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  A golf vacation is no light matter! You’re about to commit yourself to days or even weeks with a single golf course; you need to make sure that it is up to standard, that you will be dreaming of those fairways for years to come. You need to be certain that you find the best golf courses for you. Not only that, but there is a whole list of amenities you want on your vacation that a golf resort may not necessarily have. A resort is, after all, more than the sum of its putting greens. What about the food, the service, the accommodations, the after-golf entertainment and relaxation? The greatest golf course in the world isn’t worth a stay in the Overlook Hotel. This summer, avoid having all work and no play by stay at one of the best golf resorts in the country, such as… Bandon Dunes Golf Resort The Bandon Dunes course is amazing, ruddy hills and cliffs, a beautiful shoreline view, and lush greenery far as the eye can see. Fortunately, you aren’t stuck out in “the middle of nowhere,” thanks to the shopping, food, and spirits available at Bandon Dunes. Everything from the Lodge to the Bunker Bar will keep you deliciously fed and pleasantly tipsy. As far as lodging is concerned, Bandon has everything it will take to accommodate your situation, whether you’re there alone or with your whole family. Pebble Beach Resorts How could Pebble Beach not be mentioned? When you think of professional golfing, you think of Pebble Beach; considered one of the most beautiful golfing locations in the country, you owe it to yourself to tee off there at least once. If you decide to purchase one of Pebble Beach Resort’s packages, with shopping, dining, accommodations, and of course, golfing included, you’ll be doing so every morning. The American Club Resort The American Club Resort’s golfing is top of the line, but your significant other won’t be left out in the cold when they come along for the ride. While you’re hitting the fairway and the occasional lake, they can enjoy the American Club’s spas and shopping, with day packages designed to please. Your partner will find themselves enjoying your golf vacation more than you, without ever teeing off! Sea Island Resorts Sea Island has everything you would expect at a major golf resort: fantastic tee offs, quality dining, relaxing spas, fitness opportunities, nature exploration opportunities… but the real attraction may be the learning center. Golf greats like Jack Lumpkin, Todd Anderson, and Jared Zak can be found there, teaching you and your family or friends how to drive with the best of them. Where else can you find that kind of educational opportunity? The Greenbrier West Virginia’s Greenbrier offers an amazing golf course, along with the standard package opportunities of fine dining, relaxing spas, and retail shopping opportunities. Keep in mind, however, that this is West Virginia, and so the Greenbrier also boasts a casino – described as Monte Carlo meets Gone with the Wind, for those who enjoy a little literature in their high class gambling. Regardless of where you choose to spend your summer, golf resorts have a lot to offer, with each one’s experience uniquely different from the rest. Do you want the traditional experience of Bandon Dunes, the stunning beauty of Pebble Beach, the great couples experience of the American Club, the educational opportunities of Sea Island, or the high rolling of the Greenbrier? Why settle for one, though, when you could make a whole season of it and go to all of the above? Author: T.M. Loyd is a freelance writer from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, who has been published across the web on topics ranging from landscaping to web security and all points in-between. He is schooled in finance, international relations, literature, consumer issues, and education, among many, many other disciplines.