The American Club
Kohler, Wisc.
Medal History: Gold medalist since 1992
The golf and the facilities--yes, those facilities. Kohler's famed bathroom fixtures--like the Whirlpool Bath--are standard issue here. You'll need that luxurious soak after battling the resort's Straits Course at Whistling Straits (No. 28 on our Top 100 Courses in the U.S.), which hosted the 2004 PGA Championship.
Contact: 800-344-2838, destinationkohler.com
Bandon Dunes Golf Resort
Bandon, Ore.
Medal History: Debuted as a Gold medalist in 2002
Why It's Worth It: Bandon Dunes is about golf the way Scotland is--in fact, you'd swear you were there if it wasn't for the good showers. It's the only resort where you can play three of GOLF MAGAZINE's Top 100 Courses in the U.S.: Pacific Dunes (No. 8), Bandon Dunes (No. 40) and Bandon Trails (No.47)
Contact: 888-345-6008, bandondunes.com
The Boulders Resort & Golden Door Spa
Carefree, Ariz.
Medal History: One of only five resorts to win Gold in each GOLF MAGAZINE ranking
Why It's Worth It: Carefree isn't just the hometown of the Boulders--it's an attitude that's reinforced at the Golden Door Spa, a Sonoran Shangri-la. Use it to recharge your batteries after a round at the two outstanding Jay Morrish-designed courses that hopscotch over arroyos and around cactuses, or to entertain your spouse while you play.
Contact: 866-397-6520, theboulders.com
The Broadmoor
Colorado Springs, Colo.
Medal History: Gold in all 10 rankings since 1988
Why It's Worth It: A new jack Nicklaus course opens this year, bringing a neat symmetry to the Bear's history at the Broadmoor, where he won the U.S. Amateur in 1959. You'll find a storied roster of former guests (from presidents to Bob Hope) and 11 restaurants.
Contact: 866-837-9520, thebroadmoor.com
The Emerald Course at Wailea Golf Club in Maui. Evan Schiller
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Coeur d'Alene Resort
Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
Medal History: Longtime Silver medalist, elevated to Gold in 2000
Why It's Worth It: Golfers are ferried from the resort to the course via mahogany water taxi, and it's another short boat ride to the most famous hole here, the floating green at No. 14.
Contact: 800-688-5253, cadaresort.com
Four Seasons Resort Aviara
Carlsbad, Calif.
Medal History: Moved from Silver to Gold in 2004
Why It's Worth It: This Southern California hilltop retreat has just added the MATT System--that's Motion Analysis technology by TaylorMade. Get club-fitted like the pros then test your new knowledge on the watery Arnold Palmer course, which tiptoes around a lagoon.
Contact: 800-819-5053, fourseasons.com/aviara
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
Ka'upulehu-Kona, Hawaii
Medal History: Debuted as a Gold in 2000
Why It's Worth It: Every room sports ocean views in the shadow of the Hualalai volcano. (Don't worry, the volcano hasn't popped for nearly 205 years.) The Nicklaus-designed course cuts through black lava before a grand finale alongside the ocean.
Contact: 800-819-5053, fourseasons.com/hualalai
Four Seasons Resort Lanai at Manele Bay
Lanai, Hawaii
Medal History: Seven consecutive Gold awards
Why It's Worth It: This was a longtime Gold medalist even before the Four Seasons brand took over last year. the result is a ramping up in service and amenities. The Nicklaus course doesn't need much work--the cliff-top setting is so dramatic that Bill Gates chose to get married on the tee at No. 12.
Contact: 800-819-5053, fourseasons.com/manelebay
Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North
Scottsdale, Ariz.
Medal History: Debuted Gold in 2002
Why It's Worth It: You can't get any closer to the Sonoran Desert this side of a tent and sleeping bag. Both courses here are on our Top 100 Courses You Can Play: the Monument (No. 21) and Pinnacle (No. 64) tracks.
Contact: 800-332-3442, fourseasons.com/scottsdale
