Top 5 US Golf Resorts
Sea Island, Bandon Dunes, Pebble Beach, Hualalai, The American Club
A new entry, Sea Island Golf Resort on the Georgia Coast knocks Pebble Beach from its #1 spot.
Golf Digest's latest ratings are out. Pebble Beach has been knocked out of first place shifting into third while the previous 4th place holder, Sea Island, takes top honors. Oregon's Bandon Dunes holds on to its 2nd place spot, while The Four Seasons Resort Hualalai featuring a seaside Jack Nicklaus design moves up from 7th place in previous rankings to take over the 4th place spot. The American Club in Kohler, Wisconsin, places fifth.
1) Sea Island, The Cloister and The Lodge
Situated on a five mile long private Island on the Georgia's coast, Sea Island sits half way between Jacksonville, Florida and Savannah, Georgia. Sea Island is a favorite of George Bush who held the 2004 G8 summit here. $200,000,000 has been invested in the perennial favorite, the Cloisters Resort, built in 1928 in the classic Mediterranean style. In 1999, the Seaside Course received a much needed re-design. High Season per night room rate is $725. T: 800-732-4752.
2) Bandon Dunes Golf Resort
Bandon Dunes, reminiscent of Scotland, features three links style courses, which are rare in North America. Here, players walk the rugged terrain high above the windy Oregon shores to experience golf as it was meant to be played. Rooms range from lodge singles to loft suites. The new Grove Cottages are designed to accommodate a foursome with four private rooms and shared patio/lounge areas. A bargain at $300 a night. T: 800-345-6008.
3) Pebble Beach Resorts
As if it weren't challenging enough, Pebble's Spyglass Hill course just added 100 yards and hundreds more trees. With 13 holes snaking through the woods and five on the ocean dunes, the course is a favorite of those who like a more varied, challenging track. The Pebble Beach Golf Links is still the best known and loved public course for it's ocean vistas and mystical morning fog. Pebble Beach lodge set directly on 17 mile Drive thrills first time visitors. Spa and Food and Wine packages are available. $535 high season. T: 800-654-9300.
4) Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
Every room features a 42 inch plasma television-perfect for watching the golf channel. Though Hualalai has wide fairways, the Kona tradewinds will determine how well you score. The magnetic pull of the ocean will challenge the putter too. Phil Mickelson won't start his season here for this reason. The facilities are excellent, as is the service at this very exclusive course and at 675.00 per night all rooms have private patios and ocean views.The Big Island, Hawaii T: 888-340-5662.
5) The American Club
All four courses are famous and include Whistling Straits. The newly expanded Kohler Waters Spa, however secured The American Club's number five spot. And compared to the above, a deal at $300.00 per night. Kohler, Wis.; T: 800-344-2838, destinationkohler.com
Over the past 15 years, the golf resort business has been getting more competitive with top resorts now offering complete packages featuring greatly expanded spas and wider choices in fine dining.
