Imagine, if you will, standing on the cliffside fairways of Bandon Dunes, the wild Pacific Ocean crashing against the shores below. The panoramic views stretch as far as the eye can see. This is golf at its purest, where the surroundings become an integral part of the game. Each shot is a dialogue with the landscape, though it may not be a friendly one when the wind is gusting 40 miles per hour.
Now picture yourself walking the historic fairways of Pinehurst, where each step is like a journey through time itself. There’s an undeniable feeling that you’re part of something much bigger.
Needless to say, the best golf resorts offer an experience that transcends the game – an allure that calls out like a siren song to golfers across the globe. Will you answer the call in 2024?
Discover the Best Golf Resorts to Visit in 2024
1. Bandon Dunes Golf Resort
Bandon, Oregon
Perched along the rugged Oregon coastline, Bandon Dunes Golf Resort is a golfer’s haven renowned for its challenging courses and breathtaking scenery. The world-class layouts such as Bandon Dunes, Pacific Dunes, and Old Macdonald provide immersive rounds of golf amidst nature’s grandeur. Tee off against the backdrop of dramatic cliffs and rolling waves and you’ll understand why Bandon Dunes is a must-visit for avid golfers.
2. Pinehurst Resort
Pinehurst, North Carolina
Known as the “Cradle of American Golf,” Pinehurst Resort in the rolling sandhills of North Carolina offers a unique blend of history and championship golf. With nine distinct courses (and a tenth opening soon) including the iconic Pinehurst No. 2 designed by Donald Ross, there are so many reasons to visit Pinehurst. A stay, even if it’s just for a long weekend, is not just a golf vacation but a journey through the rich tapestry of American golf history.
3. Destination Kohler
Kohler, Wisconsin
Nestled in the heart of Wisconsin, Destination Kohler is one of the world’s best golf resorts. It’s home to Whistling Straits, a spectacular course carved along nearly two miles of Lake Michigan, and the iconic Blackwolf Run. Destination Kohler is a household name for many, having hosted two U.S. Women’s Opens, a U.S. Senior Open, three PGA Championships, and the 43rd Ryder Cup.
4. Cabot Cape Breton
Nova Scotia, Canada
For those eager to venture beyond the borders, Cabot Cape Breton in Nova Scotia, Canada is a shoo-in. Its Scottish-inspired links courses, including Cabot Links, Cabot Cliffs, and the Nest (a novel 10-hole short course) provide a trio of unparalleled golf. Distinguished as one of Canada’s foremost destinations, it has garnered acclaim from Golf Magazine, securing its place among the Top 100 Best Golf Resorts in the World for 2024-25.
5. Streamsong Resort
Bowling Green, Florida
There’s hardly any other golf destination in Florida quite like Streamsong Resort. The former phosphate mining land has been transformed into a celebration of Central Florida’s natural beauty. Here, you won’t find highways or houses. No condos or unobstructed sunsets either. Instead, you’ll find the only location worldwide with Coore/Crenshaw, Doak, and Hanse/Wagner-designed courses, all ranked in the Top 50 in the U.S. That’s why Streamsong is one of the best golf resorts to visit in 2024…and beyond. Thanks to its year-round warm weather, it’s an especially fantastic winter golf destination, too.
6. Kiawah Island Golf Resort
Kiawah Island, South Carolina
The Ocean Course, designed to challenge even the most seasoned golfers, is just one facet of Kiawah Island Golf Resort‘s allure. The resort’s commitment to excellence extends to its four other courses, each providing a unique and captivating golf experience amidst the unspoiled coastal scenery – which includes miles of sandy shores, lush maritime forests, and picturesque marshlands.
7. Sea Island Resort
St. Simons Island, Georgia
Against a backdrop of towering oaks and sweeping ocean views, a round at Sea Island Resort is an immersive journey into the beauty of the Georgia coast. The resort is home to three stellar courses including the Retreat Course along with the Seaside and Plantation Courses that are jointly home to the PGA TOUR’s RSM Classic, a FedEx cup event hosted by Davis Love III. Luxurious accommodations, characterized by Southern charm and elegance, create a welcoming retreat off the course, too.
8. Casa de Campo
Dominican Republic
Casa de Campo has long showcased the best golf in the Caribbean. The resort continually boasts some of the top courses in the world, including Pete Dye’s Teeth of the Dog. Casa de Campo also features two additional Dye-designed gems, Dye Fore and The Links. Dye Fore’s three nines are a joy to play while The Links features spectacular Caribbean views.
9. Sand Valley
Nekoosa, Wisconsin
To experience golf in its purest form, there’s no better destination than Sand Valley. The back-to-basics golf mentality here allows players to connect with the natural beauty of Wyoming’s heartland while still playing the kinds of courses you’d expect to find on a list like this! The resort is home to its namesake, Sand Valley, along with Mammoth Dunes (another highly ranked design), The Sandbox (a 17-hole short course), and the heathland-inspired Sedge Valley (set to open this year).
10. Big Cedar Lodge
Ridgedale, Missouri
The vision behind Big Cedar Lodge was to forge a profound connection between people and nature. With a commitment to providing one of the finest golf experiences in the country, Big Cedar boasts designs by some of the most esteemed names in golf, like Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson, Gary Player, Tom Fazio, Bill Coore, and Ben Crenshaw. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Ozarks as you explore their meticulously crafted courses including Payne’s Valley, Ozarks National, Buffalo Ridge, Top of the Rock, and Mountain Top.
As you gear up for an unforgettable year of golf in 2024, consider a visit to one (or all) of these best golf resorts. From the rugged coastal cliffs of Oregon to the tropical allure of the Dominican Republic, each destination on this list beckons with a promise of an extraordinary golf adventure. But, don’t just dream about it – do it. Grab your clubs, book your stay, and prepare yourself for your best (golf) year yet.
Be sure to tag us @shipsticks on Instagram throughout your travels, too, so we can join in on the fun.
