The Votes Are In. These Are America’s Top Golf Resorts
In 2024, more than 12 million Americans took a trip to play golf. However, narrowing down a spot for the next one can be difficult with nearly 1,200 golf facilities tied to resorts or resort/real estate properties in the United States. Take a planning shortcut and book your next golf getaway to one of these 10 resorts across America, voted the best in the country.
How Was This List Made?
The USA TODAY 10 BEST Golf Resorts were carefully curated by a panel of subject matter experts and USA TODAY editors before being voted on by the public.
USA TODAY said about the top resorts singled out in its 10Best honors: “Golf resorts provide the perfect blend of luxury, relaxation, and sport — all wrapped up in one stunning and convenient spot. These 10 resorts have at least one standout 18-hole course, provide top-notch accommodations and amenities, and offer delicious dining options. They also offer a range of other activities so that the non-golfers along for the getaway have plenty to enjoy as well.”
1. Big Cedar Lodge (Missouri)
In the Ozark Mountains, Big Cedar Lodge has the perfect mix of rustic charm and modern luxury. It’s a lovely destination for families, couples, and outdoor enthusiasts and is a regular on ‘Best Of’ lists. It was voted the top spot over more well-known golf resorts because it offers so much more in addition to world-class golf. And there is even more on the horizon.
You can also have non-golf experiences like wildlife tours, bass fishing, exploring the Dogwood Canyon Nature Park, hiking, and biking. You’ll leave with a deeper connection to the natural beauty of the Ozarks.
A Golfer’s Dream
A Who’s Who of the greatest golf course designers in modern history was brought in, and the result has been non-stop awards and accolades. No place on earth offers the breadth and variety of golf experiences across its five courses.
- Payne’s Valley: Tiger Woods’ first public-access course in the U.S.
- Top of the Rock Golf Course: a Jack Nicklaus par-3 9-hole course that was played as part of the PGA TOUR Champions Legends of Golf from 2014-2019.
- Buffalo Ridge Course: ranked in the Top 100 U.S. Resort Courses by GOLF Magazine
- Ozarks National Course: a more traditional experience with sweeping vistas and natural obstacles that’ll test your skills with the clubs.
- Mountain Top Course: This short, 13-hole course is for players of all skill levels. But don’t let that fool you. Intertwined through rock formations, it offers some of the most awe-inspiring views in the Ozarks.
Why This Resort Is So Special
Born out of a commitment to conservation and a passion to share the beauty of his beloved Ozarks, Bass Pro Shops Founder Johnny Morris has been leading a paradigm shift in golf travel for almost 30 years. While other places have focused on privatizing the game, selling real estate, exclusivity, and memberships, Ozarks native Johnny Morris and Big Cedar have focused on the guest experience, quality public golf, and keeping the natural beauty beautiful. Big Cedar Lodge is the only golf resort in the world to have all its golf courses earn the highest possible certification from Audubon International, “Signature Sanctuary” status.
“People in America should really make an effort to come and see what exists here,” Gary Player said. “It’s beyond one’s belief.”
2. The Highlands at Harbor Springs (Michigan)
The Highlands at Harbor Springs, rated the No. 1 Golf Resort for Value by Golf.com, features four championship courses, a new par three-course, Doon Brae, and a 27-hole putting course, The Back Yaird. The Heather, the 2019 NGCOA Course of the Year, was designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., while Arthur Hills crafted the Hills Course. In addition, the resort features The Donald Ross Memorial, a rendition of the legendary architect’s great holes from around the country, and the always fun Moor course.
“Having The Highlands ranked No.2 among all the great golf resorts in the survey is a credit to the combination of luxury lodging, great championship golf, and service,” said Mike Chumbler, President and General Manager at The Highlands. “The resort’s significant investment into the Main Lodge renovations, combined with our ongoing golf course renovations, has elevated the guest experience.”
3. The Omni Homestead Resort (Virginia)
Now’s the perfect time to play two of America’s most historic layouts, recently refreshed with a $150 million renovation. The Old Course, the nation’s oldest first tee in continuous us, has been updated by William S. Flynn and Donald Ross. The icon Cascades Course, one of the finest mountain courses in the U.S., is the number one course in Virginia.
See why this Allegheny Mountain resort has drawn guests, including 24 U.S. presidents, for over 250 years.
4. Four Seasons Resort Lanai (Hawaii)
Golfers could spend weeks playing Hawaii’s best courses, but the Four Seasons Resort Lanai offers some hard-to-beat features, including a Jack Nicklaus-signature course built on lava outcroppings. When not teeing off, guests can lounge on the private beach or soak in one of many pools. The resort offers private aviation packages for seamless round-trip travel to this lesser-visited Hawaiian Island.
Designed by the Golden Bear himself, Manele Golf Course is exclusively available to Four Seasons resort guests. As you head into your round, you’ll naturally work your way up a mountain and be treated to stunning views of Hulop’e Bay. However, once you reach the fifth hole, you turn downhill, and the rest of the course snakes downward. Many spots from here on out hug the shoreline and will require you to play some intelligent golf if you’re to keep your score intact.
5. Innisbrook Resort (Florida)
Innisbrook Golf Resort’s lush surroundings blend luxurious accommodations with a laid-back atmosphere, plus six pools, tennis courts, and the luxe Salamander Spa. The host of the PGA Tour’s Valspar Championship, the property has four courses, including the iconic Copperhead course. Well known as a very tight course, the final three holes are diabolically hard, a challenge for even the best golfers in the world.
6. French Lick Resort (Indiana)
French Lick Resort has three distinct golf courses – the Pete Dye Course, the Donald Ross Course, and the Valley Links Course – offering dramatic elevation, memorable holes, and clever layouts. And the Sand Creek Course at French Lick Resort is set to debut on May 1, 2025, making a round of golf possible in a little over an hour here.
Golf and history enthusiasts are in for a treat at French Lick Resort, which boasts courses designed by three greats of 20th-century golf course design. Notably, the resort’s most historic one is The Donald Ross Course, designed by the icon himself, considered one of the greatest and most influential course architects of the game’s Golden Age.
7. Barnsley Resort (Georgia)
Fresh off a renovation, Barnsley Resort offers couples, families, and groups 3,000 beautiful acres to explore. The inspired-by-nature estate provides a wide range of accommodations, horseback riding, shooting clays, axe-throwing, pickleball, bourbon tastings, and archery.
The Georgian property also contains the critically acclaimed 18-hole Jim Fazio golf course, which spans 378 acres and features lakes, lush forests, mountain views, and some of the fastest greens in the Southeast.
8. Nemacolin (Pennsylvania)
About 70 miles outside Pittsburgh, Nemacolin is set on 2,200 acres in the picturesque Laurel Highlands and is renowned for its exceptional luxury. The resort also offers a kids’ club, so bring the whole family along. Explore outdoor pursuits at The Peak, including tubing, ropes courses, and rock climbing, as well as cultural offerings such as art tours, cooking classes, and more. With newly reimagined amenities, accommodations, experiences, and venues, there’s never been a better time to finally go.
“So many consider Nemacolin, with our two world-class Pete Dye championship golf courses, and The Nemacolin Golf Academy, to be a bit of a ‘hidden gem,’ but a growing number of discerning golf travelers are discovering the magic of a golf vacation in the majestic Laurel Highlands, ” said Nemacolin’s Director of Golf Operations Chris Anderson. “The golf experience here is unforgettable, and when you pair that with the adventurous and indulgent array of off-course activities and amenities, there’s truly nothing that compares to a Nemacolin getaway.”
9. The Resort at Pelican Hill (California)
Newport Beach’s five-star, five-diamond The Resort at Pelican Hill features two courses and 36 spectacular holes with sweeping ocean views designed by legendary architect Tom Fazio. Fazio sculpted the 400 picturesque acres of natural terrain along the coast to create the beloved Ocean North and Ocean South courses.
Players will find sage and eucalyptus trees at every hole set against the cobalt sea and California blue sky. Book an early morning tee time for misty play or end your day with an epic sunset round.
10. Bandon Dunes Golf Resort (Oregon)
The Pacific Northwest is home to one of the best-known courses in the country that features a complex of five 18-hole courses and two par-3 courses spanning a section of dramatic coastline. Located on the rugged Oregon coast with grassy dunes that roll to the sea, Bandon Dunes is known as one of the best golf destinations in the world.
The resort features six distinct award-winning links courses conceived harmoniously with the natural environment, all designed for a walk-only, soul-stirring golf experience. Book a stay and play to enjoy The Lodge and a collection of 10 onsite dining venues. Additional activities include a massage center, fitness center, spa, six miles of hiking trails, and fishing.
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