GOLF TRAVEL · ACCOMPANIMENT

Traveling with non-golfers — family and partners at the resort.

70% of senior golf trips are taken with a partner—who often doesn’t play. How does a golf trip work when only one person plays golf? Which resorts offer programs for non-golfers? Three models for mixed-pair trips.

MA woman doesn't play golf. Nevertheless, we travel to golf destinations twice a year — and both of us come back feeling like we had a good trip. The trick is the right resort: spa, beach access, excursion program, good restaurant selection. Plus a clear daily structure: I play in the morning, we do something together in the afternoon.

Golf trips for seniors with non-golfer partners make up the majority of trips. The model works — if the destination, resort, and daily structure are right. Three travel models have proven successful: resort-focused, city-focused, activity-focused.

Three travel models with non-golfer companion

Model 1 - Resort-focused

✓ SPA + BEACH + EXCURSIONS.

Premium resorts (Hilton Algarve, Maxx Royal Turkey, Iberotel Mallorca) offer non-golfer programs: spa, beach service, tennis, bike tours, excursions. The non-golfer partner has their own program daily – both meet up in the evenings.

Model 2 — City-focused

✓ CULTURE + SHOPPING.

Destinations like Lisbon, Seville, and Faro combine city charm with golf access. Non-golfing partners can explore the city (culture, restaurants, shopping), while golfers head to the course. Both have separate days, meeting up in the evenings at the same hotel.

Model 3 — Activity-Focused

HIKING + BIKING + WATER.

Destinations with nature-based activities (Mallorca, Algarve, Mauritius). Non-golfer partner hikes, cycles, swims, rides horses. Active trip for both – not everyone cooped up in a resort.

70 %

German senior golf trips are made with non-golfer partners

DRV Travel Analysis 2024

Successful only with the right resort and a clear daily structure.

Three tips for mixed-generation senior travel

Tip 1 — Choose the resort before the course

✓ HOTEL QUALITY IS MORE IMPORTANT.

If only one person is playing: the hotel is more important than the courses. Premium hotels with spa, pool, restaurants, beach access. A mediocre golf course at a great hotel is preferred over a top course at a suboptimal hotel.

Tip 2 — Morning Tee Times

Good afternoon, everyone.

Tee times as early as possible (7-9 AM). Play finishes around noon, and the rest of the day belongs to your partner. This prevents the „you're gone all day” feeling.

Tip 3 — A Day Without Games

✓ TAG 4 OR 5.

For a one-week stay: a complete day (typically day 4 or 5) off from golf. An excursion together, city exploration, spa day. Both sides benefit — and the senior swing recovers.

Golf travel with a non-golfing partner doesn’.

— Markus Reisen, Managing Director Olimar Reisen

Three resort recommendations for mixed-group travel.

Algarve — Pine Cliffs Resort

Pine Cliffs (Sheraton Brand) combines 4 courses within a 10 km radius with a premium resort, spa, and beach. Non-golfer program is very strong.

Costa del Sol — Marbella Club

Marbella Club Hotel: 5-star, beachfront location, excellent spa, easy access to Marbella. Golf courses 10–15 minutes away.

Turkey Belek — Maxx Royal Belek

Maxx Royal Belek: A premium all-inclusive resort featuring its own golf course, beach, water park, and spa. A prime example of a golf destination that’s non-golfers-friendly.

On this page

ON THIS PAGE

01 Three Travel Models

02 Three tips for mixed travel

03 Three specific resort recommendations

Mathias Struwe

PUBLISHER · HCP 31 · 68 YRS.

70 %

Senior travel with a non-golfer partner.

REFERENCE

DGV Member Statistics 2024. Golf Tourism Reports (KPMG 2024). PGA Travel Partner Overview. IAGTO Golf Tourism Report 2024. World Golf Awards 2024.

What the resort choice doesn't replace

The best resort can't fix a mismatched relationship dynamic. Before your golf trip with a non-golfer partner: have an honest conversation about expectations, daily structure, and time together. Then the trip will be a success — even if only one of you plays.

THREE FIRST STEPS

How to Plan a Non-Golfer-Friendly Trip in 30 Minutes

Resort instead of golf complex

When choosing a hotel, the primary focus is on non-golfer comfort: spa, beach, restaurants. Golf courses must be accessible, but not directly at the hotel.

Book tee times in the morning

Ideally tee time between 7-9 AM. Game ends around 12 PM, the afternoon is free for joint activities.

Clarify non-golfer partner program before trip

What activities does the partner want? Spa appointments, city tours, organize hikes before the trip – this prevents the „What should I do?” feeling.