Subtitle: These legendary golf resorts all live up to the hype—but each one hits completely different. Here’s how they stack up compared to each other.

Let’s start here:

This post isn’t about ranking them. That’s like ranking your kids (or your favorite Transfusion recipes). This is about helping you figure out which resort fits your crew, your vibe, and your trip.

Bandon Dunes: Secluded, Spiritual, and Windier Than a Scottish Pub Debate

If you’re a golf purist, Bandon is your Disneyland. It’s remote. It’s rugged. And even though everything except Sheep Ranch is only a 5-minute shuttle ride away, it somehow still feels like you’ve escaped civilization. In the best way.

What stood out:

• The wind. It’s not just a factor—it’s a personality.
• Uneven lies and slow-ish greens will humble you.
• Prices on property aren’t as brutal as you’d expect. Surprisingly fair.

Pro Tip:
Don’t let the cool weather fool you. Wear sunscreen. There’s a reason every caddie is slathered up like a lifeguard in July.

Vibe check:
Walking-only, no music blaring on carts, and course routing that’s designed to make you stop and look around. You come to Bandon to golf, not “golf and...”

Pebble Beach: The Stuff of Dreams (and Maxed-Out Credit Cards)

Pebble is exactly what you expect. Magical. Scenic. Expensive enough to make you question your life choices. And still—still—worth it.

What stood out:

• Standing on the green at #6 is a spiritual moment.
• Ignore the hip contrarians—Spyglass is great, but Pebble is Pebble.
• Courses are much more spread out than I expected. You’re not walking between them.

Pro Tip:
Budget accordingly. This place prints money and hands you the receipt with a smile. Stay on property if you can—it’s easier, classier, and you’re already in this deep.

Vibe check:
It’s polished, manicured, and yes, full of bucket-list energy. There’s a photo op every ten steps and a price tag to match. Bring your A-game and a backup Amex.

Pinehurst: Where Golf’s History Lives—and Tries to Beat You on the Greens

If Bandon is raw and Pebble is cinematic, Pinehurst is historic. It feels like American golf was born here—and in many ways, it was.

What stood out:

• The sense of tradition is everywhere—way more than I felt at Bandon or Pebble.
• Pinehurst #4 is way underrated.
• You need a caddie on #2 if you don’t know how to read grain—it’s like putting on a pool table made of glass and old secrets.

Pro Tip:
Don't skip Tobacco Road. It’s chaotic, insane, and one of the most fun rounds I’ve ever played.

Vibe check:
Great for bigger groups. You’ve got restaurants, bars, The Cradle, and Thistle Dhu all in walking distance. It’s approachable, fun, and more affordable than the other two.

Wherever you go, just go. These places are different, unforgettable, and totally worth the planning. And if you can swing all three? Welcome to the club.