(Reader’s Choice) The Top 10 Golf Resorts

Looking for a great course to woo your next client on the fairway? Insurance Journal readers voted for their favorite golf resort…. And the results are in! We gathered reader comments as to why they voted for their particular chosen course—and then included all the info you need to plan your next golf vacation. Almost all resorts offer all-inclusive packages, making your next trip close to effortless. Be sure to reserve accommodations and tee times early, as these popular resorts are booked year-round.

So without further ado—here are the top 10 golf resorts as voted by loyal Insurance Journal readers.

1

Pebble Beach – Pebble Beach, Calif.

“At Pebble Beach, your ego is secondary to the game of golf.” – Keith Lisonbee, director, MGA Division, InStar Corporation.

This frontrunner garnered the majority of votes, and it’s no surprise. Pebble Beach has long been renowned as a world-class golf resort. Set aside a stunning stretch of Pacific coastline, the Pebble Beach resort is a top destination for travelers looking for the finest in luxury and hospitality.

“Every avid golfer should be fortunate enough to play the course at least once,” John Potter, executive, Customer Operations at NCCI Inc., said.

Along with its four championship golf courses, the resort offers a myriad of recreational activities, including state-of-the-art tennis, equestrian, and workout facilities. The resort offers a variety of shopping opportunities; from the finest selection of golf equipment to casual resort wear. The Spa at Pebble Beach allows for guests to unwind after a long day on the links.

“Playing Pebble Beach was worth every penny of the green fee,” Brian Reep, Territorial Marketing manager at Key Risk Insurance Company, said. “The service at the Lodge was impeccable, and the entire atmosphere was conducive to a very relaxing trip!”

Howard Ting, director of Business Development at Fireman’s Fund, recommends dining at the Tap Room and the weekend brunch buffet at the Stillwater Bar & Grill, both located at The Lodge at Pebble Beach.

“Pebble Beach—not only the course, but the area of Pebble Beach—is truly heaven on earth—the landscape is as spectacular as I’ve seen just about anywhere in the world,” Ting continued. “Aside from the golf, staying at The Lodge at Pebble Beach is a simply sublime experience. The rooms are beautiful, cozy, and sophisticated. The staff is professional, bordering on fawning (in the winter, they come and build the fires for you, bringing the wood and newspaper.)

“What makes the golf course special are the spectacular views, the shot values (especially on the front nine holes), and the course history. You have probably the best 2nd shot in all of golf: the shot into the 8th green…one of the most spectacular par 3s in the 7th hole…and probably the most famous finishing hole in the world—the 18th at Pebble Beach,” Ting said.

“My favorite memory was number 18,” Joe Benko, owner of Benko Insurance Agency, said. “I hit a big drive past the fabled tree and was trying to figure out what to hit next. I chose a 3 wood and hit a long majestic shot right over the left sand trap into the ocean. It took a while to land/splash and it really looked impressive despite the direction. I dropped and hit the next shot to the green, two putted and walked off very happy.”

Courses: Pebble Beach Links, Spanish Bay, Spyglass Hill, Del Monte
Rates: Pebble Beach Links, $380, cart included for resort guests; $380 plus $25 per person cart fee for non-resort guests. Spyglass Hill, $265, cart included for resort guests; $265 plus $25 per person cart fee for non-resort guests. The Links at Spanish Bay, $215, cart included for resort guests; $215 plus $25 per person cart fee for non-resort guests. Del Monte Golf Course, $95 plus $20 per person cart fee for resort and non-resort guests; $10 per bag fee. Caddies fees are $65 per bag plus gratuity.
Instruction: The Pebble Beach Golf Academy; instruction is offered in half-day, full day, and two-day programs. Rates range from $350 per person (half-day program, based on group of four) to $3,600 (two-day program, based on single occupancy, three-night minimum stay). Call 831-622-8650 for more information.
Lodging options: The Lodge at Pebble Beach (rates from $525), The Inn at Spanish Bay (rates from $460), Casa Palmero (rates from $655). All rates are subject to 10.5 percent tax and $15-20 service charge per night. For reservations, call 800-654-9300.
How to get there: Monterey Peninsula Airport is located approximately 20 minutes from Pebble Beach resort; airlines serving the area include American Airlines/Eagle, United Airlines/Express, and America West/Express. San Jose International Airport is located one and a half hours north; San Francisco International is located two hours north. Both airports are served by major and low-cost carriers.

2

Kiawah Island – Kiawah Island, S.C.

“Relaxing and peaceful” is how John Hamilton, president of Universal Underwriters Inc., described Kiawah Island.

Off the coast of South Carolina, just a stone’s throw away from Charleston, lies the pristine beauty of Kiawah Island. Wildlife rules in this semi-tropical environment, and golf comes next. Boasting five meticulous championship courses, Insurance Journal readers unanimously voted the Ocean Course as their favorite. Pete Dye designed this popular course in 1991 for the Ryder Cup Matches, followed by the 1997 World Cup of Golf, with all 18 holes offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Kiawah Island has also developed a reputation as a family-oriented vacation experience. Whether strolling the 10 miles of unspoiled beaches, or cycling the 30 miles of paved bike trails, Kiawah Island Resort presents activities for all ages. Catering to children and pre-teens, the resort offers educational programs highlighting the wildlife inhabiting the island, and Kamp Kiawah during the summer months. Tennis instruction, boating, and family activities are among the recreational offerings.

“Kiawah’s Ocean Course is simply the finest track I’ve seen or played,” Robert Horst, Esquire, Nelson Levine deLuca & Horst, LLC, said. “This Pete Dye design will dazzle any golfer with its aesthetics, while chal-lenging low handicappers with a layout that demands execution with every club in the bag. The Ocean Course is constantly in tournament shape and a true test of golf. I have walked the course just to enjoy the scenery and the ocean views. I love this course.”

Both Horst and Perry Chapman, Insurance Applications consultant at FileNET Corporation, noted the Ocean Course’s legacy —1991’s Ryder Cup “War by the Shore,” where pro golfer Bernhard Langer (Germany) missed a six-foot putt on the 18th hole, allowing the U.S. to recapture the Cup for the first time since 1985 by Hale Irwin.

“Kiawah Island is one of the best family resorts in the country,” Chapman said. “It is a sprawling island with miles of beaches and plenty of activities to keep everyone busy.

“The setting of the Ocean Course is spectacular,” Chapman added. “It sits adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean winding through marshes and windswept dunes. The course is challenging, yet fair with tees to accommodate all levels of golfer, but requires one to think of where to place the ball on the fairways and greens.”

Courses: Ocean Course, Cougar Point, Turtle Point, Osprey Point, Oak Point
Rates: Vary by season, course, and package. Range from $42 (Oak Point, Dec. 1 – Feb. 8, hotel guest) – $265 (Ocean Course, March 10 – June 1, Sept. 8 – Nov. 30, outside guest).
Instruction: Kiawah Island Golf Academy; instruction is offered in daily one-hour clinics, half-day, three-day, parent/child clinics, and semi-private or private instruction. Also offers corporate/group instruction. Call 800-654-2924 for more information.
Lodging options: The Sanctuary (opening 2004); Kiawah Island Inn (rates start at $109); one to three bedroom resort villas (rates start at $145); three to six bedroom luxury homes (rates start at $319 off-season for a three bedroom home; $838 high season). Call 800-576-1570 for more information.
How to get there: Charleston International Airport is located approximately 21 miles north of Kiawah Island Resort; airlines serving the area include Delta, US Airways, United, Continental, and Northwest. Kiawah Island is accessible by car and private watercraft.

3

Sea Island – Sea Island, Ga.

Selected as the site of the 2004 G-8 Summit by President George W. Bush, Sea Island will play host to the world’s most influential leaders when they come together to discuss current international economic and political issues on Sea Island’s famed fairways and greens. Situated off the southeast coast of Georgia, Sea Island has a history dating back some 70 years, when entrepreneur Howard Coffin (Hudson Motor Company) purchased Sea Island and Retreat Plantation on St. Simons Island in 1926.

Its three world-class golf courses accompany the finest in accommodations, paralleled by a plethora of recreational activities, including five miles of coastline beaches, dancing and social activities, equestrian, tennis and water recreation, wildlife adventures, a shooting school, and the highly-renowned Sea Island Spa.

“Service, service, service,” is what makes the difference for James Gibson, president of Hospitality Insurance Service.

“I consider this location for a family ‘golf’ holiday,” Gibson said. “The Seaside course, originally designed by Colt & Alison, is one of the most beautiful places on earth. My next consideration is the level of service provided by the resort as well as the other amenities since not all of my family plays golf. The staff at Sea Island are there to serve and time and time again have exceeded my expectations.”

“The new Lodge at Sea Island is the most incredible golf facility that I have seen,” Kenneth Grace, CPCU at J. Smith Lanier & Co., said. “Sea Island raised the bar to the highest level when it comes to all the amenities. The golf courses are world class. The tee boxes are like putting greens on the seaside course. Seaside plays on the ocean and the wind can create a great challenge. The course is visually amazing with sand dunes, marshes, and the ocean in the background.

“One of my finest memories in golf is walking up the 18th fairway of Seaside with a caddie and my two best friends while the bagpipes are playing at sunset,” Grace added.

Courses: Retreat, Seaside, Plantation
Rates: Retreat, $125 (low season) – $145 (high season); Plantation, $145 (low) – $185 (high); Seaside, $185 (low) – $225 (high). Courses are open to guests & members only.
Instruction: Sea Island Schools Golf Learning Center; instruction is offered in half-day and three-day schools. Ninety-minute clinics and private instruction are also available. Customized lessons are available. Call 800-SEA-ISLAND for more information.
Lodging options: The Cloister (Rates from $220), Cottages, The Lodge, Cabin Bluff. Call 800-SEA-ISLAND for rates and reservations.
How to get there: McKinnon Airport on St. Simons Island is located four miles away and open to private aircraft. Brunswick Golden Isles Airport is located 14 miles away. Delta Airlines serves the airport through its partner, Atlantic Southeast Airlines. Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport and Jacksonville International Airport are both located approximately one hour from Sea Island. Both airports are served by major and low-cost carriers.

4

Kapalua – Maui, Hawaii

When it comes to playing golf, where better in the world to play than the exotic islands of Hawaii? While the archipelago boasts a number of fine courses, the Kapalua Resort in Maui stands out above the rest. Its three championship courses offer panoramic views from the West Maui Mountains to Oneola Bay. The Plantation course plays host to the annual PGA Tour Mercedes Championships.

Not in the mood for golf? Try a painting class at the Art School. Or take a tour of a working pineapple plantation. Kapalua offers some of Maui’s finest shopping and dining. And a visit to Maui would not be complete without exploring the island’s varied landscape of lush forests and pristine beaches.

“Kapalua Plantation Course was one of the most difficult courses to play,” Jim Fujioka, vice president of the Ilima Insurance Agency Inc., said. “On top of that, if the winds are blowing, it makes the course play even farther. I’m an average golfer, but this golf course makes you feel like a beginner with no golf experience and can make you quit golf, if not accustomed to frustrations that all golfers go thru on a tough course. It isn’t easy, but you’ll enjoy it, if you are a golfer!”

“The course always puts forth a stern challenge for the single-digit handicapper and a fair track for the mid-to-high handicapper due to the wide fairways and limited number of forced carries,” Mark Smith of Fireman’s Fund added. “But the greens are large and fast and are usually in great shape. The views are spectacular from nearly every hole, with views of the bay and Molokai. During the January to May season, whales can be seen in the bay.”

Courses: The Plantation, The Bay, The Village
Rates: The Plantation, $135 for registered guests of The Kapalua Bay Hotel & Ocean Villas, The Kapalua Villas and The Ritz-Carlton; $220 standard rate. The Bay and The Village, $125 for registered guests; $180 standard rate. Twilight and replay rates available. Cart fees $25 per person.
Instruction: The Kapalua Golf Academy; instruction is offered in half-day, two-day, and two-day schools. Rates range from $285 per person (half-day) to $895 (three-day comprehensive). Private, group and video instruction also available. Call 808-669-6500 for more information.
Lodging options: Ritz Carlton, Kapalua (call for rates, 800-262-8440); Kapalua Bay Hotel & Ocean Villas (call for rates, 800-367-8000), The Kapalua Villas (One, two and three bedroom villas start at $199 a night, two bedrooms from $299. For reservations, call 800-545-0018, Kapalua Luxury Homes (call for rates, 800-527-9404).
How to get there: Kapalua West Maui Airport is located approximately four miles form Kapalua Resort. Only inter-island airlines (Island Air, Hawaiian Airlines) serve this location. Kahului International Airport is located approximately 11 miles from the resort and is served by major and low-cost carriers.

5

Bandon Dunes – Bandon, Ore.

For a unique golfing experience, consider Bandon Dunes Golf Resort off the coast of southern Oregon. The Bandon Dunes links course, designed by David McLay Kidd, was built upon a stretch of sand dunes neighboring the Pacific. Designed by Tom Doak, Pacific Dunes provides a significantly different playing experience from Bandon Dunes.

Bandon’s seaside location affords plenty of outdoor recreational activities, including fishing, whale watching, sea kayaking, wind surfing, and more.

“I’ve played several top golf courses in the United States including Pebble Beach and Pinehurst #2,” Mark Lipke, division marketing manager at Farmers Insurance, said.

“But Bandon Dunes is at the top of the list because of the golf experience I had there. Because of its location, the weather conditions influence every shot. This course is a “walkers only” course and has caddies available, which I highly recommend. Many of the holes have blind shots and club selection varies depending on the wind and elevation changes. And the greens are as difficult as any I’ve putted on.

“The unbelievable playing experience combined with the awesome beauty of the Oregon coast makes Bandon Dunes the best course I have played,” Lipke said.

Courses: Bandon Dunes, Pacific Dunes
Rates: Bandon Dunes and Pacific Dunes, $160 for lodge guests from June through September. $200 for non-lodge guests. Off-season rates are available November through April, call 888-345-6008. $80 replay fee for lodge guests. Caddie fees are $35 per round, plus gratuity.
Instruction: The Golf Academy at Bandon Dunes; three-day academies held throughout the year. Rates range from $1,150 per person based on single occupancy, or $2,000 for double occupancy. Video, playing, group and private instruction also available. Call 888-345-6008 for more information.
Lodging options: The Lodge at Bandon Dunes (rates from $150). For reservations, call 888-345-6008.
How to get there: North Bend Municipal Airport is located approximately 25 miles north of the Bandon Dunes resort. Horizon Air serves the area. Portland International Airport is approximately five hours north, and provides shuttle service to Bandon through Horizon Air. The airport is served by major and regional carriers.

6

Treetops Resort – Gaylord, Mich.

Located above the Pigeon River Valley, Treetops joins the ranks of the best golf resorts with its five distinctive courses designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr., Tom Fazio and Rick Smith. The scenic landscape offers a host of activities for all ages, including the Land Rover Driving School, fly fishing, and paintball, among others. Winter activities include skiing and snowmobiling. The resort also features a spa and full service salon.

“To sum it up in a nutshell, Treetops is the epitome of class,” John Miles, commercial sales with Moffatt Insurance Agency, said. “I have played at lots of resorts and none compare to Tree Tops. The golf director, Rick Smith, is a true professional. You always feel like you are special. Best of all, the rates to play are not outrageous.

“The signature course, Fazio is as tough as you want it to be from the black (and blue) tees. From the whites, it is an enjoyable walk in the forest,” Miles continued.

“The only setback to Tree Tops is the window of opportunity to play. Because it’s in Northern Michigan, don’t plan on playing in early April or even May. June and the first part of October are ideal.”

Courses: Masterpiece, Premier, Signature, Tradition, Threetops
Rates: Masterpiece, Premier, Signature, $50-$85 for house guests; $59-$99 for walk-ons. Twilight rate $59, replay rate $58. Tradition, $35-$60 for house guests; $45-$75 for walk-ons. Replay rate $45. Threetops (9 holes) $45.
Instruction: The Rick Smith Golf Academy; instruction is offered in two and three-day workshops. Rates range from $675 per
person (two half days workshop, no lodging) to $1,745 (three full days workshop, includes lodging). The Ladies Golf School offers a three-night package. Cost is $519 per person, based on double occupancy. Call 888-TREETOPS for more information.
Lodging options: The Lodge, The Inn, two and three bedroom condominiums, two and three bedroom chalets. For rates and reservations, call 888-TREETOPS.
How to get there: Otsego County Airport is located approximately 10 minutes from Treetops resort; airlines serving the area include American Airlines/Eagle, United Airlines/Express, America West/Express. Cherry Capital Airport in Traverse City is located one hour west of the resort and is served by major and regional carriers.

7

Pinehurst – Village of Pinehurst, N.C.

The quaint village of Pinehurst is home to one of the world’s most famed golf courses – No. 2. This course was the hands down favorite for our readers who voted for Pinehurst. This challenging course has been the site of more championships than any other course in the country, including the 1999 and 2005 U.S. Open Championships.

The accommodations are a mix of historic hotels and condominium rentals. Recreational activities include three distinct croquet courses, with instruction available, lawn bowling, a variety of beach activities, a KidsClub, at the Spa at Pinehurst.

“We attended as a golf group about six years ago,” Darrell Robertson, vice president of sales at Charlton Manley, said. “The golf package was outstanding, the service was impeccable and the variety in golf courses was very good. “The nostalgia of the village also was very appealing.”

Courses: Nos. 1-8
Rates: Pinehurst is a stay and play facility; golf greens fees and cart fee are included in all overnight golf packages. Call 800-487-4653 for more information. Tee times for non-resort guests can be arranged on day of play only by calling the golf shop, based on availability.
Instruction: The Pinehurst Company Golf Institute; instruction is offered in weekend or three to four-day weekday schools. Schools are full or half-day. Women’s, juniors, and parent/child schools also available. Rates vary, call 866-788-7244 for more information.
Lodging options: The Carolina, The Holly, The Manor, four bedroom villas, one-three bedroom condominiums. Overnight rates including two nights room, breakfast and dinner daily, and one round of golf per day (three rounds) start at $444 per person, double occupancy. For rates and reservations, call 800-ITS-GOLF.
How to get there: Fayetteville Regional Airport is approximately 50 miles southeast of Pinehurst. Airlines serving the area include US Airways and Delta Airlines. Raleigh-Durham International Airport is approximately 70 miles northeast and is served by a variety of major and low-cost carriers.

8

TPC at Sawgrass – Ponte Vedra, Fla.
While not exactly a golf resort, we got so many votes for TPC at Sawgrass that it had to be included. The courses were designed by Pete Dye and are part of the Tournament Players Club Network. The Stadium course is the home course for the PGA Tour’s member players and site of The Players Championship, and the Valley course has hosted events such as the Senior Players Championship and the NFL Golf Classic.

“The fact that an average player can enjoy the course that holds so much history is very exciting,” Stephen Gross of Metro Insurance Services, said. “As you stand upon the first tee, you know that all the best players in the world have been there before you.”

“This would have to be one of the most watched venues that the pro’s play,” Michael Fitzgerald of Fitzgerald Insurance Agency said. “Seventeen at TPC Sawgrass is every bit as recognizable as the 18th at Pebble Beach. The whole course is a joy to play. I have watched the Tournament Players Champion-ship many times and it is awesome to be able to walk up on a green and remember the dramatic chip in by Vijay Singh on the 16th.”

Courses: Stadium, Valley
Rates: Stadium, rates range from $105 off season (June 29-Sept. 10) to $270 high season (Jan. 31-May 28). Valley, rates range from $75 off season to $135 high season. For more information, call 904-273-3230.
Instruction: Private and group lessons offered by the half-hour or hour. Rates range from $45 (half-hour with assistant) to $120 (one hour with head golf professional). Call 904-273-3235 for more information.
Lodging options: Marriott at Sawgrass. For rates and reservations, call 904-285-7777.
How to get there: Jacksonville International Airport is located approximately 35 miles northwest of TPC at Sawgrass. The airport is served by major and regional carriers.

9

Whistling Straights – Kohler, Wis.

Whistling Straights, part of the exciting DestinationKohler Resort community in Kohler, Wisconsin, is a resort town unique to any other. You can do just about anything you want in Kohler—including playing on one of Pete Dye’s world championship courses. If Whistling Straights doesn’t strike your fancy, try Blackwolf Run’s River of Meadow Valley Course.

Recreationally, Kohler boasts some of the most impressive options around. Visitors can exchange marriage vows, go dog sledding in the winter, visit the Kohler Design Center, shop for antiques, or just relax at the spa. One reader said, “I felt that playing Whistling Straights in the fall was the closest thing to playing the old course in Ballybunnion, Kerry, Ireland.”

Courses: Straits, Irish
Rates: Straits, $270, includes $50 per bag caddie fee, gratuity not included. Twilight/replay rates at $154 walking; with caddie $204. Irish, $194 with caddie. Twilight/replay rates same as Straits. Caddies are required before twilight. Group rates available. Call 866-847-4856 for advance tee times.
Instruction: Kohler Golf Academy; instruction is offered in one-four day schools. Rates range from $480 per person (one-day school) to $1,550 (four-day school). Contact Todd Wagner, assistant golf professional, at 920-803-3011.
Lodging options: The American Club (rates from $142/winter or $239/summer, based on single occupancy, all room rates subject to 5 percent state sales and 5 percent village occupancy taxes.) The Inn at Woodlake (rates from $92/winter or $152/summer, based on single occupancy, all room rates subject to applicable taxes.) For reservations, call 800-344-2838 ext. 700.
How to get there: Milwaukee’s General Mitchell Airport is located approximately one hour south of Whistling Straights. Major and low-cost carriers serve the area. Green Bay’s Austin Straubel International Airport is located approximately one hour north of the resort and has shuttle service by American, United, Delta, Northwest, and Midwest airlines.

10

Westin La Paloma – Tucson, Ariz.

The Westin La Paloma tops off our list. Nestled in the Santa Catalina Mountains, this desert landscape plays host to a top-notch course surrounded by the rugged, picturesque backdrop. The Jack Nicklaus Signature course is exclusive to resort guests and La Paloma Country Club members.

The resort features a variety of activities, including hiking, tennis, a swimming pool with a 177-foot waterslide, and the Elizabeth Arden Spa.

“I choose La Paloma as my favorite because of the golf course.” Robert Adair, vice president of Emerald Worldwide, said. “There are 27 holes, not just 18, so getting on is not a problem. There are enough tees that golfers of varying abilities can play and enjoy. Several holes have great views and the course will work you. You will get a chance to hit every club in the bag. The “bang for the buck” quotient is also high especially if you go between May and September. Tucson is at a higher elevation and is cooler than Phoenix. For an added benefit the elevation helps the ball fly further and I don’t know anybody opposed to extra yardage.”
Courses: Hill, Canyon, Ridge
Rates: Range by season: high for 18 holes is $215 (Sat. & Sun. before noon, Jan. 1 to May 25); low is $85 (Mon.-Fri. through Oct. 5) High for 9 holes is $105 (Jan. 1 to May 25); low is $50 (May 26 through Oct. 25). All fees include Green Fee, Cart Fee, Club Storage and use of Driving Range prior to teeing off. Call 520-742-6000 for more information.
Instruction: Group and private lessons are available with PGA professionals, rates vary. Call 520-742-6000 for more information.
Lodging options: Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa. For rates and reservations, call 520-742-6000.
How to get there: Tucson International Airport is located approximately 35 minutes from the resort, and is served by major and low-cost carriers.

To comment on this story, e-mail cbeisiegel@insurancejournal.com.

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