There’s something unmistakably calming about a well-manicured green. For leisure travelers, golf resorts are a peaceful escape. For business groups, they’re a powerful productivity booster. Golf course hotels offer the rare combination of luxury, scenery, and purpose-built meeting spaces, all in one place. Whether you’re hosting a board retreat, a client outing, or an incentive trip, these properties provide a seamless blend of business and leisure.
From early tee times to spa sessions and starlit dinners, golf resorts cater to both performance and relaxation. And for planners? They come packed with perks that make logistics easier and experiences unforgettable.
What Defines a Golf Course Hotel?
At its core, a golf course hotel is a full-service resort built around one or more championship-level golf courses. These properties go far beyond offering a round of golf. They’re often:
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- Set on expansive grounds with scenic views
- Home to luxury accommodations and spas
- Designed with both leisure and corporate guests in mind
Key Benefits:
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- Scenic settings that offer built-in backdrops for events and photos
- Peaceful environments ideal for reflection, networking, or unwinding
- On-site activities that make it easy to entertain guests without off-site logistics
Amenities That Matter
Today’s golf course hotels are built for more than just the links. They include a wide range of services that appeal to both event planners and attendees:
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- Golf packages tailored for individuals, groups, and tournaments
- Full-service spas offering massages, facials, and wellness treatments
- Diverse dining options from casual grills to fine-dining experiences
- Outdoor pools, fitness centers, and guided excursions
Why it matters for planners:
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- Multiple activities on-site reduce the need for transport logistics
- VIP guests and families have plenty to do outside the main event
- Packages and resort credits can be worked into room blocks or registration
Built-In Meeting Spaces
One of the most underrated advantages of golf course hotels? Their commitment to hosting groups. Many were designed with large-scale events in mind, offering:
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- Ballrooms and breakout rooms with built-in A/V
- Outdoor event lawns and terraces with stunning views
- Golf course pavilions ideal for casual networking receptions
In addition to flexible layouts, many resorts offer experienced on-site planning teams, catering chefs, and tech support to ensure seamless execution.
Group Golf Packages: More Than a Perk
Golf outings aren’t just a nice extra—they can be strategic tools for engagement. Group packages often include:
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- Tee times reserved for large parties
- Discounts on green fees and equipment rentals
- Tournament-style formats for friendly competition
- On-course refreshments or themed contests
Pro Tips:
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- Consider pairing golf with team-building elements (e.g., best-ball scrambles)
- Offer beginner clinics for non-golfers to feel included
- Use branded giveaways (like hats or towels) to add a personal touch
Corporate Retreats with a View
There’s a reason golf resorts top the list for offsite strategy sessions and leadership retreats. They offer:
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- Private, distraction-free settings for deep thinking
- Relaxing activities like yoga, spa visits, and fireside chats
- Unique breakout formats (try walking meetings on the course trail)
- Luxury perks that help attract top-tier attendees
Planning Tips:
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- Use morning tee times to incentivize early starts
- Mix in social elements like sunset receptions or stargazing
- Don’t forget wellness offerings: healthy menus and activity breaks help boost focus
7 Standout Golf Course Hotels for Events
If you’re planning a large-scale conference or a luxury retreat, The Broadmoor delivers. With over 315,000 square feet of meeting space, stunning Rocky Mountain views, and two championship golf courses, it’s built for impact. Add in top-tier amenities and award-winning service, and you’ve got a venue that makes every moment feel like a grand experience. Planners love the on-site activities, from falconry to fly fishing, making downtime just as compelling as the agenda.
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- Awards: Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five-Diamond resort
- Rooms: 784 rooms, including 100 suites
- Meeting Space: 315,000 sq. ft., including its own 200,000 sq. ft. on-site convention center
- Sustainability: State-of-the-art energy management system to control lighting, heating and cooling systems, and on-site gardens to grow produce used in the property’s restaurants & cafes
- For Non-Golfers: Six lane on-site bowling alley, horseback riding at Old Stage Riding Stables, spa treatments at the award-winning Broadmoor Spa with complimentary oxygen room, sauna and steam room for hotel guests
This Texas-sized resort is ideal for groups needing scale, sustainability, and a splash of fun. With 265,000 square feet of event space and two PGA-level golf courses, the JW Marriott San Antonio balances professional polish with a laid-back Hill Country vibe. Families love the 9-acre water park, while planners appreciate the LEED certification and cutting-edge A/V support. It’s a resort where team-building and relaxation go hand-in-hand.
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- Awards: The 75 Best Golf Resorts In North America by Golf Digest, Top 10 Spas In San Antonio by USA Today, The 30 Best Hotel Pools In America by MSN.com & many more
- Rooms: 1,002 rooms, 85 suites
- Meeting Space: 265,000 sq. ft., two ballrooms over 40,000 sq. ft., each with enough space to host 6,300 guests
- Sustainability: A closed-loop irrigation water conservation system, and a 150-acre bird sanctuary for the endangered Golden Cheek Warbler
- For Non-Golfers: 1,100-foot lazy river, award-winning Lantana Spa, an adults-only infinity edge pool, and Kids Night Out childcare while the parents are away enjoying the amenities
Looking to impress VIP clients or host an exclusive retreat? Sea Island is your answer. This ultra-luxury resort offers five-star service, three world-class golf courses, and a Forbes Five-Star spa—all set along a private beach. Planners can choose from elegant indoor venues or breathtaking outdoor settings under ancient oaks, making it a favorite for high-touch, unforgettable gatherings.
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- Awards: AAA Five-Diamond, Forbes Five-Star, #4 Family Resort in the Continental U.S., Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards, and many more
- Rooms: 390+ across The Cloister, The Lodge, and cottages
- Meeting Space: 30,000 sq. ft. indoor + outdoor venues
- Sustainability: Beach Renourishment, Adopt-a-Nest sea turtle conservation program, St. Simons Land Trust to protect and preserve the island
- For Non-Golfers: The Spa at Sea Island (Forbes Five-Star Spa), year-round fishing, sailing, kayaking, and falconry at the Sporting Club and Lodge
For planners seeking a mix of desert elegance and urban accessibility, The Phoenician delivers. Just minutes from Old Town Scottsdale, this luxury resort boasts a rooftop spa, redesigned golf course, and 93,458 square feet of meeting space. Its sustainable design and legendary service make it a go-to for upscale events with a Southwestern twist. Bonus: the sunsets here are unforgettable.
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- Awards: Forbes Four Star, AAA Five-Diamond, and over 20 other awards!
- Rooms: 643 rooms, suites, and casitas
- Meeting Space: More than 93,458 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor event space, including the 15,000 sq. ft. Camelback Ballroom with stunning views of the Camelback Mountains
- Sustainability: 3-acre solar farm, water conservation, LED/efficient HVAC and more
- For Non-Golfers: The Phoenician Spa with post-treatment lounge and rooftop pool, a Game Room with arcade & video games, shuffleboard, pool and foosball tables
Tucked just outside Austin, this hill country resort is ideal for planners who want it all: golf, greenery, and great meeting space. With 76,000+ square feet of flexible venues and four championship courses, Omni Barton Creek hits the sweet spot for executive retreats or incentive trips. Attendees will love the resort’s modern Texas charm, full-service spa, and quick access to Austin’s music and culinary scene.
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- Awards: Best golf resorts in the Southwest by GOLF Magazine, Top 5 resorts in Texas by Travel + Leisure readers & many more
- Rooms: 493 rooms and suites
- Meeting Space: 76,000+ sq. ft., including outdoor pavilion
- Sustainability: 80% locally and organically sourced food, reclaimed water irrigation, and on-site EV charging stations
- For Non-Golfers: Relax and unwind at the Mokara Spa, enjoy live music, food & beverage tastings and family-friendly activities at the seasonal Summer in the Hills event, or venture out and explore the Austin music scene, Lake Travis, and Hill Country distilleries
With ten 18-hole courses and a variety of venue options for indoor and outdoor events of all sizes, Pinehurst is a dream for planners seeking heritage, hospitality, and variety. It offers everything from grand ballrooms to golf lodges and outdoor terraces, perfect for events with character. Attendees will enjoy lawn sports, spa visits, and rounds on the legendary No. 2 course—all wrapped in Southern charm. Sustainability-forward and full of history, it’s a winning pick for both corporate and social gatherings.
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- Awards: Top 10 Favorite U.S. Golf Resort, Top 10 Favorite U.S. Golf Resort for a Buddy Trip, Top 10 Most “Dreamed-About” U.S. Golf Destination and many more.
- Rooms: 428 guest rooms at the Pinehurst Resort, plus several on-property hotels, cottages and inns
- Meeting Space: Over 38,000 sq. ft. of meeting space at the Pinehurst Resort, plus eight additional venues across the golf complex
- Sustainability: USGA Green Section Award for serving as a leader in sustainable golf course maintenance practices
- For Non-Golfers: Indulge in relaxing treatments at The Spa at Pinehurst, enjoy the private 200-acre Lake Pinehurst for boating, fishing and swimming, or explore the nearby Seagrove pottery trail, Village of Pinehurst, and Pinehurst Gun Club
For groups wanting sun, scenery, and Spanish-style charm, La Quinta is a standout. With 190,000 square feet of flexible space and five championship golf courses, this desert oasis blends laid-back luxury with logistical power. Planners can host everything from poolside receptions to black-tie galas under the stars. With 42 pools, world-class tennis, and year-round good weather, your attendees won’t want to leave.
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- Awards: GOLF’s Top 100 Best Courses in North America and Open Table’s Diners’ Choice Award
- Rooms: 620 hacienda-style casitas and suites
- Meeting Space: 190,000 sq. ft. indoor/outdoor space
- Sustainability: ORCA food digesters, drought-tolerant landscaping
- For Non-Golfers: Rejuvenate and recharge at Spa La Quinta, play tennis or pickleball at one of the top tennis resorts in the world, or take a dip in one of 42 on-site pools
Honorable Mentions:
The Greenbrier, America’s Resort – White Sulphur Springs, WV
A storied resort and National Historic Landmark with deep presidential history, four golf courses, 200,000 sq. ft. of space, casino games and spa treatments.
JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa – Palm Desert, CA
Massive in scale with a one-of-a-kind canal boat system, two golf courses, over 230,000 sq. ft. of event space, and strong sustainability programs including, water conservation, composting and recycling.
The Biltmore Miami-Coral Gables – Coral Gables, FL
A historic Coral Gables icon offering a Donald Ross-designed golf course, a 23,000 sq. ft. resort pool, 75,000 sq. ft. of flexible event space, and eco-conscious upgrades within a landmark setting.
Final Thoughts: Tee Up Your Next Event
Golf course hotels offer a rare trifecta: natural beauty, elevated amenities, and exceptional event infrastructure. Whether you’re planning a conference, a retreat, or a client incentive trip, these properties create a setting where deals close and connections flourish.
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