Step into the world of leisure and luxury, where the serene greens of renowned golf courses meet the comfort of exceptional accommodations. As the weather warms and the flowers bloom, golf enthusiasts seek ideal destinations to indulge in their passion for the sport.
Let’s take a glimpse into the United States’ premier spring golf destinations, each paired with exquisite hotels that promise not only unparalleled hospitality but also convenient access to some of the most picturesque fairways in the country. From the rolling hills of California to the charming landscapes of Virginia, our curated selection ensures an unforgettable golfing experience paired with the utmost in relaxation and rejuvenation.
East Coast Golf Getaways:
Ponte Vedra Inn & Club | Ponte Vedra, FL
Located on Florida’s Atlantic coast, Ponte Vedra has become one of the golf capitals on the East Coast. The destination’s crown jewel Ponte Vedra Inn & Club offers two spectacular courses for guests and locals a like – the Ocean Course and Lagoon Course, each featuring a district seaside links atmosphere with meandering lagoons, elevated Bermuda greens and pristine bunkers. The par-71 Ocean Course is home to the iconic Island Green on the 9th hole, and recently completed a renovation with a reconfigured design and new strategic bunkers, while the masterpiece Lagoon Course is par-70 and great for short play. A round of 18 holes is $230 per player and includes the green fee and cart, however after 4pm players can enjoy a twilight round for $125 per person.
Keswick Hall | Charlottesville, VA
Originally built in 1912, Keswick Hall is a two-hour drive from Washington, D.C. and one-hour drive from Richmond, Virginia. Nestled in the heart of the Virginia Piedmont region, in a centuries-old community known for its over 30 wine vineyards and a lush, rolling countryside, the Forbes Five-Star resort is a historic landmark boasting a rich cultural past. Buttressed by the Blue Ridge Mountains, Keswick Hall recently reopened after a four-year closure and top-to-bottom renovation, debuting an award-winning golf course, brand-new spa, picture-perfect infinity pool, 80 sumptuous guestrooms and suites, and a culinary program overseen by Jean-Georges. With sweeping mountain views and a design that allows both novices and expert-levels to enjoy, Full Cry Golf Course is one of the last golf courses designed by the brilliant Pete Dye. Consistently ranked as one of the top courses in the U.S. by major golf magazines, the 18-hole course blends modern golf architecture with the rolling topography of Virginia’s countryside.
Primland, Auberge Resorts Collection | Meadow of Dan, Virginia
Located on 12,000 bucolic acres in the heart of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, Primland, Auberge Resorts Collection, is a majestic year-round mountain retreat that provides a truly one-of-a-kind experience. At the epicenter of the property, the Lodge is home to sumptuous rooms and suites, signature culinary outlets and two separate wine cellars, a full-service spa and fitness center, an indoor/outdoor pool, and much more. For those seeking added privacy, the expansive property boasts standalone cottages along the golf course and chalet-like cabins dispersed throughout the property, as well as remote treehouse suites perched high above the valley. Golfers at all levels will enjoy Primland’s 18-hole, Audubon-certified course, opened in 2006 by renowned golf course architect, Donald Steel. Weaving through the Blue Ridge Mountains, the championship Highland Golf Course at Primland combines challenging golf with breathtaking scenery. For those looking for hands-on instruction, Primland’s instructors provide golf schools for groups, as well as personalized one-on-one lessons to hone one’s game.
West Coast Golf Getaways:
Ojai Valley Inn | Ojai, CA
The world-class Ojai Valley Inn was founded as Ojai Country Club and is known as one of the first great golf courses in Southern California. Designed and originally built in 1923 under the direction of George C. Thomas, Jr. and Billy Bell, the course was hailed as “a marvel of golfing architecture.” The 18-hole golf course and the greens were considerably toughened in 1988 by famous course designer Jay Morrish. In 1999, this luxury golf resort reintroduced the “Lost Holes:” two original golf holes were lost when the course was redesigned following WWII, and were restored and brought back within their original layout. The award-winning course boasts panoramic views of the Ojai Valley and the surrounding TopaTopa Mountains and perfectly balances challenging yet approachable play. Now, in 2024, Ojai Valley Inn is a leader in innovative systems to minimize water use and promote conservation. The course itself was sculpted from the natural terrain, and it now features a state-of-the-art watering system for the course and landscaping, which measures humidity, sunlight, grass density, moisture, and temperature prior to automatically watering. This produces minimal waste water and optimal results.
Quail Lodge | Carmel Valley, CA
Quail Lodge & Golf Club has been one of the most celebrated and beloved courses on the Monterey Peninsula since its opening in 1964. Known for its playability, pristine conditions and beautifully manicured greens, this golf course was originally designed by Robert Muir Graves in 1964 and refined in 2015 by Principle Designer Todd Eckenrode – Origins Golf Design. The 6,500 yard, par 71 Carmel Valley golf course is perfect for the walking golfer of all ages and skill, offering just enough bite to make it interesting. The course features a unique bunker design trimmed with fescue lips, short grass areas that surround the greens to provide more shot options, and challenging grass swales that come into play on seven holes. Quail Lodge also offers a dynamic Golf Academy led by Katherine Marren, PGA Director of Instruction, that provides a variety of learning experiences for golfers of all ages and abilities. Quail Lodge also offers a “Stay and Play” package including discounted golf rates exclusively for overnight hotel guests.
Mauna Kea Resort | Kohala Coast, Hawaii
The stunning beachfront luxury resort offers guests the chance to hit the links on its legendary 18-hole Mauna Kea Golf Course—the first course built on the island of Hawaii and Golfweek’s #50 Resort Golf Course in the U.S. Set atop seaside cliffs, the elevated course designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr. offers sweeping ocean views and an epic over-the-ocean Hole #3. Guests at Mauna Kea Resort can also tee off at sister property The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort’s Hapuna Golf Course, an 18-hole, Par 72 course designed by Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The challenging and environmentally conscious course’s stunning 12th hole provides spectacular panoramic views of the Island of Hawaii and Maui across the channel.
