As group leaders plan a golf trip, a variety of factors influence their decisions, most especially the quality of courses, accommodations and off-course activities. Consequently, Daytona Beach has quickly become one of Central Florida’s most popular golf destinations.

Long known as the home of Daytona International Speedway, the area is also a hot spot for savvy golfers, delivering an experience few destinations can match for quality and value.

As you mull your next trip, consider this 3-night, 3-round itinerary. 

Thursday

6:00 p.m. - Check into your oceanfront hotel - the choices are many, including the new Daytona Grande, a 27-story property that features the area’s only infinity pool, among many other amenities - allowing your group easy access to the “World’s Most Famous Beach.”

7:15 p.m. - After settling in at the hotel, it’s less than a half-mile to Daytona Taproom, one of the most popular stops on the Daytona Beach Ale Trail. You will have an extensive selection of craft beers to choose from and just as importantly, an outstanding dinner menu. The Tijuana Peso Girl burger, topped with bacon, fried jalapenos, sriracha mayo and pepper jack cheese, is the perfect start to your trip.

Friday

8:30 a.m. - After a good night’s sleep, you are off to the area’s most acclaimed facility, LPGA International, to challenge the Jones Course. Designed by architect Rees Jones, the layout combines strategic mounding, expansive bunkering, and some of the area’s most dramatic greens complexes to create an unforgettable round.

2:00 p.m. - Make the short trek to Daytona International Speedway to tour the state-of-the-art facility and soak in the rich history at stock car racing’s most famous track. A close-up look at the 2.5-mile tri-oval will give you a new perspective on NASCAR racing. Leave time at the end to visit the Motorsports Hall of Fame.

5:15 p.m. - Head to ONE DAYTONA, a shopping, dining and entertainment complex, located just across from the speedway. From Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery and 4 Rivers Smokehouse to Blue Flame and Jeremiah’s Italian Ice, ONE DAYTONA is the perfect spot to spend a few hours in the evening before returning to the room.

Saturday

8:30 a.m. - An early morning date with America’s most famous golf course architect, Donald Ross, awaits. New Smyrna Golf Club is a must-play for fans of Ross and his signature turtle-back greens. New Smyrna was one of his last designs and it has maintained its integrity and charm.

1:00 p.m. - Grab lunch at Racing’s North Turn. This oceanfront eatery resides on land that was once home to NASCAR’s first stock car and motorcycle races from 1948-58. There is little better than enjoying lunch on the beach and Racing’s North Turn delivers.

3:30 p.m. – Make the short to play Ocean’s Golf Club, a 13-hole short course Golf Digest has lauded as being among the nation’s best. A privately owned, not-for-profit facility, the par 3 course plays just 1,035 yards and it’s a delight. It’s an easy walk and the perfect way to play a little more golf without exhausting yourself.

6:30 p.m. - Crabby's Oceanside is a relaxing way to cap off the day. Located just steps away from the beach, Crabby's Oceanside has indoor and outdoor seating with fresh, local seafood.

Sunday

9:30 a.m. - Head west to play Victoria Hills, a Ron Garl design Golfweek magazine has ranked among the state’s top 15 public courses. The rolling hills, oak trees and Garl’s creativity have made the layout a favorite among golfers with an appreciation for the finer points of course architecture.

2:00 p.m. - Stop by Half Wall Beer House, another Daytona Beach Ale Trail member, for a final meal. Half Wall serves more than 100 craft beers but given that you are getting ready to head home, the menu is of much greater interest. The ahi tuna melt, which includes cheddar cheese, tomato, bacon and wasabi mayo on sourdough bread is the perfect way to conclude an unforgettable trip.

3:30 p.m. - Whether you are driving or flying, you will be dreaming about your next Daytona Beach golf trip.