As golf-related activities have shot up by 30% since 2016, airlines have seen an increasing number of clubs transported as checked baggage. Each airline’s requirements differ, but for the most part, traveling with one golf bag is allowed. In addition, golf balls, golf tees, and a pair of golf shoes are permitted. Oversized bags may still be subject to fees, especially if they weigh over 50 pounds.
Any airport can be a favorite for golfers, but the proximity to a course could be a factor in determining which is better. Here are just airports in the US that are great for golfers:
5 Chicago O’Hare International Airport
White Pines Golf Club
Despite being the second busiest airport in the US, Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) could be a favorite for golfers. The airport is a hub for American Airlines and United Airlines and hosts a multitude of international carriers.
According to NBC Sports’ Golf Pass, O’Hare is excellent for anyone looking to play a quick round before departure or right off the plane. The 36-hole championship venue, White Pines Golf Club, has existed since 1928. The course is about nine miles away from O’Hare’s terminals. But since the airport’s ground is so massive, the course is “actually only a couple of miles away from O’Hare’s runways.”
White Pines Golf Club includes:
- An east and west course with 18 holes each
- More than 260 acres
- Scenic facilities
- A Pro Shop
- 37 Bar & Grill with patio dining
Golf Pass mentions that the course offers a pleasant setting that can offer a challenge for all players.
4 Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport
Bear Creek Gold Club
Another busy airport happens to have a golf course situated right next to it. American’s home hub, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), is the nation's fourth busiest airport. Although there are several golf options within the Dallas/Fort Worth metropolitan area, none are closer to the airport than Bear Creek Golf Course. According to Golf Pass, the 36-hole complex is “literally right next to the airport grounds.”
It was designed by Ted Robinson and offers “plenty of challenge” with different layouts. It also includes:
- An east and west course
- No homes around
- Plenty of oak trees, as well as lakes and ponds
- Two expansive event pavilions accommodating up to 1,200 guests
Bear Creek has also been regarded as one of the top 50 resort courses in America and one of the 10 great places to play golf, according to its website.
3 Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
Papago Golf Course
Known for their sunny conditions almost every day of the year, Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona, are perfect destinations for golfers. As such, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), which is the nation’s 10th busiest, could be a golfer favorite. Some of the closest venues are only a couple miles minutes away, including Papago Golf Club, which is under two miles from Sky Harbor.
The course is conveniently located – where Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tempe meet – making it a prime spot for golfers. It also includes:
- A mid-century modern Lou Grubb Clubhouse, which features the trendy Lou’s Bar & Grill
- A pavilion for group events
- Several programs, including First Te, which is a non-profit that helps children in Maricopa County access golf and learning facilities in an affordable way
2 Denver International Airport
Green Valley Ranch Golf Club & Golf DEN
Thanks to Denver’s expansive real estate, a real golf course will not be found until you are about 10 miles away from Denver International Airport (DEN). According to Golf Pass, Green Valley Ranch Golf Club is about 12 miles south of the airport and “is an easy drive.” It is a relatively new course, featuring:
- Practice facilities
- A teaching program for those who wish to take golf lessons
- $60 admission
Golfers on a layover at Denver International Airport can fulfill their golfing passion if they have a couple of hours to spare. The airport just unveiled “Golf DEN,” a new virtual golf experience lounge. The space’s simulators create an immersive experience, as if you are playing real golf at courses all over the world. It is open 12 hours a day from 07:00 to 19:00, and the prices vary depending on how much time is spent playing.
1 San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport
Metropolitan Golf Links
One of the Bay Area’s three airports is worth mentioning and might be a number-one favorite for golfers who are also aviation enthusiasts. Despite San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport (OAK) being anything close to busy – compared to nearby San Francisco International Airport – the airport is conveniently located to a popular golf course.
Metropolitan Golf Links, designed by Johnny Miller, is “right next to the runways,” according to Golf Pass. The site features:
- One of the only all-grass driving ranges in the Bay Area
- 36 stalls
- Three basket sizes
- Wedding venues
- Tournaments
Since the course is so close to Oakland Airport, golfers can plane spot as they play, combining two pastimes into one.
