Best of 2018: Top 25 courses for off-course amenities

Based on our community's ratings and reviews throughout the year
The Lodge at Sea Island continues to be a hub for golfers. The new Driftwood Putting Course is just one of several new amenities at the resort.

Many of the golf courses that separate themselves from the competition do so with extravagant facilities beyond the golf course. It can come in the form of a first-class driving range and practice center, or excellent clubhouse, locker rooms and restaurants. It could be a well-appointed halfway house or comfort station.

Some resorts boast museums and lavish artwork. Or, golfers might appreciate subtler and cozier amenities like outdoor fire pits or rocking chairs.

We're looking back on the facilities that dazzled their golfers the most in 2018. We examined your 144,000-plus ratings and reviews and assessed a course's off-course amenity average star rating. We've included a quote from a reviewer that explains some of the specifics of what to expect, but you can click on each course page to see more specifics about what is offered.

Editor's note: We've combined multi-course facilities and resorts into one listing for this ranking.

Top 25 facilities for off-course amenities in 2018

  1. Destination Kohler (Whistling Straits & Blackwolf Run courses)

    Kohler-Sheboygan, Wisc. | Read reviews
    What they're saying: "Only pro shop I have been in with a fireplace, and it was lit, that was a neat touch." - Ienjoygolfing75, Local Golf Advisor

  2. Sea Island Golf Resort

    St. Simons Island, Ga. | Read reviews
    What they're saying: "The clubhouse was so perfect and I’ve never seen a practice range next to an ocean.... Overall best course in the Georgia coast for sure." - Keith0709, Local Golf Advisor and Top 50 Contributor

  3. Bandon Dunes Golf Resort

    Bandon, Ore. | Read reviews
    What they're saying: "Not even St. Andrews has as many high quality courses in one resort setting." - Jeff Arenson, Local Golf Advisor

  4. Grayhawk Golf Club

    Scottsdale, Ariz. | Read Reviews
    What they're saying: "I'm a big fan of the Grayhawk experience. I love Phil's Grill, the music on the range and most of the holes on the Raptor." - Jason Scott Deegan, Golf Advisor staff

  5. Indian Wells Golf Resort

    Indian Wells, Calif. | Read reviews
    What they're saying: "Plenty of ice/water stations on the course. Nice GPS on the carts. Cart gal was around numerous times. Complementary range balls on an all grass range is a plus. Highly recommended." - NickEsquire, Top Local Golf Advisor

  6. Sea Pines Resort

    Hilton Head Island, S.C. | Read reviews
    What they're saying: "Make sure you get there plenty early to walk around and take in the world class facilities (make sure to check out the locker room, coolest one I've been in)." - Cardinals1593

  7. Yocha Dehe Golf Club at Cache Creek Casino Resort

    Brooks, Calif. | Read Reviews
    What they're saying: "It has a very nice range (free use with green fee) and practice areas that again, more resembles a private club." - rmkyhn

  8. TPC Sawgrass

    Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. | Read reviews
    What they're saying: "I can't write this review without mentioning the clubhouse. An awesome pro shop, accompanied by a museum." - Bigwindog

  9. PineHills Golf Club

    Plymouth, Mass. | Read reviews
    What they're saying: "What makes Pinehills a 5-star golf course is the practice facility and clubhouse. With a double ended range, 4 practice greens and a clubhouse with a "private" feel, you could really spend a whole day here." - u000007493203

  10. Whirlwind Golf Club

    Chandler, Ariz. | Read reviews
    What they're saying: "The lunch on the patio outside the clubhouse post round was enjoyable. Friendly staff." - walterzjr

  11. The Ranch Golf Club

    Southwick, Mass. | Read reviews
    What they're saying: "Everyone at the course was great. Ate our supper there and the food was excellent. " - 1Giff3

  12. Bella Collina Golf Club

    Montverde, Fla. | Read Reviews
    What they're saying: "Clubhouse looks like a village from Tuscany. Nice amenities in clubhouse." - amasam

  13. Trump National Doral Miami

    Miami | Read reviews
    What they're saying: "Service levels were always high and anticipation of our needs was incredible." - GreerGolf, Local Golf Advisor

  14. Kiawah Island Golf Resort

    Kiawah Island, S.C. | Read reviews
    What they're saying: "The clubhouse and staff are outstanding. Venue is incredible. Amenities in clubhouse were top notch." - jbriggsmp30

  15. Sunriver Golf Resort

    Sunriver, Ore. | Read reviews

    What they're saying: "The staff is friendly and it is accompanied by great practice facilities as well as a beautiful maintained course. " - Chillywilly19

  16. TPC Louisiana

    New Orleans | Read reviews
    What they're saying: "Staff was beyond friendly and the food was outstanding." - Dsr1966

  17. World Golf Village

    St. Augustine, Fla. | Read reviews
    What they're saying: "All of the extras, free driving range, chipping area and historical golf shop made this one of the best courses I have played." - redskins5

  18. TPC Myrtle Beach

    Murrells Inlet, S.C. | Read Reviews
    What they're saying: "Overall, an awesome experience at a beautiful TPC facility." - zbuechner4

  19. Streamsong Resort

    Fort Meade, Fla. | Read Reviews
    What they're saying: "The food, the golf, the great rooms, exceptional service and the fishing were something I will always remember." - simon18

  20. Seaview Golf Club

    Kenansville, N.C. | Read Reviews
    What they're saying: "When I arrived, the staff made sure that I knew where to go. They took care of all my needs." - Dick3041164

  21. The Georgia Club

    Statham, Ga. | Read Reviews
    What they're saying: "We felt like we were members of an exclusive club." - devinh89

  22. Rams Hill Golf Club

    Borrego Springs, Calif., | Read Reviews
    What they're saying: "With misters on the patio, you can enjoy a view of the 18th green and watch other golfers finishing their round, while you enjoy a delicious cocktail or some shareables." - ChuyCobian

  23. Waldorf Astoria Golf Club

    Orlando, Fla. | Read Reviews
    What they're saying: "From the time you arrive you know it is going to be a 5 star day." - Hardrocksc

  24. Pebble Beach Golf Resorts

    Pebble Beach, Calif. | Read Reviews
    What they're saying: "Outside of the golf, it is Pebble Beach, so they have everything." JeffArenson, Local Golf Advisor

  25. Wailea Golf Club

    Wailea, Maui, Hawaii | Read Reviews
    What they're saying: "Perfect Mai Tais and delicious sandwiches. 19th "Puka" aka Gannons is a wonderful place to have a cocktail and pupus after golf." - TonyaKucic

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Best of 2018: Top 25 courses for off-course amenities