With the weather improving, what better way to bond with dad or your bros than a manly golf getaway? There are plenty of stellar courses around the globe offered in tandem with five star accommodations that include sightseeing, instruction, equipment and anything else you may need to make the weekend a success (whiskey, possibly?).
Grab your 5 iron and your five best bros and get on the green at one of these top golf destinations because improving your game will improve your drive (literally and figuratively).
Turnberry Resort - Scotland
Golf in Scotland was first recorded in the 15th century, where the modern game of golf was born. Home to the iconic Ailsa an Open Championship course four times over, Turnberry offers one of the world's great golfing experiences. Watson, Norman and Price have all won the famous Claret Jug here and in 2009, Stewart Cink added his name to that exclusive list following his play-off triumph over Tom Watson at the 138th Open - or British Open as known by Americans. Regarded as a "perfect play" course, the opening par 4 shot must be accurate as bunkers line both sides of the 1st fairway starting at 220 yards from the tee.
Augusta National Golf Club - Augusta, GA
Consistently rated the best course in the US by Golf Digest, this 18 hole course features 7,270 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 72. Regularly hosting the US Masters, one of the four major yearly tournaments, play like a champion on your golf getaway. Since the course first opened in 1933, it has been modified many times over by different architects, reshaped and rebuilding greens and tees, adding bunkers, extending water hazards and planting trees and mounds. The closest hotel is about a mile from the course, and local accommodations can be arranged through the local tourist bureau, http://www.augustaga.org/.
Pebble Beach Resorts - Pebble Beach, CA
Voted the World's Most Beautiful Course by the PGA tour, living legends have stayed and played here. From Samuel F. B. Morse to Salvador Dali,Teddy Roosevelt to Charles Lindbergh, Sir Winston Churchill to Elizabeth Taylor, and Clark Gable to Bing Crosby, join the ranks of the superstars with a variety of scenic course options from Oceanside to rolling hills to Spanish Bay. History abounds, with Del Monte taking the title as the oldest course in continuous operation west of the Mississippi and Spyglass Hill taking inspiration from Robert Louis Stevenson's classic novel, Treasure Island. A variety of luxury accommodations include elegant lodges and Mediterranean estates to complete your retreat.
The American Club - Kohler, WI
Golf.com's Platinum Award for Best Resorts honors the finest in golf properties and accommodations. This year, the title goes to a little mid-America gem in the Dairy State. Also taking the honor of being the only 5 Diamond Resort in the Midwest, Kohler's four championship courses were designed by the legendary Hall of Fame architect Pete Dye. The scenic Blackwolf Run melds into a river basin formed by the flows of glacial runoff and has hosted the U.S. Women's Open and the Andersen Consulting World Championship of Golf. Also on site is the famed Kohler Water Spa, with innovative hydrotherapy treatments that stimulate the body through sensory contrast. Perfect for a little R&R after your game.
Paradisus Palma Real Resort - Dominican Republic
Golf is one of the Dominican Republic's top attractions as a result of their beautiful waterfront courses, varied terrain, and perfect year round weather. Designed by six-time Spanish Champion, José Pepe Gancedo, this beautiful Punta Cana course is flawlessly blended into the surrounding Dominican countryside providing interesting and unique challenges at every hole. The utilization of four sets of tees provides low-handicapped golfers with a course of great challenge, while beginners and intermediate players can continually improve their game in a player-friendly environment. Looking to learn? The Meliá Golf Academy pairs students up with some of the great pros from the Silver Sands Academy.