With so many PGA golf courses located all across the world, it goes without saying that pro golfers get some amazing opportunities to travel. But what golf courses do pro golfers find themselves constantly coming back to in their downtime?

In this article, we’ll walk you through some of the most popular vacation destinations among PGA professionals. Read on to learn where your favourite golfers like Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy and Phil Mickelson spend their free time. 

Noosa and The Whitsunday Islands 

No matter where you go in Australia, you’ll find no shortage of stunning golf courses and resorts. It will come as no surprise, then, that the Land Down Under is a popular vacation spot among PGA golfers when they take a break from the PGA circuit. Noosa and the Whitsunday Islands, in particular, draw plenty of professional golfers every year. These two places are also open to anyone who wants to visit: a quick search will reveal plenty of Whitsunday and Noosa accommodation at all price points. 

Both Noosa and the Whitsundays boast world-class golf courses where PGA professionals regularly practice to keep their skills sharp. When in Noosa, professional golfers are often seen in the Noosa Springs Golf & Spa Resort, the Noosa Valley Golf Club and the Peregian Springs Golf Club. Not to be outdone, the Whitsundays are home to the world-famous Hamilton Island Golf Club, along with many other excellent courses. Moreover, both destinations feature stunning beaches that are perfect for relaxing in style after a long day of playing golf. 

Queensland is a massive state, so it’s no surprise that travelling between Noosa and the Whitsunday Islands takes some time. Both are must-visits for golfers of all levels, however, so we highly recommend paying a visit to both locations if you find yourself in the area. 

La Quinta, California

A large part of the PGA tour takes place in the United States, so it makes sense that many professional golfers stay in cities like La Quinta, California, to recharge while simultaneously honing their golf skills. La Quinta is also home to The American Express, an official PGA tournament that's hosted players like Jason Day. It's not surprising, then, that many players stay in La Quinta to stay in tournament shape while taking a break from the tour. 

La Quinta encapsulates everything good about California, from its warm sunshine, luxurious bungalows and stunning natural beauty. It's also home to PGA West, a collection of stunning golf courses designed by legends like Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer. Both professionals and regular visitors can also stay at the La Quinta Resort & Club, which grants visitors access to these PGA-quality golf courses and also features luxury accommodations, a world-class fitness centre and five incredible restaurants. 

PGA players look for the very best when going on vacation, so it says something about La Quinta that many of the world's best golfers flock here every year even when there are no tournaments taking place. This small Californian city gives professionals and tourists alike everything they need to get some much needed rest while maintaining their golfing skills. 

Straffan, Ireland

Golf has a rich history in Ireland. Every year, the world’s best golfers flock to the Emerald Isle both to take part in tournaments and to catch up on some rest and relaxation. Straffan, a small village in County Kildare, is an especially popular destination among both Irish and foreign professional golfers. 

Straffan is home to the Kildare Hotel and Golf Club, or simply the K Club, a sprawling complex that looks like it could have been taken straight out of a fairytale. Names like Phil Mickelson and Darren Clarke have been spotted practising and relaxing at the K Club. Members of the general public can also book a stay at this prestigious retreat, which features lush golf courses, luxurious suites and delicious restaurants. 

Besides containing all the golfing facilities professionals need to stay sharp, Straffan also offers gorgeous scenery that anyone will love. Situated on the banks of the River Liffey, visitors can enjoy lush greenery and a relaxing view of the river from the window of their accommodation. Straffan is also within driving distance of Dublin, making it perfect for anyone who wants to take a day trip to the Irish capital. 

The Maldives 

If there’s one place in the world that athletes and other celebrities love to visit when they manage to find some leisure time in their busy schedules, it’s the Maldives. Anyone who’s spent time on this archipelago in the Indian Ocean will immediately understand why famous golfers ranging from Rory McIlroy to Tiger Woods have been spotted vacationing here. 

Being an archipelago, the Maldives are made up of many islands, and some of these islands contain golf courses that will take your breath away. Kuredu Island, Velaa Private Island and the Jawakara Islands are prime examples. 

Besides offering access to professional-level courses, the Maldives are also famous for their sapphire waters and white beaches. They’re also a fantastic place for partying, and many golfers head here to have fun after a gruelling season on tour. 

Enjoy R&R for yourself at any of these golf holiday destinations

Between playing in high-pressure tournaments, attending media engagements and practising, it can be difficult for the world's best golfers to carve out some time to rest and recharge. That’s why choosing the right vacation spots is essential for professional golfers when they do find time away from the PGA tour.  

The destinations we’ve shared above are particularly popular among PGA golfers owing to their lush golf courses, luxurious accommodation options and stunning natural scenery. But even so, we’ve just gone over some of the most popular haunts among professional golfers. Book a trip to one of these four locations today to experience what it’s like to kick back and relax in the style of your favourite golfers.