Who’s No. 1? The four top-ranked resorts from GOLF’s Top 100 Resorts lists

GOLF’s ranking of the Top 100 golf resorts is here. There are plenty of familiar (and dazzling) destinations among our list with a number of exciting newcomers to the resort scene as well. But only one resort can be No.1, right? Wrong! We actually have crowned four No. 1s.

MORE: SEARCH ALL 100 RESORTS IN OUR RESORT FINDER

We broke down the Top 100 Resorts into four distinct categories, based on what and who the resort is best suited for. The four categories are as follows: Families (resorts that put an emphasis on fun for all ages), Buddies (resorts best suited for your annual golf vacation with friends), Luxury (resorts that put a premium on pampering), and General Excellence (all-around stars).

No, we didn’t rank these resorts alone. To determine the rankings, we conducted an online poll of more than 3,000 golfers and then weighed those results against the opinions of a select group of GOLF’s Top 100 Courses panelists and those of internal travel and editorial teams to list destinations in each category (Nos. 1–5, then alphabetically).

While we’re confident with our designations, virtually every golf resort on the list can provide a quality experience for almost anyone.

In each category, we ranked the top 5 resorts in order. Here are the four No. 1-ranked resorts:

FAMILIES No. 1: Big Cedar Lodge

Set in the heart of the Ozarks in Missouri, Big Cedar Lodge has several golf courses designed by the likes of Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, and Tom Watson to name a few. And in case you haven’t heard, one Tiger Woods will open his first public golf-course design there very soon. Known as Payne’s Valley, Tiger’s course is designed specifically to provide fun and entertainment for all levels of golfers.

MORE: SEE ALL 25 RESORTS THAT ARE BEST FOR FAMILIES

Beyond the golf, there are tons of activities available for the whole family. You can ride horses, take advantage of numerous fishing opportunities, relax on a river cruise, or enjoy the Bass Pro Shops Shooting Academy. With 302 rooms and 12 restaurants, you can tailor your vacation to your families’ specific interests and desires.

Nicklaus Design and GOLF.com are affiliates of 8AM Golf.

BUDDIES No. 1: Bandon Dunes Golf Resort

Of all the resorts on our Top 100 lists, none are more purely about golf than the No. 1 in the Buddies category: Bandon Dunes Golf Resort. In just 20 years, Bandon has become the premier golf destination in all of the United States. The Oregon resort’s four 18-hole courses are routinely ranked among the Top 100 courses in the world. In addition, they have a short course and a massive putting course, with a brand-new 18-holer on the way.

MORE: SEE ALL 25 RESORTS THAT ARE BEST FOR BUDDIES

If you’re looking for a resort with lots of non-golf activities, Bandon is not the place or you. instead, guests regularly play 36 holes in a single day, tiring themselves out before relaxing for a quality meal and a comfortable stay in luxurious accommodations.

LUXURY No. 1: Pebble Beach Resorts

What can be said about what is arguably the most recognizable golf resort in the world? Highlighted by Pebble Beach Golf Links, one of the best public courses on the planet, the resort includes five great courses in all, cut into the most beautiful setting in all of golf.

MORE: SEE ALL 25 RESORTS THAT ARE BEST FOR LUXURY

Its accommodations are second-to-none in terms of luxury, and the steep prices reflect that well. With 15 restaurants, a spa, and three pools among other amenities, a vacation to Pebble Beach is a once in a lifetime experience that will leave you spoiled in just the right way.

GENERAL EXCELLENCE No. 1: The Broadmoor

Few resorts can match The Broadmoor‘s overall well-rounded excellence. The 101-year-old, five-star resort is located at the foot of Cheyenne Mountain and surrounded by breathtaking views of the Colorado Rockies. With 10 restaurants, indoor and outdoor pools, a spa, a bowling alley, s’mores-friendly firepits and two gorgeously maintained courses, it’s hard to beat what The Broadmoor has to offer.

MORE: SEE ALL 25 RESORTS THAT ARE BEST FOR GENERAL EXCELLENCE

If you’re looking for a destination that somehow provides a wilderness escape, incredible golf, and extensive pampering all while maintaining a down-to-earth feel, The Broadmoor is for you.

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