What is the "Best" Bang for the Buck Golf Resort in America?

[Andy Troeger]

In their September 2004 issue, Golf Magazine gave out their "Bang for your bucks" ranking taking into account greens fee, slope, "wow" factor, condition, pace and service.  Here's their pick on courses (not resorts):

1. Bethpage (Black)
2. Bandon Dunes
3. Pacific Dunes
4. Kiawah Island (Ocean)
5. Whistling Straits (straits)
6. World Woods (Pine Barrens)
7. Spyglass Hill
8. TPC at Sawgrass (Stadium)
9. Pinehurst (No. 2)
10. Pebble Beach

Mike,
Thanks for sharing the list. These are obviously all considered wonderful resorts, but I wouldn't put about half of them on a "bang for the buck" listing. Out of the two I've played, World Woods is an infinitely better deal than Whistling Straits. I enjoyed both golf courses, but really just about anyplace is a better "bang for the buck" than Whistling Straits!  Some of the others are courses that I've put farther down my "list" of must-see destinations just because of the price tag.

You wouldnt call them Bang for the Buck??  Remember, at Bandon and Pebble and Kiawah, places the like that, the buck might go up but the bang goes up a lot!!

Jordan,
  Bandon is bang for the buck in the off-season when the rates go down. I've not seen any specials at Kiawah, Pebble, Spyglass, Whistling Straits, TPC Sawgrass, or Pinehurst that make any of them bang for the buck, or at least one of the top ten deals in the country! That's not to say I wouldn't still play them all once because the golf is great, but I wouldn't be real excited about the money aspect of it. There are many places where I think you'd get more for the money, including the ones I mentioned before. Bethpage, Bandon, Pacific, and World Woods are the only ones on that list that I'd say could/should be there. Anybody else agree/disagree?

[Mike McGuire]

Orange County National in Orlando is a decent choice.

They have 2 good courses , Panther Lake and Crooked Cat, which provide some nice variety. They also have a nine hole executive course (The Tooth) where you can have some fun with the guys in the afternoon,or teach your kid how to play.

The practice facilities are outstanding. The range is 360 degrees and they have a couple short game areas, and a lighted, monster sized,  putting green.

The lodging is basic but at less than 100 yards to a first tee it works.

They were on one of Golf Magazines Top 10 you can play lists. They also hosted the 2003 and the 2005 Q school finals.

We just played it and they gave us a great package ... it was  < than $125  a day included room , 18 holes, unlimited play on The Tooth and breakfast (dbl occ.).

[Jay Flemma]

My pick is bandon Dunes Golf resort.

Andrew, I found Turning Stone complete drivel..overpriced, underdesigned and containing no architectural features or perpendicular hazards at all.  My review is on my website under Atunyote.  I panned.  1-1/2 stars for value and for design...out of 7.

[Paul Payne]

Shiva,

I am surprised you did not select Coachman's! 27 holes, rooms, steakhouse, and cold Bud. Seems like the logical resort for a Jans player.

[Paul Payne]

BTW,

I would have to vote for Giants Ridge with the Legends and Quarry courses. Great golf, reasonable packages, good accomodations, and if it snows early, you can ski.

That being said, if I really want to get away and play a little golf while being pampered publicly, I'd choose either the Wilcox Inn in Aiken SC with access to the Palmetto Club, or Corde Valle near Santa Cruz CA. I get misty eyed thinking about them.

[Andy Troeger]

Paul,
  Its got to be a short season at Giants Ridge, but I do hope to get up there one of these summers, both courses sound like a lot of fun!

  I'm not sure its a great deal, but the Fairfield Glade Resort in Tennessee seems like a nice enough place. I've not stayed at the resort because my grandparents lived in the area, but I enjoyed Stonehenge GC. When I was under 18 the fee was only $5 plus whatever they charged for the cart. Alas its more like $75 now, but its still good golf.