Golf resorts promise the perfect combination of luxury accommodations and championship-level courses. While many deliver exceptional experiences, others struggle to justify their premium pricing. The challenge for golfers is distinguishing between resorts that offer genuine value and those trading primarily on reputation or location.
From maintenance issues to service problems, inflated pricing to mismatched expectations, some resorts simply don’t deliver what their green fees suggest. That doesn’t mean these places are terrible — just that better value often exists elsewhere. Here is a list of 18 golf resorts where the cost-to-experience ratio may leave you questioning whether you got your money’s worth.
French Lick Resort Dye Course, Indiana
Pete Dye’s design here polarizes golfers with its bold, sometimes extreme features. While some appreciate the unique challenges and dramatic elevation changes, others find the layout more punishing than enjoyable for the price point. The course certainly has character and historical significance, though average golfers might prefer the more accessible and equally interesting Sultan’s Run nearby for better value.
Harbor Town Golf Links, South Carolina
This Hilton Head stalwart brings heavy history and design credibility in the form of Pete Dye. The high-end pricing might not match expectations for players who want gripping coastal golf, though. The course is nicely manicured and strategically compelling, but the overall experience might be less memorable than similar coastal entries. The Heritage tournament gives it a high level of prestige, but daily fee rates might be higher than the course justifies on its own.
Pinehurst No. 2, North Carolina
Despite Donald Ross’s legendary design and recent renovations, opinions remain divided on whether the course justifies its premium pricing. The layout is historically significant and strategically sound, though some find it less visually dramatic than expected. While respected in golf circles, the experience may not meet expectations for golfers seeking more obvious beauty or standout holes. Other Pinehurst courses often provide similar quality at lower rates.
Blue Monster at Doral, Florida
Trump National Doral’s flagship course charges premium rates that reflect its tournament pedigree more than daily play experience. The layout has solid bones and challenging features, yet summer pricing in South Florida’s heat tests both wallet and endurance. While the course offers legitimate championship-level challenges, better value exists at less famous South Florida venues that provide similar quality without the premium markup.
Harding Park, San Francisco
This municipal course gained prestige from hosting major championships, but daily rates now reflect that status more than the experience itself. The course is well-maintained and historically significant, though the layout may not justify premium pricing for visiting golfers. Bay Area alternatives often provide more memorable experiences at lower cost, making Harding Park feel expensive for what amounts to solid but unremarkable municipal golf.
Torrey Pines South Course, California
— Photo by SMJoness
While hosting PGA Tour events adds cachet, this municipal course’s pricing has grown to match its tournament status rather than its inherent quality. The layout is challenging, and the setting is pleasant, yet the experience often falls short of expectations, given the green fees. Nearby courses frequently offer more interesting design and better conditions for significantly less money.
Tracy Park Golf Resort, England
Course conditions here have struggled with maintenance issues, including green problems that management acknowledges. While the resort setting is pleasant and the staff are generally helpful, paying premium rates for subpar playing conditions creates obvious value concerns. The facility shows promise under new ownership, though current pricing doesn’t align with course quality.
Moon Lake Golf and Country Club, Saskatchewan
Service inconsistencies and unexpected fees can sour what might otherwise be a pleasant Saskatchewan golf experience. The course layout has merit, and the setting is attractive, yet billing practices and customer service issues create unnecessary friction. Local municipal options often provide comparable golf with better service standards and more transparent pricing.
Kiawah Island Ocean Course, South Carolina
— Photo by dleindecdp
This Pete Dye masterpiece offers undeniable beauty and championship-level challenge, yet the total cost can be staggering when factoring in mandatory caddies and peak season rates. The course is genuinely spectacular and historically significant, though the combination of difficulty and expense may frustrate average golfers. While world-class, the value proposition depends heavily on your skill level and budget tolerance.
TPC Sawgrass Stadium Course, Florida
At $720 for peak season rounds, this represents premium pricing even among championship venues. The 17th hole is iconic, and the course is excellently maintained; however, the total experience may not justify the costs, which exceed those of many exclusive private clubs. While historically significant and challenging, better value often exists at less famous but equally well-designed Florida courses.
Whistling Strcaits Course, Wisconsin
This dramatic lakeside course offers genuine championship-level challenge and stunning scenery, though the combination of difficulty and weather unpredictability can create frustrating experiences. The layout is undeniably spectacular and well-maintained, yet the penal nature and potential for weather delays may not suit all golfers at this price point. Consider your skill level and weather tolerance before making a commitment.
Bandon Dunes Resort, Oregon
The courses here are genuinely excellent and offer authentic links-style golf rarely found in America. However, the remote location creates a captive audience situation where all expenses — lodging, dining, caddies — compound quickly. While the golf quality is high, the total trip cost can reach luxury vacation levels, making it primarily suitable for serious golf enthusiasts with substantial budgets.
Streamsong Resort, Florida
These modern courses are well-designed and maintained in excellent conditions, although the remote central Florida location limits dining and entertainment options. The golf is solid, and the facility is well-run, but premium pricing feels disconnected from the overall amenity level. While the courses have merit, more established Florida destinations often provide better overall vacation experiences.
Chambers Bay, Washington
This 2015 U.S. Open venue offers unique architecture and stunning views of the Puget Sound, although the quirky design elements can frustrate golfers expecting more traditional layouts. The course is well-maintained and visually striking, yet the unusual bounces and blind shots may not appeal to golfers seeking straightforward championship golf. The experience tends to be love-it-or-hate-it at this price level.
Reunion Resort, Florida
Despite featuring courses by Palmer, Nicklaus, and Watson, the overall experience feels more focused on real estate sales than golf excellence. The courses are competent and well-maintained, though resort fees and service levels may not match expectations. While conveniently located near Disney attractions, pure golf enthusiasts might find better value at more golf-focused Central Florida venues.
Madeira Bay Golf Club, Florida
These courses offer solid golf in Southwest Florida, set in an attractive setting, although the premium pricing may not fully align with the overall experience level. The layouts are pleasant, and conditions are generally good, yet the courses feel more like upscale daily fee facilities than true resort experiences. Comparable golf often exists nearby without the resort markup.
Eagle Ridge Resort, Illinois
The courses here offer pleasant Midwest golf with decent conditions and attractive settings, though the premium pricing may exceed the experience level. While competently designed and maintained, the overall package doesn’t justify resort-level rates compared to other regional options. The facility is adequate, potentially overpriced for what’s delivered.
Big Cedar Lodge, Missouri
The Top of the Rock course provides spectacular Ozark views, and the overall resort offers numerous amenities, although the golf experience may not justify premium pricing for serious players. The courses are attractive and well-maintained, yet the focus seems more on entertainment and scenery than challenging golf. Consider whether you’re seeking a golf vacation or a family resort with golf included.
Finding Real Value in Resort Golf
The golf resort market offers everything from genuine bucket-list experiences to overpriced disappointments. Premium pricing doesn’t automatically indicate poor value, nor does a famous name guarantee excellence.
Smart golfers research recent reviews, consider their priorities — whether that’s course quality, service level, location, or total cost — and make informed choices accordingly. The best resort experience aligns your expectations, budget, and skill level with what each property delivers.
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