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Lake Las Vegas Resort
Henderson, Nev.
Medal History: Moves from Silver in 2004 to Gold
Why It's Worth It: This desert diamond is growing as fast as nearby Las Vegas. The property includes two superior hotels (a Ritz-Carlton and a Hyatt regency) and a new Loews hotel is on the way. Also in the works is Rainbow Canyon, a Tom Fazio layout that will join the existing pair of courses: Nicklaus' reflection Bay and Tom Weiskopf's Falls course.
Contact: 760-567-1234 (Hyatt) or 702-567-4700 (Ritz), lakelasvegas.com
The Lodge at Koele
Lanai, Hawaii
Medal History: Made the leap to Gold in 2004
Why It's Worth It: The swank Lodge promises upgrades in 2006. Guests enjoy amenities such as an archery range and a sporting clay course. But the real thrill is the Experience course, where the tee shot at No. 17 plummets into the deepest gorge on the island.
Contact: 800-321-4666, lodgeatkoele.com
The Lodge at Pebble Beach
Pebble Beach, Calif.
Medal History: A perennial Gold
Why It's Worth It: You just won't find a more storied public-access course in the U.S. The Lodge is just a lag putt from the 18th green, and nothing beats the feeling of drawing back your room shades to see the whales in Stillwater Cove looking back at you.
Contact: 800-654-9300, pebblebeach.com
Mauna Lani Resort
Kohala Coast, Hawaii
Medal History: Has never fallen from the Gold podium
Why It's Worth It: There are two luxury properties on the site, the Mauna lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows and the Fairmont Orchid, both perched on a pristine white-sand beach. Both the North and South courses are breezy island layouts that will soothe your nerves no matter what you score.
Contact: 800-323-7500, maunalani.com
Pinehurst Resort
Pinehurst, N.C.
Medal History: Eight consecutive Golds
Why It's Worth It: The century-old Carolina Hotel keeps itself in the game, completing a major room renovation this year. You have eight courses to choose from here. The big daddy is No. 2, the 2005 U.S. Open venue, but Nos. 4 and 8 also earn spots on our Top 100 Courses You Can Play.
Contact: 800-487-4653, pinehurst.com
Princeville Resort
Kauai, Hawaii
Medal History: Gold since 1994
Why It's Worth It: It's the little touches that make a difference at Princeville. Each room has been fitted with a large privacy window, which turns from opaque to clear at the touch of a button. The Prince Course is No. 20 on out Top 100 Courses You can Play.
Contact: 800-826-4400, princeville.com
Sea Island is a Georgia peach for players. LC Lambrecht
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Sea Island Resort
Sea Island, Ga.
Medal History: Gold since 1992
Why It's Worth It: This resort has been a haven for the well-heeled for more than 75 years. (Presidents Bush's parents honeymooned here.) The dunes-strewn Seaside Course is the best of the three options, and ranks No. 95 on our Top 100 Courses in the U.S. The famed waterfront Cloister Hotel is undergoing a makeover and will reopen this spring.
Contact: 800-826-4400, princeville.com
Sunriver Resort
Sunriver, Ore.
Medal History: Gold since 2002
Why It's Worth It: Sunriver is not a couch spud's resort. You can ski and play golf on the same day. The best of the three courses is Crosswater, with par 5s longer than the buffet line at an OvereatersAnonymouss convention. When you're done there, ride a canoe down the Deschutes River. The Owl's Nest bar serves up some of the best microbrews in the Pacific Northwest.
Contact: 800-801-8765, sunriver-resort.com
Walt Disney World Resort
Orlando, Fla.
Medal History: This is Mickey's sixth Gold to go with two Silvers
Why It's Worth It: There are 99 holes here, plus more thrills for the family than you can shake a wand at. Three courses by Joe Lee (the best of which is the Magnolia track) and contributions from Tom Fazio and Pete Dye round at this magical kingdom for golfers. Disney's latest thrill ride, Expedition Everest--Legend of the Forbidden Mountain, opens this spring and gives you an excuse for a golf trip under the guise of generous parenting.
Contact: 407-934-7639, disneyworld.com
Williamsburg Inn
Williamsburg, Va.
Medal History: Has fallen short of Gold only once since 1988
Why It's Worth It: Founded as a retreat for John D. Rockefeller Jr., the Inn received a major facelift four years ago that involved reducing the number of rooms from 100 to 62 so they could be enlarged, refinishing the original antique furniture, and adding a tea room. The white-glove service will inspire you to keep up with the Joneses, and you can do that at the Golden Horseshoe Golf Club, where you'll find tracks by Robert Sr. and his son Rees. Kids under 15 can play the Spotswood Course free with a parent.
Contact: 800-447-8679, colonialwilliamsburg.com
