Feature:

Ritz-Carlton vs. Four Seasons

Four Seasons, Maui

A tale of the tape between two global luxury-brand golf resort heavyweights

By Turk Pipkin

For traveling golfers, there are two kinds of peak golf experiences. The first type usually occurs in a place where the traditions of the game run deep, like St. Andrews, or in a new destination that gets it all just right, like Bandon Dunes. In the old-school thrill, the setting, atmosphere and company combine to create indelible golf memories.

The second could be described as more chill than thrill. A top-notch course is essential, but so are grand accommodations, great food, exquisite service and an A-list location. When you’re considering a luxury golf experience, there’s a good chance that Four Seasons and Ritz-Carlton are competing for your business.

Four Seasons has 11 prime resorts with signature courses,
including tropical-paradise golf resorts in Hawaii, Mexico, the
Bahamas and Costa Rica, as well as several resorts where guests enjoy privileges at top nearby courses, like Troon North in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Ritz-Carlton also has 11 resorts with courses on or adjacent to the hotel, in locations like Orlando, Las Vegas, Grand Cayman and Montego Bay. Here is a breakdown of how these two luxury chains compare in three main categories: golf, accommodations and service, and the paradise factor.

Golf
Four Seasons boasts multiple courses by Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Greg Norman. Jack’s Challenge at Manele on Lanai has stunning ocean views and three of the world’s most dramatic cliff- top holes. There aren’t many golf courses on which you can stand atop a 150-foot lava cliff and aim for a fairway more than 200 yards across the ocean.

Shrouded in the clouds at the top of the island, Norman’s Experience at Koele is one of his best, taking great advantage of an alpine forest and major elevation changes that will test every aspect of your game. The 250-foot drop from tee to fairway on the par-4 17th is unlike any other hole you’ve played.

Four Seasons also scores for its Nicklaus designs at Hualalai on the Big Island and at Punta Mita, Mexico, where Jack’s design includes one of golf’s greatest gimmick holes, an alternate par 3 with a 200-yard carry to an island green in the Pacific. If there is golf to be had amid a lush paradise, Four Seasons will provide it.

Ritz-Carlton’s golf offering is not as heavily tilted toward tropical destinations. Sure, Norman’s design on Grand Cayman is one of the most challenging nine-holers in the world. And Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw’s epic Plantation course at Maui’s Kapalua may be the best layout from either chain.

If strong golf is your major consideration in choosing a resort, Ritz-Carlton provides a number of layouts in a variety of settings, from California’s Half Moon Bay overlooking the Pacific Ocean, to desert golf at Lake Las Vegas, to Reynolds Plantation on Georgia’s Lake Oconee, to a number of Florida gems, in Amelia Island, Naples and Orlando.

Each course tests your game in different ways, giving Ritz the nod when it comes to the overall quality of golf.