I first have to set my criteria:
1. Good weather - I am sick of getting spring fever Jan-April. Need a place with close to year round golf. Plus, need a place where it does not get unreasonably hot and muggy in the summer. Sorry UK and Ireland - I love everything about your countries, but as I age am looking for a warmer climate. Same for Arizona. Too hot in summers.
2. Nice people - It is very important to me that I am around nice, down to earth people. Anyone that calls the midwest "fly over country" is someone I don't want to spend my days with. While I know some very nice people from the Hamptons, the few asses, plus the cost, rule it out.
3. Diverse golf - need various and diverse golf courses.
4. Amenities - While I love destination golf and nothing is better than a remote location for a golf trip - I need convenient amenities like grocery stores, restaurants, pubs, local sports teams, outdoor activities and most importantly, good hospitals. This is my concern for Nebraska and Bandon.
5. Affordable - Not paying $500 a round every day at Pebble. Sorry Monterey. However, I don't want to die dead broke.
Based on these criteria, I think Pinehurst has to be pretty high on the list.