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Astrid Taran, Forbes Staff
Forbes Vetted
From beachfront boutiques to family-friendly lodges, the best golf resorts in the United States have enough amenities and activities to please a wide range of travelers, even those who don’t plan on spending time on the course. Aside from proximity to championship courses, they’re also home to excellent restaurants, spas and other outdoor pursuits.
To choose the best golf resorts in the U.S., I combined firsthand experiences with insights from Forbes Vetted’s golf-loving staff editors. I also tapped Kelsey Rohana, a travel advisor specializing in golf travel at Golf Zoo, for her tips. From luxury at The Resort At Pelican Hill to romance at Four Seasons Resort Lanai and kid-friendly activities at Big Cedar Lodge, we found something for everyone. Below, the best golf resorts in the U.S. in 2025.
Best Golf Resort In The U.S. Overall: The Lodge At Pebble Beach
The location of the resort is known for its breathtaking 17-mile drive along the coast.
The Lodge At Pebble Beach
The Lodge At Pebble BeachReserve At Pebble Beach Resorts
Who Will Love It: Golf fanatics seeking access to a high-quality course in a scenic location
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
Known for its breathtaking 17-mile drive along the California coast, The Lodge at Pebble Beach has become a landmark destination since opening in 1919. There are few better places to hit the links than the Pebble Beach Golf Links, which has hosted six U.S. Opens, four U.S. Amateurs and one PGA Championship; the property is perched right on the 18th hole. “The course lives up to all the hype,” says Rohana. “It’s an amazing experience that every golf lover needs to do at least once in their lifetime.” After a few rounds, check out The Monkeyshines Room, which was the original bar at the resort and The Tap Room, the oldest remaining restaurant at Pebble Beach. “The property has something to offer for every kind of traveler, pro golfer or not,” says Forbes Vetted features director Kim Peiffer, who recommends an ocean view room. The lodge’s main building is undergoing renovations until fall 2025, but the overall experience should not be impacted.
Best High-End Golf Resort In The U.S.: The Resort At Pelican Hill
There are two sprawling 36-hole golf courses and lessons are offered by PGA instructors for those who want to test their swing.
The Resort At Pelican Hill
The Resort At Pelican HillReserve At Booking.com
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
Inspired by 16th century Italian architecture, The Resort At Pelican Hill 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. There are two sprawling 36-hole golf courses, with 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 ideal for a peaceful beach day.
Best Golf Resort In The U.S. For Couples: Four Seasons Resort Lanai
Expect tee shots over natural gorges and ravines amid the breathtaking seascape.
Four Seasons Resort Lanai
Four Seasons Resort LanaiReserve At Booking.com
Who Will Love It: Couples; 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 offers breathtaking views that will impress golfers of any level. The property’s signature Jack-Nicklaus course features three holes on cliffs, making the Pacific Ocean a water hazard. “Once you tee off from a tropical cliff with the stunning backdrop of the Pacific Ocean and Hulope Bay in the background, there’s no going back,” says Peiffer. Expect tee shots over natural gorges and ravines amid the breathtaking seascape. With romantic views at every turn, the property is also a great choice for couples, who can enjoy the resort’s Japanese-inspired spa, embark on a scenic sunrise hike or ride horseback around the island. Don’t miss out on the resort’s wide range of immersive activities, like traditional lauhala weaving, lei making and hula dancing workshops.
Best Golf Resort In The U.S. For Families: Big Cedar Lodge
The resort is nestled within the Ozark wilderness and offers room types from lodges and cozy cottages to private log cabins.
Big Cedar Lodge
Big Cedar LodgeReserve At Expedia
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 18,000 seat nature amphitheater that is also home to the Missouri Thunder Professional Bull Riding team
Location: Ridgedale, Missouri
A venture of Bass Pro Shops CEO Johnny Morris, Big Cedar Lodge is nestled within Missouri’s Ozark wilderness and offers room types from lodges and cozy cottages to private log cabins. An ideal golf escape for those toting along little ones, one of the resort’s most notable attractions is Fun Mountain, an adventure-filled amusement area for children of all ages. Activities include a golf-simulator, a high-tech climbing wall and a wilderness fort laser tag arena. There are also interactive activities for the younger kids, along with a daycare center. The resort also has five golf courses designed by acclaimed golfers and incorporates the natural wonders of the state of Missouri within each course.
Best Golf Resort In The U.S. For Groups: The Lodge At Sea Island
The resort’s signature experience remains the two championship golf courses located a stone’s throw away.
The Lodge At Sea Island
The Lodge At Sea IslandReserve 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
Located on a barrier island along the Georgia coast, The Lodge at Sea Island resembles a proper English country manor, with interiors that pay homage to the area’s natural beauty and golfing. Although the resort offers a wide range of amenities and activities, its signature experience remains its 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 that bachelor parties or groups of friends are sure to appreciate. Read my full review here.
Best Golf Resort In The U.S. For Spa And Wellness: PGA National Resort
The 40,000 square-foot spa features mineral pools with salts from countries like France and Turkey.
Will Pryce
PGA National ResortReserve At Booking.com
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
PGA National Resort’s Champion course is known as one of the toughest on the PGA Tour, but the jewel in the property’s crown is its destination-worthy spa, designed by V Starr, the design firm owned by Venus Williams. The 40,000 square-foot space 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; there’s also a 1950s-inspired barbershop for the gentlemen. Aside from excellent golfing and epic relaxation, the food at the resort is also top-notch—the omakase at Sushi By Boū and the fried chicken at Honeybelle are both stand-outs.
Best Golf Resort In The U.S. For Foodies: Keswick Hall
Keswick Hall is home to Marigold by Jean-Georges, and the inventive cuisine here does not disappoint.
Keswick Hall
Keswick HallReserve At 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 home to the Full Cry golf course, a celebrated course that’s ideal for both novices and expert golfers alike. The resort is 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. Not to be missed is the on-site restaurant Marigold by Jean-Georges, featuring cuisine made with ingredients grown on Keswick Hall’s farm. Perched right in the heart of Virginia’s wine country, it’s worth trying out a few local pours from the restaurant’s extensive wine list.
Best Golf Resort In The U.S. For Outdoor Lovers: The American Club
The resort offers a variety of year-round activities, making the destination a haven for not only golfers, but outdoor lovers as well.
The American Club Resort Hotel
The American Club Reserve At Expedia
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
Located just one hour north of Milwaukee, The American Club has gained a reputation for its excellent golfing—it has hosted three PGA Championships as well as the 43rd Ryder Cup. “The on-site Whistling Straights golf course is one of the top courses in the country,” says Peiffer in her wider review of the property. 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.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The Forbes Vetted travel team has researched, written and published dozens of hotel guides featuring cities across the globe.
The travel section is overseen by Vetted’s senior travel editor, Astrid Taran, an eight-year industry veteran who’s traveled to over 40 countries as well as traversed the U.S. She has visited multiple resorts on this list.
This story was edited by Forbes Vetted features director Kim Peiffer, who has been writing and editing travel and lifestyle content for nearly two decades.
How We Chose The Best Golf Resorts In The U.S.
We selected the top contenders based on personal stays as well as extensive research.
For this story, Taran combined first-person experience at resorts she’s stayed at and spent hours combing through reviews on TripAdvisor, Booking.com, hotel websites and more. She also reached out to fellow Forbes Vetted staff editors for their recommendations on the best places to golf in the U.S., as well as gained key insights from Kelsey Rohana, a travel advisor at Golf Zoo who has put together a large range of domestic golf vacations across California, Arizona and Nevada.
We included resorts that are family-friendly as well as resorts that are more geared towards romantic escapes and adult getaways. We also included resorts across a wide geographic range—including the South, Midwest, California and Hawaii—and across a wide range of budgets.
About Astrid Taran, Your U.S. Golf Resorts Guide
My name is Astrid Taran and I’m the senior travel editor at Forbes Vetted, where I oversee hotel coverage. I have covered travel for almost a full decade as both a writer and editor. Along with extensively writing about hotels and airlines, I have also written multiple destination guides as well as long-form features on luxury travel, adventure travel, wellness travel and more. I have visited many of the properties on this list.