Not unlike a buddies destination or a couples destination, a family golf destination has a focus on its targeted clientele.
In addition to amenities and off-course activities that cater to everyone in the family, it's about a sense, a feeling, a warmth. Does the mat outside the resort's front door say "Welcome" or "Do not disturb?"
Here are 10 U.S. golf resorts (in no particular order) that make it clear families are welcome:
Ten top golf resorts for families:
Hotel Hershey
Hershey, Pa.
Golf courses: East Course, West Course, Spring Creek Course
The Greenbrier
White Sulphur Springs, W.Va.
Golf courses: Greenbrier Course, Meadows Course, TPC Old White Course, Oakhurst Links, Snead Course at The Greenbrier Sporting Club
Walt Disney World Resort
Lake Buena Vista, Fla.
Golf courses: Magnolia Course, Oak Trail Course, Palm Course, Lake Buena Vista Course
Ritz-Carlton Kapalua
Maui, Hawaii
Golf courses: Plantation Course, Bay Course
Pinehurst Resort
Pinehurst, N.C.
Golf courses: Pinehurst Nos. 1-9, Thistle Dhu Putting Course
The Broadmoor
Colorado Springs, Colo.
Golf courses: East Course, West Course, Mountain Course
Madden's on Gull Lake
Brainerd, Minn.
Golf courses: Classic, Pine Beach West, Pine Beach East, Social Nine
Big Cedar Lodge and Top of the Rock
Branson, Mo.
Golf courses: Top of the Rock, Buffalo Ridge
Sunriver Resort
Sunriver, Ore.
Golf courses: Meadows, Crosswater, Woodlands
Turtle Bay Resort
Oahu, Hawaii
Golf courses: Arnold Palmer Course, George Fazio Course.
What's your favorite family golf destination and why? Your responses throughout today's @GCMorningDrive (8:30–10am). pic.twitter.com/sNMul1Pk73
— Matt Ginella (@MattGinellaGC) October 21, 2016
@MattGinellaGC Sunriver resort in central Oregon. Lots of stuff to do for entire family, good golf on site, plus a ton of great golf nearby.
— Tony Fox (@ducksphan) October 21, 2016
@MattGinellaGC @GCMorningDrive It's @KingsmillResort for us. Williamsburg parks for kids, great courses, pools, etc
— Shaft (@steelshaft) October 21, 2016
@MattGinellaGC @GCMorningDrive No better place to learn the game. @kiawahresort pic.twitter.com/bVdJZoU0fP
— Matt Ritzmann (@MattRitzmann) October 21, 2016
@MattGinellaGC The golf, beaches, and restaurants in Sea Pines on Hilton Head Island.
— Jamie Humphrey (@j_r_humphrey) October 21, 2016
I make a good living and have been to many of these resorts but not when my kids were young. This looks more like a list for millionaire families. The Ritz Carlton on Maui - seriously ?
Hard to beat myrtle beach. 100 courses, beach, rides and very inexpensive