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This year marks the 20th anniversary of Golf Magazine's best resorts rankings, which are chosen by our most trusted group of travel experts: our readers. To celebrate, we've created a new category — Platinum Medals — that honors golf's finest properties. Here is a list of the 10 finest golf resorts in the United States.
The American Club
Kohler, Wisc.
800-344-2838, destinationkohler.com
Just call it "Le Grand Fromage." This dairyland resort was actually the top vote-getter in our reader survey for the quality of its golf. And who could argue? Its four Pete Dye courses—two each at Whistling Straits and Blackwolf Run—offer superior designs, stirring settings, and stern challenges. The American Club itself is no slouch either. The Kohler Waters Spa has no equal in the Midwest, and the Immigrant Restaurant & Winery Bar is a star in its own right (check out the unique regional cheese room after your round). Despite its remote location, the American Club is proof that if you build it they will come, and they'll tell others to come, too!
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.
Four Seasons Resort Lana'i at Manele Bay
Lanai, Hi.
808-565-2000, fourseasons.com/manelebay
Veterans of resort golf know there's only one thing better than a great course—a great course that's empty! Fresh off a $50 million renovation, this Four Seasons resort edged out its Hawaiian siblings at Hualalai and Koele thanks to its golf experience. Ranked No. 33 on GOLF Magazine's Top 100 Courses You Can Play, this Jack Nicklaus effort is best known for its par-3 12th, a cliff top marvel so memorable that Bill Gates got married here. Like its sister property at Koele, Manele Bay can be a pain to get to, but that keeps crowds down and the golf experience pristine.
Pinehurst Resort
Pinehurst, N.C.
800-487-4653, pinehurst.com
Sit in the rocking chair on the big porch of the 107-year-old Carolina Hotel and it's easy to appreciate Pinehurst's appeal: the view never seems to change. The reality, however, is that there's constant progress here. This year marks the conclusion of a three-year upgrade that has seen rooms get flat-screen TVs, marble-tiled bathrooms, and ultra-plush bedding. Nevertheless, most folks come here to walk the fairways at Donald Ross' fabled No. 2, the two-time U.S. Open venue. There may be eight courses at the resort, but there's only one No. 2.
The Boulders Resort & Golden Door Spa
Carefree, Ariz.
866-397-6520, theboulders.com
Tucked away in the high Sonoran Desert foothills north of Scottsdale, The Boulders is more mild west than Wild West. Beyond the guarded gatehouse, the only traffic you'll encounter is jackrabbits and roadrunners, and the occasional coyote chasing both. Jay Morrish's North and South courses ribbon through cactus forests and the gigantic rocks that give the resort its name. The front nine of the South could be the most spectacular in Arizona. The Golden Door spa will take the edge off any tough score, and eco-eaters will love the new organic garden.
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