If you are looking for the best golf resorts in the U.S. to visit with your buddies, look no further. We have hand selected the best golf resorts in the land of the free and detailed what to expect at each.
What did we look for when deciding on the list? The quality of the golf courses was first and foremost but we also favored places with a great atmosphere and experience for your trip.
Without further ado, below are the 13 best golf resorts in America, in alphabetical order.
Bandon Dunes
Bandon Dunes is a golf resort in Bandon, Oregon. If you have never heard of Bandon, Oregon, you are not alone. It is in the middle of nowhere; a very remote place. But the remoteness is a big part of its charm. Mike Keiser created this “golf mecca” where there are 6 links courses with tons of holes lining the Pacific ocean. You would be hard pressed to find a better place in the entire world to play golf. Their motto is “This is dream golf. This is golf as it was meant to be.”
If I had to choose to go to only one place on this list, Bandon is without a doubt where I would go. A golfer just can’t do any better. For more, read our Ultimate Bandon Dunes Trip Guide.
Big Cedar Lodge
“Inspired by a deep desire to connect people to nature, Johnny Morris, founder of Bass Pro Shops, set out to create one of the greatest golf experiences in the country.” (bigcedar.com/golf) Home to the newest Tiger Woods Design, Payne’s Valley, Big Cedar Lodge is quickly becoming a must visit golf resort. With course designers Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Coore/Crenshaw, Tom Fazio, and Gary Player, this resort has a ton of variety that will be fun to play for all skill levels.
The Broadmoor
The Broadmoor is a full service resort that just happens to offer two amazing golf courses. There are numerous other things to do around the resort. Anything from falconry to fly fishing to getting a luxurious massage in the spa. Located in Colorado Springs, this is an ideal location to visit.
Kiawah Island
The beautiful Pete Dye designed Ocean Course has hosted Ryder Cups, PGA Championships, as well as the Senior PGA. This scenic gem of a golf course is a stunning walk from #1 to the famous #18. You will not be disapointed. The resort is also only about an hour away from historic Charleston, which is a delightful place to visit.
Pebble Beach
The legendary Pebble Beach needs no introduction, but it does require deep pockets. Pebble is not for the feint of wallet, but the scenic views and incredible service make this a must visit resort.
Pinehurst
Pinehurst has 9 courses and counting (Tom Doak’s new design coming soon!). #2 has played host to the US Open and numerous other premier events over the years. Other courses close by that are outside of the resort make this golf trip even more of a pleasure. If you come to this part of the world, you should definitely consider making a tee time at Tobacco Road Golf Club, which is only a short drive away from the Pinehurst resort.
Prairie Club
The Prairie Club in Nebraska is a hidden gem. It is being called the “Bandon of Nebraska”. The Dunes Course, the Pines Course, and the short Horse Course make up this tucked-away golf destination. Their website dubs it “Destination golf nestled in the sandhills of Nebraska”. The best part about Prairie Club is how affordable it is. Their philosophy is to “provide affordable access to world class golf”. You can book a three night stay for under $1400, and that includes unlimited golf, lodging, and free breakfast every morning. That is hard to beat.
Sand Valley
Sand Valley is one of the Dream Golf Resorts, owned by Mike Keiser, along with Bandon Dunes in Oregon and Cabot Links in Canada. These courses are inspired by links golf of Scotland and Ireland. Their motto is “golf as it was meant to be played”. The Sand Valley course as well as the newer Mammoth Dunes course have gotten rave reviews and have won award after award since being opened in 2017.
Sea Island
Sea Island is the home to quite a few Tour pros. Upon entering the property it is easy to see why. The three courses are immaculate and the practice facilities and clubhouses are top notch as well. The weather is nice for year round playing and practicing, which is another plus for the pros AND for your buddy golf trips.
Sea Pines (Hilton Head, SC)
Sea Pines is the home of Harbour Town Golf Links, where the RBC Heritage has been played on the PGA Tour since 1969. It is a Pete Dye design and despite its somewhat short length it is a stiff test of golf, even for the pros.
Streamsong
Streamsong golf resort is being labeled as the “Bandon of the east coast” because of the rugged nature golf and the remote setting. While there are no ocean views like Bandon, the views created by Coore and Crenshaw, Gil Hanse, and Tom Doak are nevertheless stunning. The undulating green complexes were the highlight of the resort. The holes are accessible and once you get to the green the adventure has just begun. Make sure to bring your imagination when you come to Streamsong.
For more, make sure to read our Ultimate Streamsong Trip Guide.
TPC Sawgrass
Home of PGA Tour Headquarters and host to The PLAYERS Championship. Everyone knows about TPC Sawgrass, but Dye’s Valley next door to the Stadium Course is a great place to play as well, making Ponta Vedra Beach a great destination for your next golf trip.
Whistling Straits
Whistling Straits has been the host of Major Championships as well as many other big time events. Whistling Straits was designed by Pete Dye and is on Lake Michigan. In fact, half of the holes are directly on the water, which makes for a stunning round of golf.
Wrapping It Up
These are not by any means the only golf resorts to go to in the U.S., but they are undoubtedly among the best. If you are gearing up for a buddies trip, consider booking a trip to one of these amazing destinations. You will not be disappointed.
If you are interested in learning more about golf, head over to our Beginners page now!
