Solo golf holidays are set to surge in popularity by 2026, alongside shorter trips and a growing reliance on AI-powered travel planning, according to a new survey of golf and travel professionals.
The research, commissioned by UK-based golf tour operator Glencor Golf Holidays, gathered predictions from experts across the golf and travel industries.
The findings are based on insights from golf professionals, tour operators and certified travel advisors across the UK, Europe and Australia.
The five big trends for 2026 are:
- Solo travel on the rise – golfers prioritising flexibility, personal challenge and self-paced experiences.
- Micro-trips and closer-to-home holidays – shorter breaks that deliver value without long-haul travel.
- The evolution of group travel – a shift from mates’ trips to multi-generational and mixed-ability groups.
- AI + human expertise – AI for inspiration, experts for execution.
- Experiential destinations – combining golf with culture, food and wellness.
“Solo golf travel is no longer niche,” said Corrie Renton, co-director of Glencor Golf Holidays. “Golfers want the freedom to play world-class courses while travelling on their own terms — and that’s fundamentally changing how golf holidays are designed.”
Christina Gales, Certified Pro Travel Advisor and founder of Christina Gales Travel, added: “There is a clear move towards independent golf trips that combine play with recovery time.”
AI is also on the agenda for travellers. AI will shape inspiration, but experts will shape the experience, with Gales adding: “The planning approach will likely split into two camps: younger golfers using AI tools for quick recommendations, while more experienced travellers will return to working with specialists who understand their specific needs and can curate meaningful experiences.”
Corrie agrees: “Many UK golfers are now using AI to help shape and refine their golf holiday itineraries, giving tour operators like us a clear idea of their preferences. Yet working with an experienced operator remains invaluable – first-hand knowledge of courses, accommodations, and local insights ensures the trip is not just well planned, but genuinely unforgettable.”
Value-driven travel is expected to dominate 2026, with golfers seeking richer experiences rather than longer trips. This could be choosing experiential destinations like Morocco to mix golf time with culture and cuisine.
Or, as Cam Storey, owner of Brisbane 360, a tour operator in Australia claims, we might see more holidays, but closer to home. “Regional golf destinations within 2-3 hours of major cities will boom over international travel. People want the ‘away’ feeling without the airport hassle.”
Storey also predicts we’ll see a move from mates’ trips to multi-generational family experiences.
A full breakdown of the 2026 golf travel predictions, as well as a summary of the key trends from 2025, is available by clicking here.