11 Best Golf Resorts in the World — Ranked by Course and Accommodation

10. Pinehurst Resort, North Carolina: America's Golf Capital

Pinehurst Resort rightfully claims the title of America's golf capital, where nine championship courses and the historic Carolina Hotel create a destination that has shaped American golf for over a century. The resort's crown jewel, Pinehurst No. 2, designed by Donald Ross and recently restored by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, has hosted more major championships than any other American course and provides a pure golf experience that tests strategy, precision, and mental fortitude. The Carolina Hotel, a AAA Four Diamond property, features 230 elegantly appointed rooms and suites with Southern charm and modern amenities, while the historic Holly Inn provides a more intimate boutique experience with 82 rooms showcasing early 20th-century elegance. Beyond the famous No. 2 course, guests can experience eight additional championship layouts, each offering unique challenges and design philosophies that showcase the evolution of American golf course architecture from Donald Ross classics to modern Tom Fazio designs. The resort's dining program celebrates Southern cuisine with contemporary interpretations, featuring multiple restaurants that range from casual clubhouse fare to fine dining experiences that showcase North Carolina's culinary traditions and local ingredients. The Spa at Pinehurst offers comprehensive wellness services in a tranquil setting, while additional amenities include tennis courts, swimming pools, fitness facilities, and recreational activities that take advantage of the resort's 2,000-acre setting in the Sandhills region. Beyond golf, guests can explore the charming village of Pinehurst with its unique New England-style architecture, enjoy guided tours of local attractions, participate in outdoor activities such as hiking and fishing, or simply relax in the resort's peaceful setting that has attracted golf enthusiasts and vacationers for generations.