30 of the Best Golf Communities in USA
Covid-19 has redefined how we live. Golf communities and vacation hideaways used to be the enclave of adults contemplating retirement and active retirees. Not anymore. Single professionals, entrepreneurs, young couples, families, you name it, are part of a growing segment wanting to ditch the city life. They long for a serene, quiet and safe environment plus an active lifestyle as well. Covid-19 restrictions and work from home further amplified this dream.
A golf house in any one of the locations below provides an idyllic lifestyle enabling the residents to enjoy their favorite game, whenever they please, live in a luxurious location and take advantage of resort style amenities plus fine-dining options year round. Residents often say “it’s like being on vacation every day of the year”.
golfproperty.com has picked 31 of the best Golf communities across the United States to show what they offer. Giving you a glimpse of what may be the perfect solution to the needs of what might be a new lifestyle for you, your partner and possibly your family. They are presented here in alphabetical order and we make no attempt to rank one any higher than the rest as this ranking will be defined by the needs and preferences of the current residents and future buyers of golf homes in these fantastic locations.
If there is a Golf Community that you believe belongs on this list, please email us the details to [email protected]
1. 3 Creek Ranch (Jackson Hole, WY)
An award-winning, member-owned private club and luxury golf resort with 360–degree views of rolling buttes and mountain vistas of the Tetons. Where fly fishing, teeing-off and lounging on a heated pool while admiring the view of the Tetons is a lifestyle. The property’s world-class sporting streams are a natural habitat for native cutthroat trout. The famous 18-hole course was crafted by Rees Jones to blend in with the beautiful native surroundings. The clubhouse offers a sumptuous gourmet and a 24-hour fitness center. This laid–back and quiet community is family–friendly and offers opportunities to explore the wildlife and nature. Those desiring to settle have the following options: Homesite (starts at $875,000), Cabin (starts at $3.925M) and Ranch Homesite (starts at $8.1M)
2. Addison Reserve Country Club (Delray Beach, FL)
Addison Reserve Country Club, long regarded as one of the top private residential communities in the United States and around the world, is located in the Delray Beach/Boca Raton area of southeastern Palm Beach County, Florida. 717 single family golf residences and homes are nestled among Addison Reserve’s winding lakes and three championship golf courses.
Spanning across 653-acres of lush, tropical topography the spacious golf homes reflect Mizner’s signature Mediterranean Revival and Spanish Colonial architecture and commonly feature circular driveways, arching entrances, barrel tile roofs, covered lanais, backyard swimming pools and upscale interior appointments. Each subdivision has its own unique character and feels providing homeowners with the variety they desire in sizes ranging from 2,500-square feet to just over 7,500-square feet. View Community, Courses plus Golf Homes for Sale and Rent
3. Boca West Country Club (Boca Raton, FL)
Boca West is a member-owned community and often promoted as the nation’s no. 1 private residential club. It boasts of four acclaimed championship golf courses designed by Pete Dye, Arnold Palmer and Jim Fazio. A staff of teaching professionals helps members fine-tune their game along with regular clinics. Other amenities include 30 Har-Tru tennis courts with a matching competitive tennis program and a sprawling aquatics center with cascading waterfalls and a children’s area. The award-winning community offers a resort-style ambiance. Golf property prices can range from a low of $50,000 to as high as $3.3M. View Community, Golf Courses plus Golf Homes for Sale and Rent.
4. Cornerstone (Montrose, CO)
Cornerstone is a High Altitude Golf Course Community with possibly the best high altitude course in the world. Offering a vast expanse of land to residents from a homestead of 1 .0 acre to ranches over 100 acres. No wonder its catchphrase is “The great outdoors…just outside the door”. The community has an elevation of 9,223 feet with a Greg Norman signature golf course carved along the aspens, sage and ephemeral streams. There is plenty to do here for those who love the outdoors. From horseback riding, hiking, biking, fly-fishing, shooting and even cross-country skiing during winter. Homesites start at $300,000. The community has also relaxed its membership rules. You don’t have to own a property to be a member. Cornerstone also offer lease options and a resort village for those wanting less than one acre of land.
5. Desert Mountain (Scottsdale, AZ)
Desert Mountain, in Scottsdale, AZ., allows you to live a luxurious life in the desert. Play not one but six Jack Nicklaus signature golf courses and one par-54 championship course, one of only two such rated courses in the country – No. 7. Or try-out the club’s $1.6M Jim Flick Golf Performance Center and improve your game. For family activities, this desert haven has seven clubhouses, ten restaurants and grills, an award-winning Sonoran spa and fitness center, a tennis complex with nine hard, clay and grass surfaces, resort-style pools and award-winning private trails system where you can hike and bike. The community offers custom residences, elegant estates and courtyard homes tucked in secluded villages. Golf home listing from $1.3M to 16.5M. View Community, Courses plus Golf Homes for Sale and Rent
6. Estancia (Scottsdale, AZ)
Estancia is a top-rated golf destination in the US and #1 in golf-rich Arizona, Estancia is a gated private community in a desert landscape owned and operated by its members. It has a Tom Fazio-designed championship course with breathtaking views. The clubhouse offers a fitness center, tennis, pickleball and basketball courts, swimming pool and dining. Homes available start from $1.5M to $6M. Homesites are also available from $275,000 to $1.65M. Membership to the club is by invitation but property ownership is not a requirement.
7. Iron Horse (Whitefish, MT)
Ironhorse is a family-oriented private club in Whitefish, MT., Iron Horse sits near Glacier National Park, a world-class downhill skiing destination. The club prides itself with an 18-hole Tom Fazio-designed course and a marina on Whitefish Lake, a source of endless water activities. Whitewater rafting is also available in the nearby Flathead River. The clubhouse offers fine dining, a spa and fitness center, two outdoor pools, tennis and pickleball courts. The club offers youth programs on golf, tennis, swimming and summer camp. The golf community has a nearby medical community and a wonderful school system. Single-family golf homes start at $1.8M and homesites at $495,000.
8. Isleworth (Windemere, FL)
Recognized as a top 100 Platinum Clubs of the World awardee, Isleworth is a prestigious golf community which continues to set excellence in standards among the clubs in Florida. The club offers an An Arnold Palmer-designed championship golf course with beautiful estate homes nestled among oaks and cypress trees surrounded by the Butler Chain of Lakes. The lake spans seven miles of shoreline providing lakefront views and an endless source of recreational water activities. Other amenities offered in this private club are a fitness center, a spa, pool, tennis, racquet and year-round activities for youth and families. Golf properties range from $1.5M to $6.3M.
9. Kiawah Island Club (Kiawah Island, SC)
A private island community, Kiawah Island Club boasts seven world-class golf courses, 5 public and 2 private courses. Designed by no less than Pete Dye, Tom Fazio, Clyde Johnston, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Tom Watson. Golf is not the only activity on the island. The club offers boating, fishing, swimming, biking, hiking even archery, shooting and seasonal quail hunting. A spa and wellness center provides a relaxing retreat at the end of the day. Golf Homes range from $695,000 to $21M, Golf Villas from $280,000 to $2M and homesites from $165,000 to $12.5M. View Community, Courses plus Golf Homes for Sale and Rent
10. Kuki'o (Kona, HI)
Kuki’o is piece of paradise in Kona, Hawaii and is a private, residential equity club. Membership is exclusive only to residents of the golf community. It has a full-service clubhouse offering a 28-hole golf course designed by Tom Fazio. A sports complex with a spa and fitness center, pool, tennis, sand volleyball and basketball courts and children’s jungle gym. An outdoor program offers outrigger canoe paddling and sailing, surfing, ocean and land fitness training, swimming with dolphins, hikes to a black-sand beach, bike expeditions and customized tours. Golf homes range from $6.25M to $24M, cottages start at $6.2M and homesites from $1.75M to $5M.
11. Mayacama (Santa Rosa, CA)
Mayacama in Santa Rosa, CA, is a fusion of wine and golf. The private residence club has a Jack Nicklaus signature golf course nestled at the heart of Sonoma wine country. The clubhouse offers a spa, excellent food and an extraordinary and immersive wine program. Why not? You have 35 renowned vintners who are fellow members. The club has developed 31 casitas and golf villas, which are sold in 1/10th fractional ownership share. This grants the member with 28 nights guaranteed stay, plus unlimited additional stays based on availability. Club membership cost $135,000 down from $250,000. Homesites are available starting at $1.2M.
12. Ocean Reef Club (Key Largo, FL)
Ocean Reef is a private community that offers a lot of amenities to its members. A perfect place for the whole family as well as those doing business. The club offers numerous amenities such as beautiful accommodations, meeting spaces, a private airport, two 18-hole championship golf courses designed by Robert Van Hagge, a 175-slip marina offering deep sea fishing and charter services, the famous Buccaneer Island that offers unlimited recreational water activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling and eco-kayak tours, tennis and pickleball courts, a full-service salon and spa, fitness center, a wide selection of restaurants and retail shops and many more. A medical center is also found within the community. Golf homes are available within the community. Prices are: Golf Homes from $1.7M to $20M, condominiums from $637,000 to $5.14M and homesites from $575,000 to $5.14M.
Image courtesy of Miami Herald
13. Palmetto Bluff (Bluffton, SC)
Palmetto Bluff is a unique community that strictly adheres to conservation. Residents enjoy exploring Palmetto Bluff’s expansive trail system on a bike, horse or by foot and water trails with a kayak or canoe. Standout amenities is the Jack Nicklaus signature course and the Longfield Stables, a world-class equestrian facility. A separate membership is needed to enjoy the golf, shooting and boat club facilities. Golf Homes range from $850,000 to $2.4M and homesites from $225,000 to $2.5M. Each home and homesite sale funds the protection of the community’s natural resources.
Image courtesy of stayinpalmettobluff.com
14. Plantation Bay Golf & Country Club (Ormond, FL)
If you like socializing and living an active lifestyle, this private gated golf community is for you. Plantation Bay provides three 9-hole courses at Club de Bonmont, one of which (South) was designed by Steve Smyers, plus membership of the Prestwick Country Club and its 18-hole championship course. A practice facility and a summer golf camp for juniors is also available. It also has ten Har-Tru tennis courts and runs a tennis clinic and a juniors program for those interested in an alternative sport. The two full-service clubhouses also offer four pickleball courts, a scenic pool, nature parks and miles of walking trails. Investment for a new golf home starts at $200,000 to over $1 million. Rental properties are also available.
15. Pronghorn (Bend, OR)
Pronghorn is a high desert golf resort and community that features a public Jack Nicklaus-designed course and a private Tom Fazio signature course. It also has a Golf Academy by Jeff Ritter and offers an outdoor heated pool, hot tubs, lawn games and a full-service spa. Golf homes sell from $1.6M to $3M and homesites from $30,000 to $590,000. Option for fractional ownership is also available.
16. Reynolds Plantation (Greensboro, GA)
A golf community located in the lakefront property of Reynolds Lake Oconee, the second largest lake in Georgia. It features six signature courses by Bob Cupp, Jack Nicklaus, Tom Fazio, Rees Jones and Jim Engh. A professional club fitter, 1 of 2 Taylormade Kingdoms in the world. It has 374 miles of shoreline with four marinas making the water activities equally important. And 21 miles of hiking and biking trails make it an ideal place for those seeking an active lifestyle. Golf homes are available from $350,000 to $3.5M and homesites from $14,000 to $3.2M..
17. Santa Lucia Preserve (Carmel, CA)
Santa Lucia is as member-owned ranch community located within a 20,000-acre preserve. With a state-of-the art Equestrian Center and a Tom Fazio signature course blending beautifully into the contour of the land. The Ranch Club, a Spanish Colonial-style Hacienda functions as the social center of the community. Providing additional amenities such as organic farm-to-table cuisine, a fitness center, tennis courts and swimming pools. Golf homes range from $3M to $6M and homesites from $280,000 to $2.85M.
18. Sea Island (Sea Island, GA)
Sea Island is a family-oriented community that promotes outdoor activities. It offers a five-mile stretch of private beach, a Beach Club, Yacht Club, tennis and squash centers and shooting school. But its main attractions are the three championship golf courses designed by Tom Fazio, Rees Jones and Davis Love III plus Camp Cloister which offers learning activities for kids. It holds the distinction of having received four Forbes Five-star awards for eight consecutive years. Residential golf properties available are condominiums and townhouses ($519,000 to $3.75M), golf homes ($1.13M to $ 13.5M) and homesites ($250,000 to $4.5M).
19. Silverleaf (Scottsdale, AZ)
Silverleaf golf community offers a private resort-style living high in the Sonoran Desert. But close enough to indulge in the active arts scene in downtown Scottsdale. It has an 18-hole Tom Weiskopf signature course. A Mediterranean-designed clubhouse offers a world-class spa, swimming pools, locker rooms and fine casual dining. For outdoor enthusiasts, the McDowell Sonoran Preserve offers a vast playground with 60 miles of hiking and biking trails and fishing and rafting at the Salt River. Golf Homes are priced from $1.9M to $18.8M and homesites around $2M.
20. Spanish Peaks (Big Sky, MT)
An exclusive private community that is set in an alpine environment that has an 18-hole Tom Weiskopf championship course. Right next door is a private lift that goes up to the largest and tallest ski terrain in the US, the Big Sky Resort. This is an outdoor haven fit for someone with an active lifestyle. Other activities in this place are fishing, white water rafting, hiking, biking, horseback riding and cross-country skiing. Golf homes start at $1.25M and homesites at $400,000.
21. Spring Island (Okatie, SC)
Spring Island is a vibrant artist community that promotes healthy living. Surrounded by nature, volunteers maintain a 6.5-acre community farm, a large chicken coop for egg production and fishing in surrounding waters is encouraged. All residents are free to take part and benefit from the harvested food. It has a good artist program, an equestrian facility and an Arnold Palmer signature course. Golf Estate homes range from $5.95M to $12M, golf homes from $1.1M to $4.7M, home/cottages from $425,000 to $1.23M and homesites from $25,000 to $1.1M.
22. Stock Farm (Hamilton, MT)
“The Augusta of the West” because of its beauty and how Tom Fazio envisioned the community’s championship course. But golf is not the only attraction in this community. It is also an anglers haven for fly-fishing at the world-class Bitterroot Valley and a popular horseback riding destination to explore the Sapphire Mountains. It has an equestrian facility offering Kids Horse Camp and Kid’s Rodeo. The Club Shooting Centre is also popular. Other amenities include a spa and fitness center, pools and tennis courts. The community offers 95 homesites and 30 cabin lots. The membership initiation fee runs at $125,000. Golf homes available range from $4M to $19.5M and homesites start at $875,000. Image courtesy of golfpass
23. Talisker (Park City, UT)
Talisker is a private community that offers a four club pass (Tuhae, Empire, Main Street and Outpost) under one membership. This entitles residents to enjoy the year-round season by having access to four different locations. The member can enjoy the Mark O’Meara signature golf course and a recreational lake with a Tuhaye pass. Or head to the mountains and enjoy mountain biking or hiking using Empire pass. With another pass head to Park City’s Main Street and enjoy the Sundance Film Festival or take a lift and head to the Park City Mountain Resort to ski. If you want peace and quiet and experience the outback, use the Outpost pass to head to a 9,000-foot mountain destination. Golf Homes here start at $1.45M and homesites from $450,000.
24. Tehama (Carmel, CA)
Tehama is a gated private community that has a stunning view of Carmel Valley and Monterey Bay. A Jay Morrish signature course is the centerpiece of the club. Other amenities include a fitness center, pools, hot tub and tennis courts. The beach of Monterey Bay is just minutes away affording other activities such as surfing, sailing, including whale watching. The community is limited only to 90 homesites of which 60 have already been sold. The price of a homesite starts at $2.6M.
25. The Bear's Club (Jupiter, FL)
The Bear’s Club is a private club conceived by Jack Nicklaus for people who only want golf and pure club experience. Jack designed the 18-hole championship course through a natural setting of Cypress, Pine and Oak trees. The course has hundreds of bunkers making it challenging and entailing precision. Complementing the course is the Jack Nicklaus Performance Solutions academy and a 3-par course. The opportunity to own a golf house at The Bear’s Club in which the golf course adds to the seminal golf experience, is highly sought which limits the available homes to a select few, oftentimes none. Currently, available golf estate homes are in the range of $3.8M to $19M. View Community, Courses plus Golf Homes for Sale and Rent
26. The Cliffs Communities (Travelers Rest, SC)
Seven communities in three regions, each with a unique set of amenities, joined together under a single club membership at The Cliffs. That means you get to enjoy seven golf courses designed by Tom Fazio, Tom Jackson, Jack Nicklaus and Ben Wright. Plus you get to experience seven fitness centers, an equestrian center, Beach Club, a full-service marina, more than a dozen diverse dining experiences including an organic farm. Other popular activities are fishing, mountain biking and cycling, hiking, horseback and tennis. Kid-friendly courses, camps and special events are available too. Golf Homes are in the range of $390,000 to $5.5M and homesites from $75,000 to $2M. Image courtesy of cliffsliving.com
27. The Golf Club at Black Rock (Coeur d'Alene, ID)
A world-class private club that is known not only for golf but also as a boat lover’s paradise. Set on the shores of Lake Coeur d’Alene, this exclusive community has a private beach club with 135 miles of scenic shoreline. It has a full-service marina with 130 boat slips, a fuel dock, guest docking, a convenience store and a bar and grill that has become a lakeside destination. The club is known for its beautifully crafted 18-hole course designed by Architect Jim Engh. Golf homes are available at a price range from $3M to 3.2M and homesites from $110,000 to $380,000. But golf property ownership is no longer a requirement for membership.
28. The Greenbrier Sporting Club (White Sulphur Springs, WV)
A private golf community that is nestled on a hill and has an illustrious past. It offers four 18-hole championship courses and a 9-hole short game course. The latest, the Snead Course was designed by Tom Fazio for members only. The three other championship courses, The Old White, The Greenbrier and The Meadows opened in the early 1900s has undergone renovations and is open to the public. The club also has a sports complex with an indoor climbing wall, infinity pool, tennis and squash courts, spa and fitness center. The community also offers outdoor activities such as equestrian, hiking, fishing, hunting and shooting. Golf homes are available from $850,000 to $5M and homesites from $69,000 to $1.4M. Image courtesy of linksmagazine.com
29. Tradition Golf Club (La Qinta, CA)
A top-notch community that is ranked #26 as a Platinum Club of America for Golf Clubs 2020-21 and Top 100 Platinum Club of the World. Offers an Arnold Palmer signature course, an 18-hole and a 9-hole short course to refine your skills. The clubhouse offers a spa and fitness center, Bocce ball, dining and social events with excellent staff providing an unparalleled experience to members. Residency is not a requirement for membership but they do offer golf homes ranging from $880,000 to $5.5M and homesites from $395,000 to $1.25M.
30. Wade Hampton Golf Club (Cashiers, NC)
One of the world’s elite golf clubs whose existence was to provide a pure, quality golf experience. This gated community lies surrounded by thousands of acres of national forest and access to many of the activities and amenities in Cashiers, NC. These include lakes, waterfalls, hiking trails, antiques, boutique shops and fresh local delicacies. It offers a Tom Fazio signature course known for its design and breathtaking mountain views. The residential community is limited to 300 homes that blend seamlessly into the surroundings. Homesites range from 0.75 to 5 acres with a price tag of $90,000 to $1.6M and golf homes from $1.48M to $4.8M. Image courtesy of golfpass.com
31. Windsor (Vero Beach, FL)
A private residential community and sporting club that offers a links-style 18-hole golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. It has an Equestrian Centre with a polo field and an active children’s polo team. A Tennis Centre by Stan Smith, pickleball, croquet and a gun club. Fine art exhibitions, performing arts shows, classical and contemporary musical concerts and a speaker series are also part of the club’s lifestyle to promote art and culture. The community has a wide selection of golf homes and homesites with a price range of $625,000 to $10M. Image courtesy of Golf Course Architecture
