Golf holidays combine the thrill of travel with the luxury of world-class courses, and for Avios collectors, flying to the best golfing destinations has never been more rewarding. From the sun-drenched fairways of the Algarve to the dramatic coastal courses of Northern California, Avios members can enjoy premium travel experiences while indulging in their favourite sport. Here’s a look at the best Avios destinations to tee off to.
Northern California – Iconic Fairways and Coastal Beauty
There are a myriad of reasons a tourist might want to visit Northern California. From its natural beauty - lush valleys and Sierra Nevada mountains, to its pulsing and vibrant cities - San Francisco and Santa Cruz to name a couple. It's also home to some of the best golf courses, a real draw for golfers.
Renowned courses like Pebble Beach, nestled in the Monterey Peninsula, and six time host of the US Open Championship; Cypress Point, also in the Monterey Peninsula and designed by world renowned designer Alister Mackenzi. Both offer breathtaking coastal views alongside award winning layouts. For those looking to experience top-tier golf, other golf courses in Northern California include Spyglass Hill and Pasatiempo Golf Club, both of which provide challenging and scenic rounds.
Avios Travel Tips:
- Fly to Los Angeles (LAX) or San Francisco (SFO) from London.
- Off-peak return Premium Economy reward seats start from 95,000 Avios plus £355.
- Business Class reward seats are available from 180,000 Avios plus £475.
The Algarve – Europe’s Golfing Paradise
Portugal’s Algarve region spans a rugged coastline along the country’s most southern point, and boasts soft golden beaches kissed by warm turquoise waters, dotted with quaint hilltop villages. The area boasts fantastic weather year-round, with plenty of outdoor activities for children and grown ups alike to enjoy. The Algarve also happens to be synonymous with world-class golf.
Featuring some of the best golf courses, including Monte Rei - a breathtaking Jack Nicklaus Signature course close to Tavira, Dom Pedro Victoria - situated in Vilamoura and designed by golf legend Arnold Palmer, and Quinta do Lago - a luxury resort in Almancil, and home to the Paul McGinley Golf Academy and Southern Europe’s only TaylorMade Performance Centre, this destination is perfect for golf lovers.
Avios Travel Tips:
- Fly to Faro, Lisbon, Porto, or Funchal from London.
- Off-peak return Economy reward seats start from 23,500 Avios plus £1.
Northern Ireland – Links Golf at Its Finest
For a more traditional golfing experience, think Northern Ireland. Birthplace of the Titanic, and built upon a complex tapestry of politics and historical significance, you’ll find prehistoric coastlines, including the Giants Causeway in County Antrim, an abundance of whiskey distilleries to sample the local nectar, and lively celebrations that seemingly go on around the clock. It also offers some of the best golf courses you can imagine. Royal Portrush on the Causeway Coast and Glens is a 36 hole course rated as the seventh best in the world by Golf Digest. One of the crown jewels of the region, it is renowned for its Dunluce Links course, which hosted The Open Championship in 2019 and will again in July 2025. This iconic course offers a challenging layout that tests even the best golfers.
Royal County Down, in Newcastle, is one of the oldest courses in the country, having opened in 1889. One of the most stunning settings for golf anywhere in the world, the course is known for its fast fairways, natural bunkers, and many blind shots. It hosted the Walker Cup in 2007. There are at least another 14 top golf courses in Northern Ireland which all continue to attract top players.
The dramatic coastal landscapes and rich golfing heritage make this a must-visit destination.
Avios Travel Tips:
- Fly to Belfast from London.
- Off-peak return Economy reward seats start from 18,500 Avios plus £1.
Florida – Sunshine and Championship Courses
Florida is jam-packed with places to go and things to see, from broadway-style shows, theme parks and music concerts, to blissful days on white kissed sands and exploring the abundance of wildlife and natural beauty in the Keys. Forget Disney World, Florida is a haven for golfers, especially those seeking the sunshine, with over 1,000 courses spread across the state.
The best golf courses in Florida 2024-25 include TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach - which boasts two PGA Tour courses designed by Pete Dye, Bay Hill in Orlando - home of the Arnold Palmer Invitational and the former residence of golfing legend Arnold Palmer himself, and Streamsong in Bowling Green - offering 54 holes of championship golf across three courses, as well as a luxurious hotel and spa. For those looking for variety, top public golf courses in Florida offer something for every skill level, with year-round sunshine and top-notch facilities.
Avios Travel Tips:
- Fly to Orlando or Tampa from London.
- Off-peak return Premium Economy reward seats start from 95,000 Avios plus £355.
- Business Class reward seats are available from 180,000 Avios plus £475.
Mexico – Championship Courses with a Cultural Twist
With its Caribbean coastline, rich culture, and cosmopolitan capital, not to mention its rapidly expanding, vibrant museum and foodie scenes, Mexico makes for a great golf getaway. Exploring Mexico City is perfect for art and history buffs; then there are the luxury resorts in Cancun and La Paz for relaxing on the beaches; and wonderful pre-Columbian architecture in Chichen Itza, offering a perfect balance between golf and sightseeing.
Cabo del Sol in Los Cabos is one of the top voted 100 courses in the world, designed by the master of desert golf - Tom Weiskopf, and is set in canyon-like arroyos hugged by lush desert and mountain views. El Camaleón in Mayakoba provides a unique golfing experience, having hosted PGA Tours a plenty, as well as the LIV Golf League. Designed by Greg Norman, golfers can expect a course that offers views of tropical jungle and dense mangroves, as well as the expansive Riviera Maya oceanfront. Most of the top golf resorts in Mexico also offer luxury accommodations, making for an unforgettable holiday.
Avios Travel Tips:
- Fly to Cancun or Mexico City from London.
- Off-peak return Premium Economy reward seats start from 95,000 Avios plus £355.
- Business Class reward seats are available from 180,000 Avios plus £475.
Why Book a Golf Holiday with Avios?
Booking a golf holiday abroad with Avios means you can enjoy cash savings on flights booked with points - using our 1p per 1 Avios golden rule to calculate the saving. Don’t forget, you can utilise your BA Club Tier Status to access the airport lounge, priority boarding and more. Collectors can also use Avios for reward seat upgrades and extra baggage - ideal for golf clubs!
How Reward Flight Finder (RFF) Can Help
With RFF, Avios collectors can easily Search for reward flights, ensuring they get the best availability for their desired destinations. The platform simplifies finding Avios reward seats, allowing users to track flight options in real-time and secure flights to their favourite golf destinations before they sell out. If you can’t find a seat to book at the time you search, you can set Alerts up to 355 days ahead and RFF will notify you when your preferred seats become available.
Maximising Avios Benefits for Golf Holidays
- Use Avios to Upgrade Flights: Enhance your travel experience by upgrading to Business Class using Avios.
- Combine with BA Tier Status: Higher status in the BA Club offers extra benefits such as priority boarding and additional baggage allowances.
- Book Early: Reward seats are limited, so securing flights in advance increases the chances of availability. RFF makes this process smooth by offering instant alerts on Avios seat availability.
Final Thoughts
Start planning the best golf trip destinations with RFF, and turn your Avios into unforgettable experiences on the fairway!
