If the Masters Tournament has you daydreaming of groomed greens and toasts at the 19th hole, maybe it’s time to plan your own guys’ golf getaway. Matt Ginella of the Golf Channel network says for a successful trip, consider the budget, skill level and interests of the group. Some friends will want to do nothing but hit the greens, while others might want to mix in other activities, he says. “The most important thing is that the place is conducive to the time they want to have.” He shares some top golf resorts for group trips with Larry Bleiberg for USA TODAY.
Bandon Dunes, Ore.
It’s hard to beat the scenery at this remote resort’s multiple Oregon coast courses, which first opened in 1999. “It’s like Ireland and Scotland but you don’t need a passport,” Ginella says. The links-style courses don’t have trees, and can be enjoyed by all skill levels. “It’s golf for the avid amateur. Everyone who has gone there wants to go back.” 888-345-6008; bandondunesgolf.com
Pinehurst, N.C.
The “cradle of American golf” has been hosting getaways since 1895, and will keep visitors busy for days. While Donald Ross’ legendary No. 2 course is revered, the resort has nine separate courses sprawling across the pine and sandhill landscape. “It’s a very special town, a special place,” Ginella says. And non-golfers can keep busy too with a resort hotel, spa and tennis. 855-235-8507; pinehurst.com
Pebble Beach, Calif.
You’ll need a big budget for a pilgrimage to the famed Pebble Beach Golf Links on the Monterey Peninsula, where a round with cart starts at $495. “It’s considered the No. 1 public golf course in America,” Ginella says. “But it’s a very high-end golf experience, super expensive.” The resort also has several other courses to keep your group on the greens for days. 800-877-0597; pebblebeach.com
Sea Island, Ga.
If your goal is improving your game, bring your group to this gracious oceanfront resort. “They have a dream team of golf instructors. A lot of PGA tour players live around here,” says Ginella. He particularly likes the Seaside course, updated by Tom Fazio in 1999. “It’s high-quality R and R.” 855-714-9201; seaisland.com
Greenbrier, W.Va.
This venerable Blue Ridge Mountain getaway began hosting guests in 1788, and added a golf course a century later. It even has a secret bunker where Congress planned to convene in case of nuclear war – a getaway of an entirely different nature. The resort was sold six years ago, and has been on a roll ever since. “There’s new money, new energy to it,” Ginella says. With multiple courses and other activities from falconry to laser tag, a group won’t have trouble keeping busy. 855-453-4858;greenbrier.com
American Club at Destination Kohler
Kohler, Wisc.
With four golf courses and high-end trappings, this five-diamond Midwest resort will appeal to groups with a healthy budget. The standout Lake Michigan course, Whistling Straits, will host the 2015 PGA Championship. “The lodging and the amenities and the food—everything—is at a super high level,” Ginella says. A package for groups of a dozen or more includes lessons, a tournament organizer and a plaque for winners.800-344-2838; americanclubresort.com
Omni Barton Creek
Austin, Texas
Ginella loves this affordable resort not just for its golf, but the entire package. “I send people there and they have a blast and memorable trips. They have four golf courses, a very nice hotel, good food and a non-pretentious attitude. They’re very welcoming to buddies trips.” 512-329-4000; omnihotels.com
Streamsong, Fla.
Ginella says this resort in “middle-of-nowhere Florida” is worth the trip, 50 miles southeast of Tampa. The two courses are geared for the walking golfer, with limited times for carts. They’re designed by Tom Doak, and Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw. “This is a destination on the rise.” 863-428-1000; streamsongresort.com
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