Dog-Friendly Golf Courses

Posted by Billy Francis

Dogs have always loved a round of golf. Hunting hounds used to wander from hole to hole to keep up their fitness during the off-season. Fortunately, there are still dog-friendly golf courses around the world that allow canine caddies to join you in the ruff. Remember, most of these courses are seasonal and some are members only, so read the fine print below before you show up with Yappy Gilmore. And, if your pup favors putting over roaming the fairways, be sure to check out our favorite dog-friendly miniature golf courses.

Hotel Gut Brandlhof

Salzburg, AT
“A golf cart just for me?” Photo by Hotel Gut Brandlhof

Hotel Gut Brandlhof in Salzburg, Austria is an idyllic escape in the eastern Alps and one of Europe’s most dog-friendly golfing destinations. Situated along the sides of the river, Saalach, in a valley with panoramic mountain views, this 18-hole course features bunkers, ponds and more to keep it interesting for experienced golf enthusiasts and fun for beginners. Pups awarded a Dog Golf License are welcome to join their owners on the course, where they can cool off at the drinking and bathing stations after the second hole, take a dip in the river if the current isn’t too strong and ride by your side in a modified golf cart for dogs with rollable blinds to provide shade, bowls, treats, toys and a refrigerator to keep water cool.

Park Fido’s cart back at Hotel Gut Brandlhof for a rest before you head out to the links again in the morning or hike the property’s pet-friendly trails. Canine guests can clean up at the dog shower in front of the building and snack on a treat at check-in.

Belgrade Lakes Golf Course

Belgrade Lakes, ME
Cuddle with a Caddy. Photo by Facebook.com/BelgradeLakesGC

Nestled among rustic woodlands and panoramic hills, Belgrade Lakes Golf Course is a seasonal, 18-hole public course in central Maine. When you arrive, say hello to the owner’s pups, who can often be found giving helpful tips at the pro shop. Unlike most of the courses on our list, your pooch can join you leash free as long as he is under voice command. Your dog might love walkies, but has he tried riding in a golf cart? Dogs are welcome to bark tactics if you choose to drive from hole to hole instead. However, he’ll need to stay back and guard your precious nine iron when you’re on the putting green, as the pristine conditions need to be maintained. Don’t forget to swing by the snack shack to grab a pup cup full of chicken for Fido.

After spending all day on the course, you and your pooch can unwind at Kate-Ah-Den Cabin. The pet-friendly rental features two miles of private trails that weave through 70 acres of woodland.

The Goodwood Estate

Chichester, UK
Dog bowl in one. Photo by The Goodwood Estate

The Goodwood Estate boasts two world-class, pet-friendly 18-hole courses and is one of the most accommodating places for golfing dogs and their owners. Pups are welcome to join their humans for a round and even on a lesson with a pro. The Estate also offers pet membership at The Kennels, which comes with unique privileges like dog bowls situated on the course, all inscribed with the individual dog’s name. A percentage of each membership goes towards the pet charity, Hounds for Heroes. After a long day on the greens, enjoy a meaty meal together at The Goodwood Estate's restaurant, Farmer, Butcher, Chef.

Make a weekend of it and stay in one of the many dog-friendly rooms at the historic Goodwood Hotel. When you’re not on the course, you and your pup can roam the South Downs, sign up for a doga class with a qualified instructor, or learn about course etiquette during a pet behavior therapy session.

Discovery Bay Golf Course

Port Townsend, WA
“FUURRR! I mean, fore!” Photo by @throughmylenzz

The picturesque Discovery Bay Golf Course is an 18-hole marvel in Washington. Located in a charming coastal town bordered by the majestic Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges, it’s the oldest public golf course in the state. The golf staff is happy to welcome leashed dogs on the links. After showing Fido that you can find lost balls as well as he can, make your way to the nearby Quench Waterfront Kitchen and Bar. Dogs are greeted here with a water bowl and a snack, and you’ll enjoy the Hawaiian-inspired cuisine.

Hang up your clubs for the day in a ground-floor room at Harborside Inn, where a marsh walk is within walking distance.

The Links at Teton Peaks

Driggs, ID
“I’ll definitely watch your shot this time…squirrel!” Photo by Facebook.com/Linksattetonpeaks

The Links at Teton Peaks is a beautiful links-style course in the Teton Valley. This 18-hole wonder has been artfully designed to blend into the surroundings and takes inspiration from Scotland’s world-class courses with pot bunkers, imported grass and more to provide a challenge for all golfer levels. Bring your furry best friend along with you to trot between double fairways and pristine greens with snow-capped mountains as the backdrop. Dogs with good recall can join owners without a leash.

Bunker down for the night at nearby Teton Peaks Resort. Dogs of all sizes will enjoy the spacious rooms and ample grassy space outside, too.

Agate Beach Golf Course

Newport, OR
"Can we stay on this hole for a while?" Photo by @agatebeachgolfcourse

Agate Beach Golf Course is home to a luscious fairway carved into rolling hills that overlook the ocean. Built in the 1930s, the nine-holer is open year-round and has been a mainstay for beginner and expert golfers alike. Fido will be relieved to know that “paw-trons” have been bringing their leashed dogs with them for decades. Once he’s endured a lengthy round of watching you chop simple putts into the pine and fir trees and sandy bunkers, enjoy a well-deserved bite at the on-site Agate Beach Golf Course Cafe. After tea time, Fido can shed his leash at Agate Beach State Recreation Site, which lies within a golf ball’s throw of the course.

When the sun sets, warm your paws by the beautiful fire pit area and listen to the sounds of the ocean at this cottage in the heart of Newport.

Emerald Isle Golf Course

Oceanside, CA
“Need a ride?” Photo by @peanut.loves.butter

Fido will be hoping you can pull off a "barkie" at Emerald Isle Golf Course. This rare phenomenon happens when a golfer makes par on a hole even after hitting a tree with one of their shots. The tree-lined greens of this Oceanside golf spot are the ideal location to pull off such a feat, or better yet a hole-in-one. Leashed dogs are always welcome to join you for a round at this pretty course that includes water hazards, bunkers and floral displays. Pups can even ride shotgun in the brand new fleet of pet-friendly golf carts.

Cruise into nearby Carlsbad for a dog-centric stay at West Inn & Suites, where canine guests receive treats, beds and bowls at check-in.

Peninsula Golf Course

Long Beach, WA
“I’d rather chase a squirrel than a birdie!” Photo by Facebook.com/PeninsulaGolfCourse

Located near the beautiful windswept sand of Long Beach Peninsula on the Washington coastline, Peninsula Golf Course will give you and Fido a great tee time, followed by an unforgettable “tea time.” Chip, slice and putt together across nine pristine holes surrounded by a variety of spruce, pine, cascara, willow, alder and rhododendron. Once Fido has chewed on your scorecard to destroy the evidence, he can eat something more substantial at The Cove Restaurant. Ride your pet-friendly golf cart to the eatery and take a seat on the heated pet-friendly patio. Hungry hounds will appreciate the Patio Pup Menu, which includes “Doggietizers” like Cove Puppy Patty, Haida’s Turkey Bites, and Fido’s Fish Fillet. Is your pooch ready to become a PCG Pup?

After a round or two, comb the beach with your Bichon and follow the signal to Lighthouse Oceanfront Resort. Four-legged guests receive a welcome gift with dog treats, a towel, and waste bags at check-in.

Cochrane Golf Club

Cochrane, AB
“Where’s the water hazard? I need a drink!” Photo by Facebook.com/cochranegolfclub

If you’re looking for a casual round, Cochrane Golf Club is the course for you. The resident canine caddies, Chloe and Echo, aim to make you feel welcome from the moment you arrive to the moment you hit your last hole-in-one. Visiting dogs pay a small green fee that will go directly to the support of the Cochrane & Area Humane Society. Dogs are also welcome on Cochrane Golf Club’s tricky 18-hole miniature golf course.

Keep it local when you reserve a stay in this nice dog-friendly home nearby with hardwood floors for easy cleanup and a fenced yard.

IMLAUER Hotel Schloss Pichlarn

Aigen im Ennstal, AT
Photo by Schloss Pichlarn

Play a round of golf with your Golden in the heart of the Austrian Alps at IMLAUER Hotel Schloss Pichlarn. This impeccable course sprawls out across 135 acres of Alpine terrain with hills, valleys and forests to contend with along the way. While you slice your way through forests and meadows, trying your best to avoid the occasional pond, your canine caddy can join you off leash if they have good recall. If you’re feeling peckish, refuel at Restaurant 19, which is situated on the course.

After your scenic round, head back to a pet-friendly room at Schloss Pichlarn. Pups can enjoy dinner from bowls provided and will love the views from the balcony. Hotel guests will receive a discounted golf rate.

Golf Son Parc Menorca

Ciutadella de Menorca, ES
You’ll be swinging when you’re winning! Photo by Golf Son Parc Menorca

For a destination in sunny Spain that provides golf in scenic surroundings 365 days a year, look no further than Golf Son Parc Menorca on the Balearic Island of Menorca. Fido’s knowledge of dog legs will put him in a great position to help you navigate the course’s dogleg holes, which means a fairway that bends to the right or left. He can join you as you practice going long on the driving range or cruise by your side in a golf cart as you make your way between each picturesque green.

Hibiscus Villa next to the golf course features tiled floors, stunning views across the water, and a beautiful walled garden where your pooch can sunbathe leash free while you dip in the inviting pool.

The Dunes Golf Links

Rye, AU
“Fur!” Photo by Facebook.com/TheDunesGolfLinks

The Dunes Golf Links, on Morning Peninsula south of Melbourne in the Australian state of Victoria, invites pups and their people to play. During a pet-friendly tour of southeastern Australia, be sure to stop for a game at this spectacular 27-hole course surrounded by greenery and only a sliced shot away from the Bass Strait. The Dunes is also home to The Cups Course, “Australia’s best 9-hole golf course,” where golfers of all levels will have fun. After a relaxing round, make the short trip to Miss Drew's Bakery & Dog Cafe to treat your Terrier.

Talk through every swing and miss with your pack of players at The Cottage at High Field Park. This pet-friendly vacation rental features a private fenced garden and plenty of room to roam and practice your putts.

Have you tried golfing with your dog by your side? Leave a comment or tweet us @BringFido!

Banner photo by Facebook.com/TheLinksatTetonPeaks.