Book Review

Many of the great golf resorts, especially those in the United States, are not just about golf. They offer spa treatments, fine cuisine, elegant accommodations and a host of non-golf activities.

Based on the recommendations of 54 mostly American travel and golf journalists, seven writers explore 100 of the most elegant golf resorts in the continental U.S. and in the Hawaii Islands. From the rugged exclusivity of California's Pebble Beach to Arizona's Wigham Resort, the Greenbrier in West Virginia and the time-honoured greens of The Pinehurst in North Carolina, Fairways presents a sumptuous tour to the best the game has to offer south of the border.

Introduced by David Molyneaux, travel editor of The Plain Dealer newspaper in Cleveland, the book's contributors divide the country into six geographical areas and rate each selected resort in their region based on a five-star system. Considered are the challenge of the course or courses, the beauty of the course and resort grounds, plus the resort's lodging, cuisine and amenities.

Sections on each resort also contain practical information about course architects, tour stops, par, turf, yardage, rating and slope. Most important for partners of golfers who don't golf, are "experiencing" boxes that highlight the non-golfing activities available on-site or nearby.

This is a coffee-table book, lavishly illustrated with superb full-colour photographs that will have avid golfers drooling over full-page images of sumptuous vistas.