What is the best golf resort in the United States?

There are two resorts regularly considered the best golf resort in the United States. These are Kiawah Island Golf Resort in South Carolina and Pebble Beach Resorts on the Monterey Peninsula in California.

The US is blessed with hundreds of top-class golf resorts spread across its fifty states. In this blog post we look at a list of the best golf resorts in the United States. We also list out the states with the highest rating for golf resorts.

How I worked out the best golf resort in the United States?

I’ve traveled to, and stayed in, many golf resorts over the years. But to my dismay, not enough to be able to confidently answer this question.

Therefore I approached the question slightly differently. 

Like any good comparison site, I reviewed all the blog posts on this subject by the most recognised and influential golf websites. People who had gone to great lengths with teams at their disposal, to review and rank golf resorts. 

Yet inevitably, each blog post would still be slightly biased, based on those they managed to visit, relationships they may have etc. But by consolidating all the ‘best golf resorts’ from each blog post, I was able to compile the most authentic list of best golf resorts in the United States. 

What are the best golf resorts in America?

There were two golf resorts which were consistently included in the various rankings as the best golf resort in the United States. These were Kiawah Island Golf Resort near Charleston in South Carolina. There was also Pebble Beach Resorts on the Monterey Peninsula in California (which you can read about in this blog post: What are the best golf resorts in California?).

Kiawah Island Golf Resort

This sprawling five-star resort is located on the picturesque Kiawah Island, with glorious beaches and luxury amenities. Despite being at one with nature, you’re only a 40 minute drive from downtown Charleston. 

The divine Sanctuary was designated five diamonds by AAA, the independent hotel inspectors. This means world-class amenities and luxury indulgence but more importantly, on a consistent basis. It also delivers Forbes Five-Star service.

Alongside the Sanctuary, are the ever-popular resort villas. Great for groups and families, they are slightly more affordable and yet offer full-access to the world-class amenities.

And you certainly won’t be disappointed with the golf on offer. The Ryder Cup and PGA Championship hosting Ocean Course is ranked as one of the best golf courses in the world, let alone America. Designed by Pete and Alice Dye, this is a golfing pilgrimage in its own right.

Add to that courses designed by the likes of Jack Nicklaus (Turtle Point), Gary Player (Cougar Point) and Tom Fazio (Osprey Point) as well as the lesser known Clyde Johnston (Oak Point), you have golf in epic proportions.

Pebble Beach Resorts

From one great golf resort straight to another. Pebble Beach Resorts includes world-famous golf, world-class accommodation and spectacular views. 

The stunning Monterey Peninsula is located to the north of California’s Pacific coastline. It’s a couple of hours drive from San Francisco, which is to the north. 

Three different accommodation options are at your disposal. The elegant Lodge is a timeless classic with breathtaking views. The Inn at Spanish Bay is more informal but in no way less luxurious. The relaxed vibe makes The Inn a popular option for golf groups. 

And for couples or those looking for slightly more privacy, you have the exclusive Casa Palmero. With just 24 rooms, this Mediterranean-style hideaway offers intimate luxury on another scale.

But clearly golf and golf alone is why you come to Pebble Beach. Surely! And what a choice of golf you have. 

Going no further than the outstanding Pebble Beach Golf Links, ranked as the No.1 public golf course in the United States. It has hosted multiple U.S. Opens and in 2023 hosted its first U.S. Women’s Open. 

The Robert Trent Jones Sr designed Spyglass Hill is outstanding. Considered one of the greatest golf courses to have never hosted a major. Add to this The Links at Spanish Bay and Del Monte whilst there is also a fantastic 9-hole course. Called The Hay, it was most recently renovated by none-other than Tiger Woods. 

List of best golf resorts in the United States

The higher the rank of the golf resort, the more nominations it has received across the various ‘best golf resort’ rankings.

Which state has the highest rating for golf resorts?

Across the various golf resort rankings, both California and Florida come out with the highest rating for golf resorts. This is a reflection of the net number of golf resorts listed in a minimum of two different rankings.

The next two states with the highest rating for golf resorts were Oregon and South Carolina.

List of the best states for golf resorts

What do golf resorts offer?

The short answer is a golf resort will offer you accommodation, golf, dining options and other amenities. 

The whole point about a golf resort is you have everything onsite and you are fully self-sufficient. Essentially, you do not need to leave the resort.

Like any hotel you will have a wide-range of accommodation on offer. On average you would tend to see room types ranging from a standard room (normally the lowest cost) up to a suite. 

In an attempt to cater for larger groups of golfers, many golf resorts are now offering villas or apartments. It is then usually possible to fit more of you into one ‘accommodation unit’ making the cost all the more appealing. Going self-catering will also push the cost down.

Granted, quantity is not always better than quality. But some of the better golf resorts will tend to have more options onsite. So more than one golf course to choose from and more than one restaurant so you have more choice.  

And it goes without saying, most decent golf resorts will offer amenities such as a spa and its various facilities, a swimming pool, bar area etc.  

*Occasionally I will recommend services which I think add value to you the user, and offer you a way to find out more about a particular golf resort or course. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, I may earn an affiliate fee. However, please rest assured yourgolfcourses.com is 100% independent and these commissions in no way influence the content OR rankings 🙂