The 10 Best Golf Resorts In The US

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Latifah Al-Hazza, Contributor

Forbes Vetted

The best golf resorts in the United States offer more than just tee time. At these resorts, not only will you find the country’s best championship courses—you’ll also find excellent pools, restaurants and spas. From beachfront hotels to family friendly lodges, these properties can be enjoyed by golf experts and newbies alike. The best golf resorts in the United States have enough amenities and activities to win over any type of traveler, even those who don’t plan on spending time on the course.

If you’re looking for premium golfing in a luxurious setting, our top high-end recommendation is The Resort At Pelican Hill. For unbeatable views on the course, the Four Seasons Resort Lanai delivers, while families of all ages will love the kid-friendly amenities and great golfing at Big Cedar Lodge. The oceanfront pools at the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico are not to be overlooked, while the spa at Palm Beach’s PGA National Resort is worth traveling to all on its own. Below, the best golf resorts in the United States.

• Best High-End Golf Resort In The U.S.: The Resort At Pelican Hill
• Golf Resort In The U.S. With The Best Spa: PGA National Resort
• Golf Resort In The U.S. With The Best Views: Four Seasons Resort Lanai
• Best Beachfront Golf Resort In The U.S.: The Lodge At Pebble Beach
• Golf Resort In The U.S. With The Best Amenities: The Lodge At Sea Island
• Best Golf Resort In The U.S. For Families: Big Cedar Lodge
• Best Golf Resort In The U.S. For Dining: Keswick Hall
• Best Golf Resort In The U.S. For Pools: Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico
• Best Golf Resort In The U.S. For Outdoor Lovers: The American Club
• Golf Resort In The U.S. With The Best Room Design: Primland, Auberge Resorts Collection

Best High-End Golf Resort In The U.S.: The Resort At Pelican Hill

The Resort At Pelican Hill

Who Will Love It: Golfers seeking European-style accommodations near one of California’s most beautiful beaches

All-Star Amenities: Each bungalow, guest room or suite has a fireplace and private terrace, while each villa has a private clubhouse and pool

What Not To Miss: The mosaic tiles that line the bottom of the Coliseum Pool

Location: Newport Coast, California

Staying at The Resort at Pelican Hill is like booking a trip to Italy—without the need for a passport. The resort, inspired by 16th century Italian architecture, pays attention to the tiniest of details when it comes to true escapism. From the 1.1 million hand cut glass mosaic tiles at the bottom of the pool to the over 750 olive trees that are 100 years old, the resort succeeds in transporting guests to Northern Italy. One of the most striking areas at the resort is the Coliseum Pool, inspired by the infamous Roman Colosseum. It’s the world’s largest circular pool and offers striking views of the sea.

When it comes to hitting the green, golfing at Pelican Hill is an unmatched experience thanks to the resort’s endless coastal views. There are two sprawling 36-hole golf courses and lessons are offered by PGA instructors for those who want to test their swing. Don’t miss exploring the area that surrounds the resort such as Crystal Cove Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches on the West Coast, and Little Corona, a secluded inlet perfect for a peaceful day at the beach.

Best Golf Resort In The U.S. With A Spa: PGA National Resort

PGA National Resort

Who Will Love It: Golf and wellness enthusiasts

All-Star Amenities: The Butcher’s Club, managed by Top Chef’s Season 13 winner, and Sushi by Boū, an intimate 12-seat sushi restaurant

What Not To Miss: The two impressive chandeliers that resemble upside-down palm leaves in the lobby

Location: Palm Beach Gardens, Florida

With a nod to the elegance of 1960s Palm Beach, the iconic PGA National Resort is more striking than ever, having undergone a $100 million facelift in 2022. Golf enthusiasts will find 99 holes of championship golf for all skill levels here, with the property’s Champion course known as one of the toughest on the PGA Tour. The jewel in the property’s crown, however, is its destination-worthy spa, designed by V Starr, the design firm owned by Venus Williams. The 40,000 square-foot spa features mineral pools with salts from countries like France and Turkey, known to support healing and have therapeutic benefits. Himalayan salt rooms, wet and dry treatment rooms, an outdoor pool deck and a Zen Garden with hammocks can also be enjoyed here—the spa is so large and has so many facilities that it serves as a resort within a resort. The salon offers hair styling and nail services, and there is also a 1950s-inspired barbershop for the gentlemen.

Golf Resort In The U.S. With The Best Views: Four Seasons Resort Lanai

Four Seasons Resort Lanai

Who Will Love It: Those looking for tee time with gorgeous views

All-Star Amenities: Dining at Nobu and the Lomi Lomi treatment at the spa

What Not To Miss: The evening celebration that commemorates the passing of another day through chants, hula, music, food and stories

Location: Lanai City, Hawaii

The Four Seasons Resort Lanai captivates guests with its stunning views on the golf course and throughout the resort. Here, guests can experience a rare opportunity to golf on lava outcroppings at the Manele Golf Course. The signature Jack-Nicklaus course features three holes on cliffs, making the Pacific Ocean a water hazard. While playing on this 18-hole course, guests can use a set of complementary Titleist or PXG clubs. Expect tee shots over natural gorges and ravines amid the breathtaking seascape. Take a break from golfing and experience one of the resorts unique activities such as learning to fly with Maui Flight Academy or taking a helicopter tour of the island for the ultimate photo opportunity. Guests can also choose to embark on a scenic sunrise hike or horseback around the island. To immerse yourself in the Hawaiian culture, the resort also offers traditional lauhala weaving, lei making and hula dancing workshops.

Best Beachfront Golf Resort In The U.S.: The Lodge At Pebble Beach

The Lodge At Pebble Beach

Who Will Love It: Golf fanatics and couples looking for a peaceful getaway

All-Star Amenities: Chocolates or mints are placed on the pillows at night, but guests can upgrade to fresh-baked cookies and a pitcher of milk

What Not To Miss: The silver polishers on staff that work full-time to keep the silver collection shining

Location: Pebble Beach, California

The Lodge at Pebble Beach opened in 1919 and has since become a landmark destination in California. The location of the resort is known for its breathtaking 17-mile drive along the California coast. Lush with greenery, the Pebble Beach Company grows about 200,000 indigenous plants in its greenhouse that are planted throughout the resort annually, and 15,000 of them are trees. Venture outside of the resort and you’ll find one of only two native Monterey cypress forests in the world.

Known for its renowned golfing, the Pebble Beach Golf Links have hosted six U.S. Opens, four U.S. Amateurs and one PGA Championship. It is also the future site of the U.S. Women’s Open, the U.S. Open Championships, the U.S. Senior Open and the U.S. Senior Women’s Open. After a few rounds, check out The Monkeyshines Room, which was the original bar at the resort and The Tap Room, which is the oldest remaining restaurant at Pebble Beach.

Best Golf Resort In The U.S. For Amenities: The Lodge At Sea Island

The Lodge At Sea Island

Who Will Love It: Serious golfers; multi-generational families; couples

All-Star Amenities: 24-hour butler service; freshly baked cookies; private beach club access; a daily sundown performance by the resort’s resident bagpiper

What Not To Miss: Dressing in your Sunday best for bingo and the Adopt-a-Nest sea turtle program

Location: St. Simons Island, Georgia

It has been less than a year since The Lodge at Sea Island forked up $1.5 million to renovate its guest rooms, suites, restaurants, communal areas and fitness center, and the labor of love that went into it shows. The refreshed look resembles a proper English country manor, and the new artwork pays homage to Georgia’s natural beauty and golfing. What remains the same are the property’s divine petal baths and its beloved milk and freshly baked cookies turndown service.

Although the resort offers a wide range of amenities and activities, its signature experience remains the two championship golf courses located a stone’s throw away. Aside from Speedway, the 18-hole putting course, the Sea Island Golf Performance Center features instruction and club fitting bays, a putting studio and more. The Lodge houses four eateries, including the recently redesigned steakhouse Colt & Alison, now featuring a wine wall and new semi-private dining room, as well as the Men’s Locker Room, a “gentleman’s hideaway” complete with a full bar, cigar room, lunch service and a recently launched full-service barbershop.

Best Golf Resort In The U.S. For Families: Big Cedar Lodge

Big Cedar Lodge

Who Will Love It: Multi-generational families; families with small children

All-Star Amenities: Fun Mountain and a daycare center to keep the kiddos entertained

What Not To Miss: The 20,000 seat nature amphitheater that is also home to the Missouri Thunder Professional Bull Riding team

Location: Ridgedale, Missouri

Forty miles south of the Bass Pro Shops flagship store and headquarters lies Big Cedar Lodge, another venture of Bass Pro Shops CEO Johnny Morris. The resort was originally built in the 1920s as a luxury retreat home but was purchased by Morris in 1987 to convert into a fishing camp for Bass Pro Shops employees. Inspired by his childhood family fishing trips, Morris decided to create Big Cedar Lodge, a wilderness resort for families, instead. The resort is nestled within Missouri’s Ozark wilderness and offers room types from lodges and cozy cottages to private log cabins.

One of the resort’s most notable attractions is Fun Mountain, an adventure-filled amusement area for families. Activities include a golf-simulator, a high-tech climbing wall and a wilderness fort laser tag arena, to name a few. There are also interactive activities for the younger kids, along with a daycare center. The most recent additions to Fun Mountain include a ropes course and go-kart tracks. The resort also has five golf courses designed by acclaimed golfers and incorporates the natural wonders of the state in each course.

Best Golf Resort In The U.S. For Foodies: Keswick Hall

Keswick Hall

Who Will Love It: Foodies; families and couples that want the amenities of a resort but in a more intimate setting

All-Star Amenities: Handcrafted chocolates and freshly brewed coffee

What Not To Miss: The Horizon Pool and historic sights nearby such as Montpelier and Shenandoah National Park

Location: Keswick, Virginia

Originally built in 1912, Keswick Hall has been a staple of the Virginia countryside for decades. Located within the rolling countryside of the state, the property is just a two-hour drive from Washington, D.C. and fifteen minutes from Charlottesville. It’s situated in an ideal location to catch beautiful sunrises over the Blue Ridge Mountains, and with over 30 wine vineyards, two outdoor pools, a spa, tennis courts and an 18-hole golf course, the historic landmark easily plays the role of being a home away from home.

Keswick Hall is home to Marigold by Jean-Georges and the inventive cuisine here does not disappoint. The use of fresh and local ingredients determines what’s on the menu, therefore the menu changes often based on the seasonal produce available. Most of the ingredients are grown on Keswick Hall’s farm. Come for the delicious dishes and stay for a game of bocce ball afterward. You’ll find games and ways to reconnect with loved ones scattered throughout the resort.

Best Golf Resort In The U.S. For Pools: Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico

Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico

Who Will Love It: Pool lovers; those who want an island golf vacation nestled in nature

All-Star Amenities: A resort-branded craft beer called PRadise Bliss Lager; Puerto Rico’s largest lagoon-style pool

What Not To Miss: Requesting a twinkle light picnic set at the highest point on the property's 72 acres of protected natural reserve

Location: Río Grande, Puerto Rico

The word oceanfront takes on a whole new meaning in Puerto Rico, surrounded by mesmerizing waters in all shades of blue. Located on a protected natural peninsula at the base of the El Yunque rainforest, the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve is perfect for both beach and jungle adventure lovers. The peaceful resort has a swimmable secluded beach but also numerous oceanfront pools, including Puerto Rico’s largest lagoon-style pool. It’s also home to a phenomenal 27-hole golf course, as well as the only indoor Top Golf suites in Puerto Rico. There’s a lot to do outside of the resort, as well. Don’t miss out on a hillside authentic Puerto Rican meal where you can overlook the rainforest and ocean at once, or take a day trip to El Yunque National Forest or Old San Juan.

Best Golf Resort In The U.S. For Outdoor Lovers: The American Club

The American Club

Who Will Love It: Travelers who want a mixture of golfing and adventures in nature

All-Star Amenities: The ability to book advanced tee times

What Not To Miss: The Kohler Original Recipe Chocolates and yoga on the lake

Location: Kohler, Wisconsin

When Kohler Company built a factory in Wisconsin’s Village of Kohler, immigrants from Austria, Holland, Germany and Russia needed a place to live. In 1918, The American Club was created for this purpose, and included everything from a bowling alley to classes on how to obtain American citizenship. Walter Kohler even hired the Olmsted Brothers (renowned for their work on Central Park) to devise a 50-year master plan for Kohler Village. In 1981, Herbert Kohler, Jr. transformed The American Club into a resort, and today Destination Kohler has a variety of lodging options.

Located just one hour north of Milwaukee, the resort has gained a reputation for its excellent golfing—it has hosted three PGA Championships as well as the 43rd Ryder Cup. During their stay, golf lovers can get a sneak peak of the champions locker room, which was once used by some of the top professional golfers. The resort also offers a variety of year-round activities such as cross-country skiing, fat tire biking, river fishing and pheasant hunting, making the destination a haven for not only golfers, but outdoor lovers as well.

Golf Resort In The U.S. With The Best Room Design: Primland, Auberge Resorts Collection

Primland, Auberge Resorts Collection

Who Will Love It: Couples; families

All-Star Amenities: An on-site observatory led by an astronomer where guests can see the solar system through a telescope

What Not To Miss: Primland’s Highland Golf & Wine Classic

Location: Meadows of Dan, Virginia

In the heart of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains lies Primland, an expansive mountainside retreat. The resort offers a variety of unique accommodation options from cottages to treehouses, with private balconies where guests can enjoy the region’s immaculate views. Alongside the golf course are the Fairway accommodations, complete with wooden decks and fireplaces. Another option, the Pinnacles of Dan, are chalet-like rooms that offer views of the valley. The 18-hole golf course at the resort weaves through the forests and valleys of Virginia, with multi-day lessons with professionals are offered at the resort’s School of Golf. Guests who stay here can dine on Southern classics at the Stables Saloon, which once served as Primland’s horse stables, or sip on a craft cocktail while listening to Bluegrass music in the historic Tobacco Barn.

About Latifah Al-Hazza, Your U.S. Golf Resorts Guide

I am an Emmy Award-winning travel journalist and documentary filmmaker who graduated with journalism degrees from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign (BS) and the University of Southern California (MS). I enjoy writing about all things travel, whether it's about a tribe in the Omo Valley or the latest luxury hotel opening in the Maldives. My first international flight was when I was three months old; since then I've traveled to over 55 countries.

When I'm not writing, you can find me (still) traveling solo, with my parents, or with my 4 pound Pomeranian. In addition to Forbes Vetted, my work can be found in Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Travel + Leisure, Fodor's, INSIDER, CNN Travel, The New York Times, TimeOut, and more. I am also the co-founder (along with my mother) of Femscape Sojourns, a boutique women’s travel company. I currently reside between Virginia, Chicago, and Kuwait. Follow my adventures on Instagram @tifahtravels.