Deep within the beautiful swaying fields of Nebraska lies a golf course of legend. Landmand Golf Club is a modern masterpiece in the heartland, tucked into the dramatic Loess Hills near Homer, Nebraska (about 90 miles north of Omaha, close to Sioux City, Iowa). Designed by King-Collins Golf Course Design (Rob Collins and Tad King, of Sweetens Cove fame), this public-access gem sits on vast, tumbling farmland with raw, natural contours, massive elevation shifts, horizon-to-horizon views, and that wide-open, links-inspired feel in America’s breadbasket. It’s bucket-list territory for adventurous golfers seeking epic scale, strategic fun, and pure escapism.

Quick Facts

  • One championship 18-hole course First full 18 by King-Collins; huge property (580+ acres) with raw loess formations, eroded valleys, and prairie-like openness
  • Adventure-style golf: Wide fairways, bold greens, risk-reward holes, massive contours, and “farmer’s golf” vibe, playable yet wildly engaging
  • Seasonal play: Typically mid-May to early October; peak summer/fall for best conditions and long days
  • High demand: Tee times sell out fast (2026 sold in under an hour); ranked top public in Nebraska, \#18 on Golfweek’s Best You Can Play (2025), Best New Public 2022 (Golf Digest)
  • Public focus: Welcoming, fun atmosphere with on-site cabins for stay-and-play

“Babe, we’re taking our vacation in Nebraska this year.” No offense to Nebraska but that might be a hard sell. But if you just include that Nebraska offers a unique, underrated mix of pioneering history, diverse natural landscapes, and top-tier attractions like golf you should be good.

Perfect For…

  • Guys’ Trips: High-energy rounds with jaw-dropping views, post-golf hangs at The Farmer’s Table, friendly bets on creative holes, and that remote, no-distractions reset
  • Families: Spacious cabins for groups, forgiving wide fairways for varying skill levels; non-golfers enjoy the scenic drives, nearby towns, or heartland vibes

Top Standout Courses

Landmand Course (King-Collins Design)

The star — a raw, natural stunner winding through bluffs, valleys, and endless vistas. Massive scale with holes visible across the property (stand on \#12 tee and spot 8–10 others\!), downhill screamers, huge greens, strategic options, and that “Sand Hills meets links” feel. Memorable from start to finish — often called one of the most exciting new public courses in America.

Great Stay-and-Play Resorts & Spots

  • On-site Cabins: Below the 18th fairway; each sleeps 4 (four bedrooms); Layover packages guarantee tee times \+ 36 holes (or more with extra nights), book early for priority
  • Landmand Layover, Cabin stay \+ rounds (you pick times, they lock ’em in); includes access to The Farmer’s Table (breakfast/lunch/dinner), Comfort Station on-course snacks
  • Nearby Sioux City options for overflow (e.g., Delta Marriott for events); but on-property immersion is key

All Key Landmand Golf Highlights at a Glance

  • Landmand Course (18 holes, epic adventure design)
  • On-site cabins for stay-and-play
  • The Farmer’s Table (dining)
  • Comfort Station (mid-round fuel)
  • Massive practice areas and pro shop

Pro Tips

  • Book Layover stay-and-play packages early via landmandgc.com (cabins tab). Sells out quick; guarantees tee times in high-demand seasons
  • Fly into Sioux City (SUX) for closest access (20-30 min drive), or Omaha (OMA) 90 min
  • Pair golf with Nebraska heartland classics: farm-fresh eats, steaks, local brews, or scenic drives through the Loess Hills
  • Embrace the wide fairways (forgiving off the tee); use multiple angles for approach play; forward tees keep it fun for all

Time to chase birdies across endless horizons, embrace the raw beauty, and reset on one of America’s hottest public courses. Landmand is calling your escape.

The Caddy Shanks Team

Innisbrook Resort is a premier Florida golf destination spread across 900 acres of rolling hills, tranquil lakes, and pine-lined fairways in Palm Harbor, just north of Tampa. It’s home to four championship courses designed by Larry Packard, including the legendary Copperhead, host of the PGA TOUR’s Valspar Championship. Think challenging layouts, stunning scenery, and that classic resort vibe with pools, spa, and endless activities.

Quick Facts

  • Four championship courses: Copperhead, Island, North, and South totaling over 23,000 yards of golf
  • Rolling terrain and elevation: Rare for Florida, with tree-lined fairways, water hazards, and bunkers galore
  • Year-round play: Mild winters (perfect escape), great conditions spring/fall; summer mornings for deals
  • PGA TOUR pedigree: Copperhead ranked among the toughest on tour (7th toughest in recent years)
  • Stay-and-play heaven: Packages include unlimited practice, breakfast, and priority tee times

Perfect For

  • Guys’ Trips: Multi-round days (36 holes easy), post-golf steaks at Packard’s, high-stakes Snake Pit bets, and Tampa-area nightlife or cigars
  • Families: Massive pools, Salamander Spa, kids’ programs, tennis, mini-golf; forgiving options on North/South courses for all levels

Top Standout Courses

Copperhead Course

The star, host of the PGA TOUR’s Valspar Championship. Tree-lined, demanding ball-striking test with elevation changes and the famous “Snake Pit” finish (holes 16-18) where tournaments are won and lost. Over 7,200 yards of pure challenge and drama.

Island Course

Often called equally or more challenging than Copperhead, with tight fairways, intimidating water, bunkers everywhere, and huge elevation shifts. Ranked among top resort courses by Golf Digest; stunning finishing hole that’s one of Florida’s most photographed.

South Course

Classic parkland style with rolling hills, lakes, and strategic play — more forgiving than Copperhead/Island but still a solid test. Great for groups or building confidence before tackling the big ones.

North Course

Shorter and scenic at around 6,000 yards with interesting holes and beautiful views. Ideal for a relaxed round or family play while still feeling like championship golf.

Stay-and-Play Options

  • Innisbrook Resort on-site: Spacious rooms, suites, condos, multiple pools, Salamander Spa, restaurants (Packard’s Steakhouse a highlight), and direct course access
  • Classic package (one round per night) or Platinum package (up to 36 holes/day including Copperhead) include breakfast, merch credit, and unlimited practice

All Key Innisbrook Golf Highlights

  • Copperhead Course (Valspar Championship host)
  • Island Course (top-rated resort gem)
  • South Course (parkland classic)
  • North Course (scenic and playable)
  • 10-acre practice facility and golf instruction

Pro Tips

  • Book stay-and-play packages early via innisbrookgolfresort.com or specialists including Copperhead upgrades
  • Fly into Tampa International (TPA), just 20-30 minutes away
  • Pair golf with Florida favorites: fresh seafood, Tampa craft beer scene, beaches, or the Valspar Championship in March
  • Tee times booked via resort; pick forward tees on Copperhead unless ready for the tour-level challenge

Time to slither through the Snake Pit and chase birdies on Florida’s rolling hills. Innisbrook is calling your reset.

The state that boasts being the home of the most U.S. presidents also is the home of one of America’s greatest courses. Firestone Country Club is a legendary golf mecca in Akron, Ohio. Home to 54 holes of championship golf across three iconic courses, steeped in PGA Tour history with the famous “Monster” South Course that has tested the game’s greatest players. Tucked away in lush, rolling terrain with tree-lined fairways, water hazards, and that classic Midwest charm, it’s now accessible via exclusive stay-and-play packages. Perfect for reliving tournament drama, chasing birdies on hallowed ground, and enjoying upscale resort perks.

Quick Facts

  • Three championship 18-hole courses: South (RTJ Sr. redesign, “The Monster”), North (water features galore), Fazio (links-style openness, formerly West)
  • Tournament pedigree: Hosted multiple PGA Championships, World Golf Championships, and current home of the Kaulig Companies Championship (Senior PGA event)
  • Year-round appeal: Prime spring/fall play; summer for long days; mild Ohio weather with great conditions
  • Stay-and-play access: Non-member packages make it possible. Luxury villas/rooms, priority tees, dining, and more
  • Top-ranked: South Course often #1 public-access in Ohio (Golfweek/Golf Digest lists), national top-100 playable status

If you’ve noticed that the Firestone Country Club logo uses the same font as the tire and rubber company of the same name, that’s because they were founded by the same man. Harvey Firestone: a man we salute for his phenomenal taste in golf, and also his tires.

Perfect For…

  • Guys’ Trips: Epic multi-course days (play all three, replay options), post-round steaks or beers reminiscing about Tiger’s wins or Arnold’s “Monster” nickname, and easy Akron-area hangs
  • Families: Upscale accommodations with views, pools/spa vibes, casino nearby; more forgiving North/Fazio for varied skill levels

Top Standout Courses

South Course (Robert Trent Jones Sr. Redesign)

The legend, nicknamed “The Monster” by Arnold Palmer after the 1960 PGA. Over 7,400 yards, tree-lined, demanding ball-striking with narrow fairways, elevated greens, bunkers everywhere, and iconic holes like the long par-4 16th and water-guarded finish. Hosted 70+ pro events; pure history and challenge, bucket-list must.

North Course

Scenic beauty showcase, water on over half the holes, rolling terrain, meticulously maintained fairways, and natural splendor. More playable than South but still strategic and rewarding; great for groups wanting variety and stunning Midwest views.

Fazio Course (Formerly West)

Links-style gem by Tom Fazio, wide-open, rolling landscape with breathtaking vistas, strategic bunkering, and player-friendly yet thoughtful design. Emerging as a favorite for its openness and fun; complements the tighter South perfectly.

Great Stay-and-Play Resorts & Spots

  • Firestone Country Club on-site: Luxurious villas and club rooms with course/golf views; premium accommodations in golf-front villas
  • Packages like Buddies (2 nights/3 rounds), Ultimate Buddies (3 nights/4 rounds with replays), or custom group options; include lodging, golf on all courses, carts, breakfast, and perks
  • Nearby Akron perks: Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, dining, and more for off-course fun

All Key Firestone Golf Highlights at a Glance

  • South Course (“The Monster”, tournament icon)
  • North Course (water & natural beauty)
  • Fazio Course (links-style openness)
  • Plus practice facilities, pro shop, and historic clubhouse vibes

Pro Tips

  • Book stay-and-play packages early via invitedclubs.com (Firestone section) or specialists; customize for group size, rounds, and add-ons; South upgrades often extra
  • Fly into Akron-Canton (CAK) for closest access, or Cleveland (CLE) approximately 45-minute drive
  • Pair golf with Ohio classics: local steaks, craft beer, Hall of Fame visit, or Akron eats
  • Use carts for terrain; forward tees on South for fun; embrace the history and walk in legends’ footsteps

Time to conquer “The Monster,” chase history on championship fairways, and reset at this Ohio golf institution. Firestone Country Club is calling your escape.

The Caddy Shanks Team

About Four Seasons Resort Hualalai

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is Hawaii’s premier luxury golf escape, situated on the sunny Kona-Kohala coast of the Big Island. It blends ultra-luxe resort living with a Jack Nicklaus-signature championship course set against dramatic black lava fields, lush kipukas (oases), and Pacific Ocean drama. Host to the PGA Tour Champions’ Mitsubishi Electric Championship, it offers exclusive play for resort guests, with pristine conditions, oceanfront finishes, and that signature aloha service making every round feel like paradise.

Quick Facts

  • One championship 18-hole course: Jack Nicklaus design (his first on Hawaii Island), par-72, over 7,100 yards
  • Unique lava landscape: Starts in green oases, winds through bright fairways against black lava, ends with ocean holes
  • Year-round play: Sunny Big Island weather (70s-80s°F), mild trade winds; peak winter for events, summer for deals
  • Luxury resort access: Exclusive to Four Seasons guests and Hualalai Club members; stay-and-play packages with unlimited golf, priority tees, and top-tier amenities
  • Elite status: Often called one of Hawaii’s finest resort courses; Paspalum greens for tight lies, exceptional conditioning

Perfect For

  • Guys’ Trips: Premium rounds with caddies, post-golf ocean-view cocktails, resort dining, and spa recovery, pair with Big Island adventures like volcano hikes or snorkeling
  • Families: Forbes Five-Star/AAA Five-Diamond resort with multiple pools (including kids’ areas), beach, spa, kids’ programs; forgiving tees and stunning scenery for all levels

I can’t imagine any of you reading this right now aren’t dreaming of golfing in Hawaii. But just in case you needed more keep reading.

Top Standout Course

Hualalai Golf Course (Jack Nicklaus Signature)

The centerpiece, a thoughtful Nicklaus design that respects the environment: lush starting holes in Kipukas transition to lava-contoured fairways, with strategic bunkers, elevation play, and spectacular ocean returns on the closing stretch. Playable from multiple tees (forgiving for resort guests), yet challenging enough for pros (hosts Mitsubishi Electric Championship). Praised for wide fairways, large greens, and the wow-factor contrast of green vs. black lava vs. blue sea.

The resort also offers access to the private Ke’olu Course, a Tom Weiskopf design in lava fields, for club members and premier guests, adding variety for those with access.

Stay-and-Play Options

  • Four Seasons Resort Hualalai itself: Oceanfront luxury with spacious rooms, suites, villas with lanais, multiple pools, award-winning spa, beach, and restaurants from casual to fine dining
  • Unlimited Golf packages include lodging, unlimited rounds on Hualalai course, daily breakfast, and practice facility perks; twilight options for value

All Key Hualalai Golf Highlights

  • Hualalai Golf Course (Jack Nicklaus, championship ocean-lava drama)
  • Hualalai Golf Hale (new practice facility: driving range, short game area, putting green, instruction)
  • Access to private Ke’olu Course (Tom Weiskopf, for eligible guests)
  • Massive practice areas, pro shop, and event-host pedigree

Pro Tips

  • Book stay-and-play packages early via fourseasons.com/hualalai or the resort golf desk; unlimited golf deals are popular and tee times start around 7:40 AM
  • Fly into Kona International (KOA) for a short drive to the resort
  • Pair golf with Big Island musts: fresh poke, Kona coffee tours, manta ray night snorkel, or a volcano national park day trip
  • Use caddies for local tips; forward tees keep it enjoyable; embrace the lava scenery and trade winds

Time to tee it up against lava and ocean, soak in Five-Star luxury, and reset Hawaiian-style. Four Seasons Hualalai is calling your escape.

Horseshoe Bay Resort is a Texas Hill Country work of art. Perched on the shores of Lake LBJ just a short drive northwest of Austin, it features three championship courses designed by legendary architect Robert Trent Jones Sr., plus a members-only Jack Nicklaus Signature course. Dramatic granite outcroppings, rolling hills, elevation changes, lush fairways, and panoramic lake and Hill Country views make it a premier resort escape with luxury lodging, spa, marina, dining, and that signature Texas hospitality.

Quick Facts

  • Three RTJ Sr. championship courses: Slick Rock, Apple Rock, and Ram Rock, plus private Summit Rock (Nicklaus), all with bentgrass greens for premium play
  • Hill Country drama: Rugged terrain, rock formations, water hazards, bunkers galore, and stunning Lake LBJ vistas
  • Year-round play: Mild winters for escapes; peak spring/fall for best weather (60s-80s°F); summer mornings beat the heat
  • Resort luxury: Stay-and-play packages with priority tees, shuttles, unlimited options; recognized as one of “America’s Best Golf Resorts” by Golf Magazine
  • Iconic features: Home to the famous “Million Dollar Hole” and multiple Texas State Open hosts

The three pristine golf courses are collectively known as the “Texas Triangle.” All offering a different experience, but each one complements the others. Expertly designed with something for everyone.

Perfect For

  • Guys’ Trips: Multi-round days tackling the Texas Triangle (Ram Rock for challenge, Slick Rock for fun), post-golf steaks or beers with lake views, casino vibes nearby, and Hill Country nightlife
  • Families: Lakeside pools, marina for boating/fishing, spa, kids’ activities; more playable options on Slick Rock; non-golfers enjoy wineries, BBQ, or lake adventures

Top Standout Courses

Slick Rock

The most player-friendly of the trio, par-72 with rolling fairways, water on 12 holes, 70+ bunkers, and classic RTJ “hard par, easy bogey” philosophy. Famous for the “Million Dollar Hole” (No. 14): a tee shot across a 35-foot waterfall bridge, one of Texas’ most photographed holes. Renovated and always in top shape.

Apple Rock

Often called the most scenic, a par-72 routed through high rocky terrain on the front, dropping to Lake LBJ shores on the back nine for breathtaking views. Dramatic elevation changes, over 50 bunkers, and challenging yet beautiful; previously “Best New Resort Course” by Golf Digest and Texas State Open host.

Ram Rock

Nicknamed “The Challenger,” par-72 (or 71) with narrow fairways, island green par-3 (No. 4), rugged rock outcroppings, deep bunkers, and tough greens. Demanding test (hosted Texas State Open multiple times); Ben Crenshaw called it one of Texas’ hardest. Pure adrenaline for skilled players.

Stay-and-Play Options

  • Horseshoe Bay Resort on-site: Lakeside hotel rooms, suites, condos with views; marina, spa, multiple restaurants
  • Packages include lodging + rounds (often unlimited or multi-course), carts, breakfast, shuttles; options for all-inclusive or spa/golf combos

All Key Horseshoe Bay Golf Courses

  • Slick Rock (playable with iconic Million Dollar Hole)
  • Apple Rock (scenic Lake LBJ drama)
  • Ram Rock (toughest challenger)
  • Summit Rock (private Nicklaus Signature, members-only)
  • Whitewater 18-hole Bermuda putting course (one of few in North America)

Pro Tips

  • Book stay-and-play packages early via hsbresort.com or specialists; multi-round deals and unlimited options shine here
  • Fly into Austin (AUS) for an easy 1-hour drive; rent a car for Hill Country exploring
  • Pair golf with Texas Hill Country musts: BBQ, wineries, lake boating, or Fredericksburg charm
  • Morning tees in summer; use shuttles; forward tees make Slick Rock/Apple Rock forgiving

Time to conquer the Texas Triangle, soak in Lake LBJ sunsets, and reset amid Hill Country beauty at Horseshoe Bay Resort.