Tommy:

Just to clarify - and only because people here tend to attack Golf Digest and it's ratings the way sharks attack chum in the water - we were NOT asked to rate "buddy trips" per se.  That is, that was not the term used.  We were asked to rate "golf retreats", defined as follows:

private clubs where groups of golfers can go for a few days to play, eat and stay in rooms on the grounds. In some cases, these retreats may require a member to play in each foursome; others may only entail a member's sponsorship. But they all afford a memorable golf experience.

You have the other part correct - first it was course only, then second was course + amenities as you say.  And note of course we were asked to comment only on those we have actually been to, and re amenities, comment only on what we used (that is, if we didn't eat or stay there, don't rate that).

This may or may not matter - and I know it's your intent just to discuss what others think might be great in this area - but well... GD has been ripped for lesser things, so best to give full and correct disclosure.  It won't prevent the ripping here, but at least they'll rip based on correct data.

 

Tom, I just modified it a bit, but thanks for helping clarfiy GD's intent.  GD does get ripped a bit.

Very cool - and I meant no harm.  Just call it a preventitive strike.

BTW, I haven't been to any you mentioned but I trust they are all fantastic.  As for me, it should surprise no one I gave pretty universal 10s to a certain club in Nebraska.

 

Tom H is right...Sand Hills is about as good as it gets.  It is right up there with Pine Valley as the best private club destination spot.

Given that there is a private membership at Cascades (is there one for Pebble Beach?) I would list that a few steps below SH and PV.

i'd like to know which club has the best on-site lodging, which i think includes the dining and the actual room/cottage accomidations.
I would think that CPC would have to be close because of the view out of the windows for no other reason, but I'm curious to hear what most of you say who have been fortunate enough to visit so many of the best clubs in the world...

I would put Redtail Golf Course on this list as well.  They have lodging, a very intimate clubhouse and a beautiful, secluded setting where the focus is on golf and golf only.

I have not had the chance to accept the invitation yet, but I heard that staying in the cabins at Shoal Creek it an awesome experience.

I enjoyed staying at Riviera a lot.  Great history there.

This whole topic is an oxymoron.

If a club is truly "private" and truly a "club" it will not allow "buddy trips" even if a member is one of the "buddies."

Rich, I am not certain I understand your point.  I don't know any private clubs that do not allow members to bring guests.  And when they have accomodations allow the member and the guests to stay on site.

Pine Valley
Sage Valley
Sand Hills

Rich, I am not certain I understand your point.  I don't know any private clubs that do not allow members to bring guests.  And when they have accomodations allow the member and the guests to stay on site.

Tommy

My point was that if you go to a club with a bunch of buddies (even if one is a member) you are really not having a "private" club experience but something more like a CCFAD.  Of the truly private clubs I have visited, I can't really imagine buddy trips there.  But, maybe that's just me.

Rich

Obviously Sand Hills.

I also love going to visit a friend in Tennessee and staying and playing at the Honors Course.  Fanatastic cottages with awesome showers and a great cobbler.  Not to mention the fantastic course.