6 Best Places for Golf Lovers to Retire in the U.S., With Excellent Public Courses and Year-round Sunshine

It probably won't come as a surprise to the millions of men and women who've been playing the game for years, but interest in golf is growing, according to data from the U.S. Golf Association and the National Golf Foundation . It's a sport that can be enjoyed at all skill levels and played well into later years, so when it's time to retire, many golf fans choose their future homes around the game. Based on firsthand experience and input from golfers and experts around the country, we've rounded up six of the best places to retire around the U.S. for golf lovers. 

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Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

"Myrtle Beach works incredibly well for retirement because golf isn't just a vacation activity here—it's part of daily life," according to Kyle Oland, director of marketing at Golf Tourism Solutions . "You have year-round playability, an unmatched variety of courses , and public access that allows people to play frequently without needing an exclusive membership. For many retirees, the biggest shift is going from planning one or two golf trips a year to having 80+ courses essentially in their backyard."

Oland continued, "One of Myrtle Beach's strengths is that almost every course offers multiple tee options, so players can adjust yardage as their game evolves. Beyond that, there are layouts that naturally lend themselves to enjoyable retirement golf." Myrtle Beach boasts much to do when retirees are not on the golf course, with beaches, museums, wineries, distilleries, and water sports. 

Considered a retirement-friendly state , South Carolina does not tax Social Security, and the state offers some of the lowest property taxes in the country. Niche notes a median home value of $388,800 in Myrtle Beach and a B+ grade for overall livability.

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Florida's Suncoast

With more golf courses than any other state, the Sunshine State is a favorite with vacationers and retirees. Florida's Suncoast stretches along the Gulf of Mexico and includes popular locales like Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Sarasota, and Naples , along with several smaller seaside towns. Year-round warm weather, beaches, and cultural activities offer a vibrant retirement lifestyle, and for golfers, there are many courses, from public links to exclusive private country clubs, to choose from. 

In Sarasota , there's the Suncoast Golf Center , where locals can play, practice, or take lessons for reasonable prices. Named for the legendary golfer, the Bobby Jones Golf Club is open to the public, with two courses and resident discounts. Naples and the surrounding areas also offer an array of public golf courses.

There are also many excellent options for golfers seeking a country club. Patrick Gogoel, director of golf at The Ritz-Carlton Members Club, Sarasota , says the par-72, 18-hole championship course "is an ideal course for all skill levels, with forgiving tee shots and unique elevation changes."

Homes, condos, and gated communities along the Sun Coast offer a range of lifestyles and prices. For example, Sarasota receives an A- for overall livability from Niche with a median home value of $463,000. The median home value in Clearwater, according to Niche , is $361,300, while in Naples, the median home value is $1,525,600. 

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Greater Palm Springs, California

"From Palm Springs to Coachella, the nine cities of Greater Palm Springs offer more than a hundred golf courses, from public courses to private clubs and resort courses," according to realtor RoseAnne Foxx of Bennion Deville Homes . "Many retirees choose to live in golf course communities for the convenience of a home course along with member and homeowner amenities. Others buy in non-golf course developments and still have many public golf course options." 

With nine cities in the area, median home values range from around $354,800 in Desert Hot Springs to $1,078,200 in Indian Wells . As a popular winter vacation destination, Greater Palm Springs offers an abundance of restaurants, entertainment, shopping, and outdoor activities.

I'm a frequent visitor to the Palm Springs area, and I've played at several different golf courses, including the Desert Princess Country Club , which is open to the public, and the course at Sensei Porcupine Creek , exclusively for resort guests. I've played at night—perfect for warm summer evenings—at The Lights at Indio and at short courses like the Pebble Course at Cimarron. Retirees in the Greater Palm Springs area also have the opportunity to volunteer at major golf tournaments like the annual American Express , a fun way to spend time at top courses and watch their favorite players up close. 

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North Carolina Coast

Known as "North Carolina's Golf Coast," the Brunswick Islands and the area that extends to the Outer Banks are home to a variety of public golf courses , private clubs, and resorts. Retirees seeking a waterfront lifestyle along with golf, fresh seafood, and outdoor recreation can find it in Brunswick County. Sunset Beach, for example, receives a B+ grade from Niche , with a median home value of $410,900. 

The Crystal Coast town of Beaufort is popular with summer visitors, and many decide to stay for their golden years. Golfers have their choice of public and private golf courses , and housing options include independent living communities and gated developments. Niche gives Beaufort a B+, with a median home value of $354,900.

Farther along the coast, Wilmington offers 19 golf courses , both public and private. I've spent time in Wilmington visiting retired friends, and my husband and I have played golf there. It's a great destination to visit and a wonderful place to live as well. Niche gives Wilmington a grade of A- and notes a median home value of $383,800.

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Las Vegas, Nevada

"The Las Vegas area should be at the top of your list as a retiree who loves golf," says Donny Long, director of golf operations at Golf Summerlin. "The Las Vegas Valley offers dozens of courses, from affordable municipal layouts to luxury resort experiences. There are also several senior-friendly executive-length courses if you are looking for a round of golf in under three hours, along with a lower price point." He added, "Vegas has year-round golf weather, with over 300 days of sunshine per year, which means you can golf almost any month."

Long pointed out that Las Vegas has many master-planned communities, including Summerlin, complete with several golf courses, great shopping, and top-notch restaurants. Retirees and visitors who won't be hitting the links can find lots to do , including many free activities in Las Vegas . Nevada has no state income tax or estate tax, another plus for retirees. Niche gives the Summerlin area an A- overall grade and states a median home value of $466,790.

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Jacksonville and Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida

Jacksonville offers a variety of golf courses as well as a relatively reasonable cost of living for Florida, making it an attractive destination for retirees who enjoy the game and want to play year-round. Niche gives Jacksonville an overall grade of B+ and notes a median home value of $293,700. Florida's retiree-friendly tax laws—including no state income tax—are also a plus.

Home of one of professional golf's most prestigious tournaments, The Players at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra, the area is a favorite of recreational golfers as well as the pros. Locals look forward to volunteering at the annual event for a chance to see their favorite professional golfers play the famed public course that they can also play themselves. While playing at TPC Sawgrass is a special (and pricey) experience, the area offers a number of other public courses for a variety of playing styles.

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