100 Best Public Golf Courses In America: Rankings & Prices

Golf is one of America’s favorite pastimes, and its popularity is only growing. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a weekend warrior, playing a round of golf at a top-notch course can be an unforgettable experience.

Here are the 10 best public golf courses in the USA:

1. Pebble Beach Golf Links – Pebble Beach, CA
2. Pinehurst #2 – Pinehurst, NC
3. Shadow Creek – Las Vegas, NV
4. Pacific Dunes – Bandon, Oregon
5. The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island – Kiawah Island, S.C.
6. Whistling Straits – Haven, WI
7. Spyglass Hill – Pebble Beach, CA
8. Bethpage Black – Farmingdale, N.Y.
9. TPC Sawgrass – Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
10. Erin Hills – Hartford, WI

But there are so many more unforgettable courses (90 more to be exact), that a passionate golfer won’t want to miss out on.

Below you’ll learn a detailed overview of each course, including the pros and cons of each. We’ll also provide a few helpful tips to ensure that you get the most out of your golfing experience.

So if you’re ready to tee off, let’s get started with our list of the top 100 best public golf courses in America.

***You can bookmark this page to come back when you’re planning your next golf trip. Why not play the best?

How Did We Rank The Best Golf Courses?

I’m a certified-PGA golfer and instructor with over a decade of experience. I got together with my team of golf writers with decades of experience, and we considered these factors in our ranking:

• Cost: These golf courses are for everyday golfers, so we considered the beating your wallet will take. You’ll be making once-in-a-lifetime memories, but we want to ensure you’ll think it’s worth it.
• Difficulty: This 1 – 10 rating will help determine if the course fits your current skill level. You can avoid a painful round if you’re still developing your game.
• Scenery: This 1 – 10 rating will help you hone in on the most beautiful courses that will transport you to another place in your round.
• Design: This 1 – 10 rating will help you hone in on the most unique courses in the country.
• Signature hole: We dive into the details on the best hole in the course so you can picture yourself there with your driver in hand.
• Local Tips: Get exclusive tips from golfers in the area to maximize your experience.

No other post on the best public golf courses goes into this much detail, so if you think your friends would enjoy it, feel free to share it with your golf buddies. ?

100 Best Public Golf Courses In The US

Use this as a checklist for your future golf course bucket list. These top public golf courses are all accessible if you’re willing to travel and fork over the green fees.

1. Pebble Beach Golf Links – Best Overall

• Location: Pebble Beach, CA
• Designer: Jack Neville & Douglas Grant
• Par: 72
• Yardage:7075
• Price: ?????

The American holy grail of golf, Pebble Beach Golf Links is one of the most renowned golf courses in the world, located on the spectacular Monterey Peninsula in California. The course has been host to countless prestigious tournaments, including five U.S. Opens and one PGA Championship.

The stunning natural beauty of Pebble Beach is unparalleled, with views of the mighty Pacific Ocean and the rugged coastline. The course is meticulously maintained and offers a challenge to golfers of all skill levels.

The iconic 18th hole, with its unmistakable view of Stillwater Cove, is the most recognizable hole in the world. Pebble Beach Golf Links is a golfing paradise, a dream come true for any golf enthusiast.

Ratings

• Difficulty: 8
• Scenery: 10
• Design: 9
• Signature hole: It’s hard to choose since we are all familiar with so many holes. The 18th and the 7th are the top two, but the 17th is where Tom Watson famously chipped in, or the 6th, which is traditionally tough, was shredded by Tiger in the 2000 U.S. Open.

2. Pinehurst #2

• Location: Pinehurst, NC
• Designer: Donald Ross
• Par: 72
• Yardage: 7588
• Price:?????

Pinehurst #2 is a classic golf course located in North Carolina and is one of the most iconic golf courses in the world. It is a par-72 course that has been designed by Donald Ross and is 7588 yards long.

The course has been host to numerous US Open and US Amateur championships, and Ryder Cup matches. The fairways are lined with tall pine trees, and the greens are well-manicured with subtle breaks. Golfers must navigate some tricky doglegs and hazards like sand traps and bunkers.

The course is highly acclaimed for its excellent playability and its ability to challenge players of all skill levels.

The clubhouse is surrounded by a picturesque view of the course and the surrounding area. Pinehurst #2 is a classic golf course that has been enjoyed by generations of golfers and will continue to be a popular destination for golfers to come and test their skills.

Ratings

• Difficulty: 9
• Scenery: 9
• Design: 9
• Historical Moment: At the 1999 U.S. Open, Payne Stewart drained a 15-foot par putt to remain one shot ahead of Phil Mickelson and capture his third major championship. At the time, Phil was about to have his first child, and Payne reminded him that family was more important than golf. A few months later, Payne tragically died in a plane crash.

3. Shadow Creek

• Location: Las Vegas, NV
• Designer: Tom Fazio
• Par: 72
• Yardage: 7560
• Price: ?????
• Quick Fact: Although public, this is a tough tee time to get as the tee sheet is mostly occupied by actors, athletes, musicians…and Phil Mickelson, among others on tour.

Shadow Creek golf course is a stunning 18-hole championship golf course situated in the beautiful Nevada desert. Shadow Creek is a sight to behold, featuring pristinely manicured fairways, white sand bunkers, and undulating greens.

The course boasts a challenging layout designed to test all golfers’ skills, from beginner to expert. The course is also home to the Shadow Creek Golf Academy, where professional instruction and equipment are available for rent.

With its breathtaking views of the desert and the surrounding mountains, Shadow Creek Golf Course is the ideal destination for a round of golf. On a clear day, you can even see the Las Vegas Strip in the distance. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced golfer, Shadow Creek has something to offer everyone.

Ratings

• Difficulty: 9
• Scenery: 8
• Design: 9
• Local Tip: Be sure to employ a caddy for this course. While the holes themselves are pretty self-explanatory, the greens are treacherous and will need the helping hand of an experienced eye to score well.

4. Pacific Dunes

• Location: Bandon, Oregon
• Designer: Tom Doak
• Par: 71
• Yardage: 6633
• Price: ?????
• Quick Fact: This course is tough to get to, so be sure you make time to try a few of the courses on the property to make your trip worthwhile.

Pacific Dunes Golf Course is a renowned golf course located in Bandon, Oregon. It is one of the top courses in the United States and has been ranked in the top 10 courses in the country by Golf Digest. The course is part of a group of four golf courses at Bandon Dunes, which includes Bandon Dunes, Pacific Dunes, Bandon Trails, and Old Macdonald.

Pacific Dunes features rolling dunes, tall grasses, and an abundance of native grasses and wildflowers. It is a links-style course with few trees, making it challenging for golfers of all skill levels.

The course is known for its wide fairways and its stunning views of the Oregon Coast. The ocean can be seen from much of the course, making it a beautiful and memorable experience.

Ratings

• Difficulty: 10
• Scenery: 9
• Design: 9
• Pro Tip: Prepare for the wind; it will be windy. Some days are worse than others, but it will pay off to put some practice in beforehand to get comfortable flighting your shots and approaching greens with a lower trajectory.

5. The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island

• Location: Kiawah Island, S.C.
• Designer: Pete Dye & Alice Dye
• Par: 72
• Yardage: 7849
• Price: ?????
• Quick Fact: This is a great place to relive old memories you’ve seen on TV, most notably the “War by the Shore.” This 1991 Ryder Cup has been mentioned as one of the most exciting golf tournaments EVER!

The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island is widely considered to be one of the best golf courses in the world, never mind the country.

It is a Pete Dye-designed course that was host to the highly competitive 1991 Ryder Cup and has since hosted the 2012 PGA Championship, the 2021 PGA Championship, and the 2021 KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship.

The course features an incredible array of natural beauty, challenging holes, and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. It is also home to some of the game’s toughest par fours and fives, making it a favorite for professionals and amateurs.

Ratings

• Difficulty: 9
• Scenery: 9
• Design: 9
• Local Knowledge: This area is a hotbed for golf, so if paying this much to play 18 holes is not for you, tons of other courses nearby offer similar views. However, you will sacrifice course conditions and staff service.

6. Whistling Straits

• Location: Haven, WI
• Designer: Pete Dye
• Par: 72
• Yardage: 7790
• Price: ?????
• Quick Fact: Sharpen your sand wedge skills because there are approximately 1000 bunkers on this course. I say approximately because no one knows for sure; just ask Dustin Johnson about his time in a bunker on the 72nd hole at the 2010 PGA Championship.

The golf course features two distinct courses, the Straits Course and the Irish Course. The Straits Course is the more challenging of the two and is the course used for the PGA Championship.

It features deep bunkers, rolling terrain, and breathtaking views of Lake Michigan. There are also two replica holes from the classic British Open course, the 11th at Royal St. George’s and the 14th at Royal Liverpool.

The Straits is unique because of the combination of traditional golf course elements and the natural environment. The course is set on a former military training facility, so a variety of obstacles have been left in place, such as gun emplacements, bunkers, and trenches.

Ratings

• Difficulty: 9
• Scenery: 9
• Design: 8
• Pro tip: This is a links-style course complete with wind, so be ready to play bump and runs or even use your putter from further than you’re used to. Lots of trouble to get into if you start putting the ball high in the air.

7. Spyglass Hill

• Location: Pebble Beach, CA
• Designer: Robert Trent Jones
• Par: 72
• Yardage: 6960
• Price: ?????
• Quick Fact: This is one of the courses you see during the early rounds of the AT&T Pro-Am PGA tournament that happens every January. Arguably just as breathtaking as Pebble itself.

Spyglass Hill golf course is one of the most unique courses in the world. Spyglass Hill offers golfers a unique blend of links, parkland, and ocean-side holes in the beautiful Monterey Peninsula of California.

The course is also well known for its elevation changes. With a total of over 200 feet of elevation change, Spyglass Hill is one of the hilliest courses on the PGA Tour. The elevation changes give golfers various shots and angles, making each hole more interesting.

Spyglass Hill is also famous for its breathtaking views. The course overlooks the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Lucia Mountains, providing golfers with an incredible view of the entire Monterey Peninsula. With these views, golfers can sometimes forget they are playing golf and enjoy the area’s beauty.

Ratings

• Difficulty: 6
• Scenery: 9
• Design: 8
• Local Knowledge: Although still expensive, if you want to save some money by avoiding Pebble Beach, this course is arguably better but doesn’t have the space to accommodate patrons, which is why they don’t play an entire tournament here.

8. Bethpage Black

• Location: Farmingdale, N.Y.
• Designer: Joseph H. Burbeck & A.W. Tillinghast
• Par: 71
• Yardage: 7468
• Price: ????
• Quick Fact: If you’re a New Yorker, you can play this incredible course for only $65 on weekdays. While you may have to work hard to get a tee time, it will be worthwhile.

Bethpage Black is a par-71 course with a total yardage of 7,468 yards. It is one of the five courses in the park but is by far the most unique and challenging. It’s known for its steep elevation changes, tight fairways, and deep bunkers.

What makes Bethpage Black unique is its history. It was the first public golf course in the United States to host a major championship, the U.S. Open, in 2002. Since then, it has been the site of two more U.S. Opens and the Barclays, a PGA Tour event. It has also been the site of the Ryder Cup and the Walker Cup.

The course is also unique for its difficulty. It is one of the most demanding courses in the world and is known for its thick rough, and deep bunkers. It has been rated as one of the toughest courses in the world and is often referred to as “The Black Monster.” It is not uncommon for players to post double-digit scores on some of the holes.

Ratings

• Difficulty: 10
• Scenery: 7
• Design: 8
• Legendary First Tee: Be sure to take a picture with the famous “Warning” sign that is posted on the first tee deck. It’s there to ensure you know what you’re getting yourself into when you tee off on this course.

9. TPC Sawgrass

• Location: Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
• Designer: Pete Dye
• Par: 72
• Yardage: 7245
• Price: ?????
• Quick Fact: Yup, another Pete Dye course. TPC Sawgrass is one of the world’s most iconic and recognizable golf courses, and for good reason. It is home to the Players Championship and is known for its signature par-3 island green.

The course features daunting water hazards, deep bunkers, and demanding tee shots, making it one of the most challenging courses in the world. The signature hole is the par-3 17th, but it’s not the only famous hole.

The 18th wraps around a huge lake, making the fairway look as wide as a band-aid.

The TPC Sawgrass course also features a unique design element called the “stadium effect,” which means that there are mounds and grandstands around the course to give it a stadium-like atmosphere. This gives spectators an elevated view of the action and adds to the excitement of being at the tournament.

Overall, the TPC Sawgrass course is one of the most unique in the world due to its challenging layout, signature hole, and stadium effect. It has become an iconic part of golf and is a must-play course for any golfer.

Ratings

• Difficulty: 9
• Scenery: 8
• Design: 9
• Local tip: Plan to spend the day on these historic grounds. There’s much to explore in the clubhouse; even just hitting balls on the same range as every famous golfer to play is surreal.

10. Erin Hills

• Location: Hartford, WI
• Designer: Michael Hurdzan, Dana Fry & Ron Whitten
• Par: 72
• Yardage: 7731
• Price: ?????
• Quick Fact: If you think the landscape is gorgeous, then you have nature to thank. Over 10,000 years ago, two glaciers slammed into each other to create this special place on Earth.

Erin Hills Golf Course is located in Wisconsin, just 30 minutes from Milwaukee. The course is set on sprawling 600 acres of rolling meadows and sandy ridges. The course features a variety of terrain, including hillside meadows, wetlands, prairies, and woods. It also features some of the largest greens in the country, with several of them measuring over 12,000 square feet.

It’s known for its strategic design and wide fairways, which make it a challenge for golfers of all skill levels. The fairways are lined with large, mature trees, providing a unique visual that makes the course a pleasure to play.

These greens feature a variety of slopes and ridges, making it a challenge to read the break and putt accurately. The greens are also among the fastest in the world, which makes them even more difficult to master.

The course is also unique in that it was designed with the environment in mind. The architects incorporated native grasses and plants to minimize water usage and provide wildlife habitat.

Ratings

• Difficulty: 8
• Scenery: 8
• Design: 8
• Signature hole: Watch out for the ninth! Many good front nines have been spoiled here on this short par-3 that resembles the seventh at Pebble Beach. Although no ocean is present, you might be begging for the ocean after a few shots in these gnarly bunkers.

11. Arcadia Bluffs, The Bluffs Course

• Location: Arcadia, MI
• Designer: Rick Smith & Warren Henderson
• Par: 72
• Yardage: 7300
• Price: ????
• Quick Fact: Being on the bluffs means extreme elevation changes and endless photo opportunities. Keep your camera handy for this course.

The course is renowned for its stunning views of Lake Michigan and its challenging layout. The course uses the landscape’s natural features, with rolling hills, rugged dunes, and thick vegetation. It also boasts five sets of tees, allowing golfers of all skill levels to enjoy the course.

The fairways at Arcadia Bluffs are wide and inviting, but the rugged bunkers and undulating greens provide a stern test for even the most experienced players. The course also features an array of signature holes, including several par-3s that are considered some of the best in the world.

Arcadia Bluffs is truly a unique golfing experience. The combination of its stunning views, challenging layout, and excellent facilities makes it one of the most popular courses in the world.

Ratings

• Difficulty: 7
• Scenery: 9
• Design: 7
• Take lots of pictures: Although this course is only about 20 years old, it looks like it’s been here for hundreds of years. Any picture you take will look professionally done and will make your friends and family jealous.

12. Old Macdonald

• Location: Bandon, OR
• Designer: Tom Doak & Jim Urbina, with George Bahto, Bradley Klein,
• Karl Olson & Mike Keiser
• Par: 71
• Yardage: 6944
• Price: ????
• Quick Fact: Be sure to take a picture of the famous ghost tree, visible from almost the entire course but located on the third hole. Its ominous presence reminds us that mother nature can be harsh and only the strongest beings will survive this landscape.

The grounds of the course are also incredibly unique. Old Macdonald stretches across a 1,100-acre farm, with ocean views from many of the holes. The course is surrounded by lush natural beauty and wildlife, and the fairways are lined with wildflowers. The course is also dotted with old-growth trees, creating a picturesque experience for golfers.

Ratings

• Difficulty: 6
• Scenery: 9
• Design: 8
• Great for golf trips: Due to the varying designs of the holes, there is something for all types of golfers here. That makes it perfect for the next golf trip with your buddies or family.

13. Bandon Trails

• Location: Bandon, OR
• Designer: Bill Coore & Ben Crenshaw
• Par: 71
• Yardage: 6788
• Price: ????
• Quick Fact: Be prepared for this track as it’s touted as the most challenging of all the challenging courses at Bandon Dunes.

Another member of the Bandon Dunes family, Bandon Trails golf course is a must-play for golfers visiting the Oregon coast. The course features large, rolling fairways with undulating greens, allowing golfers to choose the ideal line to hit their shots.

Ratings

• Difficulty: 9
• Scenery: 10
• Design: 8
• Local tip: No matter the time of year, bring lots of layers of clothing. The weather is very unpredictable, and since tee times are hard to come by, you want to be prepared for your round despite any adverse conditions.

14. Blackwolf Run

• Location: Kohler, WI
• Designer: Pete Dye
• Par: 72
• Yardage: 7404
• Price: ????
• Quick Fact: Have your ‘A’ game ready, as one of the hardest holes on this track is the very first. You’ll be introduced to the Sheboygan River right away.

Blackwolf Run golf course is located on a bluff overlooking the Sheboygan River and is considered one of the best public courses in the United States.

What makes Blackwolf Run golf course so unique is its stunning natural beauty. The course features rolling hills, lush fairways, and dramatic elevation changes, which give the course a unique feel. The course also features majestic pines, hardwoods, and an abundance of wildlife, including deer, turkey, and an occasional bald eagle.

Ratings

• Difficulty: 7
• Scenery: 9
• Design: 7
• Locally owned: This is one of two courses owned by the Kohler company, which you may recognize from a bathroom near you.

15. Sand Valley

• Location: Nekoosa, WI
• Designer: Bill Coore & Ben Crenshaw
• Par: 72
• Yardage: 6938
• Price: ????
• Quick Fact: The only shank I ever want to see is the pork shank being served in the Sand Valley clubhouse. Do not visit this course without getting it, as it’s an incredible dish that will make you forget all about the real shanks you committed earlier that day.

The course is also unique in its design. The bunkers are strategically placed, making it difficult to hit the right shots and stay in the fairway. The greens are firm and fast, and the rough is thick and penalizing. Sand Valley also features several unique hazards, including deep chasms, rock outcroppings, and bunkers filled with lava rocks.

Sand Valley’s beauty makes it one of the most unique golf courses in the world. Its natural features, challenging holes, and unique amenities make it a must-visit destination for golfers of all skill levels.

Ratings

• Difficulty: 8
• Scenery: 9
• Design: 7

16. Streamsong (Red)

• Location: Streamsong, Fla
• Designer: Bill Coore & Ben Crenshaw
• Par: 72
• Yardage: 7110
• Price: ????
• Quick Fact: Choose the right club on #16, as the green itself is almost 70 yards deep. Depending on the tee box and pin placement, this hole can play anywhere from 240 yards to 104 yards.

Streamsong golf course comprises three distinct 18-hole layouts: Red, Blue, and Black. The best one is the Red, ranked the #16 best public golf course in America.

The golf course is set on an active sand-mining site, with rolling dunes, expansive waste bunkers, and various native grasses. The course is surrounded by native sandhill vegetation and wildlife, making it a truly memorable experience.

Ratings

• Difficulty: 8
• Scenery: 8
• Design: 9
• Pro tip: Switch to a firmer ball for this round to protect it from knicks caused by excessive bunker shots and give you a bit more distance to combat Red’s length.

17. Pasatiempo G.C.

• Location: Santa Cruz, CA
• Designer: Alister MacKenzie & Robert Hunter
• Par: 70
• Yardage: 6495
• Price: ?????
• Quick Fact: Lots of history with this course, as Bobby Jones played it many times when he was in town to play at Pebble Beach.

Pasatiempo Golf Course is one of the oldest and most celebrated golf courses in the United States. Designed by legendary golf course architect Alister MacKenzie, the course has been ranked in the top 100 golf courses in the world for decades.

The course features rolling fairways, undulating greens, and a variety of difficult shots. MacKenzie created a course that challenges golfers of all levels while also providing an enjoyable and memorable experience.

Ratings

• Difficulty: 7
• Scenery: 7
• Design: 9
• Local Advice: Have your driver working for this round; you’ll need it to keep up with all the par 5s you’ll face here.

18. Chambers Bay

• Location: University Place, WA
• Designer: Robert Trent Jones, Bruce Charlton & Jay Blasi
• Par: 72
• Yardage: 7585
• Price: ?????
• Quick Fact: Not quite a links-style course since traditional links are much flatter than this. But it has hosted the US Open, so be prepared for a challenging test.

Chambers Bay, located in University Place, Washington, is a links-style golf course that opened in 2007. Robert Trent Jones Jr. designed it and is the only course in the United States to host both the 2015 U.S. Open and the 2010 U.S. Amateur.

Chambers Bay’s most unique feature is its large, undulating greens. These greens are some of the largest in the world and feature a variety of shapes and sizes. The greens incorporate several contours, ridges, and tiers, providing various pin placements and interesting breaks.

Chambers Bay’s other distinguishing features include its majestic views of the surrounding Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains and its striking sand dunes. The course’s setting provides for a truly remarkable golf experience.

Ratings

• Difficulty: 7
• Scenery: 9
• Design: 9
• Local tip: Washinton weather can be very unpredictable. In this location especially, ensure you bring many layers and clothing options if you play in the shoulder seasons.

19. Kapalua Plantation

• Location: Kapalua, Maui, HI
• Designer: Bill Coore & Ben Crenshaw
• Par: 73
• Yardage:7596
• Price: ?????
• Quick Fact: Your jaw might be on the floor as you read the yardage of this course, but the elevation changes are so drastic that encountering a 500-yard par 4 is still doable for the average golfer.

The Plantation Course is the more famous of the two courses and is known for its challenging layout and stunning views. The course has been rated as the top golf course in Hawaii and is the only course in the state to be consistently ranked in the top 100 courses in the world.

Be sure to get an inside glimpse of this course every year when they play the Tournament of Champions here. This is where all the winners from the previous year on the PGA Tour come to compete for big money.

Ratings

• Difficulty: 6
• Scenery: 9
• Design: 7
• Signature hole: Have your camera and your driver ready for the 18th. This 677 yard par 5 has been the scene of many dramatic finishes during the Sentry Tournament of Champions each year.

20. Harbour Town Golf Links

• Location: Hilton Head Island, SC
• Designer: Pete Dye & Jack Nicklaus
• Par: 71
• Yardage: 7099
• Price: ?????
• Quick Fact: See if you can recreate Matt Kuchar’s famous hole out from the treacherous bunker on 18.

Harbour Town Golf Links, located in Sea Pines Resort on Hilton Head Island in South Carolina, is best known for its iconic 18th hole. It’s the only par-4 on the PGA Tour to feature a lighthouse and is recognized as a classic Pete Dye design (yes, another Pete Dye course).

The 18th hole is the most iconic of the course, with its lighthouse serving as a beacon to golfers. The par-4 hole is long and narrow and requires a precise tee shot and approach shot to reach the green. Additionally, the 18th green is surrounded by water, making it even more challenging.

You will find much in common with Pebble Beach here as the 18th wraps around the ocean, and the whole course is at the mercy of mother nature. Be prepared for any weather, especially if you’re playing in the shoulder season.

Ratings

• Difficulty: 8
• Scenery: 9
• Design: 8
• Signature hole: Another recognizable and diabolical 18th hole that wraps around the ocean. You’re a part of history after walking this hallowed fairway, no matter what you shoot.

21. The Highland Course At Primland

• Location: Meadows of Dan, VA
• Designer: Donald Steel
• Par: 72
• Yardage: 7053
• Price: ????
• Quick Fact: If you like mountain courses, then this might be the best one east of the Rockies. Sitting at 3000 feet of elevation, it’s a good thing they have power carts for this track.

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, The Highland Course at Primland was designed by renowned golf course architect Donald Steel, who is known for his innovative and challenging designs. The course offers an unforgettable experience with stunning views of the surrounding mountains, lush fairways and greens, and strategic bunkering.

The course features 18 holes that range in difficulty from beginner to expert. The signature hole is the par-3 8th, which plays to a green surrounded by a circular pond. It requires a precise tee shot to a well-bunkered green that overlooks the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains.

The Highland Course at Primland is also known for its stunning scenery and breathtaking views. From the course’s highest points, golfers can see for miles, taking in the rolling hills and lush valleys. The course is also home to four man-made lakes, which add a tranquil element to the course.

Ratings

• Difficulty: 6
• Scenery: 9
• Design: 8
• Pro tip: You may have to adjust your yardage because of the elevation. Be sure to take note of your carry distances on the driving range ahead of the round.

22. Manele Golf Course

• Location: Lanai City, Lanai, HI
• Designer: Jack Nicklaus
• Par: 72
• Yardage: 7039
• Price: ?????
• Quick Fact: Yes, this is public, but you must be staying at the resort to get a tee time. Use this to your advantage, as the property is just as amazing as the course.

This golf course is unique for many reasons, but one of the main reasons is its incredible setting. The course is surrounded by the beautiful Pacific Ocean, which offers breathtaking views and a tranquil atmosphere. The course is also set against the backdrop of the majestic cliffs of Lanai, which create an awe-inspiring backdrop for a day of golf.

Manele Golf Course also offers a variety of amenities to make the experience even more enjoyable. A full-service golf shop lets players purchase apparel, equipment, and more. The course also features a golf academy, where players can receive lessons from the pros and a pro shop, where players can receive advice and tips from the pros.

Ratings

• Difficulty: 6
• Scenery: 9
• Design: 7
• Local advice: There isn’t much around this golf course so if you have to stay there to get a good tee time, I recommend you play 36 either 18 a day or go for it all in one marathon.

23. Karsten Creek G.C.

• Location: Stillwater, OK
• Designer: Tom Fazio
• Par: 72
• Yardage: 7449
• Price:  ?????
• Quick Fact: This is sneaky difficult, so be sure to bring extra balls with you.

Karsten Creek Golf Course is the home course of the Oklahoma State Cowboys, making it a popular destination for golfers of all levels.

Karsten Creek is unique in many ways. First, the course is set on rolling hills and features dramatic elevation changes and natural grasses. Hole 4, for example, features an elevation change of nearly 60 feet from tee to green. This creates a spectacular view of the course from the tee boxes.

Built to test a championship golf team, you should bring your ‘A’ game to this track. It’s notorious for lightening fast greens and hard-to-hit fairways. Think you have the stuff to make it in the pros? Maybe try mastering a difficult college course before signing up for Q-school.

Ratings

• Difficulty: 8
• Scenery: 6
• Design: 7
• Local tip: Hit the putting green hard before your round to get used to the speed and subtle undulations that these greens have to keep their players on their toes.

24. Mammoth Dunes

• Location: Nekoosa, WI
• Designer: David McLay Kidd
• Par: 73
• Yardage: 6988
• Price: ????
• Quick Fact: If you appreciate a good warm-up then be sure to arrive at the course early, this is a great driving range and practice area so even if you don’t play well on the course, you can enjoy a few good shots here.

The Mammoth Dunes golf course in Wisconsin’s Sand Valley Golf Resort is known for its unique combination of rugged and rolling terrain, expansive sand dunes, and large undulating greens. These three elements combine to create a picturesque and challenging course that is unlike any other in the United States.

The rugged terrain of Mammoth Dunes results from an ancient glacial lakebed. The course features long, narrow fairways that require various shot-making skills. The rolling terrain and vast sand dunes make the course both visually stunning and strategically demanding.

Ratings

• Difficulty: 6
• Scenery: 9
• Design: 8
• Signature hole: Watch out for the 14th. Although short, and you might feel confident coming off the easy 13th, 14 is a trap and should be treated with extreme caution.

25. New Ozarks National

• Location: Hollister, MO
• Designer: Bill Coore & Ben Crenshaw
• Par: 71
• Yardage: 7036
• Price: ????
• Quick Fact: Some courses feel more a part of nature than others, and this is one of them. You feel like you could get lost out there with all the trees, as it’s a far cry from the house-lined fairways of most Florida courses.

New Ozarks National golf course is a unique golf course located in the Ozarks region of Missouri. It is the only golf course of its kind in the area and offers a unique golfing experience.

One main feature that makes New Ozarks National golf course so unique is its terrain. The course is located in the rugged Ozark Hills and features numerous hills, boulders, and valleys that create a challenging and exciting golfing experience. As a result, golfers must use every club in their bag to navigate the course.

Ratings

• Difficulty: 8
• Scenery: 9
• Design: 8

26. Forest Dunes G.C.

• Location: Roscommon, MI
• Designer: Tom Weiskopf
• Par: 72
• Yardage: 7116
• Price: ?????
• Quick Fact: You’ve heard of reversible sweaters, but how about a reversible 18-hole course?

Forest Dunes Golf Course is one of the few courses in the world to feature a reversible 18-hole layout. This means the course can be played forwards and backward, allowing for a different experience each time.

Forest Dunes also offers a variety of other features that make it a unique golfing experience. The course offers a variety of natural grasses, including bentgrass, fescue, and bluegrass. The greens are fast and firm, and the fairways are wide and well-maintained.

Ratings

• Difficulty: 6
• Scenery: 9
• Design: 8

27. The Quarry At Giants Ridge

• Location: Bibawik, MN
• Designer: Jeff Brauer
• Par: 72
• Yardage: 7201
• Price: ????
• Quick Fact: If you’ve ever wanted to play golf where Fred Flintstone worked, here’s your chance.

The Quarry at Giants Ridge features dramatic elevation changes, spectacular views, and some of the game’s most challenging and memorable holes.

The golf course is situated on the former site of an iron ore quarry, which provides a unique and picturesque backdrop to the course. The dramatic elevation changes, combined with the unique terrain of the quarry, provide a thrilling golf experience.

The Quarry course also features some of the most visually stunning holes in the game. Several of the holes play along the edges of the quarry, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The finishing hole is especially memorable, as it plays over a water hazard and offers spectacular views of the quarry and the surrounding valley.

Ratings

• Difficulty: 7
• Scenery: 8
• Design: 9
• Signature hole: If you could only play one hole at The Quarry, let it be the 13th with its stunning tee shot and challenging visuals, it’s short, deadly, and beautiful.

28. The Greenbrier (The Old White)

• Location: White Sulphur Springs, W.VA
• Designer: C.B. Macdonald
• Par: 70
• Yardage: 7246
• Price: ?????
• Quick Fact: If you’re after the course record here, you better get practicing. Stuart Appleby famously shot a 59 in the final round of the 2010 Greenbrier Classic. Good luck.

The Greenbrier (The Old White) golf course is unique for several reasons. First, it is the oldest golf course in the United States. The Old White was built in 1884, making it over 130 years old. It is the only course in the United States that has been continuously used since its inception.

Second, the course is widely regarded as one of the world’s most beautiful and scenic golf courses. Situated in the Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia, the course is surrounded by stunning views of the mountains and valleys. It is also home to many of the oldest trees in the region, making for a truly unique golfing experience.

Finally, the Greenbrier is a historic golf course with a unique history. It has been the site of numerous PGA Tour events, including the Greenbrier Classic and the Ryder Cup. It has also hosted many famous players, including Ben Hogan, Arnold Palmer, and Jack Nicklaus.

Ratings

• Difficulty: 6
• Scenery: 7
• Design: 8
• Bring the family: For history buffs, this is a great place to explore both on and off the course. The grounds are steeped in history and are a great place to learn about the history of golf.

29. Pinehurst (No. 4)

• Location: Pinehurst, NC
• Designer: Gil Hanse & Jim Wagner
• Par: 72
• Yardage: 7227
• Price: ?????
• Quick Fact: Originally designed by the famous Donald Ross, No. 4 was revamped in 2019, but the core of the old course is still featured prominently.

Pinehurst No. 4 often gets overshadowed by the more famous No. 2. Pinehurst No. 4 is known for its championship-level play, with a mix of wide fairways, deep bunkers, and fast, undulating greens.

The defining feature of Pinehurst No. 4 is its natural beauty. The course is framed by towering pine trees and rolling sand hills, creating a picturesque backdrop to the round. The golf course has several signature holes, such as the par-3 fourth hole, which is framed by the iconic red-brick clubhouse.

Ratings

• Difficulty: 9
• Scenery: 7
• Design: 8
• Local advice: If you plan to play more than one Pinehurst course, DO NOT START WITH THIS ONE, but play this before you play No. 2 and you be fine.

30. Sea Island G.C. (Seaside)

• Location: St. Simons Island, GA
• Designer: Tom Fazio
• Par: 70
• Yardage: 7005
• Price: ?????
• Quick Fact: You may run into a few PGA stars here as Patton Kizzire, Harris English, Keith Mitchell, and J.T. Poston all call Sea Island home.

Sea Island G.C. (Seaside) is a unique golf course because of its layout. It features a variety of terrain and elevation changes, making it one of the most diverse courses on the Georgia coast.

The course also features a variety of man-made hazards, such as bunkers and water hazards, that challenge golfers to think strategically about their shots. Additionally, the course has some of the best greens in the area, providing lots of break and subtle undulations requiring thought and skill.

Ratings

• Difficulty: 6
• Scenery: 9
• Design: 8
• Local tip: If you want to increase your chances of seeing one of your fav PGA stars, book a tee time here two weeks before the Masters or The Open. Many practice here due to the similarities it has to both events.

31. Gamble Sands G.C.

• Location: Brewster, WA
• Designer: David McLay Kidd
• Par: 72
• Yardage: 7169
• Price: ????
• Quick Fact: A golf course with no rough sounds great, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. There are also three drivable par-4s, but don’t let that fool you either.

Gamble Sands Golf Course is unique because of its spectacular location in the Columbia River Gorge. The course was designed by world-renowned golf course architect David McLay Kidd, who incorporated the area’s natural beauty into the course’s design.

The course is laid out over huge sand dunes, with spectacular views of the Columbia River and the surrounding hills. The course is also unique because of its challenging design. The greens are undulating and the fairways are tight, with strategically placed bunkers and ponds.

Ratings

• Difficulty: 6
• Scenery: 9
• Design: 7
• Signature hole: While I’m not a fan of signature holes on the front nine, this short par-4 is an exception.

32. Pronghorn Club, Nicklaus

• Location: Bend, OR
• Designer: Jack Nicklaus
• Par: 72
• Yardage: 7379
• Price: ????
• Quick Fact: There are only about a dozen or so “signature” Nicklaus designs out of the 400+ he has been a part of, this is one of them.

Pronghorn Club (Nicklaus) golf course is so unique due to its design. Iconic golf legend Jack Nicklaus designed the course, and is his only signature golf course in Central Oregon. The course features a blend of Nicklaus’ signature design style, with wide fairways providing generous landing areas and featuring strategic mounding and bunkering.

The course also features a unique combination of short par-4s and long par-5s, providing various golfing experiences. In addition, the course features expansive views of the Cascade Mountains in the distance, providing a truly unique visual experience for players.

Ratings

• Difficulty: 8
• Scenery: 8
• Design: 8
• Signature hole: Angles are everything on this hole, with a huge lake on the right side tempting you to cut your angle more aggressively than you normally would; good luck!

33. Streamsong, Black

• Location: Streamsong, Florida
• Designer: Gil Hanse (2017)
• Par:73
• Yardage: 7,320
• Price:????
• Quick Fact: “Other-worldly” is a phrase that comes to mind when taking in the stunning visuals of the Black course at Streamsong. Gil Hanse must have been truly inspired by the 300 acres of old phosphate mine, with its vast expanse of sky and opportunity.

The windswept course boasts long, open, wide fairways with very little in the way of rough or obstruction. You might be thinking, “Sounds great! Must be an easy round”. Think again. Hanse had some fun with his greens.

A total of 11 acres of the course are dedicated to its tightly shorn greens (compared to 7 acres each at Streamsong’s Red and Blue), the most notorious being the Punchbowl on 9th, which combines 4 tricky quadrants into one oversized putting area.

There is no shortage of unique features to experience at this course. The Gauntlet, an 18-hole putting course, prepares the player for the upcoming challenge on the greens. The Roundabout, a 7-hole “links Style” practice area.

How about grabbing a hot, delicious empanada at the Tin Cup to fuel your game… for only 4 bucks each. Or the antique windmill, a landmark beacon striking against the open Florida sky, to keep you oriented through the first 11 holes.

Ratings

• Difficulty: 6
• Scenery: 9
• Design: 8
• Signature hole: This was a tricky one (the par-5 on 18 and the par-4 on 17 are both strong contenders), but we have to give it to 9th with its hit-and-hope-for-the-best approach culminating in the infamous Punchbowl. Make sure you study the image of the green and note in which quadrant the hole is placed before you tee off.

34. The Omni Homestead Resort, Cascades

• Location: Hot Springs, Virginia
• Designer: William Flynn (1923)
• Par: 70
• Yardage: 6,873 Yards
• Price: ?????
• Quick Fact: A tad on the short side, this classic style course makes up for what it lacks in length with a solid hole design across the board.

A smattering of unique features such as a stellar short par 3 on the 8th, the cross-bunkering on 12 & 13, and the mature-tree-and-mountain-framed 50ft drop from tee to green on the 4th (par 3, 210 yards) set the Cascades apart.

Perhaps the course’s most talked about anomaly is that the round wraps with a rare par 3-5-5-3 combo. The final par-3 of the course, a 203-yard doozie, features a large fairway pond, a couple of bunkers, and back-to-front sloping green. So you’ll want to ensure you keep your head in the game through the 18th.

Ratings

• Difficulty: 7
• Scenery: 8
• Design: 8
• Who should play here?: This is truly a course for all. The beginner will be challenged but not overwhelmed, and the more experienced will enjoy the opportunity while testing the finer skills.

35. Mauna Kea

• Location: Kohala Coast, Hawaii
• Designer: Robert Trent Jones (1965) / Rees Jones (R.2008)
• Par: 72
• Yardage: 7,370
• Price:?????
• Quick Fact: The North Pacific Ocean is the only water obstacle on the course. Combined with heavy bunkering along the undulating terrain, Mauna Kea is guaranteed to challenge and delight.

What is there not to love about a classic par-72 track draped along the coast of Hawaii’s Big Island? Constructed on crushed black lava rock in the mid-’60s, Jones Sr had his work cut out for him. But the result is nothing short of breathtaking.

If you’ve heard anything prior about this course, it will surely be about the stunning 3rd hole. Setting the tone early on, this 273-yard par-3 spans over an ocean cove so breathtaking you may struggle to stop taking pictures long enough to take your shot.

While Mauna Kea is on the pricier side—and requires considerably more travel time for most than the majority of courses on this list—should fate deliver you to the Big Island for any reason, make sure you carve out the time and budget to treat yourself to a round here. Call it a once-in-a-lifetime experience you won’t forget.

Ratings

• Difficulty: 8
• Scenery: 10
• Design: 9

36. The Prairie Club, Dunes Course

• Location: Valentine, Nebraska
• Designer: Tom Lehman & Chris Brands (2010)
• Par:73
• Yardage: 8,073
• Price:?????
• Quick Fact: Windy but wide fairways and tricky to get to greens. A fun course overall, just steer clear of the barbed wire on the 2nd.

Welcome to Nebraska. The Dunes (aptly named) course at The Prairie Club gives you everything you would expect from one of the best courses in the Great Plains.
Ruggedly beautiful, windswept, and wide open, the course is as unique as it is fun to play.

Enjoy the vast views from the 171-yard par 3 on the 7th, but try not to be too distracted and keep the ball on the green and out of the many surrounding bunkers. Another noteworthy par-3 is the 4th, with its oversized 80-yard wide and beautifully contoured putting green.
Be sure to enjoy the midwestern hospitality and fine dining while you’re visiting The Prairie Club.

Ratings

• Difficulty: 7
• Scenery: 7
• Design: 8
• Heads Up: The Prairie Club has a private members club, meaning the 3 courses are alternatingly members-only (changes daily). So be sure to check which course is open to the public when you plan to play.

37. Mossy Oak

• Location: West Point, Mississippi
• Designer: Gil Hanse (2016)
• Par: 72
• Yardage: 7212
• Price:???
• Quick Fact: Renown designer Gil Hanse’s follow-up to the 2016 Olympic Course in Brazil is an ode to the Mississippi landscape.

Hanse’s task with Mossy Oak was to transform a former dairy farm into a championship-quality course for the local university team (and the public) to enjoy. Mission accomplished, once again.

In terms of playability, Mossy Oak is intended to be walked, ideally with a caddie. The fairways are wide, and with only 2 large ponds on the course, your odds of finishing with the same ball you started with are pretty decent.

While the course’s nickname, “Nature’s Golf,” is fitting, don’t be fooled by the lay-of-the-land feel. The bunkering is plentiful and spot on. The greens are wide and contoured. As always, with a Hanse design, strategy is a major factor at Mossy Oak.

Ratings:

• Difficulty: 8
• Scenery: 7
• Design: 8

38. Golden Horseshoe, Gold Course

• Location: Williamsburg, Virginia
• Designer: Robert Trent Jones (1963) / Rees Jones (R.1997 & 2016)
• Par: 71
• Yardage: 6,817
• Price:???
• Quick Fact: Located smack in historic Colonial Williamsburg, this classic American course is steeped in its share of golf history.

The Gold Course is most well known for its par-3, which is both picturesque and fun to play. The Jones’ rely heavily on water hazards on this course, most notably on the 16th. A 169-yard par 3, this signature hole features an adorable island green, complete with 5 bunkers surrounding a generously sized green. If you can play past the water, you’ll have a great time on this hole.

While on the shorter side with several 3’s, the tight, small greens and abundance of water make for a challenging round.

Ratings:

• Difficulty: 8
• Scenery: 7
• Design: 7
• Hot Tip: Late October, when the many mature trees put on their annual fall color show, this track is truly a sight to behold.

39. Wild Horse

• Location: Gothenburg, Nebraska
• Designer: Dan Proctor & Dave Axland (1999)
• Par: 72
• Yardage: 6,955
• Price:?
• Quick Fact: Hot deal alert: play this excellent pay-and-play course for only around $50!

Often overlooked in favor of its private or semi-private cohorts (i.e., Sand Hill and The Prairie Club), this 100% public course was created with the intention of being an accessible option for the “regular” player.

Massive credit goes to the grounds crew at Wild Horse, as the conditions get consistent stellar reviews. The bluegrass fairways and bent grass greens are kept tight and fast. Be sure to account for those Nebraska winds.

Often referred to as “The poor man’s Sand Hill,” there is no reason to let the size of your pocketbook deter you from fitting in a round at Wild Horse.

Ratings:

• Difficulty: 7
• Scenery: 5
• Design: 7
• Trivia tidbit: Proctor and Axland had only $1.6 million to create this course, including the land purchase!

40. Silvies Valley Ranch, Hankins Course

• Location: Seneca, Oregon
• Designer: Dan Hixson (2017)
• Par: 73
• Yardage: 7075
• Price:????
• Quick Fact: Hankins is one of a pair of reversible 18-hole courses (Craddock being the other) which share more than half of the holes.

The design is a smart choice for Silvies Valley Ranch, a 218-square-mile ranch and eco-tourism destination, thanks to the versatility and fun factor of having so many different options for its golfing guests.

In addition to Hankins and Craddock, players can enjoy Chief Egan, a 9-hole par 3 course, as well as the very challenging (arguably too challenging) McVeigh’s Gauntlet, where the added novelty of a trained goat caddie may make up for the damage this 7 hole short course may impart on the ego.

Ratings:

• Difficulty: 6
• Scenery: 7
• Design: 8

41. The Broadmoor Golf Club, East Course

• Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado
• Designer: Donald Ross (1919) / Robert Trent Jones (1952)
• Par: 72
• Yardage: 7,355
• Price:?????
• Quick Fact: If your short game is your strong suit over long drives, this will be a great course for you to play.

The high elevation and broad, beautiful tree-lined fairways combine to help carry the ball, giving players who hit shorter drives a leg up at the East Course at Broadmoor. The entire parkland-style course grows nicely kept bluegrass, including the greens, where your short game will be sufficiently tested.

Caddies are available to assist in interpreting the quick, contoured greens. Enjoy the view from 6,000 feet of elevation at the 3rd. Framed by mature trees right and left, with the Rocky Mountains in the background, this 601-yard par 5 may seem intimidating at first, but the height advantage helps carry the ball further than you’d like, so getting on the green in 2 is well within reach.

Ratings:

• Difficulty: 5
• Scenery: 7
• Design: 6

42. Sheep Ranch at Bandon Dunes

• Location: Bandon, Oregon
• Designer: Bill Coore & Ben Crenshaw (2020)
• Par: 72
• Yardage: 6636
• Price:????
• Quick Fact: The land that was transformed by Coore and Crenshaw in 2020, amid a whirlwind of worldwide panic and uncertainty, was once a wind farm and then a secret, barely maintained kept, you-gotta-know-a-guy 13 hole course that harkened back to the sports Scottish origins.

The 9 heart-stopping holes along the coastline give the feeling of being perched at the end of the earth because, in essence, you are. Jutting along the Pacific Ocean, 100 feet above sea level, these stunning vistas are truly breathtaking—and peaking down the near vertical rock walls is not recommended for the faint of heart.

Ratings:

• Difficulty: 9
• Scenery: 9
• Design: 8
• Signature hole: The 16th takes this one, due mostly to the shared green (with the 3rd) placed elegantly on the cliff’s edge with crashing waves below. A tidy little par-3 at 151 yards is all about the undulating green and that view.

43. Ozarks National at Big Cedar Lodge

• Location: Hollister, Missouri
• Designer: Bill Coore & Ben Crenshaw (2019)
• Par: 71
• Yardage: 7,036
• Price:????
• Quick Fact: Ozarks National holds its own against the other surrounding courses (Fazio’s Buffalo Ridge Springs and Wood’s Payne’s Valley, plus Nicholaus’ 9 hole Top of the Rock and Player’s 13-hole short course), but it may not be everyone’s favorite as it lacks the “wow” moments expected from the legendary design duo.

Coore and Crenshaw let the natural landscape set the tone for a laid-back design on Ozarks National. Players will enjoy the wide-open views along the land’s ridge tops. The open exposure does allow for an interesting variety of play given changing wind conditions.

Ratings:

• Difficulty: 7
• Scenery: 6
• Design: 6
• Signature Hole: The 5th hole, a 352-yard par 4, drapes around a ravine to the right, steadily elevating to the putting surface tucked up next to the halfway house.

44. Irish Course at Whistling Straits

• Location: Haven, Wisconsin
• Designer: Pete Dye (2000)
• Par: 72
• Yardage: 7,201
• Price:???
• Quick Fact: Forever compared to its big sister, the Straits, the Irish Course is definitely a must-play when in the area.

The Irish Course benefits from some protection against the Lake Michigan winds that torment players at The Straits due to its more sheltered inland location. Pete Dye upped the ante by integrating more water hazards by the way of man-made lakes and streams, as well as narrower fairways and some sneaky blind shot options.

The 18th Hole finishes off this round beautifully. The 558-yard par 5 holds up against the other more notorious courses at the resort. Players will find the green uphill, over a water feature, and tucked up around a nearly blind corner, making for a superb challenge to end the day.

Ratings:

• Difficulty: 8
• Scenery: 6
• Design: 7
• Who should play here: Anyone looking to experience the Straits should take the extra time to fit in the Irish as well. At half the price, this course is a welcome add-on or alternative if you’re not looking to shell out quite so much.

45. Sentryworld

• Location: Stevens Point, Wis
• Designer: Robert Trent Jones Jr. (1982)
• Par: 72
• Yardage: 7,145
• Price:???
• Quick Fact: Best known for the “Flower Hole,” Sentryworld’s 16th hole, which uses colorful flower beds as unique, pollinator-friendly hazards.

“Immaculately groomed” is a term often used to describe Sentryworld’s course. The grounds crews clearly take pride in the work they do, as showcased in plentiful hand-planted flower beds and perfectly conditioned grasses (bentgrass greens and fairways with bluegrass in the rough, to be precise).

Sentryworld is very player friendly and fun, so it is a great, affordable choice for players of all skill levels. It is easily accessible in the middle of the State; a must-play if you’re in the area.

Ratings:

• Difficulty: 6
• Scenery: 7
• Design: 6
• Signature hole: This has to be the aforementioned “Flower Hole.” Placed perfectly as an end-of-the-round pick me up, the 16th, a sweet 176-yard par 3, with its delightful patchwork of bright flower beds, manicured bunkers, and generous green, is a joy to play.

46. May River At Palmetto Bluff

• Location: Bluffton, South Carolina
• Designer: Jack Nicklaus (2004)
• Par: 72
• Yardage: 7,171
• Price:?????
• Quick Fact: This Jack Nicklaus-designed resort course features a great practice area to prep players for a challenging round surrounded by beautiful South Carolina nature.

Meandering along the banks of its namesake, May River Golf Course is Palmetto Bluff Resort’s sole golf course. The stunning ancient oak trees welcome visitors along the way as players traverse the over 7,000 yards of Nicklaus’ masterpiece.

Overall, the course is challenging enough, with just enough respite, fun par 3’s and gorgeous surroundings. The luxury accommodations at the resort are perfectly what you envision Southern Charm to be all about.

Ratings:

• Difficulty: 7
• Scenery: 8
• Design: 8

47. CordeValle G.C.

• Location: San Martin, California
• Designer: Robert Trent Jones Jr (1999)
• Par: 72
• Yardage: 7,360
• Price:?????
• Quick Fact: Arguably one of Robert Trent Jones Jr’s top designs, this Northern California masterpiece is situated on a 260-acre parcel sans real estate development.

CordeValle Golf Course is the high-end resort of the same name’s championship course. The beautiful design by Jones Jr. encapsulates its Northern Californian environs as it meanders through the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Luxury is the name of the game at CordeValle, catering to an elevated experience for its patrons. Playing with a caddie is highly encouraged. The resort also offers a Golf Butler program to course guests, the sole focus being to enhance players’ experience with any additional services or amenities that might do the trick.

Ratings:

• Difficulty: 8
• Scenery: 9
• Design: 9
• Trivia Tidbit: CordeValle Golf Course has hosted several PGA tournaments as well as the 2016 U.S. Women’s Open.

48. Tobacco Road Golf Course

• Location: Sanford, North Carolina
• Designer: Mike Strantz (1999)
• Par: 71
• Yardage: 6,557
• Price:???
• Quick Fact: As the nickname “Pinehurst on steroids” implies, the late designer made a daring, no holds barred statement with this course.

Look forward to unusual designs everywhere you look: oddly shaped greens with interesting contours, huge bunkers, and many blind shots. This course will keep you guessing, thinking, and enjoying yourself all the way.

A signature hole is hard to choose, so you’ll have to experience Tobacco Road for yourself, but we can mention the 14th for hosting the sole water feature on the track. A tidy little par 3 at 194 yards; good luck squeezing the ball onto the 2 tiered green between the water on one side and sand on the other.

Ratings:

• Difficulty: 8
• Scenery: 7
• Design: 9

49. French Lick Resort, The Pete Dye Course

• Location: French Lick, Indiana
• Designer: Pete Dye
• Par: 72
• Yardage: 8102
• Price:?????
• Quick Fact: Praised for its 40-mile, all-around views of the Indiana landscape, this challenging, long championship course recently hosted both the Senior PGA and LPGA tournaments.

From the original sketch, jotted stereotypically on a restaurant napkin, Dye had a specific vision centered around showcasing the stunning Hoosier National Forest from its perch on Mount Airie, one of the highest points in the state. The designer even insisted on clearing trees to open the view.

Playing here certainly requires one to bring their A-game, thanks to narrow fairways, tight greens and perfectly groomed conditions. The abundance of bunkering warrants mentioning, especially the “volcanoes” found on the 2nd hole, a famous feature of the course.

Ratings:

• Difficulty: 9
• Scenery: 8
• Design: 8

50. Torrey Pines Golf Course, South

• Location: La Jolla, Calif
• Designer: William F. Bell (1957), Rees Jones (2001)
• Par: 72
• Yardage: 7,802
• Price:???
• Quick Fact: Torrey Pines South first hosted the 2008 U.S. Open where Tiger played through the post-surgery pain to pull off a win for the ages, then again in 2021 amid Covid-19 restrictions when Jon Rahm took home the title.

Steeped in San Diego’s military heritage, the land was originally used as a training center prior to William F. Bell’s 1957 transformation. The course has undergone several facelifts, most notably by Rees Jones in 2001, who spent $3.5 million relocating greens, adding bunkers, tees, and yardage to create a championship-worthy track.

Players won’t need to choose between mountain or ocean views when playing here, as the course is sandwiched between an abundance of both. Take in the beauty of the Pacific throughout the course, especially on the 3rd and 4th, and enjoy your own championship moment as you take on the famous par 5 on the 18th.

Ratings:

• Difficulty: 9
• Scenery: 9
• Design: 6

51. Arcadia Bluffs, South Course

• Location: Bear Lake, Michigan
• Designer: Dana Fry & Jason Straka (2019)
• Par: 72
• Yardage: 7,412
• Price:????
• Quick Fact: When playing the South Course, you will soon notice something missing… trees! With not much to lessen the impact of wind, strategic thinking must quickly take over.

The mostly square 311-acre course is laid out in two 9-hole loops, making for a walkable track with a healthy variety of lies, approach options, and hole directions.

With over 9,400 square feet of putting surface, the greens appear large but play small thanks to a mix of challenging contours and undulations. The wide fairways and fast conditions make for a nice pace of play.

Strategy is a major player at the South Course, as intended by the course creators. A true links style masterpiece, with interesting angles, sweeping views, and challenging winds. Not to mention a noteworthy abundance of bunkers.

Ratings:

• Difficulty: 8
• Scenery: 6
• Design: 6
• Who should play here: If you are trying to improve the finer points of your short game and can handle a bit of frustration and humility, squeeze in as many rounds here as possible.

52. Cog Hill Golf & Country Club, No. 4

• Location: Lemont, Illinois
• Designer: Dick Wilson (1965), Rees Jones (2009)
• Par: 72
• Yardage: 7554
• Price:????
• Quick Fact: The nickname “Dubsdread” derives from the term “dub,” shamefully indicating a poor or novice golfer. If you identify with this, maybe best to skip it for now.

When you have an already challenging, natural style course, designed in the mid-sixties (Wilson), that you want to elevate to test the greatest in the world… who do you call?

Wilson’s penchant for skinny fairways, undulating greens, and loads (and loads) of deep bunkers remains evident on this course, and the original routing is unchanged. A few additions include a new pond, tees, and even more bunkers.

The result is a very challenging championship 7,600-yard track, which some might argue is too difficult to be enjoyed by the average “dub.”

Ratings:

• Difficulty: 10
• Scenery: 6
• Design: 9

53. PGA West, Stadium Course

• Location: La Quinta, California
• Designer: Pete Dye (1986)
• Par: 72
• Yardage: 7,300
• Price:????
• Quick Fact: This course hosts the PGA tour Q-school finals on alternating years.

Let us begin at the end here. The round at Stadium wraps with a brutal pair of finishing holes. First up is the infamous 17th, known as “Alcatraz,” thanks to its water-ringed prison of a green.
This 168-yard par 3 is a clear knockoff of the 17th at Sawgrass, where Alcatraz features a slightly elevated tee and 35 extra yards to level the field.

Stadium proves to be one of Pete Dye’s most difficult designs, creating plenty of tension and stressful moments for all players, including the pros. Look out for huge bunkers, tricky contours and lots of water.

Ratings:

• Difficulty: 9
• Scenery: 5
• Design: 8

54. Cascata

• Location: Boulder City, Nevada
• Designer: Rees Jones (2000)
• Par: 72
• Yardage: 7,137
• Price:????
• Quick Fact: Carved into the foothills of the River Mountain Range, Cascata offers sweeping views of the Nevada desert.

Climbing uphill along the mountainside on the front 9 and back downhill on the back, this course is a visual delight. The combination of rugged desert, red mountains, mature trees, babbling brooks, and vivid green fairways proves a breathtaking view on every turn.

The course gets its name from the Italian word for waterfall, in honor of the 418-foot waterfall feature that pours gracefully from the mountains through the massive clubhouse.

You’ll be grateful for the golf cart as you traverse this Vegas-sized course at 3,200 feet in the air, not to mention the superb hospitality of the staff from the moment you pass through the gates.

The designer refers to Cascata as “The eighth wonder of the golf world.” Rightfully so, as Rees Jones has clearly outdone himself on this track.

One of its more famous holes is the 434-yard par 4, thanks to a shot of Tiger Woods on the green gracing the cover of Golf Digest. One of the course’s many water features steals the show here with a stream winding its way in front of the tees and along the fairway, culminating in a serene pond just to the front right of the green.

Ratings:

• Difficulty: 7
• Scenery: 9
• Design: 9

55. The Links At Spanish Bay

• Location: Pebble Beach, California
• Designer: Robert Trent Jones Jr., Tom Watson & Sandy Tatum (1987)
• Par: 72
• Yardage: 6,821
• Price:?????
• Quick Fact: Picture this—you’re rounding out the day on the 18th hole of a traditional links-style course just as the sun begins to set over the ocean. You hear the sounds of bagpipes ringing in the evening. No, you’re not in blustery Scotland; you are merely enjoying the Links at Spanish Bay in sunny California.

Get ready to get sandy on “Sandy,” the aptly named 6th hole, where 9 daunting bunkers await to consume your ball as you approach the raised green. Just 8 holes later, “Dune Hollow” is a tidy par 3 at 200 yards, featuring several pot bunkers lurking on the way to the green to your right.

The Links at Spanish Bay is a stunner of a course with beautiful views and a strategic, pure links-style playing experience. Too often overlooked for its more famous neighbors, this course is a winner against most US resort tracks, so definitely make the effort to get a round in here.

Ratings:

• Difficulty: 7
• Scenery: 8
• Design: 8
• Heads Up: We highly recommend booking a late afternoon round to enjoy the famous Spanish Bay bagpiper, who serenades players every evening with his pipes as the sun sets. A goosebump-inducing experience not to be missed.

56. Streamsong, Blue

• Location: Streamsong, Florida
• Designer: Tom Doak (2012)
• Par:72
• Yardage: 7,176
• Price:????
• Quick Fact: Blue, Red or Black? That is the question to be discussed ad nauseum at the 19th hole at Streamsong. Play them all and choose your favorite accordingly.

Definitely the more dramatic right out of the gate; the 1st hole at the Blue course features a back tee perched on a 75-foot sand dune. Undulating elevation changes, splash-worthy ponds, massive bunkers, and challenging greens combine to make Blue a favorite for many and a strong contender in the big debate.

The 16,000-acre Streamsong property was once a phosphate mine, which sets a perfect landscape to be transformed into a high-end golf resort at Bandon Dunes.

Ratings:

• Difficulty: 7
• Scenery: 7
• Design: 8

57. Fallen Oak

• Location: Saucier, Mississippi
• Designer: Tom Fazio (2006)
• Par: 72
• Yardage: 7,487
• Price:????
• Quick Fact: It took 15 years to come to fruition when MGM Grand commissioned Tom Fazio to design Fallon Oak for the Beau Rivage Casino on Mississippi’s Gulf Coast, but the original idea was Steve Wynn’s back in the 90s after Fazio created Shadow Creek.

Look out for some majestic spectators observing your round at Fallen Oak. Over 4,000 massive oak, magnolia, and pine trees grace this 510-acre plot. Nestled into the natural landscape of wetlands and forest, with plenty of ponds and streams to accompany the stately trees, this championship course is as ripe with challenge as it is natural delight.

Several lengthy par-5 holes help to add up to the impressive nearly 7,500-yard length of this course, such as the 600-yard 15th hole, where danger lurks in the water strategically placed throughout the fairway. It is debatable whether the dense tree coverage, abundance of water, or deep bunkers provide the greater challenges on this track.

Ratings:

• Difficulty: 8
• Scenery: 8
• Design: 8

58. Crosswater Club

• Location: Sunriver, Oregon
• Designer: Bob Cupp (1995)
• Par: 72
• Yardage: 7,683
• Price:????
• Quick Fact: Crosswater is host to both the Deschutes and Little Deschutes Rivers, which transverse the 600-acre property.

Bobb Cupp carefully preserved the local wetlands and woodlands when he designed and built this course in the mid-90s. The aforementioned rivers gracefully weave through the course and repeatedly challenge players.

A traditional heathland-style course, Crosswater allows for 5 tee placements on each hole, which explains the substantial almost 7,700 yardage. Crosswater is not only long, but she is intentionally difficult. Sunriver Resort specifically commissioned Cupp to create a challenging third course that would “put them on the map.”

Ratings:

• Difficulty: 9
• Scenery: 7
• Design: 8
• Trivia Tidbit: A portion of this course was once a meadow where Western legend John Wayne once shot a famous scene from the 1969 film True Grit.

59. Hawktree

• Location: Bismarck, North Dakota
• Designer: Jim Engh in 1999
• Par: 72
• Yardage: 7085
• Price:??
• Quick Fact: Hawktree is known for a unique feature you won’t find on other courses—black sand bunkers!

The infamous black sand used in the traps as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional white sand (which would have had to have been imported as it is not available locally) is actually black coal slag, a waste byproduct from the nearby power plant.

Notably fun and visually enjoyable, this par-72 championship course credits natural elevation changes to provide both expansive views of the natural landscape as well as an enjoyable challenge to the round.

Ratings:

• Difficulty: 7
• Scenery: 7
• Design: 7
• Budget-friendly: At only $55 – $80 per round (plus $30 for a cart), Hawktree is one of the more pocketbook-conscious options on this list

60. Wilderness Club

• Location: Eureka, Montana
• Designer: Brian Curley & Nick Faldo (2009)
• Par: 72
• Yardage: 7,207
• Price:???
• Quick Fact: Due to its location just eight miles shy of the Canadian border, the Wilderness Club is now a hot spot for Canadian players since opening its doors to the public.

The Rocky, Whitefish, and Purcell mountain ranges tower majestically over the site, where several lakes and mature pine trees add to the typical Montana landscape.

Designer Nick Faldo was inspired by the landscape from the first time he took in the vast terrain. He credits the sandy soil, rolling topography, and surrounding dense pine forest for providing both woodland and links-style qualities to the course, thereby offering an entertainingly diverse experience for players.

Ratings:

• Difficulty: 7
• Scenery: 9
• Design: 8

61. The Classic At Madden’s Resort

• Location: Brainerd, Minnesota
• Designer: Scott Hoffmann, with Geoffrey Cornish, John Harris & Warren Rebholz (1996)
• Par: 72
• Yardage: 7,102
• Price:????
• Quick Fact: The Classic was designed by the course superintendent Scott Hoffmann. He enlisted support from veteran course architect Geoff Cornish and his team for his first time designing.

A healthy dose of challenge awaits here, with majestic pine trees pressing in on skinny fairways, water hurdles, and fast, sloped greens. This course certainly has a “Classic” feel, with beautifully kept grass stretching far and wide to provide a very mid-century parkland country club aesthetic.

There is no lack of options for players on the 16th hole. This 532-yard par 5 has much to consider. Attempt to bypass the fairway bunker at 300 yards just to the right to give yourself the opportunity to hit a strong shot over the water onto the green. Whatever you do, try to stick to the right side to avoid rolling off the left.

Ratings:

• Difficulty: 9
• Scenery: 6
• Design: 7
• Who should play here: If your low handicap is proving your recent rounds too easy, take on the challenge here at The Classic.

62. Paa-ko Ridge Golf Club

• Location: Sandia Park, New Mexico
• Designer: Ken Dye (2000)
• Par: 72
• Yardage: 7,562
• Price:????
• Quick Fact: Paa-ko Ridge hosts 27 holes, split into 3 nine-hole loops, as well as five sets of tees, providing a nice variety for players of all skill levels. This is a big bonus considering the play here can be stretched to over 7,500 yards!

The New Mexico landscape offers a very different vegetation type than this list’s many links or parkland-style courses. Arroyos, rocky outcrops, pinion, and ponderosa trees intertwine with the bluegrass fairways and bentgrass greens, which are kept in superb condition.

Quite possibly the most enjoyable—and best value for money—golf course in the state, Paa-ko ridge, provides a fantastic round (or more). The name means the root of the cottonwood tree in Pueblo, giving a nod to the ancient vegetation found here.

You’ll find a stand-out hole early on; the nickname “Dye-abolical” appropriately alludes to the experience design Ken Dye has laid out on the 4th. This challenging par-3 features a massive, three-tiered green that measures 100 yards deep with 13 feet of elevation change. Needless to say, make sure you check the pin placement before taking your first swing.

Ratings:

• Difficulty: 8
• Scenery: 7
• Design: 7
• Trivia Tidbit: The 496-yard par-4 seventh is the same shape and dimensions as the 10th at Augusta National.

63. Red Sky Golf Club, Norman

• Location: Wolcott, Colorado
• Designer: Greg Norman (2003)
• Par: 72
• Yardage: 7,480
• Price:?????
• Quick Fact: Designer Greg Norman credits his love for the Rockies and the beauty of the area for drawing him to the Vail Valley and Red Sky Golf Club, where he enjoyed the opportunity to “create one of the most natural and aesthetically beautiful golf courses in this region.”

Separated by a ridgeline that acts as a wildlife corridor lie two 18-hole courses at Red Sky Golf Club. This one by Greg Norman is located on the western slope and was once an old sheep ranch. The views are next to none as the Rockies fight for attention with the spectacular Colorado sunsets.

Norman’s course is the longer and more challenging of the two options here, with 7,580 yards of play gracefully intertwined into the natural landscape of oak trees, meadows, ravines, and rugged terrain. The designer’s signature large greens and abundance of interestingly shaped bunkers and his unique touch to the track.

Ratings:

• Difficulty: 7
• Scenery: 9
• Design: 8
• Heads Up: Public play at Red Sky Ranch alternates daily between this course, designed by Greg Norman, and the one by Tom Fazio.

64. Bay Harbor Golf Club, Links/Quarry

• Location: Bay Harbor, Michigan
• Designer: Arthur Hills, with Stephen Kircher (1998)
• Par: 72
• Yardage: 6,845
• Price:?????
• Quick Fact: Bay Harbour three 9-hole courses which can be played in any combination. Recommended here are the aptly named “Links,” a links-style course overlooking Lake Michigan, and “Quarry,” a former shale quarry.

Links offers an Irish-style golf experience with views of a Great Lake instead of the North Atlantic. You will be stunned here with fantastic views of the Lake Michigan shoreline, along with huge 150-foot bluffs and scruffy dunes.

Arthur Hills’ design aesthetic works perfectly in this unique landscape. A stunning hole is found on the 7th, a 490-yard par 5. After a tricky, near-blind tee shot upwards along the skinny fairway, you’ll be rewarded with the deep blue lake views as you approach the green.

Ratings:

• Difficulty: 8
• Scenery: 8
• Design: 8

65. Wolf Creek Golf Club

• Location: Mesquite, Nevada
• Designer: Dennis Rider (2000)
• Par: 72
• Yardage: 6,939
• Price:????
• Quick Fact: Wolf Creek is often featured on avid golfers’ bucket lists along with Pebble Beach, Black Wolf Run, and Bandon Dunes—and rightfully so!

Drastic elevation changes, canyons, and steep ravines combine with bright bunkers and gorgeous water hazards to create a visually stunning track. The result is often referred to as feeling like you’re in a video game, which is truly does, making this a must-play when in the area —if only for the best views of the Nevada landscape.

Wolf Creek is one of those rare courses where the claim that every hole is a “signature” hole actually comes very close to being accurate. Each hole is truly dripping in wow factor. It has even been suggested that admission to drive the course without playing would be a big selling point.

Ratings:

• Difficulty: 7
• Scenery: 9
• Design: 8

66. The Dunes Golf & Beach Club

• Location: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
• Designer: Robert Trent Jones (1949) / Robert Trent Jones (R.1959)
• Par: 72
• Yardage: 7,450
• Price:????
• Quick Fact: This very typical Trent Jones design offers risk/reward opportunities on each hole, so strategic golf is at play throughout the course.

A seaside location, as evident by the stiff ocean breeze; however, you’ll spot the Atlantic only when you reach the halfway mark; the majority of the water featured on this course is found in ponds and lagoons.

Watch out for wildlife as you traverse Alligator Alley from the 11th to the 13th. Sand dunes, mature trees, and turfgrass combine with the abundance of marshy water to make a unique course that is neither links style, nor parkland, nor oceanside… yet somehow all of them at the same time.

Ratings:

• Difficulty: 8
• Scenery: 7
• Design: 8

67. Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, Mystic Rock

• Location: Farmington, Pennsylvania
• Designer: Pete Dye (1995)
• Par: 72
• Yardage: 7,550
• Price:????
• Quick Fact: The aptly named Mystic Rock course was practically “carved out of stone” and, as such, features an abundance of rock as one of the sport’s less often used challenges.

Watch out for boulders scattered throughout the rough, rocks surrounding water hazards and holding up the sides of fairways, and a magnificent waterfall on the 5th hole.

You’ll also be accompanied by statues of golf greats such as John Daly and Vijay Singh. Certainly, a bit out there, this design by the legendary Pete Dye can be experienced as a golf track meets outdoor art park.

Nemacolin Woodlands Resort founder Joseph Hardy intended for this addition to be a challenging, PGA-worthy championship course, which is evident when playing all 7,550 yards of course from the back tees (Dye’s course has hosted several PGA events over the years).

Ratings:

• Difficulty: 9
• Scenery: 8
• Design: 8

68. Red Sky, Fazio

• Location: Wolcott, Colorado
• Designer: Tom Fazio (2002)
• Par: 72
• Yardage: 7,116
• Price:????
• Quick Fact: Designer Tom Fazio ensured the holes were designed in keeping with the layout of the land. As such, he held off all the way until the 7th hole before offering a par 3.

The second Red Sky course on this list, the Fazio course, begins with a mostly flat front 9 perched on a bluff, then climbs up the mountain for more than half of the back 9, returning sharply back down on the last three. Enjoy breathtaking views of Vail’s Back Bowls, native forests, and hills strewn with wild sage.

Ratings:

• Difficulty: 7
• Scenery: 8
• Design: 7

69. Marquette Golf Club, Greywalls

• Location: Marquette, Michigan
• Designer: Mike DeVries (2005)
• Par: 71
• Yardage: 6,828
• Price:????
• Quick Fact: Greywalls gets its name from the granite rock outcroppings lurking and threatening throughout the course.

From the very first hole, the views of Lake Superior delight and set the tone for this course. The abundance of granite rock, over and throughout which Greywalls is laid, also makes its presence beautifully known. A little bit off the beaten track for golf tourists, but definitely worth the trek.

Get ready to enjoy a wide variety of terrain that all somehow fits together cohesively. Steep elevation changes meet rolling green hills, links-style bunkers, and sloping fairways to make for a fun ride of a round. And the aforementioned views turn heads on every hole.

Ratings:

• Difficulty: 7
• Scenery: 8
• Design: 8

70. The Wilderness At Fortune Bay

• Location: Tower, Minnesota
• Designer: Jeff Brauer (2004)
• Par: 72
• Yardage: 7,207
• Price:???
• Quick Fact: This casino course located in the Vermillion Lake Indian Reserve heavily features rock outcroppings, dramatic elevation changes, ancient pine trees, and peaceful lakes.

Brauer’s design at The Wilderness allows golfers of various skill levels to have an enjoyable round, thanks in part to generous fairways, although some of the greens are on the tiny side. For example, the 540-yard par 5 16th features a split-level fairway divided by rock, where players have to approach uphill onto an undersized green.

Ratings:

• Difficulty: 8
• Scenery: 6
• Design: 7

71. The Golf Courses Of Lawsonia, Links

• Location: Green Lake, Wisconsin
• Designer: William Langford & Theodore Moreau (1930)
• Par: 72
• Yardage: 6,853
• Price:???
• Quick Fact: Be transported back to the 30s on this links-style course—this track remains mostly unchanged from the original Landford and Moreau creation.

Hard to imagine that this course, full of large, deep bunkers, generous fairways, and contoured greens, was carved into the land using 1920s steam shovels. The amount of work that must have gone into creating this design has proven to stand the test of time.

Ratings:

• Difficulty: 6
• Scenery: 7
• Design: 7
• Signature Hole: The short par-3 (161 yards) 7th hole is a standout here, thanks to the “birthday cake” green, which rumor has it was created by burying an old railroad box cart and building the green on top of it!

72. Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club

• Location: Southern Pines, North Carolina
• Designer: Donald Ross (1928) / Donald Ross (R.1937)
• Par: 71
• Yardage: 7,062
• Price:???
• Quick Fact: Meticulously maintained and revitalized to its original Donald Ross design, Pine Needles has hosted several U.S. Women’s Opens.

Often overlooked, thanks to its more famous neighbor Pinehurst No. 2, Pine Needles is a beautiful, classic championship golf course.

Ross’ philosophy was that on each hole, an equal number of birdies and bogies should be scored. And this is certainly the case throughout his design.

Case in point: During the 2003 U.S. Women’s Open, the 3rd hole, a tidy little par-3, resulted in 52 birdies and 53 bogies. Speaking of the 3rd hole, it definitely warrants a mention as the course’s signature hole. At only 145 yards, this pretty one-shot hole requires a well-struck tee shot over the water and marsh onto the generous but quick green.

Ratings:

• Difficulty: 7
• Scenery: 6
• Design: 7
• Trivia tidbit: Ross chose to live in the area as the North Carolina sandhills reminded him of his homeland, Scotland.

73. Rams Hill

• Location: Borrego Springs, California
• Designer: Tom Fazio (2008)
• Par: 72
• Yardage: 7,323
• Price:????
• Quick Fact: This desert track plays up and along the ridgeline of its namesake on the way out, and then meanders its way back downhill on the back nine.

With a variety of tee options that offer a difference of over 2,000 yards in course length, Rams Hill provides a very enjoyable, true desert-style round of golf. Views of the desert surrounding the laid-back town called Borrego Springs abound.

Look out for dramatic elevation changes and rocky outcroppings, as well as a surprising abundance of water features for a Palm Springs area track, such as on the 5th, where water lurks the entire length of this par 3, as well as on the 11th, on which a green-side pond distracts almost as much as the sweeping views.

Ratings:

• Difficulty: 7
• Scenery: 7
• Design: 6

74. Princeville Makai G.C.

• Location: Kauai, Hawaii
• Designer: Robert Trent Jones Jr. (1971)
• Par: 72
• Yardage: 7,223
• Price:?????
• Quick Fact: Could Robert Trent Jones Jr. have chosen a more stunning locale to step out of his father’s shadow with his first solo design than he did here at Princeville Makai? We highly doubt it.

The Lake and Ocean nines were completely updated, with fresh grass, overhauled bunkers, and widening of some holes. The Woods nine remains as is and is today mostly enjoyed as a walking course with the feeling of being transported back to an earlier time in the sport.

There is no shortage of jaw-dropping views at Princeville Makai. Think bright blue Pacific Ocean scenes, North Kauai mountains and cliffs, lava rocks, and lush jungles, all to be enjoyed in one 18-hole round.

Ratings:

• Difficulty: 6
• Scenery: 10
• Design: 7

75. Great Waters At Reynolds Lake Oconee

• Location: Eatonton, Georgia
• Designer: Jack Nicklaus (1992)
• Par: 72
• Yardage: 7,436
• Price:????
• Quick Fact: Located along the banks of Lake Oconee, designer Jack Nicklaus and his associate Jim Lipe made an effort to include the lake in the course layout as much as possible, resulting in 10 of the 18 holes situated lakeside.

Of those 10 holes on Lake Oconee, Nicklaus and Lipe varied how players would interact with the water. In some cases, the lake acts simply as a pretty blue-green backdrop to the hole itself.

Often the lake lurks around or in front of the green, threatening to swallow balls on their approach. Sometimes the lake cuts through the fairway, forcing players to send the ball sailing over it.

Ratings:

• Difficulty: 6
• Scenery: 8
• Design: 7

76. Pinehurst Resort, No. 8

• Location: Pinehurst, North Carolina
• Designer: Tom Fazio (1996)
• Par: 72
• Yardage: 7,099
• Price:?????
• Quick Fact: This course is actually located just about one mile north of the famous Pinehurst Resort Complex.

A highlight amongst Tom Fazio’s career, No. 8 is a very versatile golf course, with an enjoyable tree presence throughout the front nine with lots of water and sand along the way.

The finishing hole, a 445-yard par-4, features another such water feature as players make their way over a pond and up the fairway towards the green, where Southern hospitality beckons invitingly from the charming clubhouse just beyond. Watch out for bunkers on the left of the fairway as well as three of them surrounding the green.

Ratings:

• Difficulty: 8
• Scenery: 6
• Design: 7
• Trivia Tidbit: The renowned resort hired Fazio in the late 90s to add this 8th course to celebrate its 100th anniversary.

77. Blackwolf Run, Meadow Valleys

• Location: Kohler, Wisconsin
• Designer: Pete Dye (1989)
• Par: 72
• Yardage: 7,250
• Price:????
• Quick Fact: Rolling meadows and deep valleys await at the aptly named Meadow Valleys course at Blackwolf Run. The Sheboygan River makes an appearance late in the round.

The first of the two courses to be designed by Pete Dye for the resort, Meadow Valleys, truly lets the natural Wisconsin landscape speak for itself. Wide open skies hover over a course that offers plenty of challenges for players of all skill levels and an enjoyable classic golf experience.

The front nine traverses a meadowed ridge, followed by more drastic elevation changes in the back nine as you climb and descend the valley. Dye added difficulty to the course by introducing many deep and large bunkers, as well as doglegs, semi-blind approaches, and interesting pin placements.

Ratings:

• Difficulty: 7
• Scenery: 5
• Design: 6

78. Old Waverly Golf Club

• Location: West Point, Mississippi
• Designer: Bob Cupp & Jerry Pate (1988)
• Par: 72
• Yardage: 7,088
• Price:???
• Quick Fact: A well-known private club for decades, Old Waverly has recently gone semi-private, allowing stay-and-play and limited day passes.

The Scottish vibe comes across in many ways, not the least in the presence of lake water. Old Waverly weaves its way around some gorgeous waterways, including Lake Azalea, Lake Pecan, and its namesake, Lake Waverly.

A very walkable course, although you are welcome to use a cart if you prefer (consider that Old Southern heat!). Be sure to save some mustard for the two finishing holes, arguably the best of the round.

Ratings:

• Difficulty: 8
• Scenery: 7
• Design: 7
• Trivia Tidbit: This course has hosted the U.S. Women’s Open and is the one where Juli Inkster clinched her only Open title.

79. Citrus Farms, Pine Barrens

• Location: Brooksville, Florida
• Designer: Tom Fazio (1993)
• Par: 71
• Yardage: 7,237
• Price:????
• Quick Fact: Re-opening this year under the new name Citrus Farms, the former World Woods resort features Tom Fazio’s classic Pine Barrens course, which the designer has referenced as his best work.

Long compared to Pine Valley, this course also features an abundance of sand in between holes and intersecting fairways. Very lush in vegetation and thick sand pine forests, Pine Barrens will transport players to another world that feels far removed from the Florida coast. This track features lots of elevation change, rolling hills, palmetto trees, and ancient oaks, surrounded by tell-tale Florida sandy soil.

Ratings:

• Difficulty: 7
• Scenery: 7
• Design: 8

80. Trump National Doral Miami, Blue Monster

• Location: Doral, Florida
• Designer: Dick Wilson (1961)
• Par: 72
• Yardage: 7,608
• Price:?????
• Quick Fact: Legendary golf course architect Gil Hanse spruced up Wilson’s design to modernize this course, restoring the Blue Monster to superb condition.

If you’ve heard anything about the Blue Monster before, you’ve likely heard of the infamous 473-yard 18th hole. Expect to be teeing off into the wind, where you’ll face water the entire way on the left and threats from trees and bunkers. On the right, no less than seven bunkers lurk along with lots of rough and more palm trees.

Ratings:

• Difficulty: 9
• Scenery: 8
• Design: 8

81. The Virtues Golf Club

• Location: Nashport, Ohio
• Designer: Arthur Hills (1999)
• Par: 72
• Yardage: 7,243
• Price:????
• Quick Fact: Once referred to by Designer Hills as “probably as beautiful a piece of property as I’ve had to work with,” The Virtues does not disappoint the eye throughout the round.

Credited as his most natural design, The Virtues features a layout intended to disturb as few of the ancient trees as possible. As such, the course weaves its way through the valley with generous broad fairways surrounded by gorgeous old forests.

Ratings:

• Difficulty: 8
• Scenery: 7
• Design: 7

82. The PFAU Course At Indiana University

• Location: Bloomington, Indiana
• Designer: Steve Smyers (2020)
• Par: 71
• Yardage: 7,908
• Price:???
• Quick Fact: One of the most challenging NCAA courses—and at a whopping 7,900 yards one of the longest—Indiana University’s new PFAU course packs a serious punch.

Did we mention this was a long one? The Hoosier golfers can train at back tees to stretch this track to a whopping 7,900 yards, but tourists and new golfers need not be discouraged, as the front tees offer a very respectable 4,600-yard option.

Ratings:

• Difficulty: 8
• Scenery: 6
• Design: 7

83. Tetherow Golf Club

• Location: Bend, Oregon
• Designer: David McLay Kidd (2008)
• Par: 72
• Yardage: 7,293
• Price:???
• Quick Fact: David McLay Kidd, the designer behind another popular Oregon course, Bandon Dunes, created something new and different at Tetherow.

One aspect golfers may recognize that McLay Kidd brought over from Bandon Dunes is the fescue, which features heavily at Tetherow and works beautifully in the high desert environment.

The vivid visual environment has also been noted as having impacted many golfers’ experience playing here. The result is certainly challenging and a thinking man’s round of golf for sure.

Ratings:

• Difficulty: 7
• Scenery: 8
• Design: 7

84. Caledonia Golf & Fish Club

• Location: Pawleys Island, South Carolina
• Designer: Mike Strantz (1994)
• Par: 70
• Yardage: 6,526
• Price:????
• Quick Fact: The late designer left behind another stunning golf experience at Caledonia. The course design is truly unique, creative, and visually powerful.

Southern Charm is evident throughout the course, from the rocking chairs on the wrap-around porch of the clubhouse, where guests can take in the Hammock Coast marshes while they critique those finishing their round on the nearby 18th. Enjoy the remnants of old structures from the original rice plantation and the fishing club patrons dotted around the landscape.

Ratings:

• Difficulty: 7
• Scenery: 8
• Design: 8

85. The Bull At Pinehurst Farms

• Location: Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin
• Designer: Jack Nicklaus (2003)
• Par: 72
• Yardage: 7,354
• Price:????
• Quick Fact: With the 36-hole juggernaut Blackwolf Run nearby, the Bull at Pinehurst needed to make a big statement in order to stand out. Jack Nicklaus delivered with this radical design.

One of the more memorable holes is the 7th. At only 321 yards, this par-4 offers an enjoyable risk-reward combo, with trees and bunkers lurking on both sides of the rambling fairway, ready to claim drives from the elevated tee. Bunkers continue to threaten all the way to the elevated green.

Ratings:

• Difficulty: 8
• Scenery: 7
• Design: 8

86. Quintero Golf Club

• Location: Peoria, Arizona
• Designer: Rees Jones & Steve Weisser (2000)
• Par: 72
• Yardage: 7,208
• Price:????
• Quick Fact: Golfers will experience a wide range of landscapes at Quintero, from mountains to deserts and artificial waterways.

A short drive from either Phoenix or Scottsdale, Arizona, the Quintero Golf Club is an accommodating, challenging, and enjoyable round of golf.

The fairways are generally broad and forgiving, but the abundance of water features and bunkers provide threats and challenges. Players will work uphill on the lengthy holes like 8 (par-5) and 14 (par-4) and enjoy the pretty par-3 downhills on 6 and 16.

Ratings:

• Difficulty: 7
• Scenery: 8
• Design: 6
• Heads Up: Quintero’s unique tee options provide yardage options from 5043 to over 7,200, so choose wisely!

87. TPC Colorado

• Location: Berthoud, Colorado
• Designer: Art Schaupeter (2019)
• Par: 72
• Yardage: 7,991
• Price:???
• Quick Fact: Designed with professional competitions in mind, TPC Colorado can be stretched to an eye-watering 8,000 yards for championship play.

Destined for championship play since inception, TPC Colorado hosts the Korn Ferry Tour every year, a development tour for the PGA. For its first professional tournament in 2019, Nelson Ledesma from Argentina brought the drama when he beat out Aussie Brett Coletta by one stroke to win the whole thing at 15 under par.

Ratings:

• Difficulty: 8
• Scenery: 6
• Design: 7

88. Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course

• Location: Stateline, Nevada
• Designer: George Fazio (1968)
• Par: 72
• Yardage: 7,529
• Price:????
• Quick Fact: You likely have seen this one on your television before. Edgewood Tahoe hosts the American Century Championship yearly, where celebrities, athletes, and politicians get together to raise money for charity while enjoying a spectacular round.

As if designed to be shot for the screen, this course is stately and photogenic at every turn. With large mature pine trees framing fairways, tees, and greens combined with sparkling Lake Tahoe makes for a visual delight. The views of snow-capped mountains surrounding this alpine lake course are distractingly beautiful.

Be sure to save some energy for the 3 finishing holes, where a par 5-3-5 pattern combines with some risk-reward options and dazzling views to blow your mind right at the end of your round.

Ratings:

• Difficulty: 7
• Scenery: 8
• Design: 7

89. Mid Pines Inn & Golf Club

• Location: Southern Pines, North Carolina
• Designer: Donald Ross (1921)
• Par: 72
• Yardage: 6,732
• Price:????
• Quick Fact: Mid Pines Inn & Golf Club was founded by a group of millionaires from the “roaring” ‘20s that included Henry Ford, a members-only resort called Knollwood.

Often called a “pure Donald Ross” experience, as it is a true and rare representation of the renowned architect’s design.

The course was restored by Kyle Franz in 2013 with the specific goal of exactly preserving the original Donald Ross masterpiece. The was so beautifully done that Golf Magazine named it the number one resort renovation and restoration of that year.

Ratings:

• Difficulty: 6
• Scenery: 7
• Design: 8

90. Poppy Hills Golf Course

• Location: Pebble Beach, California
• Designer: Robert Trent Jones Jr (1986)
• Par: 71
• Yardage: 7002
• Price:???
• Quick Fact: Renowned designer Robert Trent Jones Jr.’s team renovated his ‘86 build in 2014. The $10 million renovation budget was earmarked to improve environmental responsibility and reduce water consumption.

Located in the heavily wooded Del Monte Forest area of popular golf tourism destination Pebble Beach, along the famous 17-mile drive, Poppy Hills does a stellar job competing with the other well-known courses in its competitive zip code.

The course meanders through forest, sandy soil, and natural pine-straw areas, giving the feeling of being out on a California hiking trail. Meanwhile, regular views of the Pacific Ocean glitter in contrast to the quiet woods.

Ratings:

• Difficulty: 8
• Scenery: 9
• Design: 8

91. Kingsmill Resort, River Course

• Location: Williamsburg, Virginia
• Designer: Pete Dye (1975)
• Par: 71
• Yardage: 6,831
• Price:????
• Quick Fact: A PGA Tour staple since the early ‘80s, the River Course regularly hosted the Michelob Championship for almost 20 years.

Dye designed many of the country’s highest-regarded courses, such as The Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass and Blackwolf Run, Whistling Straits, and French Lick. Although his 70s-era designs may be less well known in golf pop culture, those in the know rightfully revere tracks like Harbour Town and The River Course.

Ratings:

• Difficulty: 6
• Scenery: 7
• Design: 7

92. Bulle Rock

• Location: Havre de Grace, Maryland
• Designer: Pete Dye (1998)
• Par: 72
• Yardage: 7,375
• Price:???
• Quick Fact: Another very different Dye design, Bulle Rock, is a tribute to the more bold style he adopted and became known for later in his career.

The course itself spans over 275 acres, which Dye optimized to create a superb, upscale golf course, which hosted the LPGA Championship for 4 consecutive years from ‘05 to ‘09. Perfect for championship golf, Bulle Rock can be stretched to 7,375 yards from the back tees. Still, mercifully the forwards offer a variety of more manageable distances and challenges for higher handicap players.

Ratings:

• Difficulty: 8
• Scenery: 7
• Design: 8

93. The McLemore Club

• Location: Rising Fawn, Georgia
• Designer: Bill Bergin & Rees Jones (2020)
• Par: 71
• Yardage: 7,005
• Price:?????
• Quick Fact: Those who fear heights may be very uncomfortable on this mountain course, especially when they reach the terrifying cliffside 18th hole.

This spectacular 440-yard par-4 walks the cliff like a tightrope hovering over the McLemore Cove below. If your shot veers off to the left, you can forget about it as it plunges down the side of the mountain. Try not to let the thought of that distract you too much.

Ratings:

• Difficulty: 8
• Scenery: 9
• Design: 8
• Heads Up: You’ll think you’re playing on a different planet when you reach the 6th hole, where the mountain elevation can add over 50 yards to your approach shot.

94. Spring Creek Golf Course

• Location: Zion Crossroads, Virginia
• Designer: Ed Carton (2007)
• Par: 72
• Yardage: 7,348
• Price:???
• Quick Fact: The quiet forest setting combines with top-notch bunkering to make for an upscale experience at an affordable price.

Surrounded by mature evergreens and hardwood trees, the front nine of Spring Creek winds its way through and around the woods, and the back nine swings out and back creekside next to Spring Branch.

Ratings:

• Difficulty: 7
• Scenery: 6
• Design: 6

95. The Prairie Club, Pines

• Location: Valentine, Nebraska
• Designer: Graham Marsh (2010)
• Par: 73
• Yardage: 7,403
• Price:?????
• Quick Fact: The companion to the Prairie Club’s Dunes Course, the Pines provides a combination of Nebraska prairies with a forest of mature evergreens.

Next door at the Dunes Course, the sandhills reign supreme. At Pines, the course features seven holes that meander through towering pine and cedar trees when you might think you’ve landed in the mountains.

Ratings:

• Difficulty: 7
• Scenery: 7
• Design: 6
• Heads Up: Watch out for several semi-blind shots off the tee. Be sure to keep the course map handy throughout your round.

96. Grizzly Ranch

• Location: Portola, California
• Designer: Bob Cupp (2005)
• Par: 72
• Yardage: 7,411
• Price:????
• Quick Fact: If you want to get away from it all, visit this course in the Sierra Nevada foothills. Grizzly Ranch is 50 miles northwest of Reno and offers a golf experience that feels like a nature retreat.

The Plumas National Forest spans over a million acres of native mountain forest land and sets a peaceful tone when you arrive at Grizzly Ranch, which is nestled next to the park.

The natural rolling green hills provide moderate elevation change. The surrounding wildflower meadows, pine straw, wetlands, and evergreen trees offer forgiving rough areas in addition to their lush, refreshing beauty.

Ratings:

• Difficulty: 6
• Scenery: 7
• Design: 7

97. Salish Cliffs

• Location: Kamilche, Washington
• Designer: Gene Bates (2011)
• Par: 72
• Yardage: 7269
• Price:????
• Quick Fact: Just an hour from Seattle, this resort course provides breathtaking views of the Kamilche Valley.

Located in the Little Creek Casino & Resort, Salish Cliffs is a hidden gem of hillside golf, with unique challenges presented on each hole. With 600 feet of elevation change set in the Kamilche Valley hills, get ready for windswept views.

Ratings:

• Difficulty: 7
• Scenery: 8
• Design: 8

98. Redlands Mesa

• Location: Grand Junction, Colorado
• Designer: Jim Engh (2001)
• Par: 72
• Yardage: 7,007
• Price:???
• Quick Fact: One of Jim Engh’s earlier career highlights, his design at Redlands Mesa catapulted his name into the mix with the golf architecture elite.

The over 500-acre property dedicated over a third to this massive championship-grade course amid an upscale housing development. The views from the course are breathtaking, including panoramic sights of the Grand Mesa and Colorado National Monument from the elevated tees.

Ratings:

• Difficulty: 7
• Scenery: 9
• Design: 7

99. Rawls Course at Texas Tech

• Location: Lubbock, Texas
• Designer: Tom Doak (2003)
• Par: 72
• Yardage: 7349
• Price:????
• Quick Fact: This West Texas college course was originally a cotton field, so design great Tom Doak had to move tons of earth to create his landscape.

1.3 million cubic yards of soil were brought in and deposited to create the rolling hills of this course. “The Rawls Course was by far the most aggressive earthmoving project I’ve ever attempted,” Tom Doak wrote in his book The Confidential Guide to Golf Courses Volume 2.

Ratings:

• Difficulty: 7
• Scenery: 6
• Design: 7

100. Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point

• Location: New York, New York
• Designer: Jack Nicklaus (2014)
• Par: 72
• Yardage: 7407
• Price:???
• Quick Fact: Perhaps the most well-known course in New York City, this Trump signature course by design great Jack Nicklaus was the first new course to the area in over 50 years when it opened back in 2014.

This links-style course features many centerline bunkers, native grasses and dunes, elevated tees as high at 55 feet, and very few trees—so as not to hinder the views of the Manhattan skyline, East River, and Whitestone & Throggs Neck Bridges.

Ratings:

• Difficulty: 7
• Scenery: 9
• Design: 8

FAQ

Can I Wear Jeans On A Public Golf Course?

No, unless explicitly stated, you cannot wear jeans on a public course. Only very inexpensive courses will allow this; even then, it’s frowned upon. You can wear jeans to the course and change in the locker room, or if you visit an independent driving range, you can most likely wear jeans there, but it’s best to avoid denim when golf is involved.

What Public Courses Does The PGA Play?

Public courses that the PGA plays include; Pebble Beach (1), Pinehurst (2), Kiawah Island (5), Whistling Straits (6), Bethpage (8), TPC Sawgrass (9), Kapalua Plantation (19), The Greenbrier (28), Sea Island (30), Torrey Pines(50), and PGA West (53). They stop at other public courses around the country, but those fall outside the top 100 in our humble opinion.

Conclusion

Well, what are you waiting for? The 100 best public golf courses in America aren’t going to play themselves. Use this as a checklist and let me know when you’ve played them all, I will be the first one to congratulate you!