Best golf resorts in the US

The variety of golf courses, landscapes and climates that can be found across the country makes choosing your next golf vacation an exciting task. So many of our clients opt for a stay-&-play resort that gives them everything at their fingertips, from multiple courses to great dining and a host of leisure and recreational activities that are all in one place.

We have picked out 16 of the best golf resorts in the US below that our customers enjoy time and time again.

Situated on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean and an hour south of Charleston, Kiawah Island Golf Resort is the ultimate golf destination. Stay at the five-star Sanctuary Hotel and enjoy the height of luxury, or choose one of the many spacious villas or larger private homes. With access to all the leisure facilities, rental bikes for exploring and miles of white sand beach, there is so much to do and enjoy. And then there is the golf…

Home to five courses, Kiawah Island is a golfer’s paradise. Pete Dye’s Ocean Course is the most famous and a must-play for all golf enthusiasts. It has hosted the game’s greatest tournaments, most notably the 1991 Ryder Cup (the ‘war on the shore’), Rory McIlroy’s emphatic 8-shot PGA Championship victory in 2012 and Phil Mickelson’s victory in the same major in 2021. Simply put, it oozes championship golf. With the support of Osprey Point, Oak Point, Turtle Point and Cougar Point, Kiawah Island is an unbelievable setting for a golf vacation.

Located 20 miles to the south-east of Palm Springs, the La Quinta Resort & Spa is set at the foot of the Santa Rosa Mountains. This five-star property has 796 casitas, suites and villas to choose from, each decorated in a Spanish theme and many with private hot tubs. There are 18 complimentary tennis courts, numerous swimming pools and several restaurants on-site. If you are looking for some relaxation, head to the La Quinta Spa and enjoy a wide range of treatments.

While the resort of La Quinta is impressive, the golf next door at PGA WEST is the big draw. As a guest of the club, there are five championship courses to choose from designed by the likes of Pete Dye, Jack Nicklaus and Greg Norman. The Pete Dye Stadium Course hosts the PGA TOUR each year, notoriously difficult, it has been ranked the 4th toughest course to play in the country by Golf Digest. Add the four other courses and you have a feast of golf that runs through the desert with surreal views of the Coachella Valley and mountain landscape.

Pebble Beach® Resort is located on the south coast of the Monterey Peninsula, nestled against the stunning Pacific coastline. There are three outstanding accommodation options to choose from: The Inn at Spanish Bay™, The Lodge at Pebble Beach™ and Casa Palmero™ – each beautifully styled and offering luxurious amenities. From walks on the beach to experiencing 17-Mile Drive™, a stay at Pebble is truly memorable. The award-winning Spa overlooks the Pacific Ocean and if you want to work up a sweat then the tennis and fitness facilities are second-to-none. There are many dining options, with a favourite being Stillwater Bar & Grill which overlooks the famous 18th hole at Pebble Beach Golf Links™.

There are four first-class golf courses to enjoy, however, Pebble Beach Golf Links always steals the show! Rated as the Greatest Public Golf Course in America by Golf Digest since its rankings were established in 2003, the layout hosted its sixth U.S. Open in 2019 and is famous around the world. The other three courses on-site are: Spyglass Hill®, The Links at Spanish Bay™ and Del Monte™ - each deliver a wonderful golfing experience, and the consensus shared by many is that Spyglass Hill is the greatest course to never have hosted a major.

The Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa is a fantastic stay and play resort in Ponte Vedra Beach, just south-east of Jacksonville. Accommodations are modern and comfortable, ranging from traditional guestrooms to luxurious suites and spacious villas. Multiple dining options, a full-service spa and private beach access with the Cabana Beach Club complete this high-end resort experience.

Adjacent to the Marriott resort is TPC Sawgrass, and the world-famous Stadium Course, which is home of THE PLAYERS Championship. No doubt one of the most famous golf courses in the world with the iconic par-3 17th island green part of a trio of nerve-wracking finishing holes. Be sure to also play Dye's Valley, the Stadium’s sister course that has hosted many elite professional and amateur tournaments. With large greens, water on nearly every hole and first-class conditions, it is the perfect complement to the Stadium Course.

Legends Golf Resort is a Scottish-inspired setting that is home to two- and three-bedroom condos. The Turnberry Village is a great place to relax and unwind, and the Ailsa Pub is a favorite spot after golf to recollect the day’s play. With five championship courses to choose from, Legends Golf Resort is one of the most popular in South Carolina.

Talking golf… The Heathland, Moorland and Parkland are on-site at the resort, whilst Oyster Bay is situated to the north of Myrtle Beach and The Heritage Club is located to the south in Pawley’s Island. The Moorland is considered the toughest test at the venue, with troubling bunkers and undulating terrain dominating the layout. The Heathland was designed by Tom Doak and plays similarly to a links set-up which contrasts greatly to Doak’s second course on property, the Parkland. The Heritage Club has been ranked among the “50 Best Public Courses in America” by Golf Digest, while Oyster Bay measures 6,700 from the tips and the deceptively contouring greens have the capability of making or breaking a round. All things considered; Legends has five great courses to enjoy.

Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge is located 12 miles to the south-east of Orlando. On first appearance it is a very understated ‘resort’ with a small 70-bedroom lodge. However, don’t be fooled as this is its charm, with all guests treated like members for their stay - guaranteed an intimate and private experience. There are multiple dining options with the ‘Members Lounge’ a great place to start and end your evening, as well as plenty of on-site activities. Arnie’s grace and charisma are woven throughout the property with images and great stories of ‘The King’ plentiful.

Open only to members and guests staying at the Bay Hill Club & Lodge, the world-renowned Champion and Challenger nines make up the 18-hole Bay Hill course played by the game's best at the PGA TOUR’s Arnold Palmer Invitational. The Charger, a third nine, offers a shorter, more open (but still challenging) experience.

Doral is an iconic resort that has been around since the 1960s, with the Trump organization most recently taking it to a new level of excellence. There are close to 700 guest rooms, a fine array of dining options, a world-class spa, tennis courts and expansive fitness center, along with the four championship golf courses on-site. Access is very easy too with Miami International Airport just 8 miles away.

The Blue Monster is the premier course at Doral, and has played host to the PGA TOUR for over half a century, most recently hosting the WGC-Cadillac Championship. The Dick Wilson design was renovated by Gil Hanse and is one of Florida's best-known courses. Golden Palm at Trump National Doral, like the Blue Monster, is a Gil Hanse design that requires length, strength and touch around the greens. With shaved fairway-side entrances and heavy rough on the backsides, the bunkering is reminiscent of those found on many of the Australian courses. Doral's Red Tiger and Silver Fox make up Doral’s quartet of courses and are more playable challenges for the weekend golfer.

Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort is located on the eastern side of Hilton Head Island. Nestled against the Atlantic Ocean it is home to miles of white sand beach and endless recreational activities. From biking to kayaking, tennis to fishing, and much more - Palmetto Dunes certainly has something for everyone. Accommodations range from 2-bedroom villas to bigger private home rentals, all of which are well-appointed and ideal for golfers on vacation.

With three courses on property, the first tee is never far from your door. The Robert Trent Jones Course is considered the premier layout, it sits adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean and the sea breezes play their part in every round. The George Fazio Course is the only par-70 public course on the island and it also boasts a challenging layout. Finally, the Arthur Hills Course places an importance on accuracy, as opposed to distance. For panoramic views and vistas, this layout is seldom beaten – just be wary of the twisting lagoons that feature on ten of the holes.

Reunion Resort is located 30 minutes south-west of Orlando and boasts an entire complex of leisure and recreational facilities. There are over 200 villas, offering one to three bedrooms, large living spaces and private balconies. Alternatively, rental homes are available, and they can accommodate up to 14 bedrooms for larger groups. The resort has its own water park, plus there’s tennis, pickleball, miniature golf, footgolf and much more. Dining options are varied, from fine cuisine at Chophouse, Sushi in the Lobby Bar to snacks by the pool.

Reunion Resort is the only destination in the world that features three golf courses designed by Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson and Arnold Palmer. The Nicklaus course plays firm and fast with tree lined fairways and elevated greens. The Palmer stretches out across hilly, rolling terrain with elevation changes up to 50 feet, and the Tom Watson layout features open greens, undulating fairways and many bunkers to avoid. With three great courses all on-site, Reunion Resort is perfect for a golf vacation.

Located 15 miles north of San Diego, The Lodge at Torrey Pines sits atop the cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean and is one of the finest in California. On arrival, doormen dressed in Scottish kilts welcome you to the property for what is always an excellent experience. This five-star hotel has 170 luxurious guestrooms, two restaurants and a full-service spa. Furthermore, the heated swimming pool is open all year and underwater speakers have been installed to enhance the experience.

There are two courses at Torrey Pines: the North and the South. The South is the leading name and has played host to PGA tournaments including the Buick International, Farmers Insurance Open and the illustrious US Open Championship. Most holes boast of an incredible ocean backdrop and the 12th and 14th are especially picturesque. The North is situated on the rugged coastline and offers an excellent challenge. A trip to Torrey Pines is certainly ‘bucket-list’ material.

Horseshoe Bay Resort sits alongside the shores of Lake LBJ, one hour’s drive to the north-west of Austin. The resort has over 400 luxurious and newly modelled rooms – including suites and villas with some unbeatable views of the Lake and the Colorado River. Whether you want to relax with a coffee or a cocktail, experience a sunset cruise, unwind by the pool, work on your fitness or hang out at the Marina, Horseshoe Bay has something for everyone.

The resort has three courses on-site all of which were designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr, and are known as the “Texas Triangle”. Slick Rock, Ram Rock and Apple Rock have all undergone recent renovations to improve their playability and make Horseshoe Bay a great golfing experience. Elevation changes, water hazards, natural dry creeks and rocky terrain play their part throughout each course, with Lake LBJ offering beautiful views.

The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort is located just seven miles from Palm Springs International Airport and the complex has 500 immaculate rooms, each with a patio or balcony and views of the resort, golf course and mountains. There is plenty to do on-site, from flood-lit tennis, a full-serviced spa, three outdoor pools and four restaurants that offer a blend of first-class cuisine.

The on-site Pete Dye Resort Course measures just under 7,000 yards from the tips, but with five teeing options it is a fantastic challenge to all golfers. Pot bunkers, water hazards, elevated greens and rolling fairways are part of another Pete Dye layout that tests all that play it. Just down the road is the Mission Hills North Course – a Gary Player Signature design. Accredited for its difficultly yet stunning views across the San Jacinto mountains, it is a great addition to your golfing itinerary whilst staying at the Westin Rancho Mirage Resort.

The five-star Boulders Resort & Spa is located 20 miles north of downtown Scottsdale in the foothills of the Sonoran Desert, home to ancient boulder formations and stunning vistas of the untouched landscape. The resort has 221 guest rooms in the form of Casitas, Executive Suites, Haciendas and Villa Retreats. The dining is varied and excellent, and there’s plenty of leisure activities to enjoy. Alternatively, relax at the pool or experience the award-winning Spa. Boulders Resort was awarded Best Golf Resort in the Southwest by Golf Digest in 2017 – and it is easy to see why!

The resort is home to 36-holes holes of golf – the North and South Courses. The North was the first to be built and is dominated by the natural landscape, boulder formations and views of Black Mountain. That said, the South is often considered more scenic and is home to the resort’s signature hole, the par-5 5th where the approach shot is played towards a huge pile of boulders that sit behind the green. Golf at The Boulders is a truly special experience.

Omni La Costa Resort & Spa is 35-minutes to the north of San Diego and just a few miles inland from the Pacific Ocean. The resort has over 600 well-appointed guestrooms, and a great selection of dining options from the BlueFire Grill to the Legends Bistro. The Spa was recently named the Number 1 Wellness Spa in the country by Spa Magazine, and when it comes to leisure, there are 17 tennis courts (including clay), spinning & yoga classes, eight swimming pools and two 100ft water slides.

There are 36 holes on-site and both courses have seen plenty of PGA TOUR history. Whilst they are no longer involved with the TOUR’s rotation a combination of the North and South Courses used to make up the 18 holes for the Mercedes Championship before hosting the WGC Match Play Championship from 1999 to 2007.

The North Course layout is a links style course with wide landing areas, slight elevation changes and deep bunkers; the South Course is a parkland style and it features mature trees, gentle doglegs and demands precision from the tee. For a golf vacation on the west, the Omni La Costa Resort has a lot to offer.

Located 25 miles north-east of Tampa is the excellent Innisbrook Resort. Set amongst 900 acres of woodland with spacious accommodation lodges sprinkled throughout, the resort boasts 6 swimming pools including the Loch Ness Monster (complete with water slides), 11 clay tennis courts, a tranquil spa, a fully equipped fitness center and 4 dining options. Also on-site are four fabulous golf courses designed by Lawrence Packard.

The Copperhead is the most recognizable of the courses as it hosts the annual Valspar Championship, and is famous for three of the toughest finishing holes on the PGA TOUR known as the ‘Snake Pit’. Pine, tree-lined fairways and rolling terrain define the course, which is a favorite amongst the world’s best players. The other championship layout of the Island the South course features up to 70 feet of elevation change, and scenery more reminiscent of the Carolina sandhills and Georgia foothills than the typical Florida terrain.

The Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort & Spa is located 30 minutes to the east of the famous Las Vegas Strip - far enough away to enjoy a peaceful retreat but close enough if you fancy one or two evenings enjoying the Las Vegas nightlife. With beautiful views of the mountains and the lake, four restaurants, the Aveda Spa Lago and several leisure activities including cycling, kayaking, two large swimming pools and a sandy beach area – the Westin Lake has lots to offer including some of the best golf in the area.

As a guest of the hotel you have access to two stunning Jack Nicklaus designs: SouthShore Country Club and Reflection Bay. Southshore is the first private Nicklaus course in Nevada and is a real treat to play, expect dramatic elevation changes, surreal desert and mountain views and excellent course conditions. Reflection Bay is set in an upscale community in Lake Las Vegas and offers a unique desert golf experience. The course features undulating terrain, rolling fairways and five holes that play along the shoreline of the water. These first-class courses and The Westin hotel create one of the best golf vacation options in Las Vegas.

The US has an unbelievable selection of stay-&-play golf resorts in some of the most varied of environments. From the lush green fairways of Florida to desert landscapes in Scottsdale and unbelievable coastal settings in California, hopefully the list above has given you some great ideas about where to ‘golf-vacation’ next.