During the past 15 years, the golf resort business has been flourishing with more competitive top resorts that offer complete packages for golf enthusiastic. All these resorts feature greatly expanded spas and wider choices in fine dining too.

According to Golf Digest’s latest ratings, Sea Island takes top honors, while Pebble Beach has been knocked out of first place, shifting into third. Oregon’s Bandon Dunes holds on to its 2nd place and the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai (featuring a seaside Jack Nicklaus design) moves up from 7th place (in previous rankings) to take over the 4th place spot. The American Club in Kohler, Wisconsin is being placed with fifth.