Stay and Play at These Championship Golf Resorts — How To Book

The only thing better than enjoying a beautiful golf vacation? Knowing you’re practicing your swing on the same greens some of the world’s best golfers have played. From Hawaii to West Virginia, golf resorts nationwide have hosted PGA championships and other golf tournaments.

Whether you’re new to golf or have followed the sport for decades, playing on a championship course is one of the best ways to practice like a pro.

1. Four Seasons Resort Hualalai in Big Island, Hawaii

Starting Nightly Rate: $1,400

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is an island oasis where guests can enjoy Hawaii’s sandy beaches, blue water, and lush landscapes. The rooms have all been recently renovated, giving them a new nature-inspired look.

There’s no shortage of things to do at the resort. Guests can swim in the 8 pools or visit the Ka’Upulehu Cultural Center to learn more about local customs and history.

The Hualalai Golf Course is a source of pride for the resort. Designed with sustainability, it uses the island’s landscape to create a championship course that draws players worldwide.

The course hosts the Mitsubishi Electric Championship tournament each January. Guests can book a practice with a pro to learn how to warm up and play like an expert.

How To Book: It’s no surprise that Four Seasons resorts command high rates, so we highly recommend booking through American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts. The Platinum Card^® from American Express and The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express are the only 2 Amex cards that offer access to the luxury booking platform.

2. The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia

Starting Nightly Rate: $289

Greenbrier is one of the country’s most legendary resorts. It first opened in 1778 and has become synonymous with American getaways. It’s such an iconic hotel that it is now a National Historic Landmark.

With luxury rooms and cottages, a renowned spa, and a full schedule of daily activities from workout classes to bunker tours, there’s something for the whole family to do during your stay. Greenbriar is also a staple in the golf world. For over 100 years, pros have practiced their swing at the resort’s 4 courses.

All of the courses are worth booking a tee time at. However, the signature championship Greenbriar is perhaps the most famous. It’s the most challenging on the property and the only resort course to host both the Ryder and the Solheim Cups. 

How To Book: When booking resorts that don’t participate in any major hotel chain, it’s a good idea to pay with your travel credit card. Some cards, like the Chase Sapphire Reserve^®, earn 8x Ultimate Rewards points per dollar on hotels booked through Chase Travel or 4x points when booked directly through the hotel.

3. The Hotel Hershey in Hershey, Pennsylvania

Starting Nightly Rate: $259

Known for its sophistication and top-notch service, Hotel Hershey has been a premier getaway destination for generations.

All hotel guests get free admission to several local attractions. These include the Hershey Gardens and the Hershey Story’s Museum Experience, the hotel’s pools, and the resort’s packed calendar of activities. For a day of pampering, book treatments at The Chocolate Spa.

Staying at the hotel also grants you access to the resort’s country club, which once hosted the historic Hershey Open PGA championship. Hotel guests have exclusive access to 2 of the courses, including the historic West Course, which opened in 1930 and has challenged professional golfers ever since.

The course hosts championship games for the PGA, USGA, and NCAA associations. 

How To Book: The Chase Sapphire Reserve card also offers an annual $300 travel credit, which automatically reimburses users for qualifying travel purchases — including hotel stays — with a statement credit.

4. JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa in San Antonio, Texas

Starting Nightly Rate: $452

JW Marriott in San Antonio offers something for every kind of guest. Nature lovers can find peace among the 600 acres of trees surrounding the property, while travelers looking for rejuvenation can spend their days at the spa.

This resort is just a few minutes away from Downtown San Antonio, so you’re just a short distance from the area’s best shops, restaurants, and art scenes.

Passionate golfers can hone their skills at either of the resort’s 2 award-winning championship courses. The Oaks course regularly hosts the Valero Texas Open, so you can feel like a true pro while on the greens.

The other championship course, The Canyons, is the more challenging of the 2. It takes advantage of the hilly landscape to offer scenic views and holes that will fine-tune your swing. Caddie services are available for both courses.

How To Book: Free nights are reasonable at the JW Marriott in San Antonio, with guest rooms starting at 45,000 Marriott Bonvoy points. If you’ve got a Marriott free night certificate that’s valid for up to 35,000 points, you can even top off the remaining points needed —- up to 15,000 points out-of-pocket.

5. PGA National Resort in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida

Starting Nightly Rate: $296

PGA National Resort in Palm Beach Gardens is a luxury paradise with lush greenery and palm trees.

Its location is just far enough away from West Palm Beach to create a bubble of peace and calm but close enough that you can be in the city in minutes. With its world-class dining, full-service spa, and extensive calendar of on-property activities, there are plenty of ways to spend your days.

Its close association with the PGA organization means it’s home to some of the nation’s best courses. The property has five championship courses, including “The Champion,” which has hosted several national championships.

How To Book: Expedia Group’s One Key loyalty program is fantastic for booking non-chain hotels. On top of booking hotels with a travel credit card, members will earn 2% in OneKeyCash on their hotel bookings through Expedia or Hotels.com, and you can redeem rewards for travel purchases at checkout.

Hot Tip:

Young aspiring golfers can attend one of the resort’s junior golf camps to practice with professionals, and PGA tour players come each February to play.

6. Omni PGA Frisco Resort & Spa in Frisco, Texas

Starting Nightly Rate: $356

With its beautiful surroundings, on-site pools, fitness centers, spas, and 13 eateries, it’s not surprising that the Omni PGA Frisco Resort & Spa is a top vacation destination.

This hotel embodies relaxed luxury, which lets guests unwind and recharge away from the chaos of day-to-day life. There are 3 accommodation options, so there’s something to suit any need.

Omni PGA Frisco’s biggest draw, though, is its golfing experiences. It’s considered the home of modern golf and is home to the official PGA headquarters for the organization’s American chapter.

There are 2 championship courses on the property and a few short courses to practice and hone your skills. Over the next decade, the resort will host 6 major championship games on the PGA tour and countless professional practices.

How To Book: If you love to stay at Omni hotels, you should sign up for a free account through its new Select Guest loyalty program. All members can enjoy free bottled water upon arrival and a welcome drink, though the perks enhance with higher tiers of status.

7. The Ritz-Carlton, Maui in Kapalua, Hawaii

Starting Nightly Rate: $1,149

For a luxurious Maui vacation, it’s hard to do better than The Ritz-Carlton, Maui. This resort is tucked away in vibrantly-colored nature, which shows how breathtaking the island is.

All the rooms are designed to help elevate nature and make the tropical setting the focal point of your stay. There’s also no shortage of activities to take part in. From pools to hikes, there’s always something to do.

Make sure to schedule a tee time while you’re here. There are 2 championship courses on the property. The Plantation Course hosts The Sentry competition yearly and is a bucket-list course for any avid golfer. The Bay Course has yet to host a PGA open, but it’s a favorite among pros and guests.

This is a great place to improve your skills since the Kapalua Golf Academy has world-class instructors on staff.

How To Book: Marriott Bonvoy offers members the ability to book top golf resorts, including Ritz-Carlton properties. It will cost around 88,000 Marriott Bonvoy points to score a free guest room at this particular location, but don’t forget that all loyalty members will get their fifth consecutive night free on award stays.

8. Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort and Spa in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida

Starting Nightly Rate: $566

Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort and Spa is the perfect place to spend a relaxing vacation in the sun. With 4 pools, a nearby beach, and multiple dining options, it’s a tropical paradise for the whole family.

Visit the spa for massages, body wraps, and manicures for a day of pampering. Young guests can participate in resort activities, play games, or watch movies at the kids center.

Golfers can live out their dreams by playing on THE PLAYERS Stadium Course, which has hosted the championship for over 40 years. It was one of the first courses affiliated with the Tournament Player’s Club to open to the public so everyday golfers could play the same courses as their idols.

Hotel guests get preferred access to the course, so you can head out on the greens as much as you want to hone your skills. There are also more casual courses to play.

How To Book: The Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa is one of the most affordable golf resorts on the list, especially with points. Rooms start at just 27,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night. If you need to quickly earn Marriott Bonvoy points, you can transfer points at a 1:1 ratio from American Express Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, and Chase Ultimate Rewards.

9. The Sea Pines Resort in Hilton Head, South Carolina

Starting Nightly Rate: $228

The Sea Pines Resort is the top lodging option for Hilton Head Island visitors. For decades, it’s welcomed visitors with its charming location, good food, and family-friendly activities. It’s no surprise that it’s often called one of the country’s most enchanting retreat spots, and its comfortable accommodations are as homey as luxurious.

Sea Pines Resort is also a premier golf destination. It’s home to 3 championship courses, and its serene location makes it a perfect place for pros to come and practice. The resort annually hosts the PGA tour’s RBC Heritage event on the Harbour Town Golf Links course.

Sea Pines’ other 2 courses are also player favorites and are often considered masterpieces in their own right.

How To Book: You can book The Inn & Club at Harbour Town within the Sea Pines Resort via the Amex FHR program. Plus, Amex Platinum card holders enjoy up to $200 in annual credit toward prepaid hotel bookings, even if it’s just for 1 night. Other FHR benefits include daily breakfast for 2 guests, a $100 property credit, and more.

10. The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club, Autograph Collection in St. Petersburg, Florida

Starting Nightly Rate: $811

The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club embodies the history, charm, and laid-back sophistication of St. Petersburg. It’s one of the city’s most popular dining locations, thanks to its 6 eateries, diverse menu, and classy ambiance.

Vinoy is ready to help guests curate their ideal vacation. Whether you want to spend your day relaxing by the pool, learning the local history, or heading out on the water, there’s always something to do.

Vinoy’s Golf Club is perhaps its biggest pride and joy. It’s home to some of Florida’s most legendary courses, and its championship course has been an icon in the golf world since 1920.

Over the years, it’s hosted several PGA events, including the St. Petersburg Open Invitational, and it remains a favorite practice green for professionals. You can even train with an expert by booking a private lesson with an official PGA instructor.

How To Book: While nightly rates can be expensive at the Vinoy Resort & Golf Club, it’s a great hotel to redeem your Marriott Bonvoy points. Part of Marriott’s Autograph Hotel Collection, a standard king guest room costs around 41,000 points per night.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re an aspiring pro golfer or a casual fan, you don’t want to pass up the chance to practice your swing on these courses. Hopefully, this list has helped inspire you to plan your golfing vacation so you can play some of the country’s best championship resort courses.