20 Best Golf Resorts In The South

Some of the South’s prettiest sights are found on golf courses. Whether you’re an avid golfer or are content to drive the cart, few can deny the allure of a freshly cut course and the gorgeous scenery that surrounds it. And while we may have to enjoy the Azalea Hole at Augusta National from the comfort of our couches, there are beautiful courses across the South where setting a tee time is as easy as picking up the phone or hopping online. So when you’re looking for a place to unwind for a weekend away, a golf resort is a more than worthy option. The South is home to dozens of glorious golf resorts that offer not only world-class courses, but also luxurious accommodations, first-rate amenities, beautiful grounds, serene spas, excellent dining options, and a host of other activities to fill your time off the links. Here we share 20 iconic Southern golf resorts where you can play and stay in style.

How We Picked This List

These golf resorts were picked by the editors of Southern Living who report, research, and visit resorts across the South.

Pursell Farms

Sylacauga, Alabama

This resort a little over an hour from Birmingham is a dreamy getaway where luxury accommodations, picturesque landscapes, and outdoor adventure combine on a family-owned farm. The property’s 40-room inn, cabins, cottages, and large-group lodge effortlessly blend Southern sophistication and rustic charm. The 18-hole course features dramatic elevation changes, pristine fairways, and immaculate greens all set against the backdrop of bucolic farmland. It’s also been named the number one all-access golf course in Alabama for 10 years and counting. Guests who don’t golf can bide their time with a host of other activities including UTV riding, fly fishing, sport shooting, horseback riding, axe throwing, archery, and pickleball.

pursellfarms.com; 386 Talladega Springs Rd, Sylacauga, AL 35151; 256-208-7600

Ross Bridge Golf Resort and Spa

Birmingham, Alabama

Play a popular portion of the famous Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail (31 courses at 11 sites that span the state of Alabama) at the Renaissance Birmingham Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa. Located in a quiet suburban neighborhood, the 259-room hotel features a resort-style pool, award-winning spa, and one of the best breakfast buffets you can find anywhere. The onsite course is known for being the fifth-longest course in the world, but there are multiple tee boxes at each hole to suit golfers of all levels. While the entire course is exquisite, the waterfall that cascades 80 feet between the 9^th and 18^th greens is truly a sight to behold.

marriott.com; 4000 Grand Avenue, Birmingham, AL 35226; 1-888-236-2427

Pinehurst Resort

Pinehurst, North Carolina

There’s a lot of history behind this legendary resort that built its first course more than 125 years ago. Often called the Cradle of American Golf, the massive property now features nine 18-hole courses, a putting course, and a short course. This is a bucket list resort if there ever was one. The U.S. Open will be played entirely at Pinehurst in 2024 from June 13-16, the first time in over a century that a single site has been awarded four Opens in a span of 25 years. If you visit, you’ll have the option to stay in one of four historic hotels, or in a villa or condo. Just like its impressive collection of courses and accommodations, the resort isn’t short on amenities and things to do. From a brewery to a private 200-acre lake to an onsite historic village, there’s plenty to explore.

pinehurst.com; 80 Carolina Vista, Pinehurst, NC 28374; 855-235-8507

Sea Island

Sea Island, Georgia

With 80 Forbes Five-Star Awards and almost 100 years under its belt, this oceanfront resort is the crowned jewel of Georgia’s Golden Isles. The luxury resort consists of two distinct stays, The Cloister (located on a 50-acre plot with five miles of private beach) and The Lodge, a boutique hotel and private cottages. On the golf side of things, the resort features three championship courses, practice greens, and a state-of-the-art Golf Performance Center. The Seaside course, surrounded by tidal creeks, dunes, salt marshes, and the Atlantic Ocean, is consistently ranked among the country’s top 100 courses.

seaisland.com; 100 Cloister Drive, Sea Island, GA 31561; 855-572-4975

Palmetto Dunes

Hilton Head, South Carolina

Hilton Head has long been known as a golfer’s paradise, and Palmetto Dunes has certainly contributed to the island’s reputation. The oceanfront resort sits on 2,000 acres with direct access to three miles of beaches, a full-service marina, and an 11-mile lagoon system. It’s a big draw for families, but golfers can’t get enough of the resort’s three championship courses that were each designed by a different golf legend: George Fazio, Robert Trent Jones, and Arthur Hills.

palmettodunes.com; 4 Queens Folly Road, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928; 877-460-0027

Reynolds Lake Oconee

Greensboro, Georgia

As one of the only lakefront Ritz-Carlton properties in the world, the views at Reynolds Lake Oconee are unrivaled. The 19,000-acre lake is an aquatic playground where guests can boat, waterski, kayak, fish, swim, and enjoy the scenery. The lake may be the heart of the resort, but its golf courses are equally impressive. The resort features six courses, many with great views of the water. When guests aren’t teeing off on the course, they can improve their game at The Kingdom, an integration of equipment technology and golf instruction.

reynoldslakeoconee.com; 1341 Linger Longer Road, Greensboro, GA 30642; 855-936-0276

Kiawah Island Golf Resort

Kiawah Island, South Carolina

This five-star resort is an island paradise where all the worries of everyday life melt away. Between world-class amenities, 10 miles of private sandy beach, and more than a dozen dining options, you won’t have to lift a finger to have everything you need to truly kick back and relax. As the resort’s name implies, golf is a major part of the experience at Kiawah Island. There are five championship courses to choose from. Several have been played during tournaments like the Ryder Cup and PGA Championship, so you can have a pro-style experience on a course designed by Pete Dye, Tom Fazio, Clyde Johnston, Jack Nicklaus, or Gary Player—the only decision to make is which to play first.

kiawahresort.com; 1 Sanctuary Beach Dr, Kiawah Island, SC 29455; 888-601-4904

The Ritz Carlton Naples, Tiburón

Naples, Florida

You can’t beat a Ritz-Carlton, and when the location is in sunny Florida, there’s not much else you can ask for. Families love the resort’s waterpark, complete with a winding river, water slides, and private cabanas. Certified as an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, the resort’s two 18-hole championship courses are well-known for their beautiful natural settings that show off the best of the area. Each was designed by golf great Greg Norman. After a long day on the course, the 51,000-square-foot spa is the place to be.

ritzcarlton.com; 2600 Tiburon Drive, Naples, FL 34109; 239-593-2000

PGA National Resort

Palm Beach Gardens, Florida

This resort features 99 holes of championship golf over six courses, including the Champion course, which hosts the PGA Tour’s Cognizant Classic each year. After a $100 million renovation, the resort now has all new interior and exterior design, new restaurants, activities, and amenities. Stay in a two-bedroom cottage or a suite, both will be elegantly designed and offer the perfect setting for a relaxing retreat.

pgaresort.com; 400 Avenue of the Champions, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418; 800-863-2819

Innisbrook Golf Resort

Palm Harbor, Florida

Part of the Salamander Collection, this resort on the west coast of Florida is the location of the PGA Tour’s Valspar Championship every March. When it’s not being used for the tournament, all four of its courses are open to guests. Pine tree-lined fairways and rolling terrain await at each, just beware of the Copperhead Course’s infamous Snake Pit, which has made or broken many a tournament. But the courses aren’t the resort’s only draw. There are also six heated pools, bike rentals, yoga classes, fishing on the lake, tennis, a spa, and more.

innisbrookgolfresort.com; 36750 U.S. Highway 19 North, Palm Harbor, FL 34684; 886-976-7994

Streamsong Golf Resort

Bowling Green, Florida

Located within 90 minutes of both Tampa and Orlando, Streamsong didn’t waste much time getting its name on the scene when it opened in 2013. For the past decade-plus the resort’s courses have maintained positions on the most prestigious lists of best golf courses. Its three courses, Streamsong Blue, Red, and Black, are home to towering sand dunes, sandy fields, and pristine lakes, all of which come together to create a one-of-a-kind setting. A fourth course, called The Chain, is now open for preview play on 13 holes. The accompanying lodge and clubhouses feature 228 rooms and suites. Amenities range from access to guided bass fishing to sporting clays to archery.

streamsongresort.com; 1000 Streamsong Dr, Bowling Green, FL 33834; 888-294-6322

Sea Pines Resort

Hilton Head, South Carolina

As the original Hilton Head resort, the genesis of Sea Pines goes back to 1956 when Charles Fraser, whose family owned much of the island, had an idea for an all-encompassing vacation destination. Today, the resort is thriving, with the number one luxury hotel on Hilton Head Island, as well as home and villa rentals and a host of activities for guests to enjoy. What makes this a bucket list destination for golfers is the Harbour Town Golf Links course, which is home to the PGA Tour’s RBC Heritage tournament. Set on the Calibogue Sound with uninterrupted views of both the water and the famous Harbour Town lighthouse, this course is as picturesque as they come.

seapines.com; 32 Greenwood Dr., Hilton Head Island, SC 29928; 834-785-3333

Big Cedar Lodge

Ridgedale, Missouri

Overlooking Table Rock Lake in the Ozark Mountains, Big Cedar Lodge has a reputation for connecting families with the rugged great outdoors, while offering everything you’d want from a lavish vacation. Created by Johnny Morris, founder of Bass Pro Shops, Big Cedar is the definition of rustic luxury. Kids will never run out of things to do thanks to Fun Mountain, where they’ll find everything from laser tag, bowling, and go-carts to a ropes course and giant playground. Long Creek Marina offers opportunities for boating, fishing, wakeboarding, and tubing. Even the golf here gives visitors a chance to bask in the glory of Mother Nature. All five courses offer stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains. It all comes together at Mountain Top, a 13-hole walking course that perfectly melds the minds of conservationist Morris and golf pro Gary Player into one unforgettable experience.

bigcedar.com; 190 Top of the Rock Road, Ridgedale, MO 65739; 800-225-6343

The Greenbrier

White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia

Known as America’s Resort, The Greenbrier has become a household name among Southerners. The resort and National Historic Landmark nestled in the Allegheny Mountains has been an American tradition since 1778 with no signs of slowing down. It’s especially vibrant at Christmas and Easter, when the sprawling ground are decorated to the nines to celebrate the season. Everything about the Greenbrier is grand and impressive, and its four golf courses are more of the same. Many of golf’s most accomplished athletes have walked the greens at the Greenbrier, so to play a course here is to follow in the footsteps of greatness.

greenbrier.com; 101 Main Street West, White Sulphur Springs, WV 24986; 855-453-4858

Omni Barton Creek Resort And Spa

Austin, Texas

Though it’s just 20 minutes from downtown Austin, this serene resort seems worlds away from the hustle and bustle of the buzzy state capital. In classic Hill Country style, there’s plenty of room to roam on the 4,000-acre site. Lay out on the three-tiered pool deck or treat yourself to pure pampering at Mokara Spa. Book the Legacy Golf Package that includes round of golf (per person per stay) at your choice of the resort’s four courses. The scenic vistas that await at every tee box of the Fazio Canyons course are picture-perfect. After a round, unwind with a beer on the wraparound porch of the the Canyons Clubhouse, which sits on the edge of the driving range.

omnihotels.com; 8212 Barton Club Drive, Austin, TX 78735; 512-329-4000

Omni Homestead Resort

Hot Springs, Virginia

With its 250-year history, Omni Homestead Resort in Hot Springs has led the way for resorts in the U.S. Recently, the iconic property underwent a $140 million renovation to restore its historic character and keep it up to date with the latest and greatest in luxury stays. The historic bathhouses at Warm Springs Pool are once again open to guests hoping to soak in the restorative waters. Homestead’s two courses consistently rank as the top in Virginia and among the top in the South. Practice your swing on the very same courses where Presidents Dwight D. Eisenhower and William Taft once golfed. The Cascades is known for its exceptional views of the Allegheny Mountains, while the Old Course is home to the nation’s oldest first tee in continuous use.

omnihotels.com; 7696 Sam Snead Highway, Hot Springs, VA 24445; 800-838-1766

Omni PGA Frisco Resort

Frisco, Texas

Playing a round is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to immersing yourself in golf at this Texas resort. Yes, you can play Fields Ranch (two 18-hole courses designed by Gil Hanse and Beau Welling), but you can also visit The Swing and The Dance Floor. The Swing is a lighted 10-hole, par-3 short course—the perfect nightcap to a great day of golf that comes complete with drinks and music once the sun goes down. The Dance Floor is a two-acre putting course and entertainment area. There are also golf simulators next to ranch-style beer gardens, a PGA coaching center, and a 30-acre driving range and practice facility.

omnipgafriscoexperiences.com; 4342 PGA Parkway, Frisco, TX 75033; 469-305-4500

Primland Resort

Meadows of Dan, Virginia

See the Blue Ridge Mountains at their best at this outpost of the Auberge Resorts Collection. The 12,000-acre private mountain estate is well-planned wonderland that’s designed to show off the best of the surrounding area. There are treehouses set above the Dan River Gorge, plus cozy cabins tucked into the woods. And of course, there’s the grand lodge overlooking the legendary Highland Course. Ranked as the number one public course in the state, its a sight to behold during all seasons. Book the Blue Ridge Golf Package, which comes with two rounds, so you can spend your first round taking in the ridgetops, valleys, and mountainous terrain, then come back for a second round to focus on your game rather than the dazzling scenery.

aubergeresorts.com/primland; 2000 Busted Rock Road, Meadows of Dan, VA 24120; 276-222-6837

Reunion Resort

Kissimmee, Florida

This resort’s location near Orlando is apt considering it’s practically a Disney World for golfers. Reunion features three 18-hole courses designed by PGA legends Tom Watson, Jack Nicklaus, and Arnold Palmer. For those looking to improve their game, the Golfzon Leadbetter Golf Academy offers practice facilities, instructional classes, indoor and outdoor hitting bays, and an Odyssey putting studio. There’s also custom club fitting and a repair shop. Outside of golf, the massive resort offers footgolf, pickleball, tennis, miniature golf, seven pools, a water park, bike rentals, and a shuttle to the area’s many amusement parks.

reunionresort.com; 7593 Gathering Drive, Kissimmee, FL 34747; 833-258-0472

Horseshoe Bay Resort

Horseshoe Bay, Texas

Located on the shores of Lake Lyndon B. Johnson, Horseshoe offers an authentic Texas Hill Country experience that the entire family can enjoy. Accommodations include private home rentals, palm villas, lakefront condos, and a luxury hotel, while amenities and activities range from spending time at the beach or pool to going off-roading in a Bronco at nearby Grey Wolf Ranch. The resort is home to three golf courses designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., plus an exclusive members-only Jack Nicklaus course. Slick Rock features a 35-foot waterfall that’s one of the most beautiful signature holes in the state.

hsbresort.com; 200 Hi Circle North, Horseshoe Bay, TX 78657; 877-611-0112

For more Southern Living news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on Southern Living.