Welcome to the ultimate guide for all the golf aficionados out there! If you’re someone who eats, sleeps, and breathes golf, then you’re in for a treat. We’ve gone the extra mile to bring you the top 5 places to live in the world that are perfect for golf lovers like you.
1. Coronado, Panama
If you dream of retirement with easy access to a fantastic yet reasonably-priced golf club, you should definitely check out Coronado in Panama. You’ll find a few amazing courses around that won’t break the bank but will give you a great golfing experience.
Coronado is a lovely town located on the Pacific coast. Here you will find stunning beaches, warm weather, and a relaxed lifestyle. The town is popular among retirees and expats, and there’s a strong sense of community. All modern amenities are also present, including supermarkets, restaurants, and medical facilities. The cost of living is also affordable, making it an excellent option if you are on a budget.
One of the most popular courses among retirees in Panama is the Coronado Golf and Beach Resort. It’s in the town of Coronado and surrounded by stunning beaches and natural beauty. Plus, the course is incredibly well-maintained, so you’ll enjoy breathtaking views while playing. And don’t worry if you’re a beginner – the course welcomes golfers of all skill levels!
Just a short drive from Coronado in Santa Clara, you will find Santa Clara Golf Club: This 18-hole course is set amid lush tropical vegetation and offers a challenging yet enjoyable golfing experience.
Other golf courses in the area to explore include Buenaventura Golf Club, Mantarraya Golf Club, Summit Golf Club and others.
Apart from golfing, there are also plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, with surfing and hiking being high on the agenda.
Another perk is that many golf clubs offer discounts to retirees via the country’s Pensionado program.
When it comes to buying a home here, whether you’re on a tight budget or looking for something luxurious, there’s something for everyone.
Here is what’s for sale in Coronado right now:
A two-bedroom, two-bathroom luxury condo with stunning ocean views and access to a pool, gym, and tennis court is for sale at $325,000.
A three-bedroom, three-bathroom golf course villa on the Coronado Golf Course offers beautiful views, a private pool, and access to the golf course and clubhouse—$595,000.
A one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment in a gated community in Coronado with access to a pool and gym can be yours for $99,000.
Read more about the area in our Living In Coronado guide. Wondering how you can retire to Panama? Check out our Retiring To Panama Guide.
2. Yucatan, Mexico
The Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico is a hidden gem for golf enthusiasts. With its tropical climate, stunning natural beauty, and world-class courses, it’s quickly becoming a top destination for golfers worldwide.
One of the most famous courses is the Riviera Maya Golf Club, a challenging 18-hole course surrounded by lush vegetation and breathtaking ocean views. Another notable course is the Yucatan Country Club, featuring 18 holes and set amid a stunning landscape and offers challenging holes for golfers of all levels.
If having various golfing options in proximity is your priority, check out Cancun. Known for its stunning beaches, turquoise waters, and tropical climate, the city offers a great quality of life, modern amenities, excellent healthcare, and a thriving life.
It’s an affordable cosmopolitan city with vibrant nightlife, including restaurants, bars, and nightclubs.
Cancun has 11 golf courses; it’s a haven for golfing enthusiasts. If you are looking for a town living, check out the Riviera Maya. This coastline area starts south of Cancun and runs to Tulum, including Playa del Carmen, Puerto Morelos, Cozumel, Akumal and others.
Living here will give you easy access to one of the most renowned golfing destinations in Mexico – the Mayakoba Golf Classic in the south of Cancun.
A one-bedroom, one-bathroom condo in Puerto Cancun, with views of the golf course and includes access to a variety of amenities, including a pool and gym, will cost you $150,000.
For luxury and exclusivity, a five-bedroom, six-bathroom villa in the exclusive community of Playa Mujeres with stunning views of the golf course and ocean, a private pool, an outdoor kitchen, and access to a beach club and spa is selling at $3,500,000.
A three-bedroom, two-bathroom home in the gated community of Residencial Cumbres, a short distance from the golf course, is for sale at $250,000.
Learn more about the area in our Living In The Yucatan Penisula guide. For general information about moving to Mexico, read our Living In Mexico guide.
3. The Algarve, Portugal
Retiring to the Algarve region of Portugal to play golf is a dream come true for many golf enthusiasts.
The region boasts over 40 top-class courses, including the famous Monte Rei Golf & Country Club and the Vale do Lobo Royal Golf Course. The mild climate, with over 300 days of sunshine per year, makes it an ideal destination for golfers year-round.
While there are several great areas to live in the Algarve for golfers, here are a few of the best:
Vilamoura – This area is one of the most popular destinations for golfers in the Algarve, with several world-class golf courses, including the Victoria Golf Course, which hosts the annual Portugal Masters tournament. A mid-priced two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment in the heart of Vilamoura and a short distance from the Vilamoura Golf Course will cost you around €300,000.
Quinta do Lago – This exclusive resort area is home to some of the most prestigious golf courses in the region, including the Quinta do Lago South Course and the Laranjal Course. A mid-priced two-bedroom townhouse in a quiet area of Quinta do Lago and a short distance from the Quinta do Lago Golf Course will cost you around €450,000.
Carvoeiro – This charming coastal town is known for its stunning beaches and laid-back lifestyle. Several excellent golf courses are nearby, including the Pestana Gramacho and Vale de Milho. A two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment in a quiet area of Carvoeiro and a short distance from the Vale de Milho Golf Course will cost you around €150,000.
Lagos – This historic town offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern amenities, with several excellent golf courses nearby, including the Boavista and Palmares Golf Course. At the low end, you can buy a one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment within walking distance from the Boavista Golf Course at about €120,000. If you are after luxury, a four-bedroom, four-bathroom villa in a prestigious area of Lagos and a short distance from the Palmares Golf Course with views of the golf course and ocean, a private pool, and access to a gym and spa will cost you €3,500,000.
Discover more in our Living In The Algarve guide.
Our guide on Retiring To Portugal is a perfect place to start planning your move.
4. Marbella, Spain
Marbella is the golf capital of Europe, located on the Costa del Sol, near Malaga. Golf enthusiasts highly appreciate the area, and there are many well-known clubs around Malaga and on the Costa de Luz.
La Zagaleta, 10 minutes away from Marbella, is as exclusive as it gets. It’s an embodiment of luxury living with two golf courses, an Equestrian center, and various clubhouses on your doorstep. Here you can buy a six-bedroom, seven-bathroom villa right by the La Zagaleta Golf Course for €12,500,000.
Another exclusive location, Puerto Banus, offers a three-bedroom, three-bathroom penthouse just a short distance from the Las Brisas Golf Course with ocean views, a private pool, and access to a gym and spa for €3,500,000.
For something more affordable, check out Marbella itself. A one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment in a quiet area of Marbella within a short distance from the Santa Clara Golf Course will cost you €150,000.
A two-bedroom, two-bathroom townhouse close to the Rio Real Golf Course can be bought for €250,000.
Find out more about Marbella in our Living In Marbella guide. For general information on moving to Spain, read our Living In Spain guide.
5. Lake Como, Italy
For avid golfers moving to Italy, Lake Como is one of the best locations you can choose!
The golf courses here are historic and unique, including the historic Menaggio & Cadenabbia Golf Club, the exclusive Villa d’Este Golf Club, the championship Monticello Golf Club, and the scenic La Pinetina Golf Club.
You can play at Monticello, which has hosted the Italian Open seven times, and take a day trip to the Lugano Golf Club in Switzerland. The Como 18 Hole Golf Course is another great option.
When it comes to property, the Lake Como region is known for its luxury offerings. The area is home to many high-end and upscale properties designed to provide a luxurious living experience.
You can buy a six-bedroom, six-bathroom villa in the exclusive area of Cernobbio within a short distance from the Villa d’Este Golf Club for €4,500,000. A five-bedroom, five-bathroom villa in the prestigious area of Moltrasio close to the Villa Erba Golf Club will cost you €3,500,000.
If you are on a budget, a two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment in the charming town of Bellagio near the Menaggio & Cadenabbia Golf Club can be bought for: €250,000. A one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment in Menaggio, within a short distance from the Menaggio & Cadenabbia Golf Club, is currently for sale for €150,000.
Discover more about this beautiful location in our Living In The Lake Como Area guide.
More adventurous golf destinations in the world
If you are attracted to less conventional destinations, here is our top pick:
Quito, Ecuador
Ecuador boasts seven golf courses, four located in the city of Quito at an impressive altitude of over 2700 meters above sea level. These courses offer a unique experience, nestled amidst the stunning backdrop of the Andes mountains and surrounded by meandering rivers and streams.
Visit our Living In Ecuador guide.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Moving to Argentina? Consider Buenos Aires. Olivos and Buenos Aires Golf Club are the top two in the country and among the best in South America.
Both clubs are within 40-50 minutes of downtown Buenos Aires.
Visit our guide on the best neighborhoods to live in Buenos Aires.
Bogota, Colombia
Colombia boasts over 50 golf courses spread across various cities, each offering distinct geographical and climatic conditions.
One day, you can tee off on a coastal course with breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea, and the next, you can enjoy a game on the Bogota savannah at an impressive altitude of nearly 3,000 meters above sea level.
With more than 25 golf courses, playing golf in the savannah of Bogota becomes a thrilling challenge. The diverse designs and styles offered here create a paradise for golfers seeking an exciting experience.
Interested in Colombia? To learn more, read our Living In Colombia guide for expats.
Final thoughts on the best places for golf enthusiasts
There are many great places to live in the world for golf lovers, and we’ve highlighted five of the best. Whether you’re looking for luxury or affordability, options are available to suit all budgets.
So, if you’re a golf enthusiast looking for your dream home, swing into action and explore these amazing locations. After all, life is too short to play bad golf!
