New Study Names Top Spots for Golfers in the U.S.

New data has pinpointed the best states for a golfing vacation, and several southeastern states have ranked on top.

Florida, South Carolina, and Georgia are some of the southern states that made the Top 15 Best U.S. States for Golfers.

The study, carried out by relocation experts My Baggage, analyzed the distribution of golf courses, driving ranges, tournaments, and golf coaches per 100,000 residents in every state, alongside the number of platinum clubs. Based on this data, they assigned a score to each location and ranked them accordingly. 

Florida, scoring 64.42 out of 100, ranks as the best state for golfers. With 1,131 golf courses, the most in any state, it also has the highest number of available PGA coaches, standing at 329 instructors. Florida also boasts the most Platinum Clubs in America, with 12 listed in the 2023-2024 ranking — double that of California.

Coming in at #4 on the list with a score of 57.33 out of 100, South Carolina offers a golf course for approximately every 16,000 residents and a driving range for every 28,500 residents. While it has only one Platinum Club of America, the Sage Valley Golf Club, the state offers 75 PGA coaches. There are also 58 upcoming tournaments, building on the excitement of the recent RBC Tour last month. 

Georgia came in at #12 on the list with a score of 49.61 out of 100.

So…which state came in last place? That honor belongs to Louisiana, which only scored a 5.34 out of 100.

Here’s a look at the Top 15 Best U.S. States for Golfers…

1. Florida
2. Colorado
3. Arizona
4. South Carolina
5. Wyoming
6. Pennsylvania
7. New York
8. Minnesota
9. Illinois
10. Maryland
11. California
12. Georgia
13. Ohio
14. New Jersey
15. Idaho

The states that ranked at the bottom included Tennessee (#46), Mississippi (#47), West Virginia (#48), Alaska (#49), and Louisiana (#50).

Looking for some great golf resorts close to home? Check out these 15+ Georgia Golf Resorts Even Non-Golfers Will Love.