Lake Las Vegas Resort Henderson, Nev.
Medal History: Moves from Silver in 2004 to Gold
Why It's Worth It: This desert diamond is growing as fast as nearby Las Vegas. The property includes two superior hotels (a Ritz-Carlton and a Hyatt regency) and a new Loews hotel is on the way. Also in the works is Rainbow Canyon, a Tom Fazio layout that will join the existing pair of courses: Nicklaus' reflection Bay and Tom Weiskopf's Falls course.
Contact: 760-567-1234 (Hyatt) or 702-567-4700 (Ritz), lakelasvegas.com
The Lodge at Koele Lanai, Hawaii
Medal History: Made the leap to Gold in 2004
Why It's Worth It: The swank Lodge promises upgrades in 2006. Guests enjoy amenities such as an archery range and a sporting clay course. But the real thrill is the Experience course, where the tee shot at No. 17 plummets into the deepest gorge on the island.
Contact: 800-321-4666, lodgeatkoele.com
The Lodge at Pebble Beach Pebble Beach, Calif.
Medal History: A perennial Gold
Why It's Worth It: You just won't find a more storied public-access course in the U.S. The Lodge is just a lag putt from the 18th green, and nothing beats the feeling of drawing back your room shades to see the whales in Stillwater Cove looking back at you.
Contact: 800-654-9300, pebblebeach.com
Mauna Lani Resort Kohala Coast, Hawaii
Medal History: Has never fallen from the Gold podium
Why It's Worth It: There are two luxury properties on the site, the Mauna lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows and the Fairmont Orchid, both perched on a pristine white-sand beach. Both the North and South courses are breezy island layouts that will soothe your nerves no matter what you score.
Contact: 800-323-7500, maunalani.com
Pinehurst Resort Pinehurst, N.C.
Medal History: Eight consecutive Golds
Why It's Worth It: The century-old Carolina Hotel keeps itself in the game, completing a major room renovation this year. You have eight courses to choose from here. The big daddy is No. 2, the 2005 U.S. Open venue, but Nos. 4 and 8 also earn spots on our Top 100 Courses You Can Play.
Contact: 800-487-4653, pinehurst.com
Princeville Resort Kauai, Hawaii
Medal History: Gold since 1994
Why It's Worth It: It's the little touches that make a difference at Princeville. Each room has been fitted with a large privacy window, which turns from opaque to clear at the touch of a button. The Prince Course is No. 20 on out Top 100 Courses You can Play.
Contact: 800-826-4400, princeville.com
Tony Roberts
Kiawah Island is a new Gold medalist.
Medal History: Gold since 1992
Why It's Worth It: This resort has been a haven for the well-heeled for more than 80 years. (Presidents Bush's parents honeymooned here.) The dunes-strewn Seaside Course is the best of the three options, and ranks No. 83 on our Top 100 Courses in the U.S. A recent $500 million renaissance included an all-new Cloister main building, 65,000-square-foot spa and fitness center, Yacht Club, Stables and Tennis Center.
Contact: 888-732-4752, seaisland.com
