With lush fairways and lovely water elements, golf courses are often the centerpiece of active adult communities. While golf communities can be found across the country, some of the best are found in popular retirement destinations like Florida and Arizona. If you are looking for a challenging course with plenty of scenic beauty, there are some must-see golf communities you won’t want to miss.
Florida
Golf communities in Florida come in many sizes and styles. Some are age-restricted, while others are open to residents of all ages. With over 50,000 homes, The Villages has grown into its own resort-style city, complete with retail centers, town squares and dozens of recreation centers. When it comes to golf, this 55 and over community offers 26 executive courses and nine 18-hole championship courses.
Florida residents who prefer to live in an open-age community also have several great options. Lely Resort Golf and Country Club features three amazing courses with picturesque designs and challenging layouts. In Naples, Vineyards provides two private 18-hole championship courses. Its North Course is designed in a Scottish links style, while the South Course is flexible enough to meet the needs of golfers of any skill level.
Arizona
Active adults in Arizona’s Green Valley Recreation (GVR) have many options when it comes to golf courses. The GVR is a conglomerate of 55+ communities that lets residents share each others’ amenities to have a more diverse lifestyle. The GVR includes eight different golf courses, giving resident golfers plenty of variety.
Outside of the GVR area, Arizona has many active adult communities with their own spectacular golf courses, like Sun City Grand just outside of Phoenix. This beautiful Del Webb community has three 18-hole championship golf courses designed by PGA Hall-of-Famer Billy Casper and golf course architect Greg Nash.
Texas
The Lone Star State has become a popular destination for active adult retirees, and several Texas communities have their own spectacular golf courses. Sun City Texas is a Del Webb community with three championship golf courses, including the Legacy Hills course, which is ranked among the best golf courses in the state.
At Robson Ranch, resident golfers can enjoy a challenging game at the Wildhorse Golf Club’s 18-hole championship course, designed by renowned golf architect Gary Stephenson.
South Carolina
Along the South Carolina coast, active adult golfers will find gorgeous island communities with their own fantastic golf courses. Sun City Hilton Head features championship courses at the Okatie Creek Golf Club and the Hidden Cypress Club, each designed by PGA tour professional Mark McCumber.
California
On the West Coast, California golfers enjoy a wide variety of courses in the Palm Springs area. At Sun City Shadow Hills, residents can test their skills at an amazing 18-hole course designed by Lee Schmidt and Brian Curley, or work on their short game at the newer par-3 course.
Spectacular golf courses are scattered outside of the Palm Springs area as well, such as the fabulous 18-hole, par 72 course found at Trilogy at Glen Ivy in the Inland Empire Area.
While golf communities are found throughout the country, these must-see courses are sure to impress active adult golfers looking for their ideal retirement destinations.
