Home to nearly half of the world's golf courses, the USA boast natural beauty and diverse landscapes that make for a fantastic golf holiday. From coastal gems to mountain retreats, USA golf resorts are ideal for those looking for scenic courses as well as plenty of fun beyond the tees and greens.
GEORGIA
Georgia's perfect blend of rolling hills, lush landscapes and warm weather makes for a pleasant golf holiday just about any time of year. You'll discover what if means to slow down and enjoy every shot, every bite and every moment. Fly into Harsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, and drive about an hour east to the Ritz-Carlton Lodge at Reynolds Plantation golf resort on Lake Oconee. The resort offers 117 holes of golf, world-class instruction at Reynolds Golf Academy, a spa, and activities for the whole family.
If you continue three hours to Savannah, you'll discover a coastal city that has it all, from Southern-style seafood to historic ghost tours as well as sandy beaches nearby. The Club at Savannah Harbor is known for its spectacular ocean views from the tees. Heed a warning from locals: If you slice your tee shot on the 14th hole, known as Alligator Alley, don't become gator bait; take a mulligan.
NORTH CAROLINA
The Appalachian Mountains are the USA's oldest mountain chain and home to some of the country's most luxurious and historic golf resorts. Fly into Raleigh-Durham International Airport and drive an hour southwest to Pinehurst Resort. The award-winning spa, classic lawn sports, and private lake with beach are just a few ways to relax and have fun at this fine resort. With nine courses that have hosted championship play for more than a century, it's possible to walk in the footsteps of greatness on a different course every day for an entire holiday.
Great shopping and dining can be found in Asheville, which has its own regional airport. It's also about three and a half hours by car from the Raleigh-Durham International Airport and two hours from Charlotte International Airport. The lively mountain town is home to the Omni Grove Park Inn, a majestic, historic hotel that's been worthy of 10 U.S. presidential stays. Both its award-winning spa and its golf course offer sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
WEST VIRGINIA
West Virginia is one of USA's less crowded, wilder and most beautiful states. It's home to the Allegheny Highlands, the largest single natural scenic and outdoor recreational area in the eastern USA, as well as one of USA's most celebrated golf resorts. With five championship courses and fine golf instructors, the Greenbrier is made for golf enthusiasts.
A spa, casino and impressive roster or outdoor activities round out this unique mountain resort. You can fly into Greenbrier Valley Airport easily via Dulles International Airport in Washington, DC.
WISCONSIN
Wisconsin might not be the first place that springs to mind when you think of an American golf break. But the much-underrated state has plenty to offer the travelling golfer. To start, a visit here allows you to play the remarkable Whistling Straits, which sits an hour's drive north of Milwaukee, close to the small community of Kohler. Having already hosted the USPGA three times, the last time was August 2015 when Jason Day secured his maiden Major win, this magnificent Pete Dye creation will also welcome the cream of American and European golf in 2020 for the Ryder Cup.
Boasting panoramic views and more than 1000 bunkers, this spectacular layout, set hard against the shore of Lake Michigan, is perfectly complemented by the second course, known as the Irish. Stay at the luxurious American Club, close to Whistling Straits and within walking distance of two more Pete Dye courses at Blackwolf Run, for the ultimate Wisconsin golf break.
ALABAMA
Known as the home of the Civil Rights movement and that song, Alabama has become a major player on the golfing scene, thanks in large part to the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, a network of 26 courses on 11 different sites designed by the famous architect. The collection gives golfers no fewer than 468 holes to enjoy and offers incredible value for money. The Wall Street Journal said it may be the proximity of the courses to the main route makes a journey on the trail a simple one.
There are many different ways to approach the trail, travel down the I-65 highway and you will pick up six of the courses. Others choose to loop from Atlanta, Georgia. It's about a 90-minute drive to the trail from Atlanta and its international airport, enabling travelling golfers to take on as much or as little of the trail as they want. One of the newest additions to the trail, Ross Bridge, is also one of its best. It's certainly the longest, with the option to play from the very back tees that stretch the course to almost 8,200 yards! Alabama is building an international reputation as a great golf holiday destination.
TEXAS
Austin, Texas, may claim to be the live music capital of the world, but it is also a popular golf destination. The Omni Barton Creek Resort and Spa will melt away stress, whether that's on one of four courses or in the resort's healing Three Springs Spa. The nearby Palmer Lakeside Golf Club, designed by golf great Arnold Palmer, claims the best greens in Texas. The signature 11th hole is surrounded by native flora with a waterfall backdrop.
LAS VEGAS
Flying into Las Vegas, you'll notice the stark contrast between the green fairways and the surrounding desert. With some of the best entertainment in the world and some of the best golf courses anywhere. Las Vegas offers one of the most fun-filled, year-round destinations in the USA. The Rio Secco Golf Club is one of Las Vegas' most challenging courses. At the base of the Black Mountain Range, the course offers play through canyons, plateaus and desert wash.
Enjoy a completely different pace about 30 minutes east of the Las Vegas Strip at the South Shore Golf Club, known for its amazing desert beauty and intense elevation changes. Be sure to warm up on some of the best practice facilities anywhere before taking on this Jack Nicklaus-designed course that challenges you to play like the master himself.