For the money-conscious Albuquerque offers incredible value for a 3-day trip. UNM Championship and Twin Warriors are both amazing championship courses that you can play for ~50 USD. Pakko Ridge is pricier but as pretty a desert golf course as you’ll find anywhere. Weather is perfect in October, too.
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Not often thought of as a golf destination, here in Nebraska we have some unbelievable golf in Mullen, Gothenburg, and Valentine. Headlined by Sand Hills in Mullen. Tough to get on, but not impossible. Quite possibly the best course in the Midwest. Follow it up with Dismal River, also in Mullen. Finish your trip off at either the Prairie Club Dunes course in Valentine or Wild Horse in Gothenburg.
You’ll never regret it.
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Besides what had been said, Palm Springs/Palm Desert can be great. You can stay and play for really cheap if you’re willing to do it during the summer 
Checking in to nominate the Sandhills of NC. Not sure how it could get much better from a variety and budget standpoint. There is enough to fit any golfers needs!
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I’m in the process of booking a late May trip to Whistling Straits and the prices are great. Looked at Sand Valley, but it was quite a bit more expensive. My trip will consist of both the courses at Whistling Straits, and the 2 Blackwolf Run courses, and an extra day where we’ll drive over to play Erin Hills as well. Five days and about $1700 all included.
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Played both courses at Arcadia last year, beautiful there, one of the best golf trips I’ve ever taken.We’re going to Garland in Lewiston, MI this weekend. Not as nice as Arcadia, but they have 4 courses and they’re pretty good tracks.
If you are starting from Sydney, I highly recommend heading north. Magenta Shores is a great links course, Newcastle is a classic, Pacific Dunes is a great new course and Horizons is also a lot of fun.
A trip to Whistling is going to cost you less than Sand Valley?! That really surprises me. I was at SV in may of this year. We stayed 2 nights on property, and played 2 rounds at all 3 courses. We did not get caddies, and excluding food & beverage (which is very delicious and reasonably priced) it was roughly $650 a person if I remember correctly.
Shoulder season weather in Wisconsin can be very hit or miss, but we were well prepared and still enjoyed every second of it. Even in the 37 degree weather with light snow flurries!
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I have not been, but after watching the JT and Tiger match vs Rory and Rose, the Big Cedar Lodge is definitely on my list. Looked incredible.
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Have been to Pinehurst three years in a row…also a must. On top of the great courses on and off the resort, the short par three Cradle course is as fun as it gets. Music playing through “rock” speakers and a bar centrally located for your beverage needs. Only need a few wedges and a putter and can play around as many times as you like, although only takes about an hour. Many hole in one opportunities. The 18 hole “Thistle-Dhu” putt-putt course over what has to be one of the largest putting greens in the world is also a must. Great wagering opportunities between those two supplemental “rounds”.
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Pinehurst, Pinehurst, Pinehurst. Can’t say it enough. I’ve done trips and stayed at the resort and off the resort. There is just sooooo much golf down there, it’s nearly impossible not to me overwhelmed. Great for most all skill levels (except for the true beginner), the whole village is amazing.
If you want something a little cheaper and not a resort then there’s always Myrtle Beach.
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That’s a great trip. Some friends and I are doing the same, but going about this time next year. Really looking forward to it.
I’ve planned a million trips over the past few months, between working from home and just general COVID malaise, and it always comes back to Pinehurst. Whenever life allows again safely, you’ll know where to find me
Yeah I was surprised too. Was quoted about $1500 for sand valley for something similar to WS which was $1300. Our added trip to Erin hills is adding another 400 or so.
That is good to know. I have not looked into WS myself because I had always heard how expensive it was. The group of buddies I travel with for golf typically lean towards lower cost options, shoulder season rates, etc. I will have to look into that for next year to see if its worth switching up from SV.
I forgot my trip to kiawah! Really enjoyed the resort and the golf courses were nice. Did not play the ocean course… we played turtle and cougar.
The sanctuary is awesome… it was my last trip pre COVID-19!
This is a trip I have had on my list for some time. Seems unreal!
Orlando is a great spot for lots of good golf. I did a trip there with my family to Disney World - spent a day down at Streamsong and played the Red and Blue courses which were amazing! Played a round at Bay Hill one day and took a trip to the World Golf Hall of Fame. Orlando is pretty central to go north and south to lots of great golf!
NorCal - Ive been for “work” and the Pebble, Spyglass, Pasatiempo lineup was amazing. Lots of cheaper good tracks around from what I hear as well.
Ill echo what @Gisclairj said about St George, UT too - I just took a trip down there (Im from Utah). Ledges was a really neat track. Sand Hollow, Entrada, Coral Canyon and Sky Mountain are all great tracks too. Lots of good golf there!
If you’re based in the northeast or mid-Atlantic the Poconos area is great. Good golf courses- Jack Frost, Mount Airy; gorgeous views, good bars/restaurants, tons of Air BnB’s; and all very affordable!
I’m another fan of Pinehurst and Southern Pines. So big a fan that my wife and I bought a villa (condo really) at Talamore, and try to spend a week or two in the area every year. Loads of golf, really good restaurants, a wide variety of lodging options, its a great part of the world.
I also enjoyed my only visit to Kohler WI. That one is pretty pricey, but the lodging choices are really nice, and the golf is spectacular.
Another option in my general part of the world is Ocean City MD/Rehobeth, DE
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