NEW YORK— Its not just course design that draws guests to golf resorts, according to a recent poll by Conde Nast Traveler magazine. Accommodations play a key role in their decision-making, the survey found. In a survey of almost 4,000 readers who assessed the experience at 229 golf resorts around the world over the past three years, destinations were ranked on the basis of the following weighted criteria: course design (40%); accommodations (35%); speed of play (10%); other activities (6%); food (5%); and pro staff (4%). Among the resorts that ranked the highest were Manele Bay Hotel, Lanai; The Greenbrier, White Sulphur Springs, WV; Orchid at Mauna Lani, Big Island, HI; Lodge at Koele, Lanai, HI; The Cloister, Sea Island, GA; Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Big Island, HI; Four Seasons Resort, Nevis, Nevis; Ritz-Carlton Kapalua, Maui, HI; Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows, Big Island, HI; and American Club, Kohler, WI. The independent firm of Mark Clements Research conducted the survey.
