10 Best Golf Courses in the United States

Hey there my golf loving travelers and welcome to my post where we will check out my 10 best golf courses in the United States. The United States is home to some of the most beautiful and challenging golf courses in the world and whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, these courses offer something for everyone.

From the stunning views at Pebble Beach to the challenging holes at Augusta National, these courses are sure to impress. So grab your clubs and get ready to tee off at some of the best courses in the country.

Map of the Top Golf Courses in the US

Use this map to identify the locations of the best golf courses in the United States listed below:

Check out these: Tips for Traveling with Golf Clubs

Best Golf Courses in the United States

Ok, so without holding up your tee time, let’s check out some of the best golf courses in America below:

1. Pebble Beach Golf Links, California

If you’re looking for a golf course that offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, Pebble Beach Golf Links in California is the perfect choice. This course is widely considered one of the best in the world and has hosted numerous major championships, including the U.S. Open.

The course was designed by Jack Neville and Douglas Grant and opened in 1919. Since then, it has undergone several renovations to maintain its high standards. The course features a challenging layout with narrow fairways, small greens and strategically placed bunkers and the wind can also be a factor, making club selection crucial.

One of the most famous holes on the course is the par-3 seventh, which requires a tee shot over the ocean to a small green. It’s a breathtaking view, but it can also be nerve-wracking. The course also has a stunning finishing stretch, with the 17th and 18th holes running along the coastline.

In addition to the golf course, Pebble Beach Resort offers luxurious accommodations, fine dining and other amenities. Playing at Pebble Beach Golf Links is a dream for many golf enthusiasts, and while it comes with a hefty price tag, the experience is often described as priceless.

• Location: Pebble Beach, California
• Established: 1919
• Type: Publicly-accessible course, but with exclusive resort guest benefits
• Total Holes: 18
• Designed by: Jack Neville and Douglas Grant
• Par: 72
• Length: 6,828 yards (6,245 meters) from the back tees
• Course Rating: Ranges from 70 to 75
• Green Fees (2023): For the first few months of 2023, the green fees are listed at $595 per player. Starting on April 1st, the rate will increase to $625. This rate is available only to resort guests.
• Additional Costs: For resort guests who opt to walk, renting a pull-cart costs $15. Caddies cost between $150-$155 for a single and $200-$210 for a double. Forecaddies are priced at $50-$52.50 per person with a three-player minimum (rates do not include gratuity).

Check out these: 10 Best Golf Courses in California

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2. Augusta National Golf Club, Georgia

Augusta National Golf Club is one of the most famous golf courses in the world. The course was designed by Bobby Jones and Alister MacKenzie and is known for its stunning beauty and challenging layout – oh, and it has hosted the Masters Tournament since 1934.

When you arrive at Augusta National, you will be struck by the beauty of the course. The fairways are lined with towering trees and the greens are immaculately maintained.

One of the most famous holes at Augusta National is the par-3 12th hole, which is known as “Golden Bell.” This hole requires a precise tee shot over Rae’s Creek and can be very challenging, especially if the wind is blowing.

If you are lucky enough to play Augusta National, you will need to be prepared for a challenging round of golf. The course is known for its difficult layout and fast greens, so you will need to bring your A-game if you want to score well.

• Location: Augusta, Georgia.
• Established: 1933
• Type: Private
• Total Holes: 18
• Designed by: Alister MacKenzie and Bobby Jones.
• Par: 72
• Length: 7,475 yards (6,833 meters) from the back tees
• Course Rating: 75 to 78

There is no application process for membership and if you inquire about membership, your chances of being considered reportedly decrease. Members can bring several guests, but guests are not allowed onto the property until their member has arrived. The club’s season runs from October through May, with a break for the Masters. There are four main members-only events throughout the year. Costs for memberships include:

• Initiation Fee: The initiation fee for Augusta National is estimated to be in the range of $40,000.
• Yearly Dues: The yearly dues are estimated at “a few thousand” dollars per year.
• Other Costs: There are additional costs for guest fees and on-site lodging, but these are also relatively low. An original membership stake in Augusta cost $350, which is still less than $5,000 in today’s dollars.

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3. Pinehurst Resort, North Carolina

If you’re a golf enthusiast, you’ve undoubtedly heard of Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina. It’s one of the most famous golf destinations in the United States and boasts nine different golf courses, each with its own unique character and challenges.

The most famous of these courses is Pinehurst No. 2, which has hosted numerous major championships, including the U.S. Open. Designed by the legendary Donald Ross, this course is known for its challenging greens and strategic bunkering. It’s a must-play for any serious golfer.

But Pinehurst Resort has much more to offer than just Pinehurst No. 2. The other eight courses on the property are all excellent in their own right, and each offers a different golfing experience. From the historic Pinehurst No. 1 to the scenic Pinehurst No. 8, there’s something for every golfer at Pinehurst Resort.

In addition to its world-class golf courses, Pinehurst Resort also offers luxurious accommodations, delicious dining options and top-notch amenities. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a golfing vacation with friends, Pinehurst Resort has everything you need to make your trip unforgettable.

• Location: Pinehurst, North Carolina.
• Established: Private
• Designed by: Pinehurst No. 2 was designed by Donald Ross.

As above, Pinehurst Resort has several golf courses, each with its own par, length and course rating. Here are the details for two of the most famous courses at Pinehurst Resort:

• Pinehurst No. 2: The par of Pinehurst No. 2 is 70, and its length is approximately 7,588 yards (6,938 meters) from the back tees. The course rating for Pinehurst No. 2 is 76.1 from the back tees, and the slope rating is 142.
• Pinehurst No. 4: The par of Pinehurst No. 4 is 72, and its length is approximately 7,196 yards (6,580 meters) from the back tees. The course rating for Pinehurst No. 4 is 75.3 from the back tees, and the slope rating is 141.

The cost to play at Pinehurst No. 2 and No. 4 can vary depending on the time of year and the type of package or deal you choose. However, the green fees for playing a round of golf at Pinehurst No. 2 and No. 4 are around $460 and $350 respectively. It’s worth noting that these fees can change and there may be additional costs for caddies, carts, and other services.

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4. Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, Oregon

If you’re a golf enthusiast, you’ve probably heard of Bandon Dunes Golf Resort in Oregon. This world-renowned golf resort is located on the rugged coast of southern Oregon and offers some of the best golf courses in the United States.

Bandon Dunes Golf Resort has five 18-hole courses, each with its unique challenges and stunning views. The courses were designed by some of the best golf course architects in the world, including Tom Doak, David McLay Kidd, and Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw.

The resort’s flagship course is the Bandon Dunes course, which was designed by Scotsman David McLay Kidd. The course is known for its challenging layout and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. The course has been ranked as one of the top 10 public courses in the United States by Golf Digest.

In addition to world-class golf courses, Bandon Dunes Golf Resort also offers luxurious accommodations, delicious dining options and a range of other activities, including fishing hiking and spa treatments.

• Location: Bandon, Oregon
• Established: 1999
• Type: Resort

Bandon Dunes Golf Course has several courses, each with its own par, length, and course rating. Here are the details for some of the most famous courses at Bandon Dunes:

• Bandon Dunes: The par of Bandon Dunes is 72, and its length is approximately 6,732 yards (6,155 meters) from the back tees. The course rating for Bandon Dunes is 73.3 from the back tees, and the slope rating is 142.
• Pacific Dunes: The par of Pacific Dunes is 71, and its length is approximately 6,633 yards (6,064 meters) from the back tees. The course rating for Pacific Dunes is 73.0 from the back tees, and the slope rating is 142.
• Old Macdonald: The par of Old Macdonald is 71, and its length is approximately 6,944 yards (6,348 meters) from the back tees. The course rating for Old Macdonald is 74.1 from the back tees, and the slope rating is 142.

Costs:

• Green Fees: The green fees fare available for both resort guests and day guests and range from $55 up to $425 depending on status (local, resoirt guest etc.) and time of year. Non-hotel guests can book tee times for April through mid-November over 21 days in advance at a premium rate (tee times must be after 10:00 a.m. and cannot exceed one year in advance).
• Bandon Preserve & Shorty’s Rates: Bandon Preserve is a 13-hole par-3 course, and Shorty’s is a 19-hole par-3 course. Fees range from $50 to $120and all net profits from these courses go directly to the Wild Rivers Coast Alliance (WRCA), an organization that supports conservation, community and economy on the southern Oregon Coast.

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5. Whistling Straits, Wisconsin

Whistling Straits in Wisconsin is another well known course that has hosted multiple PGA Championships and even the Ryder Cup. It’s located on the shores of Lake Michigan, which provides a beautiful backdrop for your round.

Whistling Straits has two courses: The Straits and The Irish. The Straits is the more famous of the two and is known for its challenging layout. The course is built on an old airfield and has over 1,000 bunkers. Yes, you read that right – over 1,000 bunkers! And if you can stay out of the sand long enough, it is also known for its stunning views of Lake Michigan.

The Irish course is a bit more forgiving than The Straits. It’s still a challenging course, but it’s not as difficult as its sister course as it has fewer bunkers (which is not hard) and is a bit more open making it a great course for golfers of all skill levels.

One of the unique features of Whistling Straits is its clubhouse which is designed to look like an old Irish farmhouse. It’s a beautiful building and a great place to grab a drink or a bite to eat after your round.

• Location: Sheboygan, Wisconsin
• Established: 1998
• Type: Public
• Designed by: Pete Dye and Alice Dye

Whistling Straits Golf Course has several courses, each with its own par, length and course rating. Here are the details for some of the most famous courses at Whistling Straits:

• The Straits Course: The par of The Straits Course is 72, and its length is approximately 7,790 yards (7,124 meters) from the back tees. The course rating for The Straits Course is 77.2 from the back tees, and the slope rating is 152.
• The Irish Course: The par of The Irish Course is 72, and its length is approximately 7,201 yards (6,587 meters) from the back tees. The course rating for The Irish Course is 74.8 from the back tees, and the slope rating is 143.

Costs:

Reservations can be made no sooner than two weeks out from when you want to play, regardless of whether you are staying at a Destination Kohler hotel. For groups larger than eight, you can book farther out in advance by contacting the resort.

• Green Fee: The green fee at Whistling Straits Golf Course varies based on demand and the time of year. During the prime season of June through mid-October, the green fee is around $555.
• Caddie Fee: $70 per person plus tip for 18 holes.
• Forecaddie Fee: $40 per person plus tip for 18 holes.
• Twilight Rates: 30% off the rack rate, available for times that start four-and-a-half hours or later before the posted National Weather Service sunset for that day.
• Super Twilight Rates: 45% off the rack rate, available for times that start two-and-a-half hours or later before the posted National Weather Service sunset for that day.

Check out these: 3 Best Golf Club Travel Bags

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6. Oakmont Country Club, Pennsylvania

You’re in for a treat if you’re a golf enthusiast and you’re planning a trip to Pennsylvania as Oakmont Country Club is one of the most prestigious and challenging golf courses in the United States. It has hosted numerous major championships including nine U.S. Opens, three PGA Championships and two U.S. Women’s Opens.

The course was designed by Henry Fownes in 1903 and has undergone several renovations over the years. It’s known for its narrow fairways, deep bunkers and lightning-fast greens that require precision and skill to navigate.

One of the most memorable holes at Oakmont is the par-3 8th, which features the infamous “Church Pews” bunker complex. This series of deep, grassy bunkers runs the length of the fairway and can be a nightmare for any golfer who finds themselves in it.

The course is also known for its tough finishing stretch, which includes the par-4 17th, known as the “Hillcrest” hole and the par-4 18th, which features a narrow fairway and a green that slopes severely from back to front.

• Location: Oakmont, Pennsylvania.
• Established: 1903
• Type: Private
• Total Holes: 18
• Designed by: Henry Fownes
• Par: 71
• Length: 7,255 yards (6,637 meters) from the back tees
• Course Rating: 77.5

Costs:

Oakmont Country Club is a private golf club, and green fees are not publicly available. To play at Oakmont, you must be a member or a guest of a member. Membership at Oakmont Country Club is not cheap, however, with the initiation fee alone costing $200,000 as of 2023, and the annual dues being rumored around $10,000 per year.

Despite the high cost, Oakmont Country Club continues to be one of the most popular and exclusive clubs in the country.

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7. Pacific Dunes, Oregon

If you’re looking for a golf course that offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, Pacific Dunes in Oregon is the perfect choice for you. This course is located in Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, which is known for its top-notch golf courses.

Pacific Dunes is a challenging course that’s perfect for experienced golfers. The course features rolling dunes, deep bunkers and fast greens that require precision and skill to navigate. But don’t worry if you’re a beginner, you can always take advantage of the caddie services to help you navigate the course.

One of the things that make Pacific Dunes stand out is its stunning views. You’ll be able to enjoy the sight of the ocean from almost every hole. The course is also surrounded by natural vegetation, which adds to the beauty of the course.

The course has a total of 18 holes and a par of 71. It measures 6,633 yards from the back tees and 4,828 yards from the forward tees. The course is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the summer months when the weather is mild and the views are spectacular.

The green fees for playing a round of golf at Pacific Dunes, Oregon, range from $295 to $345, depending on the time of year and the time of day. It’s worth noting that these fees can change and there may be additional costs for caddies, carts, and other services.

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8. Bethpage Black, New York

Bethpage Black is a public golf course located in Farmingdale, New York that was designed by A.W. Tillinghast and opened in 1936. It is one of five courses at Bethpage State Park, and it is widely regarded as one of the best public golf courses in the United States.

The course has hosted several major championships including the U.S. Open in 2002 and 2009 and is known for its difficulty, with narrow fairways, deep bunkers and thick rough. The greens are also notoriously fast and challenging.

Bethpage Black is a walking-only course, and golfers are required to have a caddie. The course also has a strict policy on pace of play, with rounds typically taking around five hours.

• Location: Farmingdale, New York.
• Established: 1936
• Type: Public
• Total Holes: 18
• Designed by: A.W. Tillinghast
• Par: 71
• Length: 7,468 yards (6,830 meters) from the back tees
• Course Rating: 77.5

Costs:

• New York State Residents:
  • Weekdays:
    • 18 Holes: $38
    • 9 Holes and Twilight: $23
  • Weekends:
    • 18 Holes: $43
    • 9 Holes and Twilight: $26
  • Senior Citizens and Juniors:
    • Weekdays 18 Holes: $25
    • Weekdays 9 Holes: $15
    • Weekdays Twilight: $15
• Out of State:
  • Weekdays:
    • 18 Holes: $38
    • 9 Holes and Twilight: $23
  • Weekends:
    • 18 Holes: $43
    • 9 Holes and Twilight: $26

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9. Kiawah Island Golf Resort, South Carolina

If you are looking for a golf course that offers a stunning view of the ocean, then Kiawah Island Golf Resort in South Carolina is the perfect choice for you. This golf resort is located just 21 miles from the historic city of Charleston and is one of the best golf resorts in the United States.

The golf course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort was designed by Pete Dye and is known for its challenging layout. The course is spread over 7,356 yards and has a par of 72. The course has been the host of many major golf tournaments, including the 2012 PGA Championship.

The course has a unique design that blends in with the natural surroundings of the island with five different sets of tees, which makes it suitable for golfers of all skill levels. There are also a number of water hazards and bunkers that add to the challenge of the game as well.

Apart from the golf course, Kiawah Island Golf Resort also has a number of other facilities that make it an ideal destination for golfers. The resort has a spa, a fitness center and a number of restaurants that serve delicious food. There is also a number of accommodation options, ranging from hotel rooms to villas and cottages.

• Location: Kiawah Island, South Carolina.
• Established: 1974
• Type: Public
• Total Holes: 18 (This applies to each of their championship courses)
• Designed by: Pete Dye
• Par: 72
• Length: 7,356 yards (6726 meters)
• Course Rating: 79.2

Costs:

The green fees for The Ocean Course, which is the most famous and prestigious course at Kiawah Island, range from $350 to $495 depending on the time of year.

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10. National Golf Links of America, New York

National Golf Links of America is situated on Long Island, nestled between the renowned Shinnecock Hills Golf Club and Peconic Bay. It is particularly famous for hosting the inaugural Walker Cup in 1922, which the United States won.

The course was designed by Charles B. Macdonald, who studied at the University of St Andrews in Scotland during the 1870s. He was introduced to golf at St. Andrews old course and played rounds with notable figures like Tom Morris, Sr. and Tom Morris, Jr.

The course was constructed adjacent to Shinnecock Hills Golf Club and now also borders Sebonack Golf Club, which opened in 2006 and the clubhouse was designed by Jarvis Hunt, one of the club’s founding members.

The National Golf Links of America is not just a golf course; it’s a testament to the history and evolution of the sport in the U.S. Its design, influenced by some of the most iconic holes in the world, offers a unique golfing experience that pays homage to the traditions of the game.

• Location: Southampton, New York
• Established: 1911
• Type: Private
• Total Holes: 18
• Designed by: Charles B. Macdonald
• Par: 72
• Length: 6,873 yards
• Course Rating: 73.6

Costs:

National Golf Links of America is a private golf club and as such, green fees are not publicly available. To play at National Golf Links of America, you must be a member or a guest of a member. Membership at National Golf Links of America is highly exclusive and expensive, with initiation fees rumored to be in the range of $1 million and annual dues also in the tens of thousands of dollars.

The course has been referred to as “America’s snootiest golf course” due to its exclusive nature.

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Other options

Look, there are so many great golf courses in the United States that is seems a little unfair to just list 10. So with that in mind, Here are some other options for you as well:

Pine Valley G.C.

• Location: Pine Valley, New Jersey
• Developed in 1918 by George Arthur Crump
• Course Stats: 7,181 yards, Par 70
• Known for its challenging layout and has been at the top of Golf Digest’s list of outstanding golf courses.

Cypress Point Club

• Location: Pebble Beach, California
• Developed by Alister MacKenzie in 1928
• Course Stats: 6,524 yards, Par 72
• Known for its picturesque views and unique course structure.

Shinnecock Hills

• Location: Southampton, New York
• Designed by William Flynn
• Course Stats: 7,445 yards, Par 70
• Hosted five U.S Opens since 1986.

Sand Hills

• Location: Mullen, Nebraska
• Designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw in 1995
• Course Stats: 7,089 Yards, Par 71

Merion Golf Club (East)

• Location: Ardmore, Pennsylvania
• Designed by Hugh Wilson in 1912
• Course Stats: 6,996 Yards, Par 70

Fishers Island

• Located off the Connecticut coast
• Designed by Seth Raynor and Charles Banks in 1926
• Course Stats: 6,615 Yards, Par 70

What Makes a Golf Course Great?

When it comes to golf courses, there are a lot of factors that can make one stand out from the rest. Here are a few things to consider when determining what makes a golf course great:

• Course Design – The design of a golf course can make or break the experience. A great course should be challenging, but not so difficult that it’s frustrating. It should also be visually appealing and have a good flow from hole to hole.
• Course Conditions – The condition of the course is also important. A great course should be well-maintained with lush fairways and well-groomed greens. It should also have a variety of hazards and obstacles that add to the challenge.
• Amenities – A great golf course should also have a variety of amenities to make the experience more enjoyable. This can include a well-stocked pro shop, locker rooms and a clubhouse with a restaurant or bar. Some courses may also offer practice facilities or lessons as well.
• Location – Finally, the location of a golf course can also play a role in its greatness. A course situated in a beautiful setting, such as near the ocean or in the mountains, can add to the overall experience.

Conclusion

There you have it, some of the best golf courses to try out in the United States. As usual, let me know of your experiences here or if there is anything you think I need to add.

Also, please do not hesitate to comment below if you have any questions, concerns, or corrections or would like me to check anything else out for you.

Until next time.

Have fun

Paul