August is National Golf Month. In this three-part series we highlight outstanding courses around the world to celebrate the game. Below are 11 top West Coast and nearby resort courses to consider for your next round.
© Courtesy of Four Seasons Resort Lanai
Manele Golf Course, Four Seasons Resort Lanai
Jack Nicklaus designed this signature course, which features three dramatic cliffside holes. Recently the resort introduced a notable first for Hawaiian golf: complimentary Titleist or PXG club sets available for guests during their rounds.
The Royal Course and Ka’anapali Kai Course
The Royal Course is one of only two Robert Trent Jones Sr. designs in Hawaii and features a memorable fifth hole that plays toward Black Rock Beach. Nearby Ka’anapali Kai recently underwent renovations by prolific Hawaiian architect Robin Nelson, improving playability while preserving its natural setting.
Rancho Bernardo Inn
A family-friendly resort with junior golf instruction and a dedicated Women’s Golf Club, Rancho Bernardo Inn makes it easy to introduce new players and keep families engaged on the course.
Beaver Creek Golf Club and Red Sky Golf Club, Beaver Creek Resort
Beaver Creek Golf Club, designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., is known for its narrow, challenging fairways. Red Sky Golf Club features two championship layouts crafted by Tom Fazio and Greg Norman, offering diverse and demanding options for experienced golfers.
© Edgewood Tahoe
Edgewood Tahoe
Originally designed by George Fazio in 1968 and later reimagined by his nephew Tom Fazio, Edgewood Tahoe challenges golfers with strategic routing and stunning lakefront scenery. The course suits a wide range of abilities while rewarding thoughtful shot-making.
JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa
This resort offers 36 holes across two championship courses, the Ambiente and Padre. Both layouts were designed by respected golf architects and deliver varied playing conditions amid iconic desert landscapes.
JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa
Desert Ridge features two architecturally significant courses with impressive mountain views: the 71-par Faldo Championship Course and the 7,145-yard Palmer Signature Course, each offering distinct strategic challenges.
© Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale
The Short Course, Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale
Mountain Shadows offers a Short Course and seasonal passes to make golf more accessible. The Summer Unlimited Golf Pass lets players enjoy unlimited rounds for a fixed price or opt for a half-price unlimited rounds option through mid-September.
The River Course and Keystone Ranch Golf Course, Keystone Resort
Keystone Resort offers 36 holes across two distinct layouts. The River Course presents variable bunkering, water hazards, and six sets of tees to accommodate a wide range of golfers, while the Ranch Course provides complementary scenery and playing options.
Canyons Golf, Park City Mountain
Designed by Gene and Casey Bates, Canyons Golf features more than 550 feet of elevation change and dramatic mountain views. The routing challenges players with varied lies and rewarding scenery throughout the round.
Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort
Grand Wailea provides easy access to three distinct Wailea courses: the Wailea Blue Course by Arthur Jack Snyder, the family-friendly Wailea Emerald Course, and the Wailea Gold Course designed by Robert Trent Jones II. Each offers different challenges and scenic Hawaiian landscapes.