75 Best Golf Resorts In North America

Typography by Jessia Hische

__*2006 Rank| **Base Room Rate In High Season __

1. PEBBLE BEACH RESORT/INN AT SPANISH BAY (3)*

Score: 89.17 Contact & Directions: pebblebeach.com, 800-654-9300 ____Room Rate:** $595 New & Notable: Site of the 2010 U.S. Open, Pebble has been strengthened and lengthened to more than 7,000 yards. At $495, the green fee is stratospheric -- but check its website for money-saving packages.

2. SEA ISLAND (GA.) RESORTS, THE CLOISTER & THE LODGE (1)

Score: 88.68 Contact & Directions: seaisland.com, 800-732-4752 Room Rate: $525 New & Notable: The rebuilt Cloister lodging continues to earn raves. The less-used Retreat Course is now mainly for members, but the Seaside (Tom Fazio) and the Plantation (Rees Jones) remain open to guests.

__3. BANDON (ORE.) DUNES GOLF RESORT (2) __

Score: 87.81 Contact & Directions: bandondunesgolf.com, 888-345-6008 Room Rate: $200 New & Notable: A 39-room inn overlooks No. 18 of the Bandon Dunes course. The latest dining addition is a grill overlooking Pacific Dunes. Next up: course No. 4, a Tom Doak/Jim Urbina design called Old Macdonald.

4. FOUR SEASONS RESORT HUALALAI (4)

The Big Island, Hawaii Score: 85.70 Contact & Directions: fourseasons.com, 800-819-5053 Room Rate:: $595 New & Notable: The resort just completed a $40 million "enhancement" project, adding 20 two-bedroom suites and more than doubling the size of its spa to 28,000 square feet. Part of the Nicklaus Course hugs the sea.

5. FAIRMONT BANFF (ALBERTA) SPRINGS (12)

Score: 85.00 Contact & Directions: fairmont.com, 800-257-7544 Room Rate: $459 New & Notable: A fifth-floor renovation has produced a "Fairmont Gold" area with 72 guest rooms, a lounge and a private concierge. Twenty-seven holes beckon, with stunning views of the Canadian Rockies.

6. THE AMERICAN CLUB (5)

Kohler, Wis. Score: 83.39 Contact & Directions: destinationkohler.com, 800-344-2838 Room Rate: $281 New & Notable: The PGA Championship returns to the Straits Course in 2010; the Blackwolf Run courses are prepping for the 2012 U.S. Women's Open with new sand and reseeded tees, fairways and putting surfaces.

7. KIAWAH ISLAND (S.C.) GOLF RESORT (14)

Score: 83.04 Contact & Directions: kiawahresort.com, 800-654-2924 Room Rate: $395 New & Notable: The resort has shaken up its restaurants, starting with the Sanctuary Hotel's Ocean Room, now a steakhouse. The Ocean Course, with its stunning $22 million club-house in the dunes, gets the 2012 PGA.

8. THE GREENBRIER (10)

White Sulphur Springs, W.Va. Score: 82.39 Contact & Directions: greenbrier.com, 800-624-6070 Room Rate: $379 New & Notable: The storied retreat ran into financial problems and union strife that were nearly its undoing. The new owner, coal magnate Jim Justice, vows a turnaround. Among his plans: high-end gambling.

9. THE HOMESTEAD (18)

Hot Springs, Va. Score: 82.23 Contact & Directions: thehomestead.com, 800-838-1766 Room Rate: $175 New & Notable: The food and beverage operations have gotten much attention lately. The historic main dining room has been totally renovated, with updated menus as well. Take your pick from among three fine golf courses.

10. PINEHURST (N.C.) RESORT (8)

Score: 82.02 Contact & Directions: pinehurst.com, 800-487-4653 Room Rate: $340 New & Notable: All 260 rooms at the flagship Carolina Hotel got makeovers as part of a $15 million lodging upgrade. The No. 2 Course will be the site of the 2014 U.S. Open and U.S. Women's Open in consecutive weeks.

11. ONE & ONLY PALMILLA (NR)

Los Cabos, Mexico Score: 81.25 Contact & Directions: oneandonlyresorts.com, 866-829-2977 Room Rate: $675 New & Notable: The oceanside resort recently finished a $30 million renovation that includes a new restaurant -- Market by Jean-Georges -- and 16 casitas. The golf course was Jack Nicklaus' first in Latin America.

12. THE BROADMOOR (9)

Colorado Springs Score: 81.21 Contact & Directions: broadmoor.com, 800-634-7711 Room Rate: $325 New & Notable: Six deluxe cottages now line the 18th fairway of this resort's East Course. Their 44 new bedrooms offer great views of Cheyenne Mountain and, in 2011, the U.S. Women's Open.

T-13. FOUR SEASONS RESORT LANAI (HAWAII) AT MANELE BAY (6)

Score: 80.00 Contact & Directions: fourseasons.com, 800-321-4666 Room Rate: $445 New & Notable: Mid-decade, the resort spent $55 million upgrading rooms, restaurants, the pool and more. The Challenge, its lava-lined, Jack Nicklaus-designed 18, got new grass and bunkers.

T-13. THE RITZ-CARLTON LODGE, REYNOLDS PLANTATION (20)

Greensboro, Ga. Score: 80.00 Contact & Directions: ritzcarltonlodge.com, 800-241-3333 Room Rate: $279 New & Notable: The Jack Nicklaus-designed Great Waters is closed for renovation, but happily there are four other quality courses to play. A bonus: TaylorMade's The Kingdom is a clubfitting paradise.

15. THE RITZ-CARLTON, KAPALUA (13)

Maui, Hawaii Score: 79.89 Contact & Directions: ritzcarlton.com, 800-262-8440 Room Rate: $299 New & Notable: A $180 million renovation, the largest in Ritz-Carlton history, brought a new spa and makeovers to all six restaurants and 463 guest rooms. Golf options: the Plantation and Bay courses.

16. GRAND HYATT KAUAI RESORT & SPA (32)

Poipu, Hawaii Score: 79.17 Contact & Directions: grandhyattkauai.com, 800-554-9288 Room Rate: $440 New & Notable: The 45,000-square-foot Anara Spa reopened last year. The greens on Robert Trent Jones Jr.'s Poipu Bay will be replaced with seashore paspalum.

__17. GRAND WAILEA (17) __

Maui, Hawaii Score: 79.10 Contact & Directions: grandwailea.com, 800-888-6100 Room Rate: $725 New & Notable: Last year the resort completed a $50 million renovation covering all 780 rooms. It has been part of the Waldorf Astoria Collection since 2007. Pick from among five golf courses.

__18. THE RITZ-CARLTON, HALF MOON BAY (CALIF.) (28) __

Score: 78.77 Contact & Directions: ritzcarlton.com, 650-712-7000 Room Rate: $419 New & Notable: Arthur Hills' super-scenic Ocean Course is being groomed to accept links-style run-up shots. This project concludes before the end of the year. The second course is an Arnold Palmer design.

__19. FOUR SEASONS RESORT MAUI (HAWAII) AT WAILEA (7) __

Score: 78.75 Contact & Directions: fourseasons.com, 808-874-8000 Room Rate: $445 New & Notable: All 380 guest rooms and public areas benefited from a $50 million renovation, completed in 2007. The latest addition is a $9 million, adults-only infinity pool with six luxury cabanas.

20. THE FAIRMONT ORCHID (NR)

The Big Island, Hawaii Score: 78.33 Contact & Directions: fairmont.com, 866-540-4474 Room Rate: $449 New & Notable: Until Dec. 20, book two rooms for the price of one at this oceanfront spot. Thirty-six holes at adjoining Mauni Lani await with dramatic water views.

__21. CORDEVALLE, A ROSEWOOD RESORT (11) __

San Martin, Calif. Score: 77.86 Contact & Directions: cordevalle.com, 888-767-3966 Room Rate: $495 New & Notable: The new owner is beautifying this Silicon Valley favorite with artwork and thousands of roses. The course stretches to more than 7,600 yards from "unofficial" back tees.

22. WILLIAMSBURG (VA.) INN (35)

Score: 77.27 Contact & Directions: colonialwilliamsburgresort.com, 800-447-8679 Room Rate: $399 New & Notable: A $220 million investment in the resort was completed two years ago. The greens on the Gold and Green courses have been seeded with improved types of bent grass.

23. FAIRMONT CHATEAU

Whistler (B.C.) (25) Score: 77.17 Contact & Directions: fairmont.com, 800-606-8244 Room Rate: $186 New & Notable: The green fee of roughly $150 allows guests to play all day on a well-regarded Robert Trent Jones Jr. design -- and kids play free when you're with them.

__24. COEUR D'ALENE (IDAHO) GOLF & SPA RESORT (31) __

Score: 76.93 Contact & Directions: cdaresort.com, 800-688-5253 Room Rate: $179 New & Notable: To be more environmentally sound, superintendents use organic fertilizers and have updated the irrigation system. The famous floating 14th green is the course's main attraction.

25. FOUR SEASONS RESORT

Scottsdale at Troon North (T-23) Score: 76.86 Contact & Directions: fourseasons.com, 888-207-9696 Room Rate: $395 New & Notable: Last year the resort completed a $19 million makeover of the 210 guest rooms, lobby and restaurants. Two highly rated courses, Monument and Pinnacle, are a three-minute shuttle ride away.

26. THE RESORT AT PELICAN HILL (NR)

Newport Beach, Calif. Score: 76.67 Contact & Directions: pelicanhill.com, 800-820-6800 Room Rate: $695 New & Notable: Opened last year, this resort features 204 bungalows and 128 villas on 504 acres. Two adjoining Tom Fazio courses, around since the '90s, were recently brought up to date.

__27. ONE & ONLY OCEAN CLUB/ATLANTIS (NR) __

Paradise Island, The Bahamas Score: 76.43 Contact & Directions: oneandonlyresorts.com, 888-877-7525 Room Rate: $515 New & Notable: The recently unveiled Technogym fitness program combines training, high-tech equipment and nutritional advice. Test your newly fit body on the Tom Weiskopf-designed course.

28. MAUNA KEA BEACH HOTEL (21)

The Big Island, Hawaii Score: 76.36 Contact & Directions: princeresortshawaii.com, 808-882-7222 Room Rate: $700 New & Notable: Back in business after an earthquake closed the place for two years. All 36 holes are stunning, but Robert Trent Jones Sr. called the par-3 third "the most beautiful in the world."

29. FRENCH LICK (IND.) RESORT (NR)

Score: 75.71 Contact & Directions: frenchlick.com, 888-936-9360 Room Rate: $299 New & Notable: A massive capital investment has brought two hotels back to life, restored the Donald Ross course and introduced casino gambling. The newest addition: a Pete Dye course with 30-mile views in all directions.

__30. FOUR SEASONS RESORT LANAI (HAWAII), THE LODGE AT KOELE (NR) __

Score: 75.56 Contact & Directions: fourseasons.com, 800-321-4666 Room Rate: $345 New & Notable: The Experience at Koele, a Greg Norman-Ted Robinson design, is dramatic. The luxurious Lodge got a $55 million makeover as part of its Four Seasons branding.

__31. WYNN LAS VEGAS (27) __

Score: 75.15 Contact & Directions: wynnlasvegas.com, 888-320-7123 Room Rate: $159 New & Notable: Although this 4½-year-old Tom Fazio course is right on the Strip, its 8,000 trees continue to grow in and make it feel more like North Carolina than Las Vegas.

__T-32. CASA DE CAMPO RESORT (36) __

La Romana, Dominican Republic Score: 75.00 Contact & Directions: casadecampo.com.do, 800-877-3643 Room Rate: $295 New & Notable: A spa accompanies Pete Dye's three courses (Teeth of the Dog, The Links and Dye Fore). Altos de Chavron, the resort's shopping hub, has added a museum and an art studio.

__T-32. THE RITZ-CARLTON GOLF RESORT, NAPLES (FLA.) (15) __

Score: 75.00 Contact & Directions: ritzcarlton.com, 800-241-3333 Room Rate: $399 New & Notable: The Mediterranean-style resort has nearly 300 rooms and five restaurants. Two Greg Norman courses include Tiburón (site of the Merrill Lynch Shootout). Beach resort is a shuttle away.

34. LOEWS VENTANA CANYON RESORT (50)

Tucson Score: 74.29 Contact & Directions: loewshotels.com, 520-299-2020 Room Rate: $279 New & Notable: Renovated in 2006, this resort has 398 rooms, a spa, four tennis courts and two pools. It shares two Tom Fazio-designed courses with the No. 72-ranked Lodge, a separate resort next door.

__35. THE BREAKERS PALM BEACH (40) __

Score: 74.26 Contact & Directions: thebreakers.com, 888-273-2537 Room Rate: $450 New & Notable: A John Webster Golf Academy, which offers instruction, clubfitting and fitness routines, complements this resort's two recently renovated 18s. A four-year room-renovation project ends in 2010.

__36. THE SEA PINES RESORT (39) __

Hilton Head Island Score: 73.50 Contact & Directions: seapines.com, 800-732-7463 Room Rate: $279 New & Notable: Heron Point by Pete Dye, one of three 18s here, replaced the old Sea Marsh course two years ago. Harbour Town Golf Links has been the site of a PGA Tour event for 41 years.

37. NEMACOLIN WOODLANDS RESORT (26)

Farmington, Pa. Score: 73.46 Contact & Directions: nemacolin.com, 800-422-2736 Room Rate: $359 New & Notable: There's Pete Dye's Mystic Rock, and The Links Course sprawls alongside Nemacolin Golf Academy. Also a 45,000-square-foot arcade, and Wooflands, a pet resort.

__T-38. FOUR SEASONS RESORT AVIARA (44) __

Carlsbad, Calif. Score: 72.67 Contact & Directions: fourseasons.com, 760-603-6800 Room Rate: $395 New & Notable: Greenside bunkers are filled with high-quality silica sand, and the redesigned Aviara clubhouse opened in December, completing the resort's modernization project.

T-38. THE PHOENICIAN (37)

Scottsdale Score: 72.67 Contact & Directions: thephoenician.com, 800-888-8234 Room Rate: $449 New & Notable: The lakes, bunkers and tee boxes on the Oasis, one of three nine-hole courses, were redesigned, and the resort underwent a $70 million renovation.

__40. THE BOULDERS RESORT & GOLDEN DOOR SPA (16) __

Carefree, Ariz. Score: 72.64 Contact & Directions: theboulders.com, 888-579-2631 Room Rate: $199 New & Notable: The Golden Door Spa has expanded offerings to include stretching, conditioning and yoga for golfers. Ladies First is a three-day instruction and social program.

41. THE INN AT BAY HARBOR (MICH.) (NR)

Score: 72.50 Contact & Directions: innatbayharbor.com, 800-462-6963 Room Rate: $254 New & Notable: The Links and Quarry nines -- two of three overlooking Little Traverse Bay -- have a handful of new tee boxes and renovated bunkers. The Inn's spa area has benefited from some minor cosmetic surgery.

__42. SAWGRASS MARRIOTT (34) __

Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. Score: 72.33 Contact & Directions: sawgrassmarriott.com, 800-457-4653 Room Rate: $219 New & Notable: A 77,000-square-foot Mediterranean-style clubhouse opened two years ago during a $56 million renovation. Plus: Pete Dye revamped the Players Stadium and Dye's Valley courses.

43. SUNRIVER (ORE.) RESORT (41)

Score: 72.27 Contact & Directions: sunriver-resort.com, 800-801-8765 Room Rate: $249 New & Notable: A new nine-hole design, Caldera Links, joins the 18-hole Crosswater, which hosts the Jeld-Wen Tradition, a major on the Champions Tour. There are two additional 18-hole courses, Meadows and Woodlands.

44. THE LODGE AT TORREY PINES (52)

La Jolla, Calif. Score: 71.82 Contact & Directions: lodgetorreypines.com, 858-453-4420 Room Rate: $495 New & Notable: Relive Tiger's thrilling 2008 U.S. Open by staying in one of 170 rooms near the South Course's 18th hole. If your knee is hurting, visit the 9,500-square-foot spa.

45. THE EQUINOX (59)

Manchester Village, Vt. Score: 71.71 Contact & Directions: equinoxresort.com, 800-362-4747 Room Rate: $559 New & Notable: The resort got a $20 million makeover last year. Earlier, its 1927 golf course was redesigned by Rees Jones. A worthy side trip: Robert Todd Lincoln's home, Hildene, and the neighboring cemetery.

46. GIANTS RIDGE (NR)

Biwabik, Minn. Score: 71.39 Contact & Directions: giantsridge.com, 800-688-7669 Room Rate: $179 New & Notable: The Quarry and Legend designs are the highlights at this northern resort: Both appear on Golf Digest's 100 Greatest Public Courses list. The Lodge, one of two room choices, is newly renovated.

__47. FAIRMONT SCOTTSDALE (49) __

Score: 71.25 Contact & Directions: fairmont.com, 800-344-4758 Room Rate: $299 New & Notable: The new Champions Course opened two years ago, joining the Stadium Course, which hosts a PGA Tour event. A $45 million renovation of the resort remade rooms and added a Bourbon Steak restaurant and lounge.

__48. GRAND TRAVERSE RESORT & SPA (NR) __

Acme, Mich. Score: 71.14 Contact & Directions: grandtraverseresort.com, 800-236-1577 Room Rate: $279 New & Notable: Three courses require a lot of upkeep, which isn't always good for the environment (or the budget). So new "no-mow" spots, where grasses are allowed to grow, are in out-of-play areas.

__49. BARTON CREEK (47) __

Austin Score: 70.91 Contact & Directions: bartoncreek.com, 800-336-6158 Room Rate: $210 New & Notable: Fazio Canyons, one of two Tom Fazio courses at the resort, was the site of U.S. Open local qualifying. Arnold Palmer and Ben Crenshaw/Bill Coore designed the other two courses.

__50. MAUNA LANI BAY HOTEL (29) __

The Big Island, Hawaii Score: 70.50 Contact & Directions: maunalani.com, 800-367-2323 Room Rate: $455 New & Notable: The resort's 343 rooms are spread over 30 acres, leaving lots of room for natural space. Two extra holes allow for updates to the main 36 at the North and South courses.

__51. PGA VILLAGE (57) __

Port St. Lucie, Fla. Score: 70.25 Contact & Directions: pgavillage.com, 800-800-4653 Room Rate: $139 New & Notable: The Dye Course was upgraded in October 2007. Changes include 450 new trees and Champion Ultra Dwarf Bermuda greens. Two Tom Fazio courses got their makeovers the year before.

__52. GRAND VIEW LODGE (NR) __

Nisswa, Minn. Score: 70.00 Contact & Directions: grandviewlodge.com, 800-432-3788 Room Rate: $225 New & Notable: Two of its courses and a third course combining two nines carry 4½-star ratings from Golf Digest readers. Updates at the 27-hole Pines Course include widened fairways and more than 100 large pine trees.

__53. PINE NEEDLES AND MID PINES (30) __

Southern Pines, N.C. Score: 69.94 Contact & Directions: pineneedles-midpines.com, 800-747-7272 Room Rate: $195 New & Notable: Two Donald Ross courses are a primo draw. Pine Needles, site of the U.S. Women's Open in 1996, 2001 and 2007, now has permanent tees for junior golfers.

54. GRANDE LAKES ORLANDO (NR)

Orlando Score: 69.73 Contact & Directions: grandelakes.com, 800-682-6647 Room Rate: $359 New & Notable: Guests can stay at the Ritz-Carlton or the J.W. Marriott. Reciprocal privileges allow use of the Greg Norman-designed course and a 40,000-square-foot spa.

55. SEMIAHMOO RESORT (NR)

Blaine, Wash. Score: 69.71 Contact & Directions: semiahmoo.com, 800-770-7992 Room Rate: $149 New & Notable: Loomis Trail was the site of the NCAA Division II Men's Golf Championship in May, and tee boxes on Arnold Palmer's Semiahmoo course have been reconstructed and enlarged.

__56. LA QUINTA (CALIF.) RESORT& CLUB/PGA WEST (42) __

Score: 69.69 Contact & Directions: laquintaresort.com, 760-564-4111 Room Rate: $199 New & Notable: Three courses (out of five) have been updated: new GPS systems, bunkers and tee boxes at the Stadium and Nicklaus courses and a few new greens on the Mountain.

57. KINGSMILL RESORT & SPA (54)

Williamsburg, Va. Score: 69.50 Contact & Directions: kingsmill.com, 800-832-5665 Room Rate: $208 New & Notable: The state's largest golf resort has 425 rooms. The River, site of an LPGA event, is one of three 18s. It's an easy shuttle over to Busch Gardens or Colonial Williamsburg.

__58. TURTLE BAY RESORT (64) __ Oahu, Hawaii Score: 69.29 Contact & Directions: turtlebayresort.com, 808-293-6000 Room Rate: $371 New & Notable: The practice area at the George Fazio Course has more than doubled to 16,000 square feet to accommodate more golfers. The Palmer Course's range is even bigger.

59. SANDESTIN RESORT (T-45)

Destin, Fla. Score: 68.75 Contact & Directions: sandestin.com, 800-622-9767 Room Rate: $245 New & Notable: Rees Jones' Burnt Pine Golf Club, one of four here, got a thorough makeover in 2008. Check out the 60-foot-high zip line at the Baytowne Adventure Zone.

T-60. KAUAI (HAWAII) MARRIOTTRESORT & BEACH CLUB (T-60)

Score: 68.57 Contact & Directions: kauaimarriott.com, 800-220-2925 Room Rate: $389 New & Notable: Despite a $50 million redo, the resort has stayed open, using 12 holes from one Nicklaus course and six from another. When it's done, four holes will be cliff-side.

__T-60. KIVA DUNES (62) __

Gulf Shores, Ala. Score: 68.57 Contact & Directions: kivadunes.com, 866-540-7100 Room Rate: $215 New & Notable: The lodge is undergoing a $3.5 million renovation, and the greens at its Jerry Pate-designed course are being re-grassed with Champion Ultra Dwarf Bermuda.

T-60. WESTIN LA CANTERA RESORT (48)

San Antonio Score: 68.57 Contact & Directions: westinlacantera.com, 210-558-6500 Room Rate: $239 New & Notable: The resort celebrated its 10-year anniversary by redesigning all 508 rooms and creating a nature trail that wraps around the Weiskopf/Morrish Resort Course.

__T-63. BOCA RATON (FLA.) RESORT & CLUB (70) __

Score: 68.33 Contact & Directions: bocaresort.com, 888-543-1277 Room Rate: $299 New & Notable: Whoever said money can't buy happiness never considered the $220 million just invested here. There are 36 holes, including one with an island green.

T-63. SUN VALLEY (IDAHO) RESORT (38)

Score: 68.33 Contact & Directions: sunvalley.com, 800-786-8259 Room Rate: $229 New & Notable: The nine-hole White Clouds course, a 25-acre practice facility and the 58,000-square-foot Sun Valley Clubhouse opened last summer, joining Robert Trent Jones Jr.'s Trail Creek.

__T-63. TURNING STONE RESORT & CASINO (NR) __

Verona, N.Y. Score: 68.33 Contact & Directions: turningstone.com, 800-771-7711 Room Rate: $229 New & Notable: An impressive 72 holes of golf, including two nine-holers (one a par-3 course), surround this casino resort. The PGA Tour competes at Tom Fazio's Atunyote.

__66. GRAND CYPRESS RESORT (55) __

Orlando Score: 68.08 Contact & Directions: grandcypress.com, 800-835-7377 Room Rate: $300 New & Notable: The villas, which got a $3 million investment in 2007, now allow pets. Bring your clubs, too, as there are 45 holes. More rooms are available at the Hyatt.

67. THE LODGE & SPA AT CORDILLERA (22)

Edwards, Colo. Score: 68.00 Contact & Directions: cordilleralodge.com, 800-877-3529 Room Rate: $239 New & Notable: The Vail-area golf club and its three courses are under new ownership; the 56-room lodge is independent and open for business.

68. HERSHEY (PA.) RESORTS (NR)

Score: 67.86 Contact & Directions: hersheypa.com, 800-437-7439 Room Rate: $299 New & Notable: Nine instructors help players tune their games for 63 holes of golf. A $67 million expansion added 10 cottages and a recreation center for 10 sports.

__69. BAY HILL CLUB & LODGE (74) __

Orlando Score: 67.74 Contact & Directions: bayhill.com, 888-422-9445 Room Rate: $225 New & Notable: Home to Arnold Palmer and his popular PGA Tour stop, the course is getting a $2 million upgrade (tees, greens and bunkers) to be completed Oct. 1.

__70. CAMELBACK INN (NR) __

Scottsdale Score: 67.73 Contact & Directions: camelbackinn.com, 800-242-2635 Room Rate: $299 New & Notable: The resort has spent $50 million upgrading its look, adding a 20,000-square-foot conference center and a restaurant. Shopping for new clubs? Try them on this resort's 36 holes before you buy.

__71. WESTIN MISSION HILLS RESORT (NR) __

Rancho Mirage, Calif. Score: 67.43 Contact & Directions: westin.com, 866-716-8132 Room Rate: $239 New & Notable: A $20 million renovation was completed in October 2008, updating all 512 rooms. Guests can choose from courses designed by Pete Dye and Gary Player in addition to hiking, biking and horseback riding.

__72. THE LODGE AT VENTANA CANYON (53) __

Tucson Score: 67.27 Contact & Directions: thelodgeatventanacanyon.com, 800-828-5701 Room Rate: $199 New & Notable: The greens on the resort's two Tom Fazio-designed courses were changed from bent grass to Bermuda -- the Canyon's in 2008 and the Mountain's the previous summer -- ensuring consistent surfaces all year.

__73. THE WESTIN KIERLAND RESORT & SPA (67) __

Scottsdale Score: 66.82 Contact & Directions: kierlandresort.com, 800-354-5892 Room Rate: $249 New & Notable: Two air-conditioning units per golf cart keep the driver and passenger cool. Take part in the Monday Choose-Up game for a friendly nine-hole match.

__74. WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT (73) __

Orlando Score: 66.79 Contact & Directions: disneyworld.com, 407-939-6244 Room Rate: $82 New & Notable: The Magnolia and Palm courses host a late-season PGA Tour event each year. Take the kids to see Mickey, then take advantage of twilight rates starting in mid-afternoon.

__75. THE WOODLANDS (TEX.) RESORT (NR) __

Score: 66.57 Contact & Directions: woodlandsresort.com, 800-433-2624 Room Rate: $159 New & Notable: Two courses, the Oaks and Panther Trail, and a lighted putting green are highlights. Some argue that the 18th hole on Panther Trail is the best par 4 in Houston.