Fast forward 12 years, and I finally made it back—this time with my wife and our 4-year-old daughter in tow. And let me tell you, seeing Brasada through a different lens (and a different stage of life) was eye-opening.

I was struck by two things almost immediately: first, I’d completely forgotten how stunning the views are. Rolling hills, Cascade peaks in the distance, and sunsets that stop you in your tracks. And second, just how much has changed since my last visit. The resort has expanded, improved, and fine-tuned its experience in ways that made this trip feel totally fresh.

Over the years, I’ve spent a lot of time exploring Central Oregon resorts—places like Pronghorn, Tetherow, Eagle Crest, and Sunriver have all been regular stops. Somehow, though, Brasada kept slipping through the cracks. But after this latest trip? That’s not happening again. This place absolutely deserves to be in the conversation with the best of them, and after reading this post, you’ll have a better idea of which one is right for you.

Whether you’re thinking about a family vacation, a couple’s getaway, or a chill weekend with friends, Brasada Ranch has quietly become one of the best all-around destinations in Central Oregon. In this post, I’ll break down everything that stood out—from the lodging and food to the activities, service, and what it’s really like bringing a kid along.

What is Brasada Ranch?

Before we go too far, let me give you a quick overview in case you’ve never heard of Brasada.

Brasada Ranch is a luxury resort nestled in the high desert of Central Oregon, about 20 miles northeast of Bend in Powell Butte. 

Spread across 1,800 acres, with 900 acres of preserved open space, it offers panoramic views of the Cascade Mountains and a serene, secluded atmosphere. 

Seriously, I still can’t get over these views.

The resort features a range of accommodations, including 65 family-friendly Sage Canyon Cabins (this is where we stayed), adult-only Cascade Bungalows, and Ranch House Suites. Amenities abound: an 18-hole golf course known as Brasada Canyons, a full-service spa, multiple dining options, equestrian facilities, and a 17,000-square-foot athletic center with indoor and outdoor pools. 

Like many of the big resorts in Central Oregon, they can kind of cater to any kind of group. Whether you want a romantic, adults-only getaway, a boys golf trip, or a family vacation – Brasada can do it all.

But as you’ll see, there are certain people I’d recommend come here more than others.

Brasada Canyons Golf Course: A Scenic, Playable Gem in Central Oregon

Considering this is a golf blog, let’s talk about the course: Brasada Canyons.

If you’re planning a trip to Brasada Ranch, the golf course alone makes it worth the visit. Brasada Canyons isn’t trying to be a tour-level championship track like Pronghorn or Crosswater—and that’s exactly what makes it such a joy to play.

This is very much a resort course in the best sense of the word. It’s playable. It’s welcoming. It’s beautiful. And most importantly, it’s fun.

You won’t find a ton of centerline bunkers, death-by-narrow-fairways, or greens that feel like they’re trying to humiliate you (sup, Tetherow). Instead, the bunkering here is more forgiving, often shaped in a way that kicks balls back into play rather than punishing you for missing by a yard. The fairways are generous, and the greens offer subtle but engaging contours without veering into goofy territory.

Add in Brasada’s elevation—just over 3,000 feet—and your drives might go 10 yards farther than you’re used to at sea level. Combine that with the wide corridors, and it becomes a course where you can really let it rip off the tee.

Views for Days

Let’s talk about the views—because they’re everywhere. You get panoramic Cascade Mountain backdrops on practically every hole. The setting feels remote and peaceful, but never stark or empty. Whether you’re staring down a tee shot or lining up a putt, it’s impossible not to take a moment and soak it all in.

There are certainly more homes on the course than there was last time I played in 2013, but fortunately, they’re set back enough that you rarely worry about slicing a ball into someone’s window.

As you’d expect with “Canyons” in the name, there are some pretty fun ups and downs – and you’ll definitely want a cart when playing. The elevation changes aren’t just there for show, though. They add a lot of visual and strategic interest to the round. Some holes plunge down into canyons, while others sit perched on plateaus with long views and generous landing areas.

Where the Course Gets Its Name

One of the only holes I remembered from my previous time playing here was the 2nd. 

It’s a medium-length par 4 that sets the tone early. A wide fairway lets you open up the driver, and the approach plays into an infinity green that feels like it just drops off into the mountains. It’s scenic, satisfying, and a great preview of what’s to come.

I’m honestly surprised this was the only hole I remembered, considering just how much I enjoyed playing on this most recent trip.

On the third hole, you start to see where the name “Canyons” makes sense.

From a dramatically elevated tee, you hit down into a fairway framed by rocky terrain and brush. It’s one of those tee shots that just begs you to pause and take a photo — then crush one and hope you judged the elevation right.

All of the Par 3s are Memorable

Three of the four par 3s play downhill toward the mountains. That might sound repetitive on paper, but each has its own character.

4 is longer and has a large slope on the left hand side.

6 becomes a completely different hole depending on which tee box you’re from.

And 17 is longer, and both times I played it, it was directly into the wind – making it even more challenging.

12 is the oddball in that it plays away from the mountains, and has one of the deepest bunkers on the course short and right. It’s a nice change from the others, and no less enjoyable to play.

A Few Other Favorites:

The 9th is the number one handicap for a reason – especially from the back tees. The fairway is wide, there’s a dropoff into scrubland left, and the cabins we stayed in left – so it demands a little more precision than most other holes.

The approach demands focus, especially if the pin is tucked.

Holes 10-12 bring you up and down into more canyons, before coming up to one of the highest points on the course on 13 and 14.

But 15? 

Seeing 15 for the first time was one of the more memorable moments I’ve had on a golf course in a long time.

It’s not only the most fun hole on the course, but it’s also one of the most fun holes I’ve ever played.

It’s a short par 4 at just over 300 yards from the tips, but with a twist: the fairway is basically perpendicular to the tee box, it’s almost like a more severe Cape hole.

You can pretty much hit any club you want off the tee. Lay up with an iron to the wide part of the fairway on the right, leaving mid mid-iron approach. Carry the middle bunkers for a more risk-reward option, that would leave you with a flip wedge in. Or go full send at the green (if you’ve got the guts—and the distance).

It’s strategic, exciting, and absolutely beautiful. And the story about someone acing it during a big member event’s horse race—with over 100 people watching? Instant legend status.

Great for Golfers of All Skill Levels

One of the best parts of Brasada Canyons is how accessible it is. There aren’t many forced carries, the bunkers tend to be on the periphery, and the fairways give newer or younger golfers plenty of room to stay in play. On nearly every hole, there’s a way to run the ball up to the green.

I actually played the front 9 with my wife (who doesn’t really golf) and our 4-year-old daughter. Both had a blast. And anytime a non-golfing family member says they had fun on the golf course, you know the vibe is right.

Final Thoughts on Brasada Canyons

I went into this round expecting a pretty, casual resort course, and came away genuinely impressed. Brasada Canyons might not beat you up like some of the other Central Oregon heavyweights, but what it lacks in challenge, it makes up for with a sense of fun, flow, and variety that makes every hole feel distinct.

The setting is stunning, the routing is clever, and the course is welcoming without being boring. It’s not just a course I’d recommend to someone staying at the resort—it’s one I’d go out of my way to play again.

As for access? Good news and bad news.

The good news is that you can play it if you’re a guest of the resort.

The bad news is that, other than that, it’s a private club.

Which really is mostly all good news. Because while you’re there, the crowds are minimal and spaced out, and you get treated like a member – which is always a nice experience.

Lodging at Brasada Ranch: The Two-bedroom Cabins Were Great

When it comes to lodging at Brasada Ranch, you’ve got a few different options.

We stayed in one of the 65 Sage Canyon Cabins, specifically a two-bedroom unit, and it was everything you’d hope for in a high-end resort experience: spacious, private, and loaded with little touches that make a big difference.

More Than Just a Room

One of the biggest perks of the cabin setup is space. Hotel rooms can be great, but having a full cabin which gave us the flexibility to spread out, was great.

Also, have you ever seen that AirBnB commercial that basically says “in a hotel room, your kid’s bedtime is your bedtime”?

Having the second room for her, so that we could stay up later, is key.

The two bedrooms were nearly identical in quality, which is a nice bonus if you’re traveling with another couple or older kids. One bedroom had a larger bathroom with a soaking tub, while the other featured a cozy fireplace and a bit more space, including a sitting area. No clear “secondary” bedroom here—just two really comfortable options.

Our cabin sat just above the 9th tee box, and the deck got a lot of use. Morning coffee, afternoon reading, evening wine—it was the perfect spot to soak in the high-desert views and enjoy the fresh air without ever leaving “home.” If you’re the kind of person who appreciates a little outdoor living space on vacation, you’ll love this.

Oh, and one important tip: try to book a cabin with a hot tub. Ours had one, and it made a huge difference. After a long day of golf, swimming, or chasing a four-year-old around the resort, being able to unwind under the stars with a soak was the kind of luxury that elevates the whole trip.

Not every cabin has one, so if that’s important to you (and it should be), double-check when booking.

Our cabin was about a 10-minute walk from the core resort amenities—golf course, restaurants, athletic center, pool—which we actually loved. It was just far enough to give us some quiet and privacy, but close enough to ditch the car most of the time.

The walk down was great for letting our daughter practice her biking skills (and burn off some energy). The walk back—slightly uphill—wasn’t her favorite part of the day, but we still appreciated the gentle built-in exercise. If mobility is a concern or you’ve got a stroller in tow, you may want to look for a unit closer to the heart of the resort, but otherwise, it’s a pleasant stroll with great scenery along the way.

There Are Also Some Adults-Only Options…

For as great of a family resort as Brasada is, it might be even better for couples looking for a romantic getaway.

More than any of the other major Central Oregon resorts I’ve been to, they really create an amazing environment for adults looking for time away.

There are two great lodging options for this.

The first are the 8 Ranch House Suites.

These are located in the main lodge, which puts you within steps of the restaurants, pool, and other amenities—ideal if you don’t want to worry about walking or driving around the property.

They are also more traditional hotel-style rooms, with daily cleaning service, if that’s more what you’re looking for.

But the even more sought-after rooms? The new Cascade Bungalows.

This is an entire adults-only section of the resort designed for a quieter, more elevated experience. These are the most premium accommodations on the property and are meant for couples or those looking for a more boutique-style stay.

There are 16 of them, and many open up right towards the adults-only pool.

They all feature private hot tubs, and the interiors look stunning – although I didn’t get a chance to tour them on this trip.

Some of the Best Resort Food I’ve Ever Had

If there’s one area where Brasada Ranch really exceeded expectations, it was the food.

Compared to places like Tetherow, which sits right in Bend, or Sunriver, which has a full-on village complete with a grocery store and tons of dining options, Brasada is more remote. And by remote, I mean… It’s about 25 minutes from Bend. So, not exactly the middle of nowhere, but if you forget to grab something from the store or feel like eating out in town, it’s not a quick five-minute errand.

But here’s the thing: you probably won’t want to leave anyway.

Because the food at Brasada? It’s some of the best I’ve ever had at a resort.

Dining Options at Brasada Ranch

There are four primary food and drink spots on the property:

• Ranch House – All-day dining with something for everyone.
• Wild Rye – The resort’s fine dining experience (but still pretty casual).
• Sundance Bar & Grill – Poolside eats and drinks.
• The General Store – Coffee, pastries, and a few grocery essentials.

Here’s a breakdown of each.

Ranch House: Casual, Reliable, Delicious

Located in the main Ranch House building (where you also check in and where the Ranch House Suites are), this spot is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

We ate here three times: breakfast, dinner, and one takeout meal after our daughter was all tapped out for the day.

The menu? Excellent. On our takeout night, I had a BBQ chicken pizza that was delicious, and Elliot’s mac and cheese was probably the best kids’ version I’ve ever tasted.

For our dinner on the patio, we soaked in views of the Cascade Range, and even in early May, the weather was ideal. There are infrared heaters and blankets available for when things cool down.

I had a huge steak that was cooked perfectly, and Tate’s BBQ ribs were equally great. But the star of the show?

The potatoes. We had them both with dinner and again at breakfast—and couldn’t get enough. Perfectly crisped, seasoned just right. Honestly, I’d go back for those alone.

Wild Rye: Elevated Dining Without the Pretense

This is Brasada’s elevated dining experience, but don’t let the “fine dining” label scare you off. The vibe is still laid-back, and you can roll in post-golf without changing into anything too fancy.

I wasn’t sure what to expect—until I saw that the cocktail menu was designed by Scott Baird, the guy behind Trick Dog in San Francisco. That immediately raised the bar.

And I’m happy to report: it delivered.

From their takes on classics like the Old Fashioned and Manhattan, to the thoughtful plating and flavors, everything was on point. The brie appetizer balanced sweet and savory perfectly. The wedge salad—with everything bagel spice and Brasada Sauce—was creative and crave-worthy.

The lamb shank? Fall-off-the-bone good. It reminded me of one of my all-time favorite dishes: the pork shank at Mountain Standard in Vail.

And don’t leave without trying the s’mores. Seriously.

They make their own marshmallows and graham crackers (which have a subtle cinnamon note), and you roast them outside at the fire pit while watching the sunset. It was one of those little moments that felt like a core memory for our family.

Sundance Bar & Grill: Easy Poolside Bites

Located at the Athletic Center, Sundance is exactly what you want on a sunny afternoon: fast, simple, satisfying.

We had the hummus plate, kids’ chicken strips, and a few other small plates—and everything was perfect for a casual poolside lunch.

The General Store: Cute and Quaint

Across from the Ranch House, the General Store is your go-to for coffee, breakfast pastries, and small essentials like wine, snacks, and groceries.

Forgot butter? Oil? Toothpaste? Been there. The General Store likely has you covered.

It’s also just a cozy, well-designed little shop that adds a lot of charm to the resort experience.

Whether you’re eating out or cooking in your cabin, the food experience at Brasada is a huge part of what makes it special.

Other Activities at Brasada Ranch

Golf? Check. Amazing food? Double check. But there’s a lot more to love at Brasada.

At over 1,800 acres, the resort offers a huge range of things to do—especially if you’re traveling with family or just want to fill your days with more than just tee times.

The Athletic Center: A Hub for All Ages

Centrally located, the Athletic Center is a hub of activity for the resort. The outdoor pool features a lazy river, a waterslide, and a waterfall splash pad, plus there’s an indoor pool and hot tub if the weather doesn’t cooperate.

The slide was a huge hit with our daughter. She probably rode it 25 to 30 times over two days. The staff were relaxed about things like life jackets and tandem rides, which made the whole experience even more fun for younger kids.

The gym is fully equipped with Peloton bikes, free weights, and cardio machines. Outside, you’ve got tennis courts, pickleball courts, a playground, and a Kids Camp (which we didn’t try, but we’ve had friends rave about).

Activities Galore

When you check in, you’ll get a full list of available activities—and there’s no shortage.

We saw everything from yoga and barre classes to aquafit, pony rides, trail rides, axe throwing, indoor golf, stargazing, and even ranch-life experiences.

Whether you’re here for a weekend or a full two-week stay, there’s more than enough to keep you entertained.

Brasada Ranch vs. Everywhere Else: Should You Visit?

At some point, I’ll write a full breakdown comparing Brasada to the other top Central Oregon resorts like Sunriver, Tetherow, and Pronghorn.

But for now, here’s the short version: Yes, you should absolutely visit Brasada Ranch.

It’s a unique place that offers a true resort experience—something that’s a little harder to find in the Bend area than you might expect.

Best For: Couples Looking for a Romantic Escape

With adults-only cabins and an adults-only pool, Brasada is arguably the best option in the region for a couples’ getaway. No other resort I can think of has as much dedicated “adults-only” space as Brasada does.

You’ll still see families around, sure—but time your dinners right, and you’ll enjoy a peaceful, intimate experience in the evenings as well.

Great For: Families Who Want to Keep Things Simple

At other resorts, we often find ourselves running into Bend for food or looking for things to do outside the resort proper.

At Brasada? That thought never even crossed our minds. Everything we needed was right there. It felt like a true resort vacation, where the goal is to just relax and enjoy.

Ideal For: Golfers Who Want a Fun, Forgiving Course

Not everyone wants to get beat up by 7,400 yards of narrow fairways and forced carries.

Brasada Canyons is a breath of fresh air: fun, scenic, and far more accessible than some of the other high-end courses in the area. It’s perfect for newer golfers or families looking to enjoy a few casual rounds in a spectacular setting.

Brasada Ranch Has Great Golf, But it Really is So Much More

As someone who’s played a lot of golf in Central Oregon, I’ll admit it: Brasada Canyons caught me off guard. I expected a laid-back resort course with nice views—and it delivered that. But it also delivered thoughtful design, memorable holes, and one of the most fun golf experiences I’ve had in the region. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to loop it again, even if your scorecard is a mess.

But what really elevates Brasada is everything that surrounds the golf. The cabins, the food, the views, and the family-friendly energy all come together in a way that makes the resort more than just a stop on a golf trip. It’s a destination worth planning an entire vacation around.

If you’re looking for a trip that combines golf with genuine relaxation—and where everyone in your group (even the non-golfers) can have an incredible time—Brasada Ranch is tough to beat.

The post I Went Back to Brasada Ranch After 12 Years — Here’s What Surprised Me appeared first on Breaking Eighty | Best Golf Courses and Golf Product Reviews.

But after spending two unforgettable weeks there with my dad, I’m here to tell you: it should be.

We were looking for the perfect mix of world-class golf, incredible food, vibrant culture, and just enough adventure to make the whole thing feel special. Thanks to the team at Asia Golf Trips, we found exactly that — and then some.

From championship layouts framed by jungle-covered mountains to beachfront holes that felt straight out of a dream, Vietnam surprised us at every turn. This wasn’t just a great golf trip. It was one of the best travel experiences of my life.

In this post, I’m not just going to share the highlights of our trip (although there were plenty). I’ll also walk you through everything you need to know to plan your own Vietnam golf adventure — from the best courses to play, to the must-visit cities, to the food, culture, and travel tips that made it all unforgettable.

Let’s dive in with the obvious question:

Why take a golf trip to Vietnam in the first place?

Way back in 2009, the very first blog post I ever published was my “bucket list.” 

I was in a job I hated, and wanted some accountability for doing more in my life. So I wrote down a list of a whole bunch of stuff I wanted to do in life.

• Live on a tropical island: Check.
• Play Pebble Beach: Check.
• Go to Cuba Before the Embargo is Lifted and Have a Cigar: Check.
• Climb a Mountain: Check.

I’ve crossed off dozens of things at this point. But two really important ones, I hadn’t:

• Take an international trip with my mom
• Take an international trip with my dad

16 years later, it was time to make it happen.

My dad is a *very* casual golfer. And previously, the only golf trips we’d done were a few days at Bandon Dunes and a quick trip to Pronghorn.

So I knew I wanted to do something unique and memorable.

Enter: Vietnam.

If you think Vietnam is just motorbikes, street food, and backpackers — think again.

Golf in Vietnam is world-class, and the experience around it is even better. During our two-week adventure, my dad and I discovered that Vietnam delivers so much more than just great courses:

• Incredible Variety: Seaside links, mountain golf, lush parkland layouts — every round felt totally different, and every course came with its own “wow” moments.
• Luxury That Won’t Break the Bank: Five-star resorts, personal caddies, and VIP-level service at prices that would be unthinkable in the U.S. or Europe.
• Food That’s Worth the Trip Alone: Fresh, flavorful, and unforgettable. Every meal was an experience — from $2 banh mi sandwiches to beachfront seafood feasts.
• Unforgettable Culture and History:
  Ancient towns, vibrant cities, and landscapes that looked straight out of a movie. Every day offered something new to explore off the course.
• Still a Hidden Gem: Pristine courses, uncrowded fairways, and a feeling like you’ve stumbled onto a secret that’s too good to keep.

In the next sections, I’ll break down each of these in detail — plus share all the tips and stories you’ll need to plan your own trip to one of golf’s best-kept secrets.

The Four Courses We Played in Vietnam

One of the best parts of our trip was how every round felt like a completely new experience. Each course had its own vibe, its own scenery, and its own little moments that stuck with us long after we holed out.

I think that was one of my biggest surprises from the trip, was just how much variety there was, both in terms of the golf and the different regions we traveled through.

Here’s a look at the four courses we played, in the order we experienced them:

BRG Kings Island

We kicked off the trip just outside of Hanoi at BRG Kings Island, a sprawling 54-hole property tucked away among lakes and towering trees.

There are three courses here — Lakeside, Mountainview, and Kings — and we played the newest (and best) of the bunch: the Kings Course, designed by Jack Nicklaus.

One of the most unique aspects of the club? You have to take a 5-minute speedboat ride to get there. Literally, the only thing on this island is the golf club – so it’s a pretty cool experience.

The Kings Course was everything you’d want for a first round in Vietnam: lush fairways, big elevation changes, and enough water hazards to keep you honest.

The scenery was beautiful — a mix of forest and lakes — but what really stood out was the 19th hole: a bonus par 3 with two different greens that played over a beautiful lake. It’s one of the coolest little “Bye” holes I’ve ever played.

If you’re looking for a warm-up round that’s challenging without being overly punishing, Kings Island is a perfect place to start.

Hoiana Shores Golf Club 

If Kings Island got us excited, Hoiana Shores took things to a whole different level.

Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., Hoiana Shores sits just 15 minutes outside of Hoi An and feels like someone plucked a piece of Bandon Dunes and dropped it on the coast of Vietnam.

This is legit links golf — firm fairways, sandy waste areas, and ocean breezes that can turn a wedge into a five-iron real quick.

The course conditioning was immaculate, and the views? Unreal. I’ve played over half of the top 100 in the world, and Hoiana would hold its own against any of them.

If you love true seaside golf and want to play somewhere that feels a little wild and untouched, this is a must.

Here’s my full recap of Hoiana Shores.

Legend Danang Golf Resort 

We had an early tee time at Legend Danang, which had us streaming the last few holes of the Masters on the bus ride to the course.

The resort is home to two courses, a Norman design and a Nicklaus design.

We played the Norman course, and it didn’t disappoint.

The bunkering here was standout: big, bold, and strategic without being gimmicky.

The course plays tighter than some of the others we experienced, so accuracy off the tee mattered more than usual – something that on this particular day was not my forte.

The highlight was the par-3 16th, the signature hole that plays straight out toward the ocean. One of those shots where you almost forget to swing because you’re too busy soaking in the view.

Legend Danang felt like the kind of place you could easily play multiple times and keep finding new things to love about it.

Laguna Golf Lang Co

We wrapped up our golf journey with what I found to be the biggest surprise of the trip: Laguna Golf Lang Co.

Set about an hour outside Danang, this Nick Faldo design feels like you’re playing golf in Jurassic Park — massive jungle backdrops, dramatic mountains, and oceanfront holes that make you want to pull out your phone every three minutes.

The bunkering was beautiful, and the routing took you through rice paddies, forests, and beachside dunes — it was like playing four different courses in one.

A fun bonus: the 19th hole here (yes, another!) sits right on the ocean and is a must-play after you finish your front nine.

Laguna Golf Lang Co wasn’t just a great way to end the trip — it might have been one of the most visually stunning courses I’ve ever stepped foot on.

And this is just the tip of the iceberg for golf…

And when it comes to golf in Vietnam, these courses are just the tip of the iceberg.

Montgomerie Links is another course outside Hoi An that’s supposed to be fantastic.

Ba Na Hills also routes through a jungle landscape with impeccable conditioning.

And The Bluffs Grand Ho Tram is widely regarded as the best course in Vietnam. It’s about two hours outside Saigon and much more similar to Hoiana Shores than anything else. But on this particular trip, we stayed North (it can be pretty hot down South in April), so we didn’t get a chance to see it.

Hanoi is an Exciting, Crazy SE Asian City: Here’s What to Do

This was my third trip to Vietnam, but I was particularly excited for this as both previous trips I stayed in Saigon.

The trip started off in Vietnam’s second biggest city, Hanoi, which has around 11 million people.

Vietnam’s capital city is an electric mix of old-world charm and nonstop energy — and it’s one of the most fascinating places I’ve ever wandered through.

Here are some highlights from our stay:

The Sofitel Legend Metropole Truly is Legendary

If you’re coming to Hanoi, do yourself a favor: stay at the Metropole. 

You can absolutely save money by staying at any number of other places, but the Metropole provides a truly unique experience.

It’s not just one of the best hotels in the city — it’s easily one of the best city hotels anywhere in the world.

The Metropole is a total oasis in the middle of the chaos. From the moment you walk into the French colonial lobby, it feels like you’ve stepped into another era.  Originally built in 1901, the history here runs deep, and it shows in every detail.

We even took a tour of their Cold War-era bomb shelter that was rediscovered during renovations about a decade ago. Also, the list of notable people who have stayed here over the years is never-ending.

We stayed on the original side of the hotel, and it oozed old-school class. Add in a phenomenal breakfast spread (seriously, it’s worth waking up early for), and you’ve got a stay that is memorable in its own right.

Not to mention the fact that if it’s your first time visiting Hanoi, or really any big SE Asian city, having a relaxing place to serve as your home base will make your adjustment quite a bit easier.

Eat (and Drink) Everything in Sight

Next to Bangkok, Hanoi might be my favorite street food city on the planet.

Whether it’s grabbing a fresh, crusty banh mi from a sidewalk vendor, slurping a steaming bowl of pho at a tiny roadside stall, or diving into Michelin-recognized Bun Cha at Bun Cha Dac Kim, the food here is next-level — and ridiculously affordable.

Drink Some of the Best Cocktails in Asia

Slightly pretentious fact about me, along with my golf quest, I’ve got this stupid goal of visiting the Top 100 Bars in the world as well.

I’ve made pretty good progress, on some previous lists, getting to as many as 60/100 on the 2018 list.

So anytime I hit a new city, I like to find the best cocktail spots. While Hanoi isn’t as recognized as places like Hong Kong, Tokyo, or Seoul for cocktails – the scene is definitely coming around.

I hit a couple that were legitimately memorable.

Bar Hafflington is a loft-style bar packed with quirky relics and antiques, and the drinks are every bit as memorable as the space. It’s been recognized as one of Asia’s 50 Best Bars for good reason.

Bar Ne is where things get even wilder. Their signature “Pho” cocktail doesn’t just taste like pho — it actually works as a drink. It’s one of those rare novelty drinks that’s not just a gimmick but something you’ll be talking about long after you leave.

The Bambo Bar at the Metropole is an equally memorable hotel bar. Sipping a happy hour gin and tonic in the courtyard overlooking the beautiful pool is about as good as it gets – especially when the weather starts getting a little steamy.

Explore on Foot (and Dodge Some Motorbikes)

Hanoi is one of the most rewarding walking cities I’ve ever experienced.

Lakes, shops, cafés, historic architecture — there’s something worth checking out around every corner. Just know that crossing the street feels like a real-life game of Frogger thanks to the endless motorbikes zipping by. (Pro tip: walk slowly and confidently — they’ll dodge you.)

Wandering Hanoi without a strict agenda ended up being one of the highlights of the entire trip.

You can also shop for just about anything you can imagine… just be ready to question how (and if) some of it actually ended up for sale.

$250 North Face bags for $24? $160 Hoka shoes for 18 bucks?!

Are they knock-offs or did they simply “fall off the back of the truck?” It’s sometimes tough to tell, and while buying them may be ethically questionable, you can’t deny the quality is often great, and the value is even better.

Hoi An is a Chill, Stunning Touristy Town

Flying into Danang, you get a real sense that you’re arriving somewhere significant (and the airport was far nicer than I expected it to be).

As Vietnam’s third-largest city, Danang is a great choice if you’re looking for a bigger urban vibe paired with beautiful beaches. But for this trip, we had something a little quieter in mind.

About 45 minutes south, you’ll find Hoi An — and trust me, that’s where the real magic happens.

Hoi An is a charming riverside town of about 100,000 people. Life moves slower here. Everything feels more relaxed, more personal. After the buzz of Hanoi, Hoi An felt like hitting the reset button — in the best way possible.

Stay at the Anantara Hoi An Resort

When it comes to luxury in Hoi An, there’s really only one true five-star option: the Anantara Hoi An Resort.

The location couldn’t have been better. It was an easy walk to the riverfront and all the best parts of the city, but the resort itself felt like its own peaceful hideaway. The courtyard pool is a lovely place to spend an afternoon, and if you can snag one of the riverfront view rooms (book early!), it’s absolutely worth it.

Elegant without being stuffy, the Anantara nailed that perfect balance of comfort and understated luxury.

Get Something Custom Made

Hoi An is famous for its tailors and leatherworkers, and if you need an excuse to justify packing an extra suitcase, this is it.

Need a new custom suit? Want a pair of handmade leather shoes? Thinking about some unique jewelry?

Do it here.

The craftsmanship is top-notch, the prices are reasonable, and the turnaround time is shockingly fast. (Pro tip: leave a little time for fittings if you want to get it perfect.)

I’d gotten suits made in Saigon years ago, including getting custom suits for all of my groomsmen for the princely sum of $105 each.

They were a little more this go around, but I knew I wanted to try and get a couple more made.

Yaly is the most common answer you’ll get for the best tailor in Hoi An, but I visited a friend of a friend’s shop Thanh Tu, and May did a great job helping me get two suits done.

To accommodate our busy schedule and short time frame, she even came by my hotel to help with final measurements and came back to drop off the finished products before our 5:45am departure time.

And if you’re looking for more casual souvenirs, the bustling night market has you covered with endless stalls full of goods to dig through.

Eat (Even) More Amazing Food

Just like Hanoi, Hoi An is a food lover’s paradise — and we found one of the coolest ways to experience it.

We joined a motorbike food tour, hopping on the back of Vespas and weaving through town as we sampled five different local dining spots. From chicken rice to the famous white rose dumplings (a regional specialty), and even “snakehead” catfish (trust me — it tastes way better than it looks and sounds), it was one of the most fun and unique experiences of the trip.

And then there’s Chef Duc.

Chef Duc is the mastermind behind some of Hoi An’s best restaurants, including Mango Rooms and Mai Fish – he’s one of the most celebrated chefs in Vietnam.

We had the once-in-a-lifetime chance to do a private dinner at his villa — hands down one of the best culinary experiences I’ve ever had. (One of the major perks of traveling with a tour operator like Asia Golf Trips — its owner, Scott Resch, seemingly knows everyone in Vietnam.)

If you’re exploring on your own, make sure to grab a table at Mango Rooms down by the river and order the smoked duck. You can thank me later.

Hue: A Detour Worth Taking

After checking out of the Anantara in Hoi An and squeezing in an early morning round at Legend Danang, we hopped in a private bus and made the two-hour drive north to Hue — the former imperial capital of Vietnam.

At first, it felt like a slight detour from our golf-centric adventure. But by the end of our stay, it was clear: this side trip was absolutely worth it.

Stay at Azerai La Residence

Hue’s energy is a world away from the hustle of Hanoi or even the laid-back vibe of Hoi An — and Azerai La Residence matched that shift perfectly.

Originally built as the French governor’s mansion, the resort has been lovingly restored into a stunning Art Deco-style hotel that felt like stepping back into a more elegant time.

The rooms were sleek and modern (bonus points for the incredible showers), the spa offered a welcome recharge after days of golf and travel, and the pool? Arguably the best pool of the entire trip — a massive, palm-lined centerpiece that was just begging for an afternoon lounge session.

The only downside was that there was some construction happening right on the other side of the hotel’s property line, which threw off the views a bit.

But if you’re looking for a spot to unwind in true style, Azerai nails it.

Touring the Imperial City

While Hue might not be as instantly recognizable as cities like Hanoi or Saigon, it holds a deep cultural and historical significance.

For nearly 150 years, it served as the capital of Vietnam under the Nguyen dynasty — the country’s last royal family — and touring the Imperial City was one of the most fascinating experiences of our entire trip.

We spent about three hours exploring this sprawling UNESCO World Heritage Site: massive moats, intricately carved gates, royal residences, and ancient temples — all telling the story of Vietnam’s regal past.

Fun fact: Hue was home to 13 emperors over its dynastic history, and although the city suffered heavy damage during the wars of the 20th century, ongoing restoration efforts have brought much of it back to life in stunning detail.

We even saw the exact spot where the final King abdicated from the throne, thus ending hundreds of years as a monarchy.

It was humbling and awe-inspiring at the same time — the kind of experience that made me realize just how rich and complex Vietnam’s story really is.

Hue wasn’t just a detour. It ended up being one of the most interesting parts of the entire trip.

Final Stop: Laguna Lang Co

After nearly two weeks of golf, travel, and adventure, ending our trip at Laguna Lang Co couldn’t have been more perfect.

We started with the fast-paced energy of Hanoi, gradually slowed things down through smaller towns like Hoi An and Hue, and finished by fully embracing vacation mode at a stunning beachfront resort. If you’re looking for the ultimate way to wind down after an action-packed trip, this is it.

One Course, Two Unique Resorts

Laguna Golf Lang Co isn’t just home to one of the best golf courses in Vietnam — it also features two fantastic resorts side-by-side, each with its own distinct vibe.

Angsana Lang Co: Bigger, Family-Friendly Luxury

We stayed at Angsana Lang Co, and it absolutely blew away my expectations.

This beachfront resort has around 220 rooms, a huge pool complex (complete with a massive lazy river), and multiple restaurants spread throughout the property.

Side note: Ever since visiting the Four Seasons Punta Mita, I’ve been a sucker for a good lazy river — it’s one of the most underrated family resort features out there. Angsana’s version did not disappoint.

Our room? A massive three-story, two-bedroom suite with floor-to-ceiling ocean views, a private rooftop deck, and our own infinity pool.

Waking up every morning with the ocean framed perfectly outside the windows was about as good as it gets — it was one of the ultimate “this is why we travel” moments.

Banyan Tree Lang Co: Romantic, High-End Escape

If you’re looking for something even more exclusive and romantic, Banyan Tree Lang Co — located right next door — is a dream.

It’s a smaller property (around 70 villas) and offers a mix of beachfront and clifftop villas, each with private pools and stunning views over the South China Sea.

You can easily walk between the two resorts or hop on a charming little boat that cruises along the lagoon between them every 20 minutes — a simple but surprisingly fun detail that made the whole place feel even more magical.

We loved being able to pop over for dinner and drinks. The Library at Banyan Tree served up the best cocktails at Laguna Lang, while Moomba, right on the beach at Angsana, quickly became a favorite for sunset dining.

The Golf at Laguna Lang Co

Of course, no stop here would be complete without mentioning the golf.

As I said earlier, playing at Laguna Golf Lang Co feels like stepping onto the set of Jurassic Park. Massive jungle-clad mountains, ocean views, rice paddies — the landscape is absolutely surreal.

The clubhouse was the most impressive of any we visited in Vietnam, and the practice facilities are excellent.

Bonus: They’ve built their own version of the Himalayas putting green (inspired by the famous one at St. Andrews) called The Gongs. So even when you’re not on the course, there’s plenty to keep you entertained.

It was the perfect place to wrap up our golf adventure — blending a world-class resort, unforgettable golf, and a full-on tropical paradise.

Final Thoughts: Why Vietnam Should Be Your Next Golf Trip

Looking back, this trip to Vietnam was so much more than just a golf vacation.

Yes — the golf was incredible. We played some of the most scenic, well-designed, and memorable courses I’ve ever set foot on. From the wind-swept links at Hoiana Shores to the jungle-lined fairways at Laguna Golf Lang Co, it was a lineup of world-class experiences that rivaled any traditional golf destination out there.

But what made this trip truly special was everything around the golf: The energy of Hanoi. The peaceful charm of Hoi An. The historical weight of Hue. The unforgettable meals. The rooftop infinity pools. The sunrise views. The stories swapped over cocktails and coffee with my dad. It was a rare combination of adventure, luxury, connection, and culture — the kind of trip that reminds you why we travel in the first place.

Vietnam is still flying under the radar for most golfers.

But after nearly two weeks on the ground, I can confidently say it shouldn’t be. If you’re looking for your next big golf trip — one that’s equal parts exciting, relaxing, and completely unique — Vietnam delivers in every possible way.

And the best part? The secret’s still kind of safe… for now.

Vietnam Golf Trip Frequently Asked Questions

I feel like I covered a lot of these throughout this post, but just in case you’re thinking about visiting and looking for some quick hit answers to common questions, I figured I’d add this section in.

When is the best time to visit Vietnam for golf?

The ideal time is November through April. This avoids the hottest, wettest months and gives you cooler, drier weather — perfect for both golf and sightseeing.

Keep in mind: Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Halong Bay) can get surprisingly cool in winter, while the Central and Southern regions (Danang, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City) stay warm year-round – but can be pretty wet at various times.

We got lucky with the weather. We didn’t have any rain during our trip which was mid-April. And while it was warm, we also didn’t have a single unbearably hot day. We did avoid Saigon for this trip, as traditionally you can expect it to be getting pretty warm by April.

Do I need a tour guide to plan a golf trip to Vietnam?

Not technically — but it helps a lot.

My previous two trips to Vietnam I did on my own, but I stayed in Saigon and didn’t leave the city or play any golf.

This go around, we went with Asia Golf Trips and am so glad we did. Having someone local to coordinate tee times, caddies, transport, and special experiences (like our private dinner with Chef Duc) made a huge difference. It turns a great trip into a seamless, unforgettable one.

What should I pack for a Vietnam golf trip?

• Breathable golf clothing (humidity is real!)
• Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
• Collared shirts – required at most courses
• Lightweight rain jacket (just in case)
• Swimsuit for hotel pools and lazy rivers
• Comfortable shoes for walking in cities
• Optional: Travel adapter, bug spray, and a couple of extra golf gloves (you’ll sweat through them)

Here’s my full guide on how to plan a golf trip.

What are the must-play golf courses in Vietnam?

Hanoi Area (North Vietnam)

These are perfect if you’re starting or ending your trip in the capital:

• BRG Kings Island (Kings Course) – Nicklaus-designed and scenic; the best of the three courses on site.
• Sky Lake Resort & Golf Club – Regularly ranked among the top in Vietnam, with beautiful views and strong shot variety.
• Van Tri Golf Club – A private club between the airport and downtown with great conditions and exclusivity.
• Silk Path Dong Trieu – A brand new Faldo design that is already garnering international attention and is on the way to another UNESCO World Heritage site: Halong Bay
• BRG Legend Hill Golf Resort – Unique “twin green” design by Jack Nicklaus, conveniently near the airport.

Danang / Hoi An Area (Central Vietnam)

This is the heart of Vietnam’s golf coast, with some of the best layouts in Asia:

• Hoiana Shores Golf Club – Robert Trent Jones Jr. links design; a true standout and must-play.
• Laguna Golf Lang Co – Sir Nick Faldo’s jungle-meets-ocean masterpiece with a wild, scenic layout.
• Ba Na Hills Golf Club – Mountain golf with cooler temps and great elevation; designed by Luke Donald in collaboration with IMG.
• Montgomerie Links Vietnam – A fun, well-designed track near the beach that plays well for all skill levels.
• Legend Danang Golf Resort (Norman Course) – Bold bunkering and tight fairways make it one of the more challenging — and visually impressive — rounds in the region.

Ho Chi Minh City / Saigon Area (South Vietnam)

Not as dense with top courses, but still has a few standouts — especially if you’re flying in or out of the south:

• The Bluffs Grand Ho Tram – Greg Norman’s coastal gem, often ranked among Asia’s best. An absolute must if you’re near Saigon.
• Tan Son Nhat Golf Course – Right in the city, close to the airport, and a convenient, well-maintained option.
• Long Thanh Golf Club – Large 36-hole facility with both hill and lake courses; great value and variety.
• Vietnam Golf & Country Club – Another 36-hole facility not far from downtown, whose East Course was designed by Lee Trevino and has hosted the Asian Tour.

Do I need a visa to visit Vietnam?

Depending on your nationality, you may need a visa, but many countries (including the U.S., UK, and much of Europe) are eligible for an e-visa, which is quick and easy to apply for online. Always double-check with your country’s travel site before booking.

This is one benefit of going with a tour operator. They handled our visa, and even got us expedited customs for once we landed.

Are caddies required in Vietnam?

At most courses, yes — but that’s a good thing!

Caddies are part of the experience and make the rounds feel more fun, relaxed, and efficient. Many are extremely knowledgeable and bring a lot of local personality to your round. But you can definitely expect a little bit of a language barrier at times.

Is Vietnam a good destination for non-golfers too?

Absolutely. With beaches, spas, incredible food, cultural tours, and vibrant cities, Vietnam is perfect for a couples or group trip — even if some of the crew doesn’t golf.

Any Questions? Drop a Comment!

There you go! I hope you enjoyed my recap of my time in Vietnam, and if you have any questions about our trip or planning one of your own, feel free to drop a comment!

The post Why Vietnam Might Be the Most Underrated Golf Destination in the World appeared first on Breaking Eighty | Best Golf Courses and Golf Product Reviews.

Considering there are more golf courses here than any other state in the country – it’s a golf writer’s mecca right?

Maybe so, but compared to other states my Florida repertoire is sorely lacking.

As such, it wasn’t until recently that I visited Palm Beach.

I wasn’t prepared for just what that would look like.

There’s affluent.

Rich.

Wealthy.

Ultra Wealthy.

And then there’s Palm Beach. It’s a new level of money I’ve never quite seen before.

And just a few minutes across the bridge in West Palm Beach, there’s a new golf enclave that’s quickly becoming known amongst the golfing elite: Dutchman’s Pipe.

What’s with the funny name? What’s the course and club all about? And better yet, how can you play it?

I’m going to tell you all about that and more.

The History of Dutchman’s Pipe Golf Club

The property now home to Dutchman’s Pipe Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida, has a rich history of transformation and development.

Established in 1969, The Presidents Country Club featured two 18-hole courses and was a prominent golfing destination in West Palm Beach.  However, by the mid-2010s, the club faced financial challenges, leading to its closure and subsequent sale.

In 2016, the property was acquired with plans to develop it into a luxury resort. Jack Nicklaus was commissioned to redesign the existing course, aiming to create a world-class golfing experience. The project envisioned a 250-acre resort featuring a 7,200-yard par-72 course, a hotel, residential units, and various amenities. Despite the ambitious plans, the development faced multiple setbacks, including construction delays and financial difficulties, which hindered its full realization.

This brings us to today.

In early 2024, the Witkoff Group and Access Industries acquired the property, initiating a comprehensive transformation. The existing course underwent a multi-million-dollar renovation led by Nicklaus Design, enhancing playability and aesthetics.

The idea was to turn it into a high-end club that featured a championship golf course that was a bit longer and more spread out than some of the other private clubs in Palm Beach, where land can be scarce.

In fact, despite other new developments in nearby counties, this is the first new golf club to be built in West Palm Beach proper in over 25 years.

As part of the development plans they renovated the former Banyan Cay Resort, and turned it into a new Marriot Autograph Collection property known as The Belgrove Resort and Spa.

I stayed there for two nights during this trip, and will give a recap of that in a little bit.

First Impressions of Dutchman’s Pipe

When I first pulled up to the Club, as is the norm for a high-end club in Palm Beach, there were a number of exotic cars parked in the turnaround. I was immediately greeted by a fleet of employees eager to help with my clubs, park my car, and show me where to go at the Club.

Throughout my day at Dutchmans, you definitely feel a level of service that’s a step above what you get at your typical country club.

Considering the location, cost, clientele, and small membership – this shouldn’t have come as a surprise.

The current clubhouse was inherited from Banyan Cay, and has been refreshed for the new Club. It’s small, but well-appointed, and the porch overlooking the first tee is great.

However, a new larger clubhouse is scheduled to break ground soon. This will be a much better reflection of the lifestyle club that Dutchman’s is looking to evoke as it grows.

The Range

After I got a cup of coffee and changed my shoes in the locker room, I went out to the range. 

The range and practice facilities here are world class.

First off, considering how little land there is in West Palm Beach to develop – the fact they have a massive 300 yard+ range, and a two-acre short game area is very rare for the area.

Dutchman’s Pipe has everything a Tour Pro could want out of a practice facility, so it’s no surprise that there are a number of famous names who call this place home.

When you walk up to the range, the attendant will ask you what kind of balls you play.

Why?

Because they have 8 different brands for you to choose from.

Yes, on the driving range.

Pro V1s, TP5, Chrome Tour – you name it, you can hit it.

The only thing more impressive than that is the range robot that scours the range to pick up said balls.

The short game area features a number of greens at different yardages, different bunker styles, and allows you to practice pretty much any shot you could ever want from within 120 yards. The setting right on the water makes it an especially nice place to be.

The Front 9 at Dutchman’s Pipe

The front and back 9s both have distinctly different personalities.

On the front, you’re going to find holes that are slightly tighter than the back (although by no means claustrophobic).

The course opens with a cool par 4, named Devil’s Elbow.

The green is tucked over the ridge on the right-hand side of the hole. Playing 342 from the member’s tees, it’s not drivable for most, but you can cut the corner to get yourself really close to the green.

In typical Nicklaus fashion, it’s a “gentle handshake” of an opening hole, but there are some risk/reward elements for those that want to get spicy off the bat.

The par 3s at Dutchman’s are all beefy holes with yardages of 223, 233, 160, and 201 from the tips.

The first par 3, Longshot, has a wide undulating green, with an imposing bunker guarding the left half.

Pay attention to the pin position, as that will dictate your strategy off the tee.

On the 4th you immediately get a sense of why the previous course was called “Banyan Cay”. 

This 414-yard par 4 from the member’s tees has a trio of banyan trees dotting the fairway. In a world where palm trees can easily be planted anywhere you want, this is a very cool element of the course and club, knowing that these trees have been there for decades.

#5, “Waterhole” is the next par 3, and as you might guess, features a big lake carry. It’s a fun shot, and has a variety of tee box options that each make the hole play very differently. 

On 6 you get a classic “Cape” template. Bite off as much as you want on the tee shot, but get too aggressive and you’ll find the pond.

I wish I’d got a photo of the tee shot on 7, as this par 5 is one of the best holes on the course. You can tell a lot of Earth was moved here to add significant elevation to the fairway. The front 9 already had a lot of variety, but this hole keeps it going.

The approach is a tricky one with a green that slopes left to right, and water surrounding the entire right side of the green. My fade worked out pretty well for me, however, as I started way out left of the green on my approach and got it to land and roll to 3 feet for my only birdie of the day.

8 is an even longer par 5, with some strategic bunkering around the green.

And 9 gives you a little bit of everything as a par 4 with water left, bunkers beyond that, and a pot bunker directly fronting the green. 

The Back 9

Considering the land Dutchman’s site on used to comprise two 18 hole courses, Nicklaus had a lot of acreage to work with.

There’s a bit of a commute to get from the front to the back. But I’d highly recommend before doing so you grab a hot dog from the clubhouse.

The chef at Dutchman’s has a Michelin Star to his name, and this was hands down one of the best hot dogs I’ve ever had. The truffle fries also made for a delicious side.

The back 9 as a whole feels a little more open and spacious than the front. You see this right away on the par 5 10th, which at only 508 yards from the tips begs you to go “Full Throttle” – an apt name for the hole.

11 provides the easiest par 3 option on the course. Measuring just 145 from the member’s tees we played at, you’d be wise to take advantage of the opportunity. Although saying it’s easy wouldn’t really be doing it justice, as you’ve got water, bunkers, and a very undulating green to navigate.

13, “Punchbowl” has rumpled fairways that almost evoke a feeling of being on a Scottish Links. A center-line bunker forces you to be strategic with your drive. A bailout to the left will leave you with a longer approach. Go right, and the angle isn’t quite as ideal. Bomb it straight over if you want to find yourself in position A.

The “Punchbowl” style green, is a cool visual, and has some more severe undulation than some other similar greens I’ve seen.

14 is the last par 3, and forces you to carry water and bunkers from 185 at the member’s tees. Fortunately, there’s a decent bailout right if taking dead aim feels too aggressive.

15 has water all down the left side and makes the approach shot feel particularly perilous.

16 is one of my favorite holes on the back. At only 320 yards from the tips, this drivable par 4 makes you want to go for it.

But water covers the entire left side, and bunkers near the green on the right, means the landing zone with driver calls for a very precise shot. 

18 is a stout par 5. While it only plays 530 from the member’s tees, it’s a burly 640 from the tips. 

When you look at where the back tees are on many of the holes, you get a sense of just how challenging this course can be. Especially considering you’ll be looking at some decent wind during most of the rounds you’ll play.

Final Thoughts on the Course

One of the major things Dutchman’s Pipe has going for it is its location.

With no traffic, you can be in Palm Beach in 10 minutes.

To have a club with this level of service, and a fun, challenging championship golf course so close in? It’s very rare.

While a 7,300 yard course may not seem like a big deal in most places. When you consider the lengths of other nearby high-end courses? The Everglades, 5,655. The Breakers 5,778. Palm Beach Country Club 6,155.

A course of this caliber is very unique for the area.

With so many tee options, this is a course you could play every day and not get sick of. And when they’ve finished building out the lifestyle amenities for the club? It will quickly become a place you’ll never want to leave.

Want to Play Dutchman’s Pipe? Here’s how you can…

In most cases, the public will never get an opportunity to play a course that’s as expensive and intensely private Dutchman’s Pipe.

But as part of the development deal, guests of the neighboring resort The Belgrove, get limited access to play the course.

It’s not a slam dunk, however. Members always get priority, you’ll need to show proof of handicap, and you can expect the cost for the day after green fees and caddie fees to be approaching 4 figures.

But when you’re on property, you get the full membership experience – which will make for one very special day of golf.

Is it Worth Staying at The Belgrove?

The Belgrove just opened in December 2024, and I spent two nights there on this trip in January 2025.

The resort is beautiful. 

The lobby feels light and airy, and the main dining room, Society 48, is fantastic. I had both breakfast and dinner there, and each time the food was excellent.

However, the prices may be the most expensive I’ve ever seen at a resort hotel – which is saying something.

The pool area is beautiful, and in season the bar and al fresco dining looks like it will be wonderful.

The highlight may have been my room, however.

It was very well designed, felt modern and brand new, and the bed was as comfortable as any 5-star hotel I’ve stayed at.

My wraparound pool view balcony was also one of the largest hotel balconies I’ve ever had.

During my stay, there were a handful of rough edges in terms of service and around the property. But I’m chalking that up to me staying there so soon after opening. The good news is that it was nothing significantly detrimental to my overall experience, and I wouldn’t expect any major issues as the resort matures.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the resort, and I’d absolutely stay here again during my next visit to Palm Beach.

Bottom line? Whether you’re looking for a luxury resort vacation and a spectacular round of golf, or perhaps a new home away from home in West Palm Beach – Dutchman’s Pipe is a fantastic place to consider.

The post Dutchman’s Pipe Club Lives up to (High) Expectations appeared first on Breaking Eighty | Best Golf Courses and Golf Product Reviews.

Since then, I’ve visited 3 times and I count it as one of my favorite golf destinations in the country.

I mean, there’s just so much to like.

There are 7 golf courses that each provide a distinctly different playing experience.

The Ritz Carlton Lake Oconee is one of the most unique resort hotels in the country with its beautiful lakeside setting.

And if you’re lucky enough to be a Reynolds Platinum Member, you get access to insane amenities, the over-the-top Creek Club – and now, the brand-new Richland Course.

The National at Reynolds was previously a collection of 3 nine hole loops designed by Tom Fazio.  All 3 of them ebb and flow through forests, out and back to the lake, and up and down some surprisingly diverse terrain.

But after over two decades, it was time for a change.

The Ridge and Cove 9s are now the “National” course.

And they took the Bluff 9, and added an additional 9 holes to make up the new Richland Course.

And I was one of the first ones to play it.

How’d it turn out? Let’s see.

First Impressions of the Richland Course at Reynolds

One thing I love about Reynolds is how easy it is to get to. For me, I took a direct flight from PDX to ATL, hopped in my rental car, and rolled in right around 3:30 in the afternoon coming off a 6:20am flight – not bad.

In this particular instance, the timing worked out perfectly.

I arrived two days before the soft opening, right as the light was getting good. 

I hopped in a cart and essentially had the whole course to myself to get some photos.

Tipped out Richland comes in at 7,090 yards – or a more manageable, yet still stout, 6554 from the members combo tees.

With Richland, the Fazio team got creative with the routing. The first 5 holes of the course are the original 5 of the Bluff 9, then holes 6-14 are all new, and the routing finishes with the last 4 from the Bluff.

I’d played the Bluff 9 once before, so I was excited to see what changes were made and how they fit in with the new routing,.

The first thing I thought to myself when stepping up to the first tee was “this feels Augusta-ish”.

Now before you criticize, hear me out. 

The land and setting is very similar to Augusta, and considering Tom Fazio is the consulting architect on the course, it’s not surprising to see some similarities.

Specifically, you feel it in the bunkering and the pine straw.

The National Course was always considered one of, if not the toughest course at Reynolds.

Richland while very playable, definitely isn’t a slouch in the challenge department.

Given the unique nature of the design, it really does feel like there are three distinct acts to the course.

The first 5.

The second 9.

The final 4.

Let’s take a look at each.

The First 5 Holes at Richland

One of my favorite aspects of this course is that you always have something to look forward to – there’s a ton of variety.

This is true within each section of the course as well.

You’re met with a gentle par 4 opener that plays slightly uphill, but a wide fairway gives you plenty of freedom to swing away.

The second amps up the difficulty with a tricky green, and some scary bunkering. They cleared out some trees behind the green, to open up views of 3, improving the early holes’ cohesiveness.

I’d expected the Bluff holes to essentially be the same as when I last saw them, but they made some pretty significant changes to these holes.

The bunker design is completely different, for one. You used to see the grass come down the bunker face much more. But with the new course, and new technology, they were able to have steep white sand bunker faces – that are visually striking.

Here’s the 3rd hole before the renovation and after:

Fazio said they used “Capillary Concrete” to be able to achieve this. This significantly helps drainage and helps mitigate embedded balls in the bunker faces during all but the wettest conditions. 

The 3rd and 4th holes are the ones I look forward to during this opening stretch.

The 3rd is a big dogleg right par 5 with a fun tee shot, and provides your first peak at Lake Oconee behind the green.

4 is one of the best par 3s at Reynolds, playing upwards of 200 yards directly along the lake.

The par 3s at Richland are no joke measuring 193, 159, 203 and 211 from the tips.

5 takes a turn inland and lets you swing away off the tee, but forces a thoughtful approach to a slightly elevated green.

The New 9 Holes at Richland

From 9 green you head across the road, up a hill, and all of a sudden the vibe completely changes.

You’re met with a 75-acre parcel of fairly open land that makes up the brand-new 9 holes that Fazio designed.

The new holes have a different feel to the originals, which largely play through tree-lined residential corridors.

You still get hits of this at times on the new 9, but as a whole, everything is much more open – and is unlike anything else at Reynolds.

The par 4 6th is a blast to play. 

The hole dips downhill halfway down the fairway, so you can’t see the green from the tee.

But a well-struck drive will get you a big-time roll, and potentially leave you with just a wedge in.

One of the most interesting visual features of the new holes is “lovegrass” that was planted throughout the 9. It adds both a level of added challenge, but also looks stunning.

The 7th is mid-range par 3 that plays slightly uphill to a large green.

The 8th is one of my favorite holes on the property. It’s a downhill par 5 that is reachable in two for big hitters, but an undulating green and thoughtfully placed bunkers force you to be strategic, and consider laying up instead for a better angle in.

The 9th feels the most similar to the original Bluff holes with trees on both sides of the hole. But there’s still ample room to bomb a drive, and some obvious bailout spots both on the right side of the fairway and left side of the green.

Maybe it’s just because they’re both Fazio designs, but the new holes most reminded me of Hudson National in New York as I was playing them – although I have yet to see the renovation work he did on it this year.

At 10 you’re met with arguably the toughest hole on the course.

It’s a long uphill par 4, with one of the most heavily undulated greens on the course.

The newer holes definitely have more severe undulations on the greens than the original 9 – which I loved. They feel more unique, and lead to some interesting putts.

The superintendent was clearly having some fun with us, considering some of the pin positions he gave us the day we played

11 is the most fun tee shot on the course. A downhill par 4 that felt reminiscent of the 10th hole at Porcupine Creek, despite some different bunkering.

12 is an uphill par 5 that features a tricky approach as the visibility of the green isn’t great. Watch out for the sucker pin directly behind the bunker.

13 is a visually stunning par 4. Bright white, high-faced bunkers married with copious amounts of lovegrass had this hole showing off at Golden Hour.

14 is the second of the new par 3s. It features a giant greenside bunker right that will force the hole to play differently depending on the day’s pin position, and which tee boxes you choose. The further back you go, the further right the tee boxes are – forcing more of a carry over the bunker.

Overall the new holes provide a ton of variety amongst themselves, as well as a set of 9 holes that’s unlike anything else at Reynolds – which is all you can hope for when getting a new course.

The Final 4 Holes at Richland

Coming back to the final 4 holes is a little bit of a shock to the system, as these holes feel very different from the ones that preceded it.

There are a couple of ways to look at this.

It’s hard to ignore the fact that the new vs old holes do have a bit of Jekyll and Hyde vibes. They feel different, and since the new 9 sits sandwiched between the old holes – this feeling is amplified. The good news is that I think this will change over the next few years as the course matures.

The other way to look at it, is that this approach provides a ton of variety.

Every single hole at Richland feels distinctly different from each other which I absolutely love.

I’ll take a little less cohesiveness in favor of variety every single time.

And the most unique of all of the holes may come during the final 4.

The 15th is a big downhill par 5, with a lake guarding the green. It’s reachable in two, but it requires a hero carry over the water.

16 is a long downhill par 3 with a creek all down the righthand side – and is a fun way to end the par 3s.

Throughout the golf at Reynolds there are a number of holes that work prominent creeks into the course design, and these are always among some of my favorite holes at the resort.

I just mentioned 16, 12 on Oconee, 3 at Creek Club, 5 at Great Waters, and 17 at Richland is another one,

I was happy to see this element carried over from the original design. 17 is a great par 4 with a creek that splits the fairway 3/4 of the way up, and then runs all the way up the right side of the green. You really need to be careful when you get a back right pin position.

18 finishes right below the National clubouse, and forces you to be precise with your tee shot. There’s a bit more room right than it looks, but you’ll be left with a tricky approach that’s all carry out of some gnarly Bermuda rough.

Final Thoughts on the Richland Course at Reynolds Lake Oconee

When it comes to clubs or resorts that have multiple golf courses, the most important element to have (for me), is Visit Sitevariety.

I don’t want to see 7 of the exact same course.

And if there’s one thing that Reynolds excels at, it’s providing unique and different golf experiences at each of their courses. 

Richland does a wonderful job of continuing this. 

The new holes are unlike anything else that’s there, and the original Bluff holes have been thoughtfully edited to make them more cohesive with the new ones – even if they don’t totally feel like it yet.

This new 18-hole course will be exclusive to Reynolds Platinum members,  and I know they’re going to be excited.

The other members-only course there is Creek Club, which is quite simply, one of the most fun courses you; ‘ll ever play. But it’s also a wild design that isn’t necessarily a course you’d want to play every day.

Richland on the other hand is a wonderful test of golf, is more straightforward, and is a course you could play day in and day out and never get bored of.

That might be the best compliment I can give it, and I’m excited to see it in another couple of years after it’s continued to mature.

The post The Richland Course at Reynolds Lake Oconee is a Wonderful Marriage of Old and New appeared first on Breaking Eighty | Best Golf Courses and Golf Product Reviews.

A father and son duo, fresh off a morning trail ride, saunter into the pro shop at Mountain Sky’s Rising Sun golf course. The dad is still sporting a ten-gallon hat and pair of cowboy boots. He swaps his headwear out for a ball cap, but then realizes he forgot to bring a change of shoes.  

Mike Petersen, the track’s superintendent who also directed the construction of the Johnny Miller design, greets them warmly. Having worked on four other layouts with the Desert Fox, Petersen had usually moved on after the work was done, but he fell in love with this one and decided to stay put. 

The elder guest informs Petersen of his footwear flub and asks if it’s cool if he plays with his Ariats on.

“You’d tear up my greens,” quips the genial super before hooking up the dude with a pair of golf kicks in his size.

Going straight from the saddle of a Quarter Horse to behind the wheel of a Club Car is a pretty singular experience that can be had at this nearly century-old dude ranch that sprawls over 17, 000 acres of Montana’s Paradise Valley, situated just 30 miles north of Yellowstone National Park.

The vast and varied unspoiled landscape is festooned with sagebrush meadows, yellow-leaved stands of aspen, dense pine forest, and nearly five miles of trout-filled streams that wend through the cinematic environs sandwiched by the gobsmackingly gorgeous backdrops of the Absaroka and Gallatin mountain ranges. The fictional Dutton ranch portrayed on the smash hit TV series Yellowstone may be 257 miles west in real life in Darby, MT but the show is meant to be set in Paradise Valley and in later seasons scenes of the Neo-Western drama were filmed in the vicinity. 

Arthur Blank, the co-founder of Home Depot and the owner of the Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta United FC, and PGA Tour Superstore, first visited the ranch when he was still the CEO of the big box hardware store chain. He fell in love with the property and eventually bought it after retiring from Home Depot in 2001, adding golf to the menu a decade later.

Rising Sun Fun

Easily a contender for the top of the podium spot among the golf hall of famer and former NBC commentator’s couple dozen creations, from the road in you don’t even notice the Desert Fox’s handiwork till you pull up to the barn-style clubhouse. 

The Miller design with infinite panoramic views just feels completely integrated into the aux naturel wilderness that surrounds it. Only open to resort guests on a dude ranch where saddling-up for a four-hour cattle drive or a shorter ride with no to-do list, other than bonding with your steed and drinking in the primo scenery are at the very top of an extensive activities leaderboard that includes guided sunrise hikes, yoga classes, a ropes course, fly fishing instruction and more, the chances of you running into another group during your round is slim to none. My group only spied a couple other golfers over our two eighteen-hole trips on both occasions they were a couple fairways over yonder.

The course measures 7207 yards from the tips, 6716 from the blues and 6168 from the whites, and the 360-degree with burbling streams, center-line bunkers and some blind second shots ratcheting up the challenge of what is ostensibly a target golf layout whose secrets are divulged with repeated play.

You know a course is going to be kickass when you’re already snapping pics in the driving range. The surrounding mountain will have your head on a swivel, taking in expansive and magnificent vistas that look almost too beautiful to be real. 

As far as standout holes go, No. 4, a par-5 dubbed ‘Road Hole,’ sports a boomerang shaped fairway with a massive waste bunker on the left and native grasses circling the green. Its curves bear more resemblance to a double-apex increasing radius turn on a Grand Prix track than the 17th at Saint Andrews that it’s named after. Knowledge of F1 racing lines will come in handy when it comes to determining the optimum tee shot placement.

Then there’s No 6, a split fairway no-guts-no-glory risk/reward weighting affair that dares golfers to brave a direct flight over a creek to a skinnier landing strip or play it safe and lay up on the wider lefthand side.

Hitters used to simply smoking their opening salvo dead straight may be flummoxed by a series of center-line fairway bunkers Mr. Miller has deployed with relish on No. 8, No. 14, No. 16—all challenging, yet well-conceived tests. The course finishes especially strong with a pair of doozies that take groups out with a bang.  A long downhill par 3 is followed up by a bodacious par 5 closer where the whole course comes into view and tee shots feel a little extra triumphant, thanks to a 60-foot drop zone down to the fairway below. 

After a day of navigating fairways and greens, why not try your hand at a different kind of aim game. After all, what’s a Western paradise without a little rootin’ tootin’ gunslinging?  The sporting clays range offers a chance to test your skills while getting a load of and absolutely killer view.

Both 20 gauge pump-action and over/under shot guns are available to flex your aim game, trailing and then splattering discs thrown from over a half dozen locations.  

Communal Dining and Cowboy Camaraderie

Guests flock to the dining room at the appointed mealtime hours; everybody chows down at the same time like one big extended family. There’s even a dinner bell rung to get the cattle call going and everybody chowing down at the same time creates a communal vibe—we’re all learning the cowboy way together from Sunday to Sunday.

Whether it’s during activities, the buffet line, or shared shuttles there’s ample opportunity to make fast friends over shared experiences and the epicenter of hobnobbing with ranch visitors and staff takes place in the saloon where après dinner drinks are knocked back and yarns of the fun that was had before the sun went down are spun. 

Often, it feels like you’re on the set of Westworld with guests cowboying up to the nines—even for meals and nightcaps. Keeping with the time travel theme, WiFi intentionally only works in the main lodge, and the only television on property is in the pro shop.

The grub and accommodations slightly deviate from the Old West script, but do so in a good way. The cuisine feels more Michelin-star-seeking than chuckwagon cookery or range fare—think pan-roasted Tasman salmon over a grilled citrus polenta and partnered up with buttered baby spinach lemon preserves and crispy artichokes or a Basque cake with a rum anglaise and red wine sauce.  

Weeklong family high-season packages start on June 15 and run through August 24, 2025, with shorter stay options available during the spring and fall shoulder seasons. As with all great vacation destinations these days, it’s highly recommended to book a year in advance because this dude ranch fills up faster than a mountain stream after a snowmelt.

I was a guest of Mountain Sky Guest Resort and they covered my expenses for this trip. I didn’t receive any cash payments, and all thoughts and opinions of the property are my own.

The post Mountain Sky: A Unique Five-Star Guest Ranch appeared first on Breaking Eighty | Best Golf Courses and Golf Product Reviews.

It was about 2pm when we first arrived at Turnberry.

I was exhausted, having been traveling for close to 24 hours and not sleeping a wink on either of my plane rides.

However none of that mattered as we pulled up to the Links Lodge Bed and Breakfast, which was literally right off the first green of the Ailsa Course at Turnberry.

Note: I can’t recommend this place highly enough. The owner Chris was fantastic, and the location is incredible.

It became immediately clear that this was one of the most beautiful courses and regions in the world.

Rather than play on our first day, we decided to wait and give us time to relax, rest, and take in a little bit of the small town of Turnberry – this proved to be an excellent decision.

After a quick rejuvenating nap I spent 45 minutes walking down the beach at sunset, taking photos of the course and just taking in where I was. This marked my first trip back to Europe since I was in college, and I don’t think I’ve ever felt like I was so far away.

I travel to Asia on a fairly frequent basis these days, so it almost feels normal. This, however, even with people speaking English truly made me feel like I was on the edge of the earth.

Everything was peaceful, all I heard was water.  The occasional golfer strolled by on the 3rd or 4th greens, but what this time allowed me to do was really soak in and appreciate my surroundings – something I’d encourage everyone who visits Turnberry to do.

We had dinner at Souters Inn, which was about a 7 minute drive from the resort, and it was one of the best travel experiences I’ve had. We met almost everyone at the restaurant.

They wanted to talk golf, travel, whiskey, the US, the impending referendum. I expected lots of tourists, but all we found was extremely friendly Scots who insisted on buying us tastes of some of the local scotch (that you won’t find anywhere else in the world).

To say that the trip was off to a good start would be an understatement, and we hadn’t even gotten to the first round of golf yet!

Trump Turnberry Resort and Golf Club

We arrived at the course the next morning and couldn’t wait to get going. We checked in and headed to the range to get warmed up. After hearing that most courses in Scotland didn’t have a range, I was kind of surprised to see it along with a the full Turnberry Performance Academy there. Definitely some of the better practice facilities we saw on the trip.

I also got my first crack at practicing out of a pot bunker, and let’s just say it was a little rough.

We couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day to start the trip, as the weather was just as beautiful as it was the previous day before.

One of the things we noticed pretty immediately was how unpretentious everything was. I mean this was one of the most historic courses in Open Golf! It’s where Tom Watson hit a 7 iron 178 yards to two feet in 1977. It’s where he also almost became the oldest person to every win a major in 2009.

The 18th green was just right there, all that history. It wasn’t behind a giant gate, or closed off with a bunch of security guards. It was a mere 50 feet from the road and locals were walking their dogs right by the course.

This would be the first taste of how Scottish golf differed from golf back in the States, and I’ve gotta say – in that regard, I really liked it.

Just the Facts: Ailsa Course

• Designer: Willie Fernie, with renovations done in the 1950s by Phillip Mackenzie Ross, and Martin Ebert in 2016
• Built in: 1902 (Re-opened after WW2 in 1951)
• Rank: #8 Greatest 100 Courses in the World (Golf Digest 2024), #18 Top 100 Courses in the World (Golf 2023-24)
• Location: Turnberry, Ayrshire, Scotland
• Notable Tournaments: British Open (1977, 1986, 1994, 2009)
• 2025 Fees: £325-1,000, nonresident rates, depending on guest status and time of year
• Website: http://www.turnberry.co.uk
  
• Slope: 130, Rating: 72

The Ailsa Course at Trump Turnberry

We headed to the first tee, and the starter proceeded to give us one of the best starting “packages” I’d ever received. With our scorecard, we got a yardage book, and a Turnberry tin with tees inside. A nice touch that makes you feel as though the £250 greens fees for non-resort guests are really worth it.

The starter offered to take our photo – and you can tell it wasn’t the first time he’s done this. Unlike most people who never seem to be able to get on-course photos framed up or in focus, he had us stand right behind the Ailsa Course sign, and snapped a great shot to start the trip.

Note: We played from the Trophy tees which measured 6100 yards – all distances from there. As it was our first round we decided to take it a bit easier on ourselves

Hole 1 – Ailsa Craig (Par 4, 340 yards)

Named after an island in the Firth of Clyde – I liked the way this course started.

Nothing too difficult, but if aren’t careful you could find yourself in trouble – as I unfortunately did. I hit a solid hybrid, but my first shot in Scotland landed in, where else? A pot bunker. Luckily I chipped out sideways and still made bogey – so I was feeling ok about that.

Watch out for the bunkers all down the left side of the fairway, and surrounding the front of the green. The bailout is long and right here.

Hole 2 – Mak Siccar (Make Sure) – (Par 4, 368 yards)

The second hole at Turnberry can be a brutal one if you’re not careful. This was my first introduction to bunkers in the middle of the fairway since last time I played Pacific Dunes – and fortunately (or unfortunately) for me I duck-hooked it into the third fairway (still chipped up for par).

The green runs off to the left so make sure you take enough club.

Hole 3 – Blaw Wearie (Out of Breath) – (Par 4, 386 yards)

In theory, I wasn’t a huge fan of the lapping the 2nd and 3rd holes seemed to do, but I really liked the third hole – especially considering it was bringing you ever closer to the water.

A slight dogleg left, if you’re too far right here you’ll have tough shot out of the rough – just watch out for fairway bunkers on the left.

It’s one of the longest par 4s on the course, and our caddie mentioned we were extremely lucky as it usually plays directly into the wind – there was no wind to be found…yet.

Hole 4 – Woe-Be-Tide (Par 3, 157 yards)

The first time I saw the 4th hole, the night before, I immediately said, “Now I see where Kidd got his influence for the 15th at Bandon Dunes.”

Contrary to the name, I think the tide is less of a concern here when compared to the giant bunker in the front right.

Hole 5 – Fin Me Out (Par 4, 392 yards)

This was my favorite par 4 on the course – and the first time I really thought “ok, now this is a cool hole.”

If you’ve been following my blog for a while you know that often it isn’t the long championship courses I like the best, but it’s the ones with a little more interest and uniqueness, and I really felt this hole had that.

A long, sharp, dogleg left the best play is directly over the two bunkers on the left – however the safer play is center of the fairway – giving you a long approach in. The approach shot isn’t any easier with a forebunker on the left, followed immediately by two greenside bunkers. I was playing in wiht a 6 iron and Dan had a 4 wood – so depending on where you’re at, this can be really tricky.

The dunes on either side of the fairway also added a cool feel to the hole.

Hole 6 – Tappie Toorie (Hit to the top) (Par 3, 187 yards)

When you walk up to the 6th tee box a bit of excitement builds as you can see the famous lighthouse looming in the distance. This is one of the tougher par 3s on the course.  The green slopes severely from back to front – and if you don’t get it squarely on the center of the green there’s a good chance it’s coming back.

All. The. Way. Back.

I hit a solid hybrid to the front of the green that looked like it would stay. 10 seconds later, it slowly started falling back down, before finally resting 40 yards short (and below) the green.

This is also the first hole where we realized how valuable a caddie can be. Dan had a 35 foot snaker for par, and he put it right on the line that his caddie told him. Right in the back of the cup.

Hole 7 – Roon the Ben (Round the mountain) – (Par 4, 463 yards)

The par 5, 7th isn’t quite a “Cape” hole but pretty close.

The hole bends sharply to the left and there’s deep rough if you don’t hit the fairway.

You can cut off some of the fairway if you’re feeling ballsy and go for it in two, just watch out for the bunker directly over your target line.

That being said, your second and third shots are pretty severely uphill, so your best bet is probably to play it conservatively and hit 3 good shots into the green.

After a great drive, my second found a fairway bunker that took a solid 4 shots to get out of – so you know, there goes the score for that round

Hole 8 – Goat Fell – (Par 4, 365 yards)

Another slight dogleg left – I didn’t realize how many of them there were on this course until I started going back and writing this.

The nice thing about links golf is that the holes are pretty open – so it’s not like the Pacific Northwest where a dogleg left is often narrow and treelined. Even my typical slice, could often keep me in the fairway.

The toughest part of this hole is the bunkering. Fairway bunkers on the right, and a deep bunker short and left of the elevated green.

Hole 9 – Bruce’s Castle (Par 4, 388 yards)

Note: The following few holes are a commentary on how the course was pre-2016 when Martin Ebert made some major changes to these holes, which most of have found to be overwhelmingly positive. Will update with the new routing next time I play the course.

Ah, we made it! The hole so many people had talked about. One of the most beautiful in Scotland. The beginning of a stretch that I’d often heard referred to as “The Pebble Beach of Scotland.”

Now don’t get me wrong, this is a beautiful golf hole. But it wasn’t quite as spectacular as I was expecting. I was thinking it would be more right on the water – and the hole itself I found to be relatively uninteresting. Straight out with a semi-blind tee shot over a ridge – I really felt like they could have done more with the land.

I do regret not heading back and hitting one from the Championship tees here, as I definitely think they made the hole quite a bit more interesting, forcing you to hit over the craggy rocks.

But honestly, guests can’t play from those tees (nor should most of them), so while yes it’s an Open Rota course, I would have liked to see them make it more dramatic for the 98% of rounds on the course.

It’s also worth noting there is a lot of history surrounding the area around the lighthouse – and you can see some of the remnants in the form of old stone walls. I’d loved to have a plaque or something that told more about the history of the area (if there was one, I somehow missed it).

Hole 10 – Dinna Fouter (Don’t Mess About) – (Par 4, 415 yards)

Ok, this is where the wow factor showed up. Everyone had told me about the 9th hole, but for some reason completely unbeknownst to me – no one mentioned the 10th, which is the coolest and most scenic hole on the course.

A long dogleg left directly around the water, and playing slightly downhill, this hole immediately from the tee, immediately evoked thoughts of the 6th at Tetherow, which I’d played the week before. Funnily enough, this is another Kidd design – so I can see where he got a lot of his inspiration.

You have bunkers in the center of the fairway, forcing you to make the decision to try and tackle the water and go to the left of the bunker, go to the right, which brings the rough into play, or layup short – giving you a long approach shot.

The island bunker guarding your approach shot was definitely a cool feature and something I hadn’t seen before.

Hole 11 – Maidens – (Par 3, 146 yards)

The first par 3 on the back, is also the last of the three holes playing along the water.

It’s a scenic hole, yes, but is it a world-class par 3? Not necessarily. It’s pretty flat and the main defense are the two steep-faced bunkers guarding the hole (primarily the left one), which had a great pin placement directly behind it.

Don’t me wrong, it’s by no means a bad hole, I just feel as though there’s a lot that could have been done to make hole even more visually interesting and strategic.

Hole 12 – Monument – (Par 4, 377 yards)

This hole gets its name from the monument on the hill that commemorates the airmen who lost their lives while stationed at Turnberry during the World Wars.

It’s interesting to note that the whole course and region was heavily involved in WW2. Some of the fairways were converted to landing strips, and the hotel was used as a hospital to treat the wounded.

Another hole that usually plays into the wind, you need to navigate your drive carefully, being mindful of fairway bunkers jutting out on the left.

I got lucky with my approach barely clearing the scary bunker guarding the front right of the green, and having the ball roll back down to the center of the green.

Hole 13 – Tickly Tap (Tricky little stroke) – (Par 4, 344 yards)

A dogleg right, watch out for the three fairway bunkers off your drive. The green here is larger than it looks from the fairway, but make sure you hit it, as if you miss, you’ll have a tricky pitch back up to it.

Hole 14 – Risk-An-Hope – (Par 4, 390 yards)

A long, and difficult par 4 that wasn’t necessarily my favorite. The hole plays uphill, and you need to watch out for the bunkers on the right off the tee. The green is surrounded by three bunkers on the front and both sides, and there’s a good chance you’ll be playing with a mid to long iron in.

Hole 15 – Ca’ Canny (Take care) – (Par 3, 170 yards)

The last par 3 on the course is also one of the longest. On a clear day you’ll have a beautiful view of the hotel in the background, and trouble awaiting you on both sides of the green. If you’re too far right, you’ll fall down a sleep slope in the rough, and if you’re left you’ll have a deep pot bunker to contend with – this gets even scarier with a left hand pin placement.

Hole 16 – Wee Burn – (Par 4, 385 yards)

This long dogleg right was redesigned for the 2009 open – and features one of my favorite approach shots on the course.

The burn is a feature of Scottish golf that I was looking forward to seeing, and this would be my first run in with one. “Wilson’s Burn” guards the front of this green, and you want to make sure you take enough club – as the rough is cut pretty short, and just about anything landing short of the green has a good chance of rolling back in the water.

Hole 17 – Lang Whang (Long whack) – (Par 5, 457 yards)

This was my favorite par 5 on the course and a great hole to have in the finishing stretch. Oh, and by that I also mean, the only par 5 on the course, as it plays to a par 69.

It’s reachable in two, but anything other than a well placed tee shot could leave you in the rough without a shot at the green, or worse, in the large fairway bunker on the right.

The bunkers that appear to be on the right of the green are actually forebunkers, giving you plenty of room to hit over them. The miss here is short and right as there’s actually quite a bit of open room there – as long as you get past the aforementioned bunkers.

Hole 18 – Duel in the Sun – (Par 4, 370 yards)

Ah, one of the most storied holes in Open Golf. Renamed to commemorate the 1977 Open, Duel in the Sun requires a solid tee shot avoiding the three fairway bunkers on the left – and gorse on the right.

There’s a good chance you’ll still have a long approach shot, so be careful and err short of the green and putt or chip on if need be.

Dan and I both tried Watson’s 178 yard shot, with a 7 iron no less, and well, let’s just say we didn’t drop it to within 2 feet.

Final Thoughts on the Ailsa Course at Turnberry

Overall our day at Turnberry couldn’t have been better. The course wasn’t that packed, so we could play at our own pace, the weather was phenomenal, and both Dan and I didn’t play half bad.

Of the Open Courses we played I’d say it was a toss up between here and Carnoustie for which one was my favorite. Turnberry absolutely had the scenery and vibe, but I felt that Carnoustie had holes with a bit more interest.  That being said, of all of the 9 courses we played on the trip, Dan liked Turnberry the best.

It’s absolutely worth the trip and the money to play on any Scotland trip, and everyone we encountered here was extremely friendly and excited to see us there.

I’m looking forward to watching the Open next time it makes it back here, and also curious to see what changes occur over the next few years now that Donald Trump has purchased the course and the resort.

Find a list of more of my Scotland course reviews here.

Recent Updates:

August 15, 2024: Updated pricing to reflect 2025 green fees, updated “ranking” to 2024 rankings, added link to other Scotland golf writeups, changed name to “Trump Turnberry.”

The post Trump Turnberry: Is the Ailsa Course the Most Scenic in Scotland? appeared first on Breaking Eighty | Best Golf Courses and Golf Product Reviews.

There’s a very good chance that anyone who has made the pilgrimage to Bandon Dunes has a personal ranking of the resort’s five courses. It’s an inevitability that has sparked many a fervent debate amongst “Bandonistas”, as everyone’s list is inherently different (even Golf Digest, Golf Magazine, and GolfWeek’s lists vary slightly).

I’ve been fortunate to visit Bandon Dunes a half dozen or so times and have played every course (save for Bandon Dunes proper) more than once. I’ve experienced blustery summer conditions, dead still 65-degree days in January, and rounds in near-freezing temperatures with sleet and gusts up to 60 miles per hour… I’ve seen it all.

With that in mind — and not that anyone asked — my list goes:

1. Pacific Dunes (Seemingly the general consensus)
2. Old Mac (Always underrated)
3. Bandon Trails (The best-designed course on property, but not on the ocean)
4. Sheep Ranch (Fun, but almost too quirky)
5. Bandon Dunes (Heresy! I know, I know… maybe I just need to play it again)

As an example of how wildly different opinions can be, here’s Sean’s take on the best:

It should be obvious that the rankings are not on a “best to worst” scale and rather operate in the “best to least-best” arena, as the “bottom” course on anyone’s list would top the rankings in most states — the depth at Bandon is just that good.

We’ve made a habit of taking an annual work trip down to the promised land the past few winters — something we all enthusiastically look forward to all year.

Unsurprisingly, the drive back is always the worst part, but ranking the courses is a fun exercise (as is the ensuing debate) to combat the Bandon blues hangover on the four-hour haul back to Portland.

Trying to kill even more windshield time one year, we wanted to take it one step further — an eclectic 18. For those not familiar, that’s the practice of choosing the best first hole, best second hole, best third hole, and so on from a group of courses (the five at Bandon, in this case) and seeing how the lists compare.

It’s certainly more in-depth than just flatly ranking the courses and is a worthy exercise because it forces you to essentially relive every hole of the trip — never a problem with Bandon.

As expected, responses vary in our group, but here’s what my current personal Bandon “Eclectic 18″ list looks like.

First Hole – Sheep Ranch (Par 5, 549 yards)

Starting at the high point of the course and slowly cascading down to the cliffside green, the reveal as the player rounds the dogleg left turn and is smacked in the face with the entirety of the course and the expanse of the Pacific is one of the coolest moments on any Bandon trip.

Easily the best opener on property.

Second Hole – Bandon Dunes (Par 3, 189 yards)

This may not be the most popular choice, but to me there’s something that fits my eye about the teeing grounds and greensite of this hole. Sometimes that’s all it takes.

Third Hole – Old Macdonald (Par 4, 375 yards)

If choosing a blind line off of the tee in relation to the iconic Ghost Tree isn’t enough to solidify this as the best third hole at Bandon, then looking back up at the tumbling and flowing fairway from the green will. One of my favorite non-ocean views at the resort.

Fourth Hole – Pacific Dunes (Par 4, 463 yards)

You have the entire United States as the safe miss on the left side, but to have a comfortable second shot the golfer has to flirt with the mighty Pacific on the right. It’s almost inevitable that I lose at least one ball over the cliff every time I play this hole, but I can’t help but crack a smile while watching it sail into the ocean.

Fifth Hole – Bandon Dunes (Par 4, 428 yards)

Almost shaped like a bottle, the mounding in the middle of the fairway and the Pacific on the left side of the hole make for an exciting tee shot while the long and skinny green recessed into a small amphitheater of dunes requires a precise second. There’s no other hole like it on property.

Sixth Hole – Sheep Ranch (Par 4, 460 yards)

Speaking of exciting tee shots, there’s no avoiding the ocean on this one. Bite off as much as you can chew and you’ll still have a pretty severe uphill tee shot to the fairly large and receptive green. Simply epic all the way up.

Seventh Hole – Old MacDonald (Par 4, 363 yards)

In any sort of wind, this hole is a brute.

While the tee shot is less about distance and more about placement, the second shot is one of the most uphill second shots at Bandon.

It typically plays into at least a slight breeze coming off of the ocean and anything short will roll back to your feet, into a bunker, or into thick gorse — trust me, I’ve experienced all three fates. Once up at the green, you’re rewarded with a hell of a view and one of the best-located turn stands in golf.

Eighth Hole – Old Macdonald (Par 3, 181 yards)

Coming directly back down the hill you just played up on the Seventh, this long par three plays to an oblong Biarritz-style green, making for putts and chips that are just as fun as the tee shot. Play this hole while taking sips of Guinness or bites of a hot dog (or both) for best results.

Ninth Hole – Pacific Dunes (Par 4, 406 yards)

One of the unique things about Pacific Dunes is that depending on the day, the 9th and 10th
holes can play completely differently, with the former having two separate greens (Upper and
Lower) and the latter having two separate teeing grounds (also Upper and Lower).

While I prefer the “Lower” green site, the “Upper” version is still better than the other ninth holes on property (and sets up for the better version of the 10th).

Tenth Hole – Bandon Trails (Par 4, 418 yards)

Another choice that may not be so popular, this hole gives off distinct Pine Valley vibes… never a bad thing. (Another beer is waiting after walking off of this green, too… also never a bad
thing.)

Eleventh Hole – Pacific Dunes (Par 3, 148 yards)

My favorite hole on property, I think the 11th at Pacific Dunes embodies the Bandon experience perfectly. It’s rugged, yet picturesque — daunting, but playable.

I’ll likely never not ask for my picture to be taken hitting this tee shot (I have a near-perfect record of that so far…something that can’t be said for me hitting the green).

Twelfth Hole – Pacific Dunes (Par 5, 529 yards)

Okay, my Pacific Dunes bias is starting to show. Running parallel to the Fourth, the meeting
point of the Fourth and Thirteenth tees with the Twelfth and Third greens (and the accompanying turn stand) is one of my favorite spots on property.

Thirteenth Hole – Pacific Dunes (Par 4, 444 yards)

You saw it coming. Just a badass, straight uphill par four framed by the Pacific to the left and
massive dunes on the right with nowhere to hide. A truly sick golf hole in every sense of the
word (especially if it’s playing into the wind).

Fourteenth Hole – Bandon Trails (Par 4, 325 yards)

Probably the most polarizing hole on property… and one which I happen to love.

We have a tradition of playing this as a “zen hole”, meaning that once our group has holed out on the thirteenth, no one can say a word until we hole out on the fourteenth (something that was suggested by a caddie one year — one who maybe got tired of hearing the moaning the groaning that tends to occur on this hole).

The view from behind the tee box is among the most scenic on property and is also where Mike Keiser decided that this plot of land was the place to build his golf mecca — definitely a good spot to take it all in and enjoy the silence.

Fifteenth Hole – Bandon Trails (Par 4, 406 yards)

This hole flies way under most people’s radars, but I think it’s one of the most charming at Bandon and is almost seemingly something you would find at the venerable heathland courses of England.

Due to a pair of centerline bunkers, the tee shot requires some thought on which line to take and also which club to hit. The second shot into a large two-tiered green nestled sublimely into a tree-lined hillside is one of my favorites in the world (assuming I avoided the bunkers off the tee).

Sixteenth Hole – Bandon Dunes (Par 4, 363 yards)

In short, one of the most epic short par fours in golf and easily the best hole at Bandon Dunes proper.

With a chasm to clear off the tee and a two-tiered fairway to navigate, the tiny green seems like it’s miles away and almost dripping off the cliff into the Pacific, but in actuality, it’s just over 300 yards to the front edge for most. I’ve never seen another hole like it and I can’t wait to play it again.

Seventeenth Hole – Sheep Ranch (Par 4, 326 yards)

Almost an opposite hole to the Sixth at Sheep Ranch, the first time we played this hole was from the back of 16th green, dead over the cliffside and into a substantial breeze.

I’m not sure that exact tee box is in play anymore, but even with the hole playing a little straighter, it’s still nestled right up to the cliffs with picturesque ghost trees standing guard along the edge.

Eighteenth Hole – Old Macdonald (Par 4, 469 yards)

A common knock on Bandon as a whole (especially prior to the addition of Sheep Ranch) was that the openers and closers to each course weren’t particularly strong.

The punchbowl-esque green alone gives the eighteenth at Old Mac the nod in my book, and the recent addition of the Ghost Tree Grill and deck behind it makes it even more fun to watch balls bound up and curl
(hopefully) towards the pin.

Ian’s Bandon Eclectic 18

• Par 71: 13 Par Fours, Three Par Threes, Two Par Fives
• Out: 3,414 yards
• In: 3,428 yards
• Total: 6,842 yards

What does your list look like? Where am I wrong? Always happy to debate in the comments,
on Twitter/X, or over a beer at McKee’s (it goes without saying the latter is always preferred…)

Cheers!

The post Dream 18 #1: Ian Critser’s Eclectic 18 at Bandon Dunes Resort appeared first on Breaking Eighty | Best Golf Courses and Golf Product Reviews.

“Nemacolin.”

Oh, and where is that?

About an hour and a half outside Pittsburgh on the border of West Virginia.”

“And it’s supposed to be nice?

“Very.”

“Oh, ok. Have fun!”

I had some version of this conversation about half a dozen times before my recent trip to Nemacolin Resort.

It turns out, that if you’re from the West Coast? Most people simply aren’t familiar with Nemacolin…yet.

I’ve had a few reviews this past year that have been something along the lines of “the best resort you’ve never heard of.”

Sensei Porcupine Creek and Santa Lucia Preserve come to mind.

I really wanted to use that title here, because I simply wasn’t prepared for just how good Nemacolin was going to be.

Until a few months ago, I’ll be honest, I hadn’t really heard much about it.

But now that I’ve been? I’m an evangelist. It’s shocking to me that a resort of this size and caliber flies so under-the-radar outside of the region it’s in.

Today, I’m going to give you the full rundown of everything. We’re going to look at the two golf courses, the accommodations, dining, and activities – and help you decide if this is a place that you should consider visiting. 

So, if you’ve never heard of Nemacolin? You’re in for a treat. And if you’ve visited before? Then you have a good idea of exactly what’s to come.

What is Nemacolin Resort?

So if you’re like me, or any of my friends who live on the West Coast, you may be saying “What is Nemacolin?”

Nemacolin is a sprawling luxury golf resort set across 2200 acres outside of Pittsburgh on the border of Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

It opened in 1987 and was built by Joseph Hardy, the billionaire Founder of 84 Lumber.

And when I say luxury, I mean it. Rooms routinely go for upwards of $1,000 a night, the food is among the best I’ve ever had at a golf resort, and guests even get their own personal butler for the duration of their stay.

Despite the unfortunate passing of Mr. Hardy in 2023, his daughter Maggie is overseeing the resort, and her presence is felt throughout.

It’s pretty wild just how many updates they’ve done over the past 3 years, and they’re showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon.

First Impressions: Ok, I was NOT Expecting This

Pulling into Nemacolin (pronounced nemma-cole-in), I was immediately taken aback by the grandeur of the Chateau.

Despite opening only opening in 1997 to celebrate the 10 year anniversary of the resort, the Cheateau looks like it belongs in 19th century France.

It’s big, imposing, and opulent.

Walking through the front doors, you’re immediately met with an overwhelming sense of luxury that permeates all of your senses.

I focused a bit more on video for this trip, so be sure to watch the full video for more details of the property.

The first thing I noticed was the smell. As with many luxury hotels, there’s a signature scent at the Chateau, that just puts you at ease, and tells you that you’re someplace special.

I can’t imagine what the flower bill is for Nemacolin as there are beautiful bouquets everywhere.

Service was phenomenal from the moment I got on the property. 

Everyone seemed genuinely happy to help with whatever I needed, and having a butler at your beck and call is something I’ve only experienced at a handful of high-end properties in Asia.

Not something I expected in rural Pennsylvania.

You also quickly realize just how big Nemacolin is – and how much there is to do.

Fortunately, the shuttle service works just as well as at places like Bandon Dunes.

Once you’re on property, you’ll never need to touch your car, and never have to wait more than a few minutes for a shuttle to take you wherever you want to go.

But before we go too far into what the resort has to offer, let’s talk about the thing you’re likely most interested in: the golf.

Golfing at Nemacolin: Two Wildly Different Golf Experiences

Earlier in this review I mentioned Nemacolin being a “golf resort.”

But, despite the very high quality of the courses, it’s probably more apt to call it a “Resort with Golf” rather than a “Golf Resort.”

Why?

Because, to my surprise, most of the people who visit never step foot on either course.

For such a large resort, the two courses only get about 12,000 a year…combined.

Those are numbers you’d typically only see at a small exclusive private club.

But what that means for you, is that you’ll be treated to an excellent and personalized golf experience.

There are two courses at Nemacolin: Mystic Rock and Shepherds Rock.

And the two courses couldn’t be more different from one another.

Let’s first look at the more well-known of the two:

Mystic Rock: A Championship Course with PGA Pedigree

Mystic Rock is generally regarded as the “better” of the two Nemacolin golf courses. It was originally built in 1995 and designed by Pete Dye.

It’s also routinely found itself listed among the top 100 public courses in the country, and is currently #80 on the Golf Digest list.

At first glance, you might mistake the course for being an old-school Raynor design due to the rectangular bunkering you see on the newly remodeled 18th hole, and the dramatic green site on the drivable opening hole.

But as you work your way through you’ll find the course to be similar to a lot of Dye’s earlier work with massive bunkers and greens that are less over the top than some of his newer courses.

Mystic Rock was home to the 84 Lumber Invitational, a PGA Tour event from 2003-2006.

It’s a championship course with some great shot values, and it places a premium on hitting fairways and greens. 

And as with many Dye courses, there was a significant amount of blasting and “creating” the golf course to be what it is today. You’ll find reminders of this throughout ther property in the way of boulder piles and stacked stone used as a motif around the course.

Speaking of which, the course is beautiful The waterfall behind the John Daly statue on the 4th hole is particularly memorable.

The winding par 5 11th is another memorable one that forces you to be thoughtful with each shot.

This is followed up by the over-water par 3, 12th which has two different green sites.

We played 4 of the last 5 holes directly into a stout wind, which definitely amped up the difficulty of the course – but it certainly didn’t make it any less enjoyable.

Shepherds Rock: This is True Adventure Golf

Built-in 2017, Shepherd’s Rock has the distinction of being the last course Pete Dye designed before he passed away in January of 2020.

Mystic Rock is the more well-known of the two courses, in part due to the PGA pedigree and the fact it’s been around longer.

But Shepherd’s Rock provides a completely different golf experience, it’s the type of course I call “adventure golf.”

Where the routing takes you on a journey that feels like an expedition.

With Shepherd’s, you’ll find greens that are far more undulating and severe than over at Mystic – which is the primary defense of the course.

That’s not to say there aren’t tricky holes.

The par 4, 619 yard 4th hole is nicknamed “Beast” for a reason.

You’ll need to pick your spot carefully off the tee to avoid the centerline bunkers. And even a well-struck drive will then have to contend with an uphill green that has the potential to kick any balls left short 80 yards back down the hill.

For me, I think Shepherd’s is the most scenic of the two courses, and honestly, has some of the more memorable holes.

The short par 4 10th was among my favorites on the property. 

Built into a giant hillside, you can hit just about any club you want, depending on how aggressive you want to be. From the fairway, the green looks much smaller than it is, forcing you to pick your approach club well and commit.

Some of these memorable and scenic holes aren’t necessarily the most strategic, however. The 17th for instance has a fairway that’s so severely sloped that any ball hitting the left side of the fairway is destined roll to the right side – limiting your shot options.

I think objectively Mystic is the better golf course, but I found myself enamored with the fun, adventurous and at times over the top nature of Shepherd’s Rock.

I love the fact there are two distinctly different and unique courses, that will each appeal to golfers for different reasons.

The Golf Academy

Along with so many of the amenities that have received significant upgrades in the last 3 years, The Golf Academy was one of the first overhauls, receiving a $3 million renovation in 2021.

The result is pretty spectacular.

The space has four specialized Trackman bays, with two of those allowing you to hit out onto the connected driving range.

Technology is at the forefront here, as on top of the full Trackman setup, there’s also SwingCatyalyst sensors with Dual Force Plates.

No matter what level of golfer you are, there’s a way to improve your game here.

I also love this, as it keeps the golf season going through the Winter as well.

Caddy Shack Mini Golf

The 18 hole mini golf course at Nemacolin is excellent as well. It’s been recently renovated with fun holes and water features everywhere. 

I Wasn’t Prepared for Just How Unique the Nemacolin Accommodations Would Be

I suppose I should have been more prepared for it, considering the resort is spread across over 2k acres and has so much to offer.

But Nemacolin is really more like 4 resorts in one, because where you stay will significantly alter what your experience is like at Nemacolin.

There are three primary hotel options at the resort, as well as the option to stay in private houses on property. 

The Chateau at Nemacolin

For my trip, I stayed in a Chateau King Room, which just finished a massive remodel that re-opened over Memorial Day 2024.

And the result? Absolutely stunning.

I mentioned the experience of walking into the lobby for the first time, but walking into my room caught me even more off guard.

My flight was delayed, getting to the resort about 4 hours later than I’d planned. So I had my butler take my bags to the room, while I ran over to catch the tail end of dinner at The Peak and to play a little after-hours mini golf.

When I finally stepped into my room for the first time after 11pm, I was totally shocked.

This is what a luxury hotel room should look like.

First off, it was massive for a standard room at over 500 square feet.

But it had all kinds of little touches that significantly elevated it over most of the nicest hotel rooms I’ve stayed in.

The most obvious here is technology.

There are 4 touch screens that control everything from your lights, to your music, to the shades.

Technology can begin to feel dated fast. Even some of the most luxurious hotel rooms I’ve been in have started to feel a little tired.

But having just finished their remodel, this is entirely 21st century.

The Kohler Japanese-style toilet with a heated, massaging seat and touch screen was next level.

The room is also the first room I’ve ever stayed in to have an entire set of cocktail tools – which, the cocktail afficianado in me really appreciated. Even if 99% of guests will just head down to one of the excellent bars for their cocktail needs.

The espresso maker with steaming functon is also the nicest I’ve ever had in a hotel room before.

At an average rate eclipsing $1,000 a night in the peak season, you’re paying a price for this level of luxury.

That said, I’ve stayed in many similarly priced hotel rooms that did not feel worthy of the price tag. The experience of staying at the Chateau feels every bit worth the money.

The Grand Lodge: The Suite Life

The more I dig into just how much has been done to Nemacolin in the past 3 years, the more remarkable it seems.

The Grand Lodge got a huge overhaul that opened up in November 2023. The hotel now features 56 different suites, that range from a massive penthouse, to still huge King Suites.

One thing that’s kind of cool about this property is that the Chateau and Grand Lodge are connected. They seamlessly flow into one another, so when you’re inside the only giveaway that you’ve ventured from one property to the next is how the vibe and decor slowly morph from one classic motif to the next.

I can’t comment on the rooms, since I didn’t stay in one – but based on my experience in the Chateau, you won’t be disappointed.

The dining options here are also phenomenal, but we’ll get to those in a minute.

Falling Rock: An Art-Deco Adults Only Oasis

Falling Rock, not to be confused with the nearby famous Frank Lloyd Wright design Falling Water – is a bit different than the other two hotels at Nemacolin.

Falling Rock opened in 2004, and was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright protege David Merritt.

The fact they refer to it as “Nemacolin’s most sophisticated hotel” is kind of mind-boggling to me, considering I’m not sure what could feel more sophisticated than the Chateau.

It’s been rated 5 stars (or diamond) by both Forbes and AAA and it feels every part of it.

It’s located right at the golf courses, so if you’re looking for the shortest commute possible to the course – this is where you want to be.

Dining at Nemacolin: There’s Something for Everyone

Whether you’re looking for an over-the-top Michelin quality meal, a good steak, or something more casual and family-friendly – Nemcolin’s got you covered.

The food options here are fantastic, and honestly, full of surprises.

Lautrec: Fine-Dining at It’s Finest

Perhaps the biggest surprise in terms of food, comes in the way of Lautrec. 

I mean, you don’t exactly expect to find a world-class, tasting menu only, French restaurant in the middle of rural Pennsylvania.

Yet I suppose you wouldn’t expect to find any of what Nemacolin offers in rural Pennsylvania.

I didn’t eat here, but each time I walked by the restaurant and looked inside, I was taken aback by just how beautiful and ornate the space looked

Aqueous: Serious Seafood

Again, you don’t expect to find world-class seafood in a place like this – but our meal at Aqueous was one of the highlights of the trip.

Located in Falling Rock, Aqueous is the seafood restaurant at the resort, and also home to the more casual Amber Bar as well.

The raw tower was full of some of the freshest-tasting seafood I’ve ever had. The salmon and scallops I had were equally delicious, and there wasn’t a bad thing on the menu.

I ordered a Manhattan from Amber Bar, which was also very much on point.

Fawn & Fable: A Whimsical Steakhouse

Fawn & Fable has undergone a bit of a renovation recently. What was once more of a traditional steakhouse is now full of whimsy, and includes a fable about a fawn that tells the story of the food.

It’s a very large space, but it never felt overly crowded. The service was excellent, and the food was wonderful as well.

My filet was cooked to a perfect medium-rare

The Peak: Everything a Family Could Want

The very first thing I did after checking in at Nemacolin was head to The Peak to meet my group for dinner.

I wasn’t prepared for exactly what this would be, essentially, the ultimate family playground.

It had a spectacular pool with views for days. Bowling, a ropes course, paintballing, and even a ski lift for the Winters.

Not to mention spots inside, outside, poolside, and fireside to eat.

This is definitely the more casual, family-friendly spot at the resort. But it’s also an equally solid option for buddies just looking for a good burger and beer after a day of golf.

Nightcap: I Wasn’t Expecting This

Ok, I take it back. Lautrec wasn’t the biggest dining surprise at the resort: Nightcap was.

What was once a casual sports bar has been completely transformed to a jazz and cocktail club.

We’d met a few people the night before who said they had just come from Nightcap and that there was a wonderful jazz band.

They told us, “It doesn’t really get going until Thursday when they do the full show on the weekends. I can’t imagine what that would be, as the show we saw was wonderful.”

The next night we had the pleasure of experiencing the “full show,” and I legitimately still don’t believe what I saw (watch my video above to see more about this.)

It was kind of a moulin rouge-esque stage show that featured spectacular singing, a surprisingly cohesive story, and no less than a dozen costume changes from the 10 or so performers.

Creating a show like that, in a place like this, is a bold – risky move. 9 times out of 10 I’d imagine it would come across as cheesy and amateur.

This was not. It was excellent, and something I would have thoroughly enjoyed had I watched it in any cosmopolitan city. 

Throw in some delicious and unique cocktails, and I think this is a must-visit when at Nemacolin.

The Hardy Room

Off the lobby of the Chateau is a somewhat hidden room that features a wonderful cigar lounge. The humidor is huge and will please even the most discerning smoker.

Food and drinks can also be ordered here.

We showed up late one night before closing, and the staff went above and beyond by allowing us to stay. And even when all the kitchens were closed, they found some snacks and brought them to us “on the house.”

Pools and Spas at Nemacolin

There’s no shortage of places for kids to play and adults to relax while at the resort.

The Peak Pool

The Peak pool I mentioned above is the ultimate family playground with a lazy river, waterfalls, and even a swim-up bar for parents to enjoy a beverage.

This is also open and heated year-round, so if you want to take a dip after Winter activities – you can do so here.

Paradise Pool

The Paradise Pool is a slightly more intimate family pool experience that has a waterslide, food options, and available cabanas.

It’s located right next to the Woodlands Spa which is across the street from the Grand Lodge or a short walk from The Chateau.

You’ll also find a delightful adults-only pool with a separate bar here as well.

The Pool at Falling Rock

This art-deco inspired trianangle infinity pool overlooks the golf course and is available exclusively for guests of the Falling Rock property.

They’d originally talked about making this entire property adults only, but as of Summer 2024, it seems that is no longer the case.

The Spa and Spa Pool

Along with all the pools mentioned (and a few others I haven’t), there’s a 4 lane indoor pool as part of the Woodlands Spa facility.

The Spa is massive, and while I didn’t get a treatment there, I did help myself to a sauna and steam in the men’s locker room – which also features a large whirlpool.

Holistic Healing Center

Along with all of the traditional massage and spa treatments available at the Woodlands Spa, the Holistic Wellness Center is a more unique wellness experience.

Dr. Jerry Lin is their in-house Doctor of Chinese Medicine, who curates treatment plans that include acupuncture, holistic integrative therapy, and wellness recommendations to combat stress, pain, sleep disruptions, or other health concerns, based on your individual needs.

I did a 90-minute consultation and acupuncture session, which I’d never done before. He was excellent at answering all of my stupid questions

On top of this they also have a full suite of advanced recovery tools like Cryotherapy, salt-water float tanks, and NovoTHOR red light therapy beds.

I did the latter, and my 20-minute session felt like being in a tanning bed that’s actually good for you.

There is an Absolutely Ridiculous Amount of Things to Do Here.

I was at the resort for 3 days, and I didn’t even come close to scratching the surface of what you can do there.

I mean this in all seriousness, I’m not sure I’ve ever come across a resort that has more to do than at Nemacolin.

Here are a few of the specific things that I did, knowing this barely scratches the surface of what you can do.

Whitewater Rafting on the Youghiogheny River

I hadn’t been whitewater rafting in over a decade, so when I was asked if I wanted to take a float for a few hours on the Youghiogheny (Yough for short), I couldn’t pass it up.

Being in the middle of Summer, everyone was downplaying how tame the rapids would be. Which I’m sure they were when compared to the peak run in early Spring.

But it still provided a thoroughly exhilarating and enjoyable float during the 7-mile ride down the Lower Yough.

Rod and Range Club

For outdoor enthusiasts, this is one of the coolest parts of Nemacolin.

The rod and range club is set on 160 acres and boasts numerous options for fly fishing as well as one of the top sporting clays facilities in the US.

After experiencing this for the first time at Reynold Lake Oconee a couple years back, I was excited to see the facility here.

But when met with the option to go shooting or fly fishing – I opted for the latter.

Whether you’re going for steelhead on the Yough or finding smaller creeks in the area for bass and trout, there’s some excellent fly fishing in the area.

Through the resort, you even get access to fishing on a creek owned by a private fishing club, that only has about 60 members. 

This is where we went, and we were the only ones out there that afternoon.

The Casino at Nemacolin

This was another example of me showing up and having no idea, just how much there was available to do here.

I didn’t know there was a casino.

It has received a recent overhaul, and while not the size of your typical Vegas casino, was plenty big to enjoy some table games, machines, or food and drinks.

I spent about two hours playing craps, and even doubled my money – so I’m a fan.

Other Activities at Nemacolin

None of this tickle your fancy? Here’s just a sampling of some of the other activities Nemacolin offers:

• Fun Zone at Hardy Girls Gym – Fun center featuring bouldering, laser tag, ninja warrior course, lawn games, and more.
• Bowling and Axe Throwing
• Tennis and Pickleball
• Jeep Off-Roading
• Horseback riding
• Art classes
• Cooking classes
• Art museum and property art tours
• Airplane and Car Museum
• Kids Club
• Shopping
• Sand Volleyball
• Wildlife Encounter (with very unexpected wildlife)
• Bike Riding
• Ropes Course and Paintball
• Skiing, snowboarding, tubing

And that’s just a small highlight of everything.  Take a look at this list, it’s insane.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Nemacolin

Quite simply, I wasn’t prepared for Nemacolin.

The place is absolutely massive, but it’s not about the sheer size of the property or number of activities.

It’s the fact that it offers all of this, but then has such a spectacularly high level of service, accommodations, and amenities – that you can’t help but wonder how they do it.

The downside is that it’s not inexpensive. This is a luxury resort through and through and you’ll pay for the privilege and experience of visiting.

But for as much as I love oceanfront resorts like Hualalai or Punta Mita, the experience you’ll have at Nemacolin is just as elevated – yet entirely unique and different.

So whether you’re looking for a memorable family vacation, a couples retreat, or even a high-end buddies golf trip – I can’t imagine coming to Nemacolin and not having one of the most memorable vacations of your life.

I can’t wait to go back.

I was a guest of Nemacolin resort and they covered my expenses on this trip. I didn’t receive any cash payments, and all thoughts and opinions of the property are my own.

The post Indulgent Paradise: Why Nemacolin Resort is a Must-Visit appeared first on Breaking Eighty | Best Golf Courses and Golf Product Reviews.

At least for the next decade or so.

As you might expect, getting to Tasmania from Portland, OR isn’t exactly the easiest thing to do.

Convincing my wife I needed to leave her with our 2-year-old so I could go see Australia’s best golf courses? That’s recipe for divorce.

So when the opportunity came up for her to take a few weeks off from work?

I decided to bring them along.

And boy am I glad I did. Tasmania, and Barnbougle Dunes Golf Resort in particular – are something special.

The only problem with our big Australian adventure, was the fact we didn’t book a single thing until 2 weeks before we left. Full disclosure, we didn’t even decide to go until 2 weeks before we left…

When I inquired about our family staying at Barnbougle for our time in Tasmania, they were unfortunately sold out of lodging. I was informed February was their busiest month.

Fortunately, we found a wonderful AirBnb just outside Launceston, less than an hour’s drive from Barnbougle.

So on our first full day in Tasmania, I woke up at the crack of 5am to make the journey to Barnbougle for a full day of golf playing all three of their courses: Barnbougle Dunes, Lost Farm, and the wonderful short course Bougle Run.

In this post, we’re going to cover the Barnbougle Dunes course and give some information on the resort as a whole. I’ll publish separate articles about Lost Farm and Bougle Run.

Crazy enough to make the trek down? Then let’s get going.

First Impressions of Barnbougle Dunes

The drive over was mostly pitch black, but as I crossed by the nearest town of Bridport and reached the resort, the island was showing off with a spectacular sunrise.

My GPS was telling me I still had a mile and a half to go before arriving, but the giant sign to the left of the road said otherwise.

When in doubt, trust the sign.

I drove up the driveway just before 6:30 in the morning for a 7:10 tee time.

As I reached a parking lot there was a row of cottages to the left surrounding a generous-sized putting green.

A building was perched up above the parking lot.

My first thought was genuine, “hmmm I wonder if that’s a maintenance building?”

After all, there were only 2 cars in the parking lot, and I still wasn’t even entirely sure I was in the right place.

But as I got closer, it was clear that it was indeed the main clubhouse for Barnbougle Dunes, and the building wasn’t quite as small as it appeared, with a nice-sized restaurant towards the back of it.

It wouldn’t be until after my round that I’d learn Lost Farm was really the hub of activity for the resort. This is where you’ll find the primary restaurants, spa, and check-in for lodging.

Before entering, I walked up to a little deck that was perched on top of a sand dune.

It looked out over the ocean and back 9 of Barnbougle Dunes.

My first thought “This really is the Bandon Dunes of Australia.”

All it needs is a little bit of gorse, and you could have dropped the course on the Southern Oregon coast and it’d fit right in.

When I’d booked my tee times online, it said there was only one spot available all morning on the day I could play. It was a 7:10 tee time, and it looked to be with another threesome. 

But when I checked in the pro told me that I was welcome to go out anytime I’d like.

I jumped at the chance to get out before anyone else, if for no other reason than to get some photos without anyone in front of me.

Front 9 at Barnbougle Dunes

The opening hole is the perfect introduction to the course. A par 5, with beautiful fescue-covered dunes framing a hole that’s not a pushover, but not overly challenging either.

It introduces recurring themes of deep bunkers, wonderfully undulating greens, and missed fairways that are basically lost balls. More on that soon.

Throughout our entire time in Australia, my wife was bummed we hadn’t seen a kangaroo or wallaby in the wild.

Too bad she wasn’t at Barnbougle. I saw at least a dozen wallabies during the first 5 holes on the dunes course. I get it, to Australians this is probably a regular occurrence. Perhaps, like seeing deer on a golf course in the Pacific Northwest.

Novelty aside, it was fun to see.

The third hole was a great mid-length par 4. The elevated tee shot made for a fun drive. But just keep in mind if you’re up there, you might be inclined to drive to the fairway on the right-hand side that looks like this:

PSA: This is not the correct hole.

The approach to the actual hole is lovely with Bridport in the background, is well defended by bunkers in the front, and has a fun amphitheater setting.

The 4th hole at Barnbougle Dunes might have been my favorite hole on the property, and one of my favorite short par 4s I’ve played.

It’s only 280 yards, but if you can clear the bunker at 240 you’ll have a good chance of kicking onto the green.

Often short par 4s are still out of reach for a mid-handicapper. And while this is still true here, 240 is no slouch of a carry, it’s just short enough to tempt you.

The penalty is brutal, as this is one of, if not the largest bunker on the course.

But the reward for making it over is great. 

Fortunately, you also have “smart” bail-out options left and short. 

Left gives you the better angle to the green, but if you go left and hit it too far,  you may find a bunker or lost ball.

Everything about this hole does it for me. The strategy, the fun, the scenery. It’s world-class as far as I’m concerned. 

At 5 you’re met with a long downhill par 3 with nice views of the coastline.

One of my only real critiques of Barnbougle Dunes has to do with the routing. While it fits within the land extremely well, all of the holes run East/West.

So while yes, there’s a lack of variety there, my concerns actually are more from lighting than anything else.

Granted, I played early and I played pretty fast. So this may not be an issue for most groups, but from hole 5 to 11 I was playing directly into the sun on all but 2 holes.

Playing by myself without a caddie, resulted in a number of lost balls, and was the only downside to my experience.

To be clear, playing Barnbougle Dunes by myself first thing in the morning on a perfectly sunny day is one of the best golf experiences I’ve ever had. But had it been an hour or two later, it might have made the golf itself a little bit better.

The majority of the finishing holes are also heading directly West, so I’m curious if a similar issue happens here in the evening as well.

I loved how the par 4 6th used a natural dune jutting out into the fairway to force you to be more strategic with your tee shot. Depending on where the pin is located, it’ll require a precise and well-planned drive to give yourself the best angle in.

And if you’re too far right? You’ll have a blind second shot.

The par 3 7th was another stunning par 3, and my personal favorite on the course.

At only a 120 or so yards, you might think it’s easy. But a miss, anywhere, is trouble.

And when the wind is up, this gets even more brutal.

I thought I hit a perfect pitching wedge, only to find it had run off the back of the green.

8 is a good example of Mr. Doak not really caring about Par. It’s a nearly 460-yard par 4 to an elevated green.

You could easily call this a par 5, and I feel most will play it as such. I certainly did.

But regardless of whether it’s a 4 or 5, it’s an excellent hole with numerous options on every shot, and a cool ravine that protects the green on your approach.

The Back 9 at Barnbougle Dunes

The 10th at Barnbougle is the biggest hole on the course. Not necessarily in terms of length, but in terms of scale.

It’s got a wide fairway, a huge green, and some scary bunkers. 

I hooked my approach into the deep bunker on the far left, and took an X on the hole because of it.

Not to mention the trek of just getting down into the bunker to retrieve my ball. Beach sand is a different beast than the sand you’d typically find in bunkers back in the States.

12-15 is one of the best stretches of golf on the course.

One thing I learned early on in my Australian travels was just how well-known it was for having epic short par 4s. I’m not sure how I wasn’t more familiar with this fact beforehand, but I loved finding out about it.

Barnbougle is no different. I already mentioned the excellent 4th hole.

The 12th is another great one.

It’s a big dogleg right that screams “go for it.”

I hit one of my better drives of the day, but I thought it was too far left and might have rolled through the fairway.

After 45 seconds of looking for my ball, I look over to the left of the green, and there it is, sitting down in a swale just past the green.

It was deceptively easy to get the ball there. Either that, or I just hit a better drive than usual.

It’s a typical fun Doak green with lots of undulation to provide defense for what might otherwise be seen as an easy hole.

The 13th is an excellent par 3, that kind of vaguely reminded me of the 5th at Royal Melbourne West.

The 14th was my favorite par 5 on the course. 

A trio of bunkers needs to be cleared off the tee, with the one on the right being deceptively far away.

This hole is another example of a fantastic green site built into the natural land. Doak did this so well across the course.

15 is one of my favorite holes. You get a nice little peek of Lost Farm across the river from the tee:

It’s a shorter par 4, with one of the best greens on the property.

Miss right and you’ll have to get out of a challenging bunker with the slope running away from you.

Miss left, and you’ll have a nasty swale you’ll have to navigate to get back on the green.

It’s as fun to play as it is aesthetically pleasing. 

16 is the final par 3, and is a fun downhill tee shot. My 8 iron ended with a much better result than the swing deserved, and I wonder if this is often the case on this hole based on its contours.

17 is fun for the tee shot that’s right near the beach and river. 

And 18 while a perfectly solid par 4, felt a little anti-climactic to me based off so many dramatic holes throughout the rest of the course.

Final Thoughts on the Barnbougle Dunes Course

Barnbougle Dunes is a wonderful golf course. If you’re traveling from the States, yes, it’s a journey to get there.

But if you can handle the long flight you’ll be treated to one of the finest golf courses in the world. But more than that? Tasmania is fantastic. Whether it’s the secluded beaches, excellent wineries, or countless outdoor activities – it’s a special place.

Something I also don’t think gets talked about as much, is that Barnbougle Dunes is a challenging golf course.

The area is known for having a number of poisonous snakes, so I was told that if I lost a ball in the fescue or woods (at Lost Farm), I’d be best off not going to look for it.

While I didn’t see any snakes, the group in front of us mentioned there was a tiger snake about 10 meters off the tee box where we were standing on 13a at Lost Farm.

Another guest showed me a photo of a giant brown snake they saw on 16 at Lost Farm.

So when you combine the inability to look for balls, with some challenging hole designs – you better bring your A game. Especially if the winds are up.

It’s not very often that I find myself playing alone when traveling for golf. This specific round took me back to my round on the Bahia Course at Punta Mita. Playing there in April was the last time I had an experience like this, and there’s something very special about being able to be present and just appreciating where you are.

And when it comes to Barnbougle Dunes? There’s a whole lot to appreciate.

Unfortunately, it was a whirlwind 52-hole day, and I didn’t get a chance to play the courses a second time. But this makes me that much more excited about returning at some point to see it again.

How Much Does it Cost to Play Golf at Barnbougle Dunes?

I’ve often talked about how Bandon Dunes might be the best golf value in the world.

I think that may have just been surpassed by Barnbougle.

Greens fees for the day I played in peak season, in late February, were $149 AUD.

As of this writing, that comes out to $99.84 USD.

To play this caliber of course for $100 is insane.

2 rounds of golf on 2 top 100 in the world courses for $200.

Throw in a round on Bougle Run which is $85 Australian (or $57 USD), and for $257 you get to play two top 100 golf courses and one of the best short courses in the world.

During peak season.

Bandon rates do get a little lower than that during the off-season – so maybe you call it even.

No matter how you cut it, this is a wildly good deal for the quality of golf.

Where to Eat at Barnbougle Dunes?

I’ll be honest, I didn’t really get a chance to eat anywhere at Barnbougle.

After my rounds at Barnbougle Dunes and Bougle Run I was ready for some food, to say the least.

I had 30 minutes until I teed off on Lost Farm, and it was a hot day, so I wanted a quick bite and something to drink.

The Sports Bar

I first walked into the Sports Bar at Lost Farm – which looks awesome. I imagine in the evenings this is a larger version of the Bunker Bar at Bandon. It’s big, had great nooks to hang/gamble, and plenty of drink options.

Unfortunately, the only thing they had for food was pizza. Which, for as delicious as that sounded, I didn’t quite have time for.

The Restaurant at Lost Farm

I was directed to the restaurant at Lost Farm, which was a short walk up a ramp, and perched up at the top of a dune.

Upon walking in, I was taken aback. It was elevated over the 15th green, but it was the view of the ocean that was most impressive.

And I mean, really impressive.

At this point, it was 11:40 and I asked for a menu.

“We don’t open until 12.”

Alright, I’ll just take a Coke and a water.

I enjoyed the views for 10 minutes before grabbing a sandwich from the pro shop and heading out to Lost Farm to catch my tee time.

Had I planned for it, I imagine I would have been able to get food at Barnbougle (which was a couple miles away), but squeezing in a round on Bougle Run took priority over sustenance. 

From everything I’ve heard the food at Barnbougle Dunes is excellent, I just never got a chance to properly experience it.

But from what I saw? I’d plan for at least one nice meal in the main restaurant, and I’d plan to spend evenings enjoying the patio and camaraderie to be found at the Sports Bar.

So, Should You Visit Barnbougle Dunes?

Bottom line, yes. Absolutely, yes.

Barnbougle Dunes is one of the very best golf courses in Australia, and Lost Farm isn’t far behind it. In fact, there were certain aspects of Lost Farm I liked more than the Dunes Course. But we’ll talk about that in our dedicated Lost Farm recap.

Over the years I’ve heard the phrase “It’s like the Bandon Dunes of _______” about at least half a dozen places.

But this is the first time that I haven’t walked away at least slightly disappointed. Barnbougle truly is “The Bandon Dunes of Australia” and I think that might be the best compliment I can give it. It’s a special place, and well worth the adventure it takes to get there.

The post Why Barnbougle Dunes is Worth Flying Across the World For appeared first on Breaking Eighty | Best Golf Courses and Golf Product Reviews.

I’d never experienced anything like it.

After a quick 25-minute drive from Palm Springs International Airport, we drove through a non-descript neighborhood before pulling up to the gates of Sensei Porcupine Creek.

The gates opened, and as we rolled down the windows to take in the landscape, the intense smell of jasmine came flowing into the car.

The entire property smells like it, and it’s wonderful.

As we drove up the driveway we began seeing numbers in bright bold colors implanted among the impeccable landscaping.

1, 2, 3…all the way up to 9 – before ending with 0.

1 to 0.

Life becomes death.

Between the luscious smell and the thought-provoking sculptures from artist Robert Indiana, it became clear in less than 2 minutes that this wasn’t going to be your typical resort vacation.

And it most certainly, was not.

What my wife and I experienced over 3 days at Sensei Porcupine Creek was a time of activity, wellness, relaxation, and reflection unlike any I’ve experienced before.

Wildly memorable experiences were peppered in with opportunities to assess where we were at both physically and mentally.

Sensei gives you the space to think about that, but more importantly, it gives you every tool you could ever want to take action and create a plan toward your desired wellness goals.

And that’s exactly what happened for us.

Today I’m going to tell you everything you need to know about Sensei Porcupine Creek. We’re going to look into its history, its ethos, the accommodations, activities, classes, spa, and dining options. 

I’m going to share my personal experience there, and help you figure out if it’s the right place for you to visit depending on your current needs and goals.

It certainly isn’t for everyone, and I wasn’t even entirely sure it was for me.

But having experienced it? I’m excited to tell you about it.

Because a few days here might be just the catalyst you need to make legitimate changes in your life – and create some incredible memories in the process.

Ready?

Let’s go.

The History of Sensei Porcupine Creek

The 230-acre Porcupine Creek was originally developed in 2004 by billionaire Tim Blixseth as a private estate for his family.

What’s interesting is the actual “Porcupine Creek” is located in Montana. He’d hoped to develop a property near there, but it didn’t work out. So he turned his eyes South and named the estate that’s tucked in the mountain foothills of Rancho Mirage after that original property.

One of the most unique aspects of the property is the 19-hole golf course he built exclusively for private use.

More on that in a minute.

In 2011 Oracle Founder Larry Ellison purchased the property, and used it in a similar manner for a decade.

This is until he and Dr. David Agus had a mutual friend pass away.

This caused them to start thinking about health, longevity, and how they might best be able to help other people improve both.

Opening in November 2022, Sensei Porcupine Creek is the result.

First Impressions of the Property

I’m not sure if there’s such a thing as a “six-star” resort, but if there is, Sensei would be awarded the designation.

I’ve stayed at many high-end properties from Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons, St. Regis, and others.

But there’s something about the understated elegance of Sensei Porcupine Creek that feels a step above.

Part of this is the boutique nature of the property and it’s “Estate House.”

There are currently only 22 accommodations and a maximum of 68 guests on the property at any given time.

Although I was told 45 people would be considered “busy.”

During our stay, there were 19 guests there, and I hardly saw a single one of them the entire time.

Part of what makes Sensei Porcupine Creek so special is that when you’re there, you feel like you’re the center of their universe.

Like you’re the only one that matters.

I’ve never quite experienced this level of care, service, and attention to detail.

When we rolled up to the Estate House (the main building of the resort) it was impossible not to be taken aback by the landscaping of the property.

It may very well be the most well-landscaped place I’ve ever been. Period.

The aforementioned smell of jasmine permeates no matter where you go. There are water features throughout the grounds that lead to the feeling of being in a desert oasis.

And the collection of world-class sculptures from artists such as Keith Haring, Robert Indiana, and Yoshitomo Nara – would be right at home among any of the best museums in the world.

But despite the beyond-pleasant surroundings, it’s what Sensei provides among them that is what makes the experience so special.

Check-in Process and Accommodations

When we arrived at the Estate House we received a warm greeting from multiple staff members. Our bags were whisked off to our room, and we were treated to a tour of the property.

The extra high touch “check-in” was great.

It immediately gives you a sense of place and helps you get your bearings.

We were offered a coconut shiso mocktail as a welcome drink that was just as good as you’d expect it to be.

The main lobby area is known as the Living Room, because well, it used to be the living room to the estate.

It still feels that way, and is where you meet any experts, therapists, or guides for your 1:1 sessions or treatments.

Just sitting in the room and admiring your surroundings never got old here.

There are currently 22 different accommodations including “hotel” rooms in the Estate House and larger casitas and villas nestled among different parts of the property.

Of those, there are 10 rooms in the Estate House. They truly do feel more like private bedrooms in someone’s home, rather than a hotel room in the traditional sense.

There are 4 casitas which are standalone rooms surrounding a beautiful courtyard and spa.

Finally, there are 8 villas that are either 2 or 4 bedrooms each. I imagine these are a big hit for spa retreats with friends, or those looking for as much privacy as possible.

Our Room in the Estate House

We stayed in a Deluxe Estate House room, and it was fantastic.

One of the great things about staying in these rooms which we learned very quickly was just how convenient everything is.

The property is the perfect size. It’s big enough to allow people to spread out so you don’t feel overwhelmed with other guests, but small enough that you can walk to anything very quickly and easily.

Our room was beautiful.

It was very generously sized, and featured the same “Japanese Minimalist” type aesthetic as the rest of the resort.

The king-size bed was very comfortable and on par with the best hotel beds I’ve ever slept on.

I appreciated that it wasn’t too soft. Some 5-star beds can feel amazing when you fall into them, but if they’re too soft, after a couple nights you can feel it.

There’s a Nespresso machine and a small honor bar that’s all well done.

You can tell everything about the room was intentional down to the smallest details.

The door was custom-designed.

All of the hangers were custom-designed to keep clutter to an absolute minimum and add a feeling of space to your closet.

Every room comes with a Japanese toilet, which is a wonderful high-end touch. Even more unique than that, every single toilet I used on property, whether at the pool or the golf course – was also Japanese.

It never gets old when it opens up to welcome you and then has a heated seat for added comfort.

Our room had a wonderful lanai with comfortable seating for 2, and a pond with waterfalls behind some greenery.

The Golf Experience is Unlike Anything Else on this Planet

Before we go too much further into the resort itself, I need to talk about the golf course, considering this is a golf website after all.

No one knows for sure who built the golf course, but the names Tom Weiskopf, Dave Stockton, and Annika Sorenstam have all been mentioned as being involved.

For years, Porcupine Creek was recognized as one of the most exclusive courses in the world. Generally, only presidents, foreign dignitaries, and celebrities would have the honor of teeing it up.

However, even though it’s now open to the public, it’s still one of the most exclusive and unique experiences in all of golf.

Why?

Well for one, it hardly gets any play.

My wife and I were the only ones golfing the day we played.

I expected the course to be cool because of its exclusive nature.  I wasn’t prepared for the fact it’s an excellent golf course in its own right.

It will easily make my list of favorite courses I’ve ever played.

I’ve covered the course and playing experience in extreme detail right here. So check that out if you want to see what it’s like to play the most private, public course I’ve ever heard of.

Not All Tennis Courts are Created Equal

Yes, the golf course is something special. But the tennis program at Sensei is just as good.

You see, Mr. Ellison also owns the nearby Indian Wells Tennis Garden, home of the BNP Paribas Tournament.

The 2 hard courts at Sensei are the exact same as the ones the pros play on during the tournament.

And there’s also a clay “Har-tru” court for those looking to perfect their game on an alternate surface.

Like the golf pavilion (clubhouse), the tennis pavilion is stunning. It’s designed to invoke the feeling of being in someone’s home – and they nail that vibe.

I took an hour-long lesson from Director of Tennis Caroline Vis, who was a former top 10 doubles player in the world.

As someone who grew up playing competitive tennis, the lesson was one of the best I ever had. She immediately helped diagnose the problem I was having with my backhand.

For as much as most of us are into golf, if tennis is your thing, you have a lot of options to customize what your experience will look like.

Wellness Packages and Offerings

One of the unique aspects of Sensei Porcupine Creek is that it’s all about wellness.

No, really!

A lot of places say they’re about it, but here they walk the walk.

What does that look like?

Well for starters, there are typically no regular “hotel guests.”

You have to stay for a minimum of two nights, and your stay has to be part of a wellness package.

There are currently 7 to choose from, including:

• Discover Sensei Experience
• Guided Wellness Experience
• Rest and Recovery Program
• Optimal Well Being Program
• Golf Optimal Well Being Program
• Tennis Optimal Well Being Program

We did a 2-night, 3-day Discover Sensei experience. 

This was perfect for allowing us to experience all that the resort has to offer, while still being able to customize and personalize the experience based on our unique goals.

For instance, I really wanted to focus on improving my flexibility and working on nutrition.

My wife was more focused on mental well ,being and mindset after a stressful period at work.

After filling out a pre-arrival form, we each received personal itineraries that allowed us to focus on the areas of ourselves that we wanted to work on most.

Every expert we met with, was just that: an expert. 

Whether it was yoga, fitness, nutrition, or massage – everyone at Sensei is among the best at what they do.

They were always happy to answer even the most basic of questions, and elaborate with feedback on how it pertains directly to us and our life and personal situation.

Because the retreat is so small, every session we were in felt like a private lesson, which was very cool.

Science and Data

At Sensei you get access to a lot of technology. But the tech that’s there is always used to enhance and inform your experience, rather than overwhelm it.

The tech is very intentional.

With some of the Optimal Well Being programs, they’ll actually send you a Whoop band ahead of your trip. This way you can start wearing it, get some baseline biomarkers, and then they’ll use that data to inform your wellness experience at the retreat.

Classes and Activities 

There’s a regular offering of different classes and activities you can choose from while you’re there.

For instance, we did a morning meditation and yoga class, a foam rolling class, a private sound bath experience, and a wall yoga class.

The last two were among the most unique.

Wall Yoga

There’s a good chance you’ve never heard of wall yoga. Well, let me enlighten you.

The setup includes a wall with 6 rows of 3 brackets. You can adjust a stabilizing bar for height among the brackets, but the primary component of wall yoga is a loop harness – that you’ll use in a wide variety of ways during the session.

We started our session by simply resting our head in the harness. By the end, we were doing full-on inversions with our feet on the wall and waist in the harness.

I’m not sure how this isn’t a more popular thing. My wife who generally doesn’t love yoga is ready to build a setup in our home.

It provides a unique way of stretching that’s fun, engaging, and relaxing all at the same time.

Sound Bath

I’d never had a sound bathing experience, so I didn’t know what to expect.

But we entered the room and there was a setup with some unique drums and instruments situated behind two mats with eye masks. 

We laid down, got comfortable, and placed the masks over our eyes.

For the next hour, we were taken on a sound journey.

There were times it felt like a meditation lulling you to sleep. 

There were other times that felt like you were in the middle of an intense storm – and both resulted in emotional responses I wasn’t quite anticipating.

The wildest part is it seems like the sound is moving all around you, and that the facilitator is moving around the room.

He stayed seated directly behind us the whole time.

I couldn’t necessarily tell you what the direct wellness benefit of this session was, but for me personally, it gave me space to think, ponder, and remove myself from the real world. Which I’ve found to be a difficult thing to do these days.

The Spa

As you might imagine for a retreat like this, a big part of it is the spa and treatment options.

There are numerous offerings with all the things you’d expect: unique massages, facials, and other bodywork offerings.

But this is another area where they leverage technology in specific and useful ways.

I received a “thermographic massage.”

This means they took photos of my entire body using an infrared camera to figure out where I had the most inflammation, asymmetries, and muscle tightness – my therapist Ming then tailored my massage to the areas in my body that needed it most.

Sensei Porcupine Creek doesn’t have a “spa” in the traditional sense.

There are numerous treatment rooms surrounding the pool, but there’s no central spa. So you won’t find a sauna, steam room, or cold plunge. 

Although I’ve been told there are plans for these amenities in the future.

The Pool

The pool at Sensei is one of the main attractions of the property.

It’s a large lagoon-like pool, with some beautiful water features surrounding the pool deck.

During our first two days there we never saw another person at the pool while we were there. We had the whole place to ourselves and it was a delight.

However, even if there are other guests, you’ll always be able to find both space and privacy.

The way they put little seating areas up and out of the way is a cool touch. It added a sense of elevation, and gave you plenty of spots to find time alone if you weren’t looking to be social.

At any time you can text the concierge and they’ll come right out to take your food or drink order from the exclusive pool menu.

And no matter what, make sure you get the frozen yuzu grapes – they’re wonderful.

Speaking of dining at Sensei, it’s Nobu. Yes, that Nobu.

There’s only one main restaurant at Sensei and it’s Sensei by Nobu.

Yes, that Nobu.

Even though it’s one main kitchen, there are different dining experiences:

• Sensei by Nobu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• Sushi Bar
• Pool Menu
• In Room Dining
• Special Golf and Tennis menus

The primary menus are similar to other Nobu locations, but there are a handful of dishes that have been adjusted or added to have a more healthful focus.

And it’s just for you. There are no outside diners allowed, only Sensei guests.

For us, this led to some of the most memorable culinary experiences we’ve ever had.

What do these memorable experiences look like?

For instance, they’ll bring you food out to the golf course anytime you want.

So I had a “Nobu Breakfast Burrito”  and fresh fruit delivered to me on the 3rd hole.

I’d say it was made of “puff pastry” but that wouldn’t be doing it justice. In fact it is, Feuille de Brick dough with kurobuta sausage, scrambled eggs, shiitake mushrooms, brussels sprouts, and aji limo hot sauce

Unique, delicious, and reasonably healthy!

The Sensei by Nobu Omakase

Anytime I travel to places like this, I always want to try as many things as possible to get a complete sense of the offerings.

What better way to do that than an omakase where the chef brings you a coursed out meal of their choosing?

One of the coolest things about Sensei is that because of its small size, you see a lot of the same people throughout your stay.

For instance, Bethany was our server on both nights we were there. On top of learning a bit about her, she took the time to get to know us and our preferences. She talked to the chef and they created a plan for our meal.

Knowing we’d be back to try the Sushi Bar the next night, she made sure that the experience was super dialed and if we missed an essential dish the first night – that we’d get it on the second.

As you can probably guess the food was out of this world.

From signature Nobu yellowtail preparations to a sashimi salad with beautiful vegetables we were taken on a culinary journey that was as memorable as everything else at Sensei.

Perfectly cooked scallops and wonderfully seasoned lamb, were completed by the Banana Soy Toban – one of the best desserts I’ve ever had.

The meal was as diverse as it was delicious.

Sushi Bar

The next night we sat in the Sushi Bar which is located directly across the living room from the main restaurant and bar.

We had the whole place to ourselves. So to sit and talk to the two sushi chefs about the food, the recipes, and the property was something very special.

I wasn’t sure they’d be able to top the New Style Uni and King Crab dish, until they brought out A5 Wagyu Miyazaki on a hot stone, followed by the Blue Fin Toro.

The entire experience was decadent, memorable, and obviously, expensive.

But if you’re coming to Sensei Porcupine Creek, you’re not overly concerned about the budget.

Breakfast and Lunch

The breakfast and lunch menus are also cultivated for Sensei by Nobu and were full of healthy and delicious offerings.

I wasn’t totally sure how I felt about the recommendation of the Salmon Burger for lunch, but it ended up being not just one of the best things I ate on the trip, but one of the best things I’ve had in the past year.

It’s a must-order while you’re there.

While at the pool you can order off both the pool menu and the lunch menu, so you’re never short of food options while you’re on property.

How to Stay at Sensei Porcupine Creek

Sensei Porcupine Creek is quickly becoming a very popular retreat, especially in the Winter months, but there are still lots of opportunities for visiting.

During the peak season rooms start at $1,650/night and require a 2-night minimum stay and the selection of one of the wellness packages I mentioned above.

During the off-season which is from May 1st to July 15th, rooms come down to a starting price of $1,000 per night.

The property then closes for 2 months during the peak of Summer.

To play the golf course you’ll need to be a hotel guest, and then the rate is $950 during peak season and $650 in the off-season.

For what it’s worth, we visited in early May and everything was perfect.

We had fantastic weather which never got too hot, and because it was a slower time, there were even fewer guests there than usual.

Final Thoughts on Sensei Porcupine Creek

Obviously there’s a lot of hyperbole I can talk about here.

The decadent meals, the beautiful golf course we had all to ourselves, the luxury “6-star” nature of the entire property.

And I think I’ve sufficiently covered how memorable all of that is.

But that’s not the (main) reason to visit.

It might be the selling point that gets you in the door, but I wasn’t prepared for just how much space I’d be given for reflection.

Even visiting for “work” I was able to make the most out of my sessions from a personal standpoint.

At 39 years old, I’m starting to think about my own healthspan and longevity. I’m considering what changes I need to make to my diet, exercise, daily routines, and habits.

Sensei allowed me to do this in a way no other place has.

Maybe it’s the fact that you’re able to be so free of distractions here.

Maybe it’s the way Sensei is designed to facilitate these thoughtful conversations, reflection, and planning.

Or perhaps it was just because I was in a relaxing place away from my toddler for 3 days.

But whatever the reason, it triggered something in me that has stuck with me ever since I left a few weeks ago.

That’s the magic of Sensei Porcupine Creek.

But all of those world-class experiences that are unlike anything I’ve seen anywhere else? 

Well, they certainly don’t hurt either.

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