Creating A Distinguished
Golf Experience
Designation for Resorts, Semi Private, Daily Fee & Public Golf Courses.
Proud Partners With
10+
International Resorts
OUR METHODOLOGY
Featured Golf Destination
French Lick Resort
Experience the Midwest’s premier golf destination at French Lick Resort, French Lick, Indiana, with award-winning championship golf courses by Pete Dye and Donald Ross, French Lick Resort is where legendary golf lives. The resort has hosted Senior PGA and LPGA Championships, Big Ten Conference Championships, and is currently the proud host of the Korn Ferry Tour Championship presented by United Leasing & Finance. With three unique hotels, fine and casual dining, an onsite casino, two spas, indoor and outdoor pools, horseback riding, and sporting clays and archery, French Lick Resort is a luxury resort with unparalleled golf and something for all!
Distinguished Ideas & Events
Distinguished Ideas
Summit 2026
Time and again, our Distinguished Ideas Summit has proven to be the single most important, can’t miss event of the year, and if your club has earned Distinguished Club status, you’re invited!!!
2026 Distinguished Ideas Summit Invite
General Managers from the best, most influential clubs gather – without vendors – to network and hear presentations given by fellow GM’s on how they improved Member Experience at their clubs.
This peer-provided education easily pays for the entire award program in and of itself, and the mind-blowing events provided by our host clubs are beyond the words to describe them!
Golfer
Experience
Re:Defined
Resorts
Semi Private
High End Daily Fee
Public Golf Courses
International
Distinguished Golf Destinations Mentality
How Our Property Visits Evolved
Distinguished Golf Destinations has optimized their property onsite visits and surveys by conducting over 500 in-person onsite survey visits, which has allowed them to gather extensive feedback directly from property management and leadership staff. This merit-based program focuses on recognizing destinations for the outstanding delivery of a Distinguished Golf Experience, underlining their commitment to quality and service excellence.
Featured Golf Destination
Harbor Shores Resort
Enjoy the Great Lakes and great golf at Harbor Shores, Benton Harbor, Michigan. Set amongst kayak launches, breweries, and a twelve mile walking trail, Harbor Shores boasts onsite villas and a ninety one room inn. With a full short game area, and a new “wee course” coming in spring of 2026, Harbor Shores is the proud host of six Senior PGA Championships. Come play where Legends have played!
Distinguished Impressions
Read Our Testimonials
Take a look at some of our testimonials from General Managers and Executive Staff involved in the Distinguished Golf Destinations program.
“Qualifying as a Distinguished Golf Destination is special. It tells your staff that all their hard work and dedication is being recognized by the leaders of this industry. The relationship we have built with the DGD team continues to enhance our brand. It’s nice to be told your doing a fine job, but it’s even better to have an award that proves it.”
Beth Davis, General Manager, North Palm Beach Country Club
Distinguished Golf Destination with Exceptional Status
“When approached by Distinguished Golf Destinations, we knew we were doing something right. They have been extremely professional, insightful and understand what it truly means to be distinguished. We’re proud to be recognized as the best in our business.”
Joshua R. Doxtator, PGA, General Manager, Harbor Shores Resort
Distinguished Golf Destination with Elite Status
“Distinguished Golf Destinations is a seal of approval by experienced experts in the industry. They know what world class service entails, and how to identify and bring value to top-level facilities. Our facility, staff, and membership has been dramatically elevated through our relationship with their brand.”
Mike Giammaresi, General Manager, Regatta Bay Golf & Yacht Club
Distinguished Golf Destination with Elite Status
“Being recognized as a Distinguished Golf Destination validates the hard work and dedication of our entire team. It’s a proud acknowledgment of our commitment to providing a world-class golf experience and exceptional hospitality.”
Brad Hauer, General Manager, Hammock Beach Resort
Distinguished Golf Destination with Elite Status
Stay Up To Date With
The Golf Destinations
Three status levels of excellence…
Each destination must deliver top-tier service and facilities, offering a casual dining experience and a golf course designed by a respected architect. The course should be well-maintained with pristine cart paths, supported by a state-of-the-art golf cart fleet. A spacious pro shop with premier merchandise and a modern clubhouse are also essential features.
Each destination must offer top-tier service, facilities, and amenities, including a fine dining experience and a golf course designed by a well-known architect. The course should be meticulously maintained, with state-of-the-art golf carts and a spacious pro shop offering premier merchandise. A modern clubhouse and a leadership team with superior training and experience are essential.
Will not exceed 1% of clubs globally.
Each destination must provide a private club level experience at one of the world’s most prestigious properties, featuring VIP amenities, 24/7 concierge service, and a renowned culinary team with an extensive wine selection. A world-class golf course, designed by a top architect and meticulously maintained, is required, along with a state-of-the-art golf cart fleet, a spacious pro shop, and a modern clubhouse.
Distinguished Golf Destinations ASSOCIATES
Our Partners
Since we began the Distinguished Golf Destinations program, we have conducted over 500 in-person onsite survey visits and,
along the way, have personally interviewed several thousand general managers and leadership staff.