Hello to all of the forgettable golfers out there! So glad you're here and thanks for reading. If you've gotten this far, you're either a close friend I've annoyed into reading my newsletter (thanks fellas), or you're the designated golf trip planner in your group.
Either way, welcome.
My goal with this monthly newsletter is simple: to make golf trip planning easier, better, and maybe a little more entertaining — and to give you something that's useful, occasionally funny, and actually worth your time.
When you're not planning your next trip or daydreaming about a new destination, here's what you can expect each month:
- Featured Destinations: deeper dives into a golf destination, trip recaps from Past the Pin users, and specific tips worth knowing before you go.
- What's New on the Site: new destinations, new features, and updates as the site keeps growing.
- Golf Trip Planning Tips: the little things that can make or break a golf trip.
- General Golf Yapping: because sometimes it's necessary.
Featured Destination: Cabot Cape Breton, Nova Scotia
Why Cabot?
Cabot Cape Breton was the first golf trip that really changed the way I thought about golf travel.
I went for the first time in 2015 with my dad, uncle, and cousin, and I've been back twice since. Each trip has somehow been better than the last.
Most people know Cabot for Cabot Cliffs, and for good reason — it's one of the most visually spectacular courses in the world. But the more I've played it, the more I've come to appreciate Cabot Links just as much, if not more. Outside of the unforgettable finishing stretch at Cliffs, I'd argue Links is the stronger course from start to finish.
What makes Cabot even better now is how much the experience has grown beyond the golf. The Nest par-3 course, new restaurants and bars, expanded villas, tennis courts, and more off-course activities have turned it into more than just a golf destination — it's the kind of place you can build an entire trip around.
For me, it's still the standard. The trip I compare every other golf trip to.
Who It's For… and Who It's Not FORE
Perfect for:
- Groups of 4–12
- Bucket-list golf trips
- Groups comfortable with premium pricing
Consider an alternative if:
- You want an easy, direct trip (Cabot is a 3.5-hour drive from the nearest major airport)
- You prefer golf carts (walking-only courses, except Highland Links)
- You're newer to golf or looking for a more forgiving trip
- Budget is your biggest priority
- You want a destination with tons of nightlife options
Cost Ballpark (USD, peak-season rates)
3-night stay with 2 rounds at both Cliffs and Links, dinners, drinks, rental car, etc.
- ~$2,500 per person if you share a room and play smart with same-day replay and twilight rates.
- ~$4,500 per person if you want premium villas, premium dates, caddies every round, and aren't optimizing for the replay discount.
Must-Play Courses
- Cabot Links — #2 course in Canada (Golf Digest 2026)
- Cabot Cliffs — #1 course in Canada (Golf Digest 2026)
- The Nest — new par-3 course sitting atop the property with stunning views
- Highland Links — #10 course in Canada (Golf Digest 2026)
Off the Course
- Panorama Restaurant — fine dining with full views of Cabot Links. An absolute must at least one night for your group; some of the best seafood in the world.
- Whit's Public House — live music, pub food, and great vibes. The perfect place to cut it loose with the group after a day of getting chewed up on the links.
- The Cabot Trail — the drive from Inverness (home of Cabot) to Ingonish (home of Highland Links) is about two hours each way, and one of the most scenic drives in the world.
Insider Tips
- Don't schedule golf on your travel day into Cabot. Fly into Halifax, grab your rental car, and give yourself time to get to Cape Breton without rushing tee times.
- If you're looking to save a bit, consider staying one night off-property near the airport or along the route instead of paying resort prices on night one. Then head into Cabot the next morning, check in, and start your trip fresh with your first round.
- Play both Cabot Links and Cabot Cliffs at least twice if you can. They feel completely different the second time through, once you understand the routing and the greens.
- Four nights — the first at a cheap hotel, then three at Cabot — is the perfect sweet spot.
Want the full rundown? Read the complete Cabot Cape Breton destination guide.
What's New on the Site — June 2026
- 50 destinations live. The first 50 destinations are now up, with new ones added constantly. From bucket-list trips to underrated gems, the map keeps growing.
- My Trip feature. Plan out your trip day by day — choose your courses, assign your group, and map out the games you'll play. Share it with the group and keep everyone on the same page.
- Group Polls. Can't get the group to agree on where to go next? Send out a poll, drop it in the group chat, and let everyone vote.
- Itineraries. Not every destination has one yet, but the ones that do give you a starting point based on how other golfers have done the trip. Copy it, tweak it, or build your own from there.
Golf Trip Planning Tip #1: Define the Vibe Before You Book
Clearly define the vibe of the trip before booking any flights, hotels, or tee times. Is this a 36-holes-a-day golf fest, or will there be other activities alongside the golf — nightlife, sightseeing, relaxing on the beach? Is the group splurging on the best courses around, or working to a set budget? Nailing this down up front prevents bickering over courses and a few hundred dollars in green fees when it comes time to book.
Past the Pin Is a Community Site — Here's How You Can Help
- Review courses & destinations. Share your honest thoughts on the courses and destinations you've played to help other golfers plan better trips with real feedback.
- Add off-the-course gems. Golf trips aren't just about the rounds. If you've been to one of the listed destinations, share your favorite bars, restaurants, live-music spots, or local hidden gems for others to check out.
- Submit a destination. Know a golf destination I missed? Send it over — just give me the destination and maybe a course or two, and I'll handle the rest.
Thanks for reading, and see you on the next tee.
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