There's more than world-class wine to Wine Country, like golf courses on par with the best links in the world.
Bogey by the bay: The Links at Bodega Harbour & Bodega Bay Lodge, Bodega Bay
Need a little beach time with your birdie? The Links at Bodega Harbour is a Scottish-style course that was designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. in 1978 and renovated in 2008. The 18-hole course features ocean views with the last three holes located on the ocean edge. After a round, stop by the seafood-centric Bluewater Bistro & Bar for lunch or dinner overlooking Bodega Bay. 18-holes start at $60. (Photo courtesy of the Links at Bodega Harbour)
Bogey by the bay: The Links at Bodega Harbor & Bodega Bay Lodge, Bodega Bay
After a day of play, settle into the Bodega Bay Lodge, next door to the course. The bay view lodge offers a stay and play package that features overnight accommodations in a room with ocean views, a balcony, fireplace, and golf for two. Relax at the hotel's pool and spa, followed by a glass of wine at the fire pit. Wrap up the day at Drakes Sonoma Coast Kitchen, which serves local seafood and meats. Rates start at $299. (Photo courtesy of Bodega Bay Lodge)
Cliffside course: Sea Ranch Golf Links, Sea Ranch
It's no surprise that Sea Ranch has been named one of California's "Ultimate" courses, alongside Pebble Beach and Spanish Bay. Designed by Robert Muir Graves, Sea Ranch Golf Links is known for its cliffside ocean views that show off the rocky Sonoma Coast landscape. The course is dotted with Scottish links-inspired features and deer often make appearances, adding to the picturesque nature of the course. 18-holes start at $57. (Photo courtesy of M.G. via Yelp)
Cliffside course: Sea Ranch Golf Links, Sea Ranch
The course is part of the Sea Ranch coastal community, which was built in the 1960s and is considered an iconic California architectural landmark. The course has a partnership with the nearby Sea Ranch Lodge, which offers ocean view rooms, many with hot tubs to rest your weary golfing feet, and a casual restaurant with seasonal cuisine and a tavern with chowder, burgers and salads. Rates from $279. (Photo courtesy of Sea Ranch Lodge)
Perfect par: Sonoma Golf Club & Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa, Sonoma
One of the most historic courses in Wine Country, the Sonoma Golf Club course was designed in 1928 by Sam Whiting. It's a former PGA Champions Tour course, comprising 177 acres of rolling terrain, lakes, oak trees, mountain vistas and vineyard views. The Club recently underwent a multi-million dollar renovation and includes a spa, pool, and bocce for guests. The restaurant patio offers course views and an old school bar perfect for a post-game pint. 18-holes start at $175. (Photo courtesy of Sonoma Golf Club)
Perfect par: Sonoma Golf Club & Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa, Sonoma
The course has been connected to the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn since it's founding. The inn offers a golf package that starts with complimentary breakfast, a round with cart provided, and cocktails at the Clubhouse. Don't miss the Fairmont's world-class spa and Santé restaurant, which has earned its share of Michelin stars. The resort also makes a great starting point for exploring Sonoma Valley's many wineries. Rates from $246.
Play with the pros: Silverado Resort and Spa, Napa
Silverado is home to the annual Safeway Open PGA Tour, which attracts the best pro golfers and golf-loving celebrities each fall. Luckily, the rest of us can also play one of the property's two courses, both which were designed by PGA Hall of Famer Johnny Miller. Both feature water crossing, elevation changes and routed through the shade of old growth oak trees. 18-holes start at $99. (Photo courtesy of Silverado Resort and Spa)
Play with the pros: Silverado Resort and Spa, Napa
The Silverado is all about relaxation, and after a round or two, you'll have plenty of opportunities to do just that: chill poolside, have a massage at the spa, or grab happy hour at the Grill. Before heading back to your cottage, which overlooks the course, pop into the Mansion Lounge for a nightcap by the fireplace and select a cigar from their expansive menu - if you won the day's golf bet, select the Gurkha, at a mere $2,000 a pop it's the most expensive in the world. Rates from $251. (Photo courtesy of Silverado Resort and Spa)
A slice of heaven: Meadowood, St. Helena
Tucked away on the site of a former Christmas tree farm, Meadowood's 9-hole course is dotted with fragrant firs and huge pine trees that create a challenge fit for a pro or ambitious amateur. For those interested in some old-fashioned fun, the course offers hickory golf, which is played using authentic hickory wood-shafted clubs from the 1900s. On-staff golf pro Doug Pike says the hickory experience is, "an absolute must-do at least once in your life." 9-holes starts at $65. (Photo courtesy of Meadowood)
A slice of heaven: Meadowood, St. Helena
The property offers not only golf, but also croquet, tennis, swimming and hiking. After getting your fill of fitness, tuck into one of Meadowood's wide variety of rooms, including lodges and suites for groups, with most rooms featuring fireplaces and private balconies or patios. Don't miss dinner at the Michelin-starred Restaurant at Meadowood or grab a casual bite at the Grill, which is open all day. Rates from $600. (Photo courtesy of Meadowood)
Sipping fine wine isn’t the only activity drawing visitors to Wine Country – golfing is, too. Sonoma and Napa enjoy extended months of near perfect playing weather, smooth rolling hills, and no shortage of luxury accommodations to wind down at (with a glass of good Cabernet Sauvignon, of course!) after a day on the links. Click through the gallery above to discover the best places to play and stay in Wine Country.
