SPONSORED CONTENT
Fort Lauderdale-based private jet provider, Mercury Jets, shares the most popular golf courses of 2021 by bookings…
Fly private and play golf
Private aviation and golf are a perfect match. Fact: Professional golfers use private aviation to maximize their time between tournaments and golf lovers all around the world use executive charters for a great experience with family and friends, while enjoying a wide array of amenities, extreme comfort, and safety. Furthermore, they can land at regional or executive airports close to their favorite courses and reduce ground transportation times to a minimum.
While winter is on the way, there are still numerous places in the country with year-long great weather, in the west and east alike, and this piece specifically showcases the top three courses according to expert Golf Digest Magazine, paired with the list elaborated by Mercury Jets of the 10 leading golf destinations in the U.S. by number of bookings.
Chartering a private jet for a golf tour is a unique experience, nothing compared to flying commercial. In fact, you can fly to various courses in just a few days thanks to its flexibility and comfort. Also, when flying on a private jet your equipment will not be checked in and no weight restrictions are imposed.
Most importantly, you can fly with your clubs in the cabin and not worry about damages, as could be the case with commercial aviation. Just focus on your game after landing.
Best courses in the East
1. North Carolina
Good weather and fantastic country clubs define North Carolina. Jackson County Airport is 25 miles away from the Wade Hampton Golf Course, while Pinehurst Resort is just 6 miles from Moore County Airport (SOP). Diamond Creek Golf Course is located 20 miles from Boone Airport (NC14), although this terminal only can serve turboprops due to the length restrictions of its runway.
Top courses
1. Wade Hampton G.C.
2. Pinehurst Resort
3. Diamond Creek G.C.
2. Alabama
One airport for each course. This is what private aviation is all about. Alabama’s top three courses have very conveniently located terminals. The Country Club of Birmingham is just eight miles from Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) while Shoal Creek is only 21 miles separated from the same terminal. The Ledges Country Club located in the northern tip of Alabama, has Huntsville Executive Airport (KMDQ) just 20 miles away.
Top courses
1. Shoal Creek
2. C.C. of Birmingham
3. The Ledges C.C.
3. Florida
With wonderful weather all year, it is no secret that Florida is a coveted golf destination. The top three options here also have a specific terminal for landing a private jet. The Seminole Golf Course is 17 miles away from the Palm Beach International Airport (PBI), the TPC Sawgrass is 18 miles from the Jacksonville Executive at Craig Airport (JAXEX) and Calusa Pines G.C. is 15 miles from Naples International Airport (NAP).
Top courses
1. Seminole G.C.
2. TPC Sawgrass
3. Calusa Pines G.C.
4. Wisconsin
Who said that a little chill on a sunny day can hurt your chances of piling bridies? It is always a good day for golf lovers! Again, three conveniently located terminals connect in few miles with the top country clubs in the state. For Whistling Straits, Sheboygan County Memorial Airport (SBM) is just 12 miles away, while Erwin Hills only 9 miles from Hartford Municipal Airport (HXF). Timmerman Airport (MWC) is the closest to theMilwaukee Country Club at only 8 miles.
Top courses
1. Whistling Straits
2. Erin Hills
3. Milwaukee C.C.
5. Georgia
Have you heard about the Augusta National Golf Club? Exactly, home of the Masters Tournament and one of the most famous golf courses in the world, while just 13 miles from the Augusta Regional Airport (AGS). At number two comes the Ohoopee Match Club, located 17 miles from Vidalia Regional Airport (VDI). Finally, Peachtree G.C. is the country club that is closest to a terminal on this list, just 2 miles from DeKalb-Peachtree Airport (PDK).
Top courses
1. Augusta National Golf Club
2. Ohoopee Match Club
3. Peachtree G.C.
6. Michigan
You can find phenomenal golf courses all along the west ridge of Lake Michigan. This is precisely the place where both number one and three of Golf Digest’s top courses in Michigan are located, an average 15 miles away from Frankfort Dow Memorial Airport (FKS). Oakland Hills Country Club is 25 miles removed from the Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW).
Top courses
1. Crystal Downs C.C.
2. Oakland Hills C.C.
3. Arcadia Bluffs G.C.
7. South Carolina
If you like breathtaking views while playing golf, South Carolina has a place for you. The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island in eastern South Carolina is a thing of beauty, where you can enjoy the ocean breeze while walking to the next hole. It is located 20 miles from Charleston Executive Airport (JZI), the same terminal that serves Congaree G.C., although located 70 miles away, the most remote field on this list. While Yeamans Hall Club is only 8 miles from Charleston International Airport (CHS).
Top courses
1. The Ocean Course
2. Congaree G.C.
3. Yeamans Hall Club
Best courses in the West
8. Oregon
The Pacific Northwest is arguably the best place for a private jet golf tour in the states. Oregon, for instance, has various quality executive airports that makes it the most booked golf destination by Mercury Jets. The closest airport that serves the top three courses in the state is Southwest Oregon Regional Airport (OTH), with an average 25 miles from each country club. This is very convenient and justifies why Oregon is the top destination, as passengers, in just one trip to the state, can visit all top courses in a few days.
Top courses
1. Pacific Dunes
2. Bandon Dunes
3. Old Macdonald
9. California
California also has an important network of executive airports and courses, what makes it a very attractive destination. For number 1 and 2, Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) is just 9 miles away, as both country clubs are very close. The Los Angeles Country Club is 12 miles removed from LA International Airport (LAX), and although it has heavy traffic year-round, it also offers one of the top private jet infrastructures in the world to secure flawless access to hundreds of private aircraft landing daily.
Top courses
1. Cypress Point Club
2. Pebble Beach
3. Los Angeles C.C.
10. Hawaii
Another perfect opportunity for private aviation to thrive. The top three courses are located in three different islands. Nanea Golf Course in the west coast of Hawaii’s Big Island, 10 miles from Kona International Airport (KOA). Manele is 8 miles from Lanai Airport (LNY), the only airport serving the island of Lanai. Finally, Kapalua is in Maui, and 30 miles separated from Kahului Airport (OGG).
Top courses
1. Nanea G.C.
2. Manele
3. Kapalua