Golf Escapes: Discovering Top Golf Resorts around the World
By: Patrick Stephenson
Longing to tee off amidst breathtaking landscapes while indulging in luxury and relaxation? Luckily, in today’s era, exceptional golf resorts abound. Join us in this article as we delve into our top picks spanning continents, promising unmatched experiences for both seasoned pros and leisurely players alike.
From the lush fairways of the United States to the tropical havens of Mexico and the Caribbean, to the historic links of the United Kingdom and Ireland, each destination promises not only exceptional golfing but also luxurious accommodations and amenities to ensure an unforgettable vacation.
Join us as we embark on a journey to discover the top golf resorts worldwide, where every swing is met with stunning views, impeccable service, and the opportunity to create lasting memories on and off the course. Whether you’re seeking championship-level challenges or leisurely rounds amidst stunning natural beauty, these resorts have something for every golfer’s taste. So, pack your clubs and get ready for the golf escape of a lifetime!
United States
Sand Valley Golf Resort
Number of Courses: 5
Amenities: Fitness center, water sports, fat-tire biking, grass tennis courts
Course Designers: Coore and Crenshaw, David McLay Kidd, Tom Doak, C.B. Macdonald
Best Time to Go: June-October
Location: Nekoosa, WI
Year Opened: 2017
Course Details: Sand Valley Golf Resort boasts a collection of courses designed by some of the most renowned architects in the world of golf. The original course, Sand Valley, presents a beautiful and fair layout, offering shot values that appeal to a broad range of player types.
Mammoth Dunes presents an interesting challenge for players of all levels with wide fairways that present a strategic element of playing the angle for your second shot. Most fairways are easy to hit with some being over 100 yards wide but to get the best shot to the green better players have to take on trouble to get their ball into position for birdie.
The resort’s 17-hole short course serves as an architecture lesson, featuring Biarritz, Lion’s Mouth, and Redan greens. However, the newest marvel is the Lido Course, a faithful reproduction of a fabled lost course in Long Island.
All courses at Sand Valley wind their way through the sweeping sand dunes of the Wisconsin landscape. Golfers can expect expansive, strategic fairways, a bit of wind challenge, and long runouts off the drive, making for an exhilarating round every time.
Every Hole at The Lido | Golf Digest
Famous Events: Sand Valley’s Lido Course is set to host the 2026 United States Mid Amateur Championship, adding to the resort’s prestige and allure as a top destination for golfers seeking both challenge and luxury.
Bandon Dunes Golf Resort
Number of Courses: 6
Amenities: Six restaurants, cigar bar, vast wine collection, hiking and nature trails.
Course Designers: David McLay Kidd, Tom Doak, Coore & Crenshaw
Best Time to Go: Late spring to Mid Fall
Location: Bandon, OR
Year Opened: 1999 with the most recent course opening in 2020.
Course Details: The Bandon Dunes Golf Resort is the first of its kind in the United States featuring multiple true links layouts up against the cliffs of the Pacific Ocean.
The resort offers something for all tastes and skill levels as Pacific Dunes, Bandon Dunes, and Sheep Ranch meander up against the cliffs while Old Macdonald and Bandon Trails make their way through the rustic Oregon forest.
For players of all levels, there is also a 13-hole par three course that may just be the best in the world as well as a course they call Shorty’s which is a 19 hole routing with no par on the card that features a putting tee up to a short wedge tee.
You can expect lots of roll with your drives, lots of wind on most days, and a ton of fun as you are immersed in the middle of nature.
Every Hole at Pacific Dunes in Bandon, OR | Golf Digest
Famous Events: Across the six courses at the resort, there have been 6 USGA Championships and one set of Curtis Cup matches held. For over a decade, it has been a staple on the USGA’s schedule.
Between now and 2045 the USGA has already scheduled 11 more national championships, one Walker Cup, and one Curtis cup to be held on the resort, making it not only an amazing getaway but also a place that will be steeped in history.
Mexico / Caribbean
Casa De Campo Resort & Villas
Number of Courses: 3
Amenities: Pool, spa, tennis, shooting club, beach club
Course Designers: Pete Dye
Best Time to Go: December – April while summer offers lower rates
Location: La Romana, Dominican Republic
Year Opened: 1971
Course Details: The three courses on the resort each offer a unique challenge.
The famous Teeth of the Dog course, ranked #1 in the Caribbean, features 7 rugged holes alongside of the Caribbean with the rest of the course winding its way through the island’s coconut palms and cashew trees. Playing to a course rating of 76 from the back set of tees, the Teeth of the Dog is a Pete Dye masterpiece that is for any skilled player looking for a challenge.
The Dye Fore layout features 27 holes up on a bluff overlooking the Chavon River. This layout with any 9-hole combination is a haven for wind up on top of the island and views all around. Just like Teeth of the Dog, it too plays to a 76 rating making it a challenge for even the most skilled players.
For us mere mortals who are looking for a more relaxing golf outing while on vacation, the Links course, navigating its way through the resort it’s the go-to location. It still features ocean views but instead of punishing length and hazards, it features large fairways and playable conditions.
All three courses offer signature Dye bunkering and visual intimidation which make them all fun and challenging to play.
While away from the course the scale of Casa De Campo becomes apparent as there is always something fun to do.
Teeth of the Dog / Casa de Campo – Front 9
Teeth of the Dog / Casa de Campo – Back 9
Famous Events: Most recently, the Teeth of the Dog played host to the Latin American Amateur Championship which brings the best players together in the region while also giving the winner an exemption in the annual Masters tournaments.
United Kingdom & Ireland
Trump Turnberry
Number of Courses: 3
Amenities: Three restaurants, spa, horse riding, archery, clay shooting
Course Designers: Willie Fermie, Mackenzie Ross, Martin Ebert
Best Time to Go: June to August
Location: United Kingdom
Year Opened: 1902
Course Details: Measuring 7,489 yards, the Ailsa course that runs along the Irish Sea is amazingly scenic and brutally difficult all at the same time. With its holes 4-11 grasping to the shoreline, it is truly breathtaking but nonetheless a real challenge for all levels of players.
The More inland King Robert and Bruce course alongside the par 31 Arran 9-hole layout are more friendly to all levels of players while still giving breathtaking views of the coastline, castle ruins, and famous Turnberry lighthouse.
A perfect week-long trip would be two rounds on the Ailsa course and two rounds on the King Robert and Bruce course paired with late afternoon strolls around the short and fun Arran 9.
Turnberry truly gives you the full Scotland experience from true links golf, to a rugged coastline, to an amazing resort along with plenty of activities to keep you busy.
Trump Turnberry Ailsa Course Changes
Famous Events: Turnberry’s main Ailsa course has played host to four Open Championships dating back to 1977, seven senior Open Championships dating back to 1987, and two Women’s Open Championships.
It is most famous for the 1977 Open where Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus battled it out coming down the stretch with Watson ultimately coming out on top.
Tom Watson was also amazingly in the middle of the story again in the 2009 Open as the 65 year old lost in a playoff to champion Stewart Cink.
Key Takeaways
Sand Valley Golf Resort (United States)
- World-Class Design: With courses designed by Coore and Crenshaw, David McLay Kidd, Tom Doak, and C.B. Macdonald, Sand Valley offers a diverse range of challenges suitable for all skill levels.
- Upcoming Prestige: Hosting the 2026 United States Mid Amateur Championship adds to Sand Valley’s reputation as a top destination for golfers seeking both challenge and luxury.
Bandon Dunes Golf Resort (United States)
- True Links Experience: Bandon Dunes offers multiple true links layouts against the Pacific Ocean cliffs, providing a unique and challenging experience.
- Historical Significance: Hosting numerous USGA Championships and scheduled events until 2045, Bandon Dunes is not only a getaway but also a place steeped in golfing history.
Casa De Campo Resort & Villas (Mexico / Caribbean)
- Pete Dye Masterpieces: Featuring the famous Teeth of the Dog course, ranked #1 in the Caribbean, along with Dye Fore and Links courses, Casa De Campo offers challenges for all skill levels.
- Latin American Golf Hub: Hosting events like the Latin American Amateur Championship, Casa De Campo attracts top players while providing a luxurious getaway.
Trump Turnberry (United Kingdom)
- Scenic and Challenging: The Ailsa course offers breathtaking views of the Irish Sea and a challenging layout, while the King Robert and Bruce courses provide friendlier alternatives.
- Historic Championships: Hosting prestigious events like the Open Championships and Women’s Open Championships, Turnberry is renowned for its golfing history, including famous battles between golfing legends like Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus.
