hill, Grand Cypress, or Reunion. The convenience is unbeatable, with tons of direct flights and lodging options.
- The Southwest Coast (Naples/Fort Myers): This area offers a more laid-back, coastal vibe. The courses here, like Tiburón Golf Club and The TwinEagles Club, are often resort-style layouts that meander through nature preserves and water hazards. The weather is typically fantastic and very reliable.
- Central Florida (Streamsong Resort): If you want a trip that is 100% about the golf, Streamsong is the place. It's built on a reclaimed phosphate mine, and the resulting sandy terrain gives it a links-like feel you won’t find anywhere else in the state. With three phenomenal courses (Red, Blue, and Black), it’s a pure golfer’s pilgrimage.
Arizona: Desert Golf at its Finest
Playing in Arizona is a completely different visual and strategic experience. Swapping trees and water for cacti and mountains is something every golfer should do. The air is dry, the ball flies farther, and the weather in February is just about perfect - warm days and cool nights.
- Scottsdale/Phoenix: This is the epicenter of desert golf. Courses like TPC Scottsdale (home of the WM Phoenix Open), Troon North, and We-Ko-Pa offer stunning layouts that wind through gargantuan boulders and Sonoran Desert landscape. It's a vibrant area with great restaurants and nightlife to round out your trip. Just be aware: early February can be busy and expensive due to the tour event, so plan accordingly.
- Tucson: If you're looking for a slightly more relaxed and potentially more affordable alternative to Scottsdale, Tucson is a brilliant choice. The courses here, often flanked by saguaro cactus, use the changes in elevation to create dramatic holes. The vibe is a bit more artsy and casual than its northern neighbor.
California: Hollywood Scenery and Perfect Weather
For pristine conditions and stunning mountain backdrops, it's hard to beat Southern California in the winter. The weather is mild, dry, and sunny, making for ideal playing conditions.
- Palm Springs/La Quinta: This is the classic winter oasis for a reason. Located in the Coachella Valley, this area is packed with famous courses like the Stadium Course at PGA WEST, Indian Wells Golf Resort, and La Quinta Resort. The design style is classic California desert, with immaculate conditioning, palm trees anplenty, and views of the Santa Rosa Mountains from nearly every tee box.
Thinking Outside the U.S. Border: Premier International Spots
If you have a passport and a desire for an even more memorable escape, a short-haul international trip can deliver incredible golf and a unique cultural experience.
Mexico: Tacos and Tee Shots
An easy flight from most of the U.S., Mexico offers some of the most breathtaking golf on the planet. The combination of ocean views, impeccable service, and amazing food makes for an unbeatable trip.
- Los Cabos: At the tip of the Baja Peninsula, Cabo is famous for its dramatic desert-meets-ocean courses. Holes that play along cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean are the signature here. Places like Diamante and Quivira are on another level when it comes to scenery. The vibe is upscale and vibrant, and the post-round fish tacos are mandatory.
- The Riviera Maya (Cancun/Playa del Carmen): On the Caribbean coast, the golf experience is different. Courses like El Camaleón at Mayakoba (a PGA Tour stop) are carved out of dense jungle and mangrove forests, with unique limestone canals (cenotes) coming into play. Many resorts here are all-inclusive, making it an easy, one-stop vacation package.
The Caribbean: Island Paradise Golf
For a true island golf experience, a few spots in the Caribbean are standouts. Expect warm, humid air, stunning turquoise water backdrops, and a very relaxed pace of life.
- Punta Cana, Dominican Republic: This has become a premier golf destination, home to Jack Nicklaus’s Punta Espada and Pete Dye’s legendary Teeth of the Dog an hour down the coast. These courses boast multiple holes playing directly along the shoreline of the Caribbean Sea. It’s hard to have a bad day when you're teeing off with that view.
Staying Home? A Coach's Guide to Playing in the Cold
Sometimes a big golf trip just isn't in the budget or the schedule. But that doesn't mean you can't play! Plenty of courses in milder climates stay open through the winter. Succeeding - and more importantly, enjoying - a cold-weather round is all about preparation and adjusting your expectations.
Master the Art of Layering
This is the most important part. Don't just throw on a bulky jacket. Your ability to move is paramount.
- Base Layer: Start with a thin, sweat-wicking layer. This is merino wool or a synthetic material (like Under Armour ColdGear). Never use cotton, as it holds sweat and will make you even colder once you stop moving.
- Mid Layer: This is your insulation. A fleece or lightweight merino wool sweater is perfect here. It traps body heat without being bulky.
- Outer Layer: This is your shell - it needs to be windproof and, ideally, water-resistant. A modern golf jacket with stretch panels is designed to let you swing freely while blocking the elements.
Focus on Your Hands and Head
You lose a lot of heat through your head and extremities. Wear a warm beanie or winter hat. As for your hands, keeping them warm is a non-negotiable for having any feel.
- Buy a pair of winter golf gloves (they look like cartoony mittens) and wear them between every single shot.
- Keep hand warmers in your pockets. Before you hit, grab one for 10-15 seconds to keep the blood flowing in your fingers.
Make Smart On-Course Adjustments
Your game will not be the same as it is in July. Acknowledge it and adapt!
- Club Up, Maybe Twice: Cold air is denser than warm air, which means the golf ball will not fly as far. What’s usually a comfortable 8-iron might be a 7-iron or even a 6-iron. Trust me, take more club.
- Expect More Roll: The ground will likely be harder, if not partially frozen. This means you’ll get a lot more roll-out on drives and approach shots. Instead of flying a high wedge shot to the pin, consider a low bump-and-run that lands short and releases toward the hole.
- Change Your Ball: A hard, high-compression "tour" ball will feel like a rock on a cold day. Using a softer, lower-compression ball can make a big difference in how the shot feels off the clubface.
- Move Up a Tee Box: There’s no shame in it! Playing a shorter course makes the game more fun when you’re losing distance to the cold. The goal is to have a good time, not to punish yourself.
Final Thoughts
So whether you’re booking a flight to the desert or just bundling up for a local nine, there’s no reason for your clubs to gather dust in February. From the legendary courses of Florida and Arizona to practical tips for a chilly round, you have plenty of options to get out and play.
When you head out to one of these bucket-list destinations, you'll be playing a lot of new courses. Having a smart plan is the best way to enjoy it, which is why when we designed our app, we made sure Caddie AI gives you on-demand hole-by-hole strategy for any course, helping you navigate blind shots and tricky layouts like you've been playing there for years. This way, you can step up to every shot with confidence and focus on simply enjoying good golf.