Call them the best of the best, the elite or the Green Berets of America’s golf towns.

The ten cities on this list have one thing in common. They appear on more top ten golf destination lists than all other cities in the US How do I know this? By way of investigation … a lot of tedious investigation, slow but totally exhaustive.

Building the ultimate list

I started the process by putting together every list of popular US golf destinations that I could find. This journey took me from About.com to Golf Digest, from travel websites to sports websites and everything in between. I read lists of golfers, journalists, travelers, and even historians.

The envelope please

When the dust settled, he had 15 lists of popular golf destinations in the country. Then I started cross-referencing to determine which cities appeared on the most lists. So here you have the best of the best … the elite … the ten most popular golf cities in the United States.

(I have listed these cities in alphabetical order, because anything else would have required too much math.)

1. Hilton Head, South Carolina

Golf Digest readers placed South Carolina’s Hilton Head Island at number 10 on a list of the best resorts in the world. Do I really need to say more than that? Well, here’s more. You can choose from more than 20 golf courses that wind around marshes, lakes and lagoons. For more information, visit http://www.GolfIsland.com.

2. Las Vegas, Nevada

Say “Las Vegas” to most people, and the game often comes to mind. But Las Vegas is also a premier golf destination with more than two dozen courses. Popular options include Reflection Bay, Royal Links, and The Canyons. Just be aware of the time of year: if you travel there in summer, you can expect temperatures in excess of 100ºC. For more information, visit http://www.LasVegasGolf.com.

3. Maui, Hawaii

Aside from the lush beauty normally associated with Maui, the Hawaiian island also offers the only 54-hole courses in the state, Wailea and Kapalua. According to VisitMaui.com, there is plenty of availability for everyone: “Although Maui hosts several well-known professional tournaments, tee times are rarely hard to come by. Learn more at http://www.VisitMaui.com.

4. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

I took family trips to Myrtle Beach every year for over a decade. I remember how eager my brothers and I would be to play a round of Jungle Golf, a miniature golf with all the animal accessories you could shake a club with. But Myrtle Beach also has a lot of “big kid” golf. Popular courses include The Legends, Grand Dunes, Wild Wing, and Tidewater. Learn at http://www.MyrtleBeachGolf.com.

5. Orlando, Florida

Orlando conjures up images of Disney World, Universal Studios, and similar attractions. But it also attracts many golfers to its more than 20 courses. Popular stops include Orange County National, Bay Hill, and Disney. Where else can you play golf with Mickey Mouse? Learn more at http://www.GolfOrlando.com.

6. Palm Springs, California

If you like the idea of ​​golfing on lush green courses with lots of palm trees and a backdrop of rugged mountains, Palm Springs is the place for you. Within the Coachella Valley, there are more than 100 courses. According to GolfDigest.com, “PGA West, La Quinta and Mission Hills North are the big three resorts in the city.” Learn more at http://www.PalmSprings.com/golf.

7. Phoenix / Scottsdale, Arizona

I am aware that Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona are two different cities. But they’re so close to each other, and they appeared on so many lists together, that I felt like they deserved to share a spot in my top ten. Only the desert landscape is worth a trip. Add to that the abundance of world-class golf courses, and you have a desert paradise for any avid golfer. Learn more at http://www.AZgolf.org.

8. Pinehurst, North Carolina

Yes, we go back to the Carolinas. I’m not biased or anything, the Carolinas just pop up on a lot of lists. Pinehurst is both a resort and a town. The PinehurstGolf.com website explains: “Pinehurst, the resort, is a wonderful collection of historic hotels and eight world-class golf courses that is widely considered one of the best golf destinations in the world. Pinehurst, the Village, is a Quaint New England Stylish Town … “Find out more at http://www.PinehurstGolf.com.

9. San Diego, California

I lived in San Diego for three years, so I can attest that the city is worth a visit. Whether you go golfing, tourism, or a combination of the two, San Diego will not disappoint. San Diego County has excellent weather year-round, allowing for many days of golf at any of the more than 80 golf courses in the county. Torrey Pines and La Costa are popular stops. Learn more at http://www.SanDiegoGolf.com.

10. Williamsburg, Virginia

If you’re a history buff as well as a golfer, put Williamsburg, Virginia on your travel list this year. Colonial Williamsburg is a living history museum that takes you back in time to the days of the Revolutionary War. And when you’re ready to hit the green, you’ll find more than a dozen top-rated courses to suit you. Stonehouse, Royal New Kent, and Kingsmill are popular stops. Learn more at http://www.GolfWilliamsburg.com.

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