2014 CAGGYs: Top Nationwide Golf Destinations

Approximately 600 miles separate Bandon Dunes from Pebble Beach. The number of votes separating the two was far fewer—seven. In the 15 years after opening Bandon Dunes—the first of its five walking-only, golf-as-it-was- meant-to-be courses on the linksland of the southern Oregon coast—Michael Keiser’s resort has distinguished itself time and again as the destination for golf pilgrims. Unlike the meccas to which it draws comparisons—Pebble, St. Andrews, Pinehurst—Bandon will likely never host a major tournament. Nor does it aspire to.The courses form a major gauntlet all their own: Bandon Dunes, Pacific Dunes, Bandon Trails, Old Macdonald and the 10-hole Bandon Preserve. Each course delivers a singular golf experience that challenges our grey matter. And those challenges will continue, as Keiser recently inked a deal to build Bandon Links, a 27-hole, affordable links-style layout designed by Gil Hanse.

Best Overall U.S. Experience
Reader's Choice

1. Bandon Dunes, Oregon
2. Pebble Beach, California
3. Pinehurst, North Carolina

Staff Picks

American Club, Wisconsin
La Quinta, California
Princeville Hawaii

Pictured Above: Bandon Dunes, Oregon

Best Las Vegas Golf Experience
Reader's Choice

1. Wynn Las Vegas
2. Shadow Creek Golf Club, North Las Vegas
3. Cascata Golf, Boulder City

Staff Picks

Cascata
Paiute Golf Resort, Las Vegas
Shadow Creek

Pictured Above: Wynn Las Vegas

Best Mesquite/ St. George Golf Experience

1. Wolf Creek Golf Club, Mesquite, Nev.
2. Sand Hollow Resort, Hurricane, Utah
3. Coral Canyon Golf Course, Washington, Utah

Staff Picks

Conestoga Golf Club, Mesquite
Coyote Springs Golf Club, Coyote Springs, Nevada
Entrada at Snow Canyon, St. George, Utah

Pictured Above: Wolf Creek

Best Mexico Golf Experience
Reader's Choice

1. Cabo Del Sol, Cabo San Lucas
2. Estrella Del Mar, Mazatlán
3. Punta Mita, Puerto Vallarta

Staff Picks

Costa Baja, La Paz
El Tigre, Puerto Vallarta
One&Only Palmilla, San José del Cabo

Pictured Above: Cabo del Sol

Best New Mexico Golf Experience
Reader's Choice

1. Paa-ko Ridge Golf Club, Sandia Park
2. Sandia Resort and Casino, Albuquerque
3. University of New Mexico Championship Course, Albuquerque

Staff Picks

Black Mesa Golf Course, Santa Fe
Paa-Ko Ridge
Sandia

Pictured Above: Paa-ko Ridge

Best Phoenix/Scottsdale Golf Experience
Reader's Choice

1. Troon North Golf Club, North Scottsdale
2. We-Ko-Pa Golf Club, Ft. McDowell
T-3. Whisper Rock Golf Club, Scottsdale
T-3. Desert Mountain, Scottsdale
T-3. TPC Scottsdale, Scottsdale

Staff Picks

The Boulders, Carefree
TPC Scottsdale
We-Ko-Pa

Pictured Above: Troon North

Best Tucson Area Golf Experience
Reader's Choice

1. The Lodge at Ventana Canyon, Tucson
2. The Golf Club at Dove Mountain, Marana
3. Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa, Tucson

Staff Picks

Sewailo Golf Club, Tucson
Tubac Golf Resort, Tubac
Ventana Canyon

Pictured Above: Ventana Canyon

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