2017 Best Courses & Travel Destinations

I’m very fortunate to have the opportunity to play lots of different golf courses, sometimes in pretty exotic locations. My annual Best Courses & Travel Destinations list is fun to compile but the selections aren’t always easy. In 2017, I played golf at 34 different courses, of which 22 were new to me, and stayed at 12 resorts in 6 countries. Following are my selections based on my experiences from the past year. (Note: “New” courses and resorts aren’t necessarily brand new developments, just courses I’ve not played before).

Best New Course (North America): Quintero Golf Club, Peoria, AZ

Best New Course (World): Royal Gems, Bangkok, Thailand

Best Golf Resort (North America): Ritz Carlton Golf Hotel, Naples, Florida

Best Golf Resort (World): Regnum Carya Golf & Spa Hotel, Antalya, Turkey

Best Golf Destination: Thailand

Best Course Return Visit: Pinehurst No 2, Pinehurst, NC

Best Par 3: Quintero Golf Club, Hole: #6, Peoria, AZ

Best Par 4 Hole: Pinehurst No 9, Hole #18, Pinehurst NC

Best Par 5 Hole: We-Ko-Pa Resort, Cholla Course, Hole #8, Fort McDowell, AZ

Best Surprise Course: Toronto Hunt Club, Scarborough, Ontario