A couples golf getaway is a different trip than a buddies' weekend. The pace is slower, the course selection matters differently, and the time between rounds is just as important as the golf itself. Whether both of you play or only one does, Mesquite and St. George offer a combination that's hard to beat — championship desert courses, resort-style lodging, national parks within an hour, spa treatments, and dining that goes beyond the clubhouse grill.
This guide covers how to plan a couples golf trip that works for both partners, from course selection and lodging to non-golf activities and sample itineraries.
Why Desert Golf for Couples
Best Courses for Couples
Not every course is a couples course. You want scenic layouts that are enjoyable even if one partner is a higher handicap, manageable pace so nobody feels rushed, and settings that feel special rather than utilitarian. Here are the standouts:
Entrada at Snow Canyon — The Most Romantic Course in Southern Utah
Johnny Miller's design through Snow Canyon's red rock formations is visually stunning from every tee box. At a slope of 127, it's scenic without being punishing — multiple tee options let both players enjoy the layout regardless of skill level. The private-club atmosphere and limited play keep the pace relaxed. Stay at the Inn at Entrada and walk to your tee time.
Sand Hollow — Drama Without the Difficulty
Sand Hollow's Championship Course plays through red sandstone formations that make every hole feel like a photograph. The forward tees bring it down to a very playable 5,200 yards while keeping all the visual drama of the back nine canyon holes. The resort offers stay-and-play packages with on-site dining — no driving between the course and your room.
The Ledges — Sunset Views Over Snow Canyon
Matt Dye's design sits on a ridge above Snow Canyon with panoramic views in every direction. An afternoon round here, finishing as the sun drops behind the canyon walls, is one of the best experiences in southern Utah golf. Vacation rentals within The Ledges community put you steps from the first tee.
Black Desert Resort — Luxury Stay and Play
If the trip is a celebration — anniversary, birthday, or just a splurge — Black Desert is the choice. Utah's number one course, a world-class resort, multiple restaurants, spa services, and a pool scene that feels more Scottsdale than southern Utah. Tom Weiskopf's design is challenging but the setting makes it worth every swing regardless of score.
CasaBlanca — Casino Night After Your Round
For couples who want golf and nightlife, CasaBlanca in Mesquite combines a solid 18-hole course with a full casino resort. Play a morning round, spend the afternoon at the pool, and hit the casino floor and steakhouse in the evening. It's the only destination in the region that offers both golf and casino entertainment at the same property.
💡 Pro Tip
Book afternoon tee times for couples rounds. Mornings are when the large groups play, and the pace is faster. Afternoon rounds are quieter, the light is better for photos, and you can sleep in after a late dinner the night before.
When Only One of You Golfs
Many couples trips involve one golfer and one non-golfer. This is not a problem — it's actually an advantage for planning. The golfer gets their rounds without feeling guilty about dragging their partner along, and the non-golfer gets a vacation that doesn't revolve entirely around tee times.
Non-Golfer Activities in St. George
Zion National Park is 45 minutes from St. George and is a full-day experience — the Narrows hike, Angels Landing (permit required), or the scenic drive alone is worth the trip. Snow Canyon State Park is 15 minutes away and offers shorter hikes through lava tubes and red rock canyons. Tuacahn Amphitheatre hosts Broadway-style productions in an outdoor red rock setting from spring through fall. Downtown St. George has art galleries, restaurants, and a walkable historic district. Red Mountain Spa offers day passes with pools, treatments, and fitness classes.
Non-Golfer Activities in Mesquite
Valley of Fire State Park is 30 minutes south — it's smaller than Zion but equally dramatic with ancient petroglyphs and sandstone formations. The CasaBlanca and Eureka casinos have spas, pools, and restaurants that fill a half-day easily. For something different, ATV and side-by-side desert tours run through the same terrain you see from the golf course.
Best Lodging for Couples
Couples trips call for different lodging than group trips. You want privacy, quality, and proximity to both the course and off-course activities. Here are the top options by style:
| Style | Property | Best For | Walk to Course? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luxury Resort | Black Desert Resort | Anniversaries, splurge trips | Yes — on-site |
| Private Club | Inn at Entrada | Exclusive golf + quiet setting | Yes — on-site |
| Golf Resort | Sand Hollow Resort | Stay-and-play convenience | Yes — on-site |
| Vacation Rental | The Ledges rentals | Privacy + views + kitchen | Yes — in community |
| Casino Resort | CasaBlanca Resort | Golf + nightlife + dining | Yes — on-site |
| Boutique Hotel | Best Western Abbey Inn | Top-rated, evening reception | No — 10 min drive |
💡 Pro Tip
For couples, a private vacation rental beats a hotel almost every time. A two-bedroom unit at The Ledges or Entrada gives you a full kitchen for morning coffee, a private patio for evening drinks, and no hotel lobby to navigate. Prices are often comparable to a nice hotel room, especially off-peak.
Sample Couples Itineraries
The Long Weekend (3 Days / 2 Nights)
| Day | Golfer | Non-Golfer | Together |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive, quick 9 at Dixie Red Hills | Arrive, explore downtown St. George | Dinner at Xetava Gardens Café |
| Day 2 | AM: Sand Hollow, PM: rest | AM: Snow Canyon hike, PM: spa | Sunset drinks on patio, dinner out |
| Day 3 | AM: Entrada (together if both play) | AM: Entrada or Tuacahn | Brunch, depart |
The Full Week (5 Days / 4 Nights)
| Day | Golf | Together |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive, Dixie Red Hills (9 holes) | Check in at Entrada, explore Snow Canyon |
| Day 2 | Entrada (morning) | Afternoon at resort pool, dinner in town |
| Day 3 | Rest day — no golf | Full day at Zion National Park |
| Day 4 | Sand Hollow (morning), The Ledges (afternoon) | Non-golfer: spa or shopping, regroup for dinner |
| Day 5 | Black Desert (splurge round) | Brunch at resort, depart |
Cost Estimates for a Couples Golf Getaway
A couples trip runs differently than a group trip because you're splitting costs between two people instead of eight. Here's what to expect:
| Category | Budget Trip (3 Days) | Mid-Range (3 Days) | Luxury (5 Days) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lodging (per couple) | $300–$450 | $500–$800 | $1,200–$2,000 |
| Green Fees (2-3 rounds) | $100–$200 | $200–$400 | $500–$800 |
| Dining | $150–$250 | $250–$400 | $500–$800 |
| Activities | $50–$100 | $100–$250 | $300–$500 |
| Total per Couple | $600–$1,000 | $1,050–$1,850 | $2,500–$4,100 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is St. George a good destination for a couples golf trip?
Excellent. Thirteen courses range from budget to world-class, Zion National Park is 45 minutes away, and stay-and-play resorts like Black Desert and Entrada offer self-contained luxury. The combination of golf, scenery, national parks, and dining makes it one of the best couples golf destinations in the western U.S. — at roughly half the cost of Scottsdale.
What if my partner doesn't golf?
St. George may be better for mixed couples than pure golf destinations. Zion National Park, Snow Canyon State Park, Tuacahn theater, spa services, shopping, and restaurant scenes all provide full-day options while the golfer is on the course. Most golf rounds take 4-5 hours, leaving the rest of the day for shared activities.
Can we combine Mesquite and St. George on a couples trip?
Absolutely — they're 45 minutes apart on I-15. A common couples pattern is two nights in St. George (Entrada or Sand Hollow resort) with a night in Mesquite (CasaBlanca casino resort) for a change of scenery and a casino evening. Wolf Creek in Mesquite is a bucket-list round that pairs well with the St. George courses.
When is the best time for a couples golf getaway to St. George?
October and November are ideal — warm days in the 70s, cooler evenings, peak fall colors in Zion, and lower rates than spring. March through May is equally good for weather but busier and pricier. Winter (December–February) offers the lowest rates and playable conditions in the 50s–60s, though evenings get cold.
Should we book through a trip planner or on our own?
For couples, either works. If you're booking straightforward stay-and-play at one resort, direct booking is simple. If you want to play multiple courses, mix lodging types, or access Entrada (which requires a booking relationship), a trip planner saves time and often secures better rates on multi-course packages.
Plan Your Couples Golf Getaway
Tell us your dates, budget, and whether one or both of you play. We'll build a custom couples trip with courses, lodging, and activities — everything handled so you can just enjoy the trip.
Mike Milligan
A native of Santa Rosa, CA, Mike has been a part of the golf industry within the Reno/Lake Tahoe area and beyond for over 30 years.
