Bandon Dunes Golf Resort
Bandon, Ore.
888-345-6008, bandondunes.com
For buddy trips and serious golfers who relish a walking-only battle with the elements, this is probably as good as it gets. Bandon Dunes is home to three of GOLF Magazine's top-ten public-access courses, including No. 1-ranked Pacific Dunes. While some resorts rely on over-the-top spas and marble-encrusted rooms to attract their guests, the folks at Bandon Dunes concentrate on keeping things simple: comfortable rooms, excellent food and drink, and superb golf. Despite all that, the resort refuses to rest on its laurels. Construction work will soon begin on the new 39-room Inn at Bandon Dunes, while architects Tom Doak and Jim Urbina have started moving dirt at Old Macdonald, Bandon's fourth course, which is slated for a 2010 opening.

Credit: Wood Sabold