Best Golf Courses in the USA: Highlight the Top Golf Courses in the USA
Did you know that there are some seriously amazing golf courses in the USA? Whether a beginner or a pro, these courses will test your skills and provide a ton of fun. From California to Florida, here are some of the best golf courses in the country.
This list of the best golf courses in the USA will highlight the top golf courses across that country that you should consider visiting and playing. With this list, you can find the golf courses that best appeal to you and then start planning your trip to one of these amazing golf destinations.
Before you know it, you will be standing at the front nine, ready to golf on some of the most hollowed ground in the country. The smell of grass in your nostrils and the possibility of shooting the game of your life. And whether you do or not, you will still be able to enjoy all the course offers.
The other great thing about many of these golf courses is that there is as much to do off the course as on. You can enjoy excellent dining, resort-style lodgings, and a ton of other amenities. This will give you something to do when you aren’t golfing or provide some activities for those that might not find golfing as fascinating as you.
After you finish with this list of the best golf course in the USA, visit our lists of the best golf training tools, best golf gifts, and best golf cart accessories. These lists will ensure you have everything you need for your golf trip to one of these amazing courses.
Top 25 Golf Courses in the USA:
1. Pine Valley Golf Course
Location: Pine Valley, New Jersey
Highlights: World-class hazards and green complexes, a unique and challenging layout, and beautiful routing.
About Golf Course: If you’re looking for one of the best golf experiences in the United States, look no further than Pine Valley Golf Course. Known for its world-class hazards and green complexes, Pine Valley offers a unique and challenging layout that is perfect for avid golfers.
Throw in the beautiful route that takes you across the rolling landscape, and you have a course that is truly unmatched. Whether you’re looking to test your skills or just enjoy a leisurely round of golf, Pine Valley is the perfect destination.
2. Cypress Point Golf Course
Location: Pebble Beach, California
Highlights: Stunning natural features and topography, an iconic par-3 16th hole, and extends out into the Pacific Ocean.
About Golf Course: If you consider yourself a true golf aficionado, then you simply cannot miss out on the chance to play at Cypress Point Golf Course. Listed as one of the best courses in the United States, this Pebble Beach, CA gem will take your breath away from the moment you set foot on its grounds.
Designed by the legendary Alister MacKenzie, Cypress Point Golf Course is a masterpiece in landscape architecture. The course weaves its way around the property, making full use of the stunning natural features and topography. From the iconic par-3 16th hole that extends out into the Pacific Ocean to the lush forested areas and towering dunes, there is something for everyone at this course.
3. National Golf Links of America
Location: Southampton, New York
Highlights: Designed by Seth Raynor and C.B. Macdonald, is one of the most strategically-designed courses, and has iconic template holes.
About Golf Course: This legendary course was designed by Seth Raynor and C.B. Macdonald, and it remains one of the most strategically-designed courses in the world. Some of its most famous holes, like the Alps 3rd, the Redan 4th, and the Short 6th, have become iconic template holes that are copied by courses all over the world.
4. Augusta National Golf Course
Location: Augusta, Georgia
Highlights: Designed by Alister MacKenzie, host to the annual Master’s Tournament, and redesigned to maintain its competitiveness.
About Golf Course: Welcome to the Augusta National Golf Course, one of the most renowned golf courses in the United States. This course was designed by Alister MacKenzie and has been host to the annual Master’s Tournament since 1934.
The course is set amidst stunning natural beauty and has been redesigned over the years to maintain its competitiveness. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just starting out, you’re sure to appreciate the challenge and beauty of this course.
5. Sand Hills Golf Course
Location: Mullen, Nebraska
Highlights: Features an undulating landscape, a minimalist design, and retains the natural lay of the land.
About Golf Course: Sand Hills Golf Course is a hidden gem in Mullen, Nebraska. Built in 1995 by Bill Coore and Crenshaw, this course is young but still one of the most highly regarded courses in the U.S.
The creators were inspired by the undulating landscape of the area and took great care to keep the natural lay of the land. This attention to detail, combined with the minimalist design, creates a golfing experience unlike any other. Even the wind shapes the bunkers.
Consistently ranked among the top golf courses in the world, Sand Hills is a must-play for any serious golfer.
6. Oakmont Golf Course
Location: Hampstead, Maryland
Highlights: Has beautiful and breathtaking views, huge greens and a unique landscape, and some of the best short par-4s.
About Golf Course: Welcome to Oakmont Golf Course, one of the best golf courses in the United States. Their course is known for its difficulty, but what many people don’t realize is that they also have some of the most beautiful and breathtaking views in the country. Their greens are huge, and their landscape is unique, with few trees and no water.
7. Merion East Golf Course
Location: Ardmore, Pennsylvania
Highlights: Created by Hugh Wilson in 1912, has a variety of unique challenges, and is home to Bob Jones’s 1930 Grand Slam clincher.
About Golf Course: This course, created by Hugh Wilson in 1912, features a variety of unique challenges, from variable hole lengths to creeks and abandoned stone quarries. It’s also home to Bob Jones’s 1930 Grand Slam clincher. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started, Merion East is a great choice for a round of golf.
8. Pebble Beach Golf Course
Location: Pebble Beach, California
Highlights: Water views, a challenging course, and luxury accommodations.
About Golf Course: Looking for one of the best golfing experiences in the United States? Look no further than Pebble Beach Golf Course. This world-famous facility offers everything you could want in a top-tier golfing destination, from outstanding courses to luxurious accommodations and stunning scenery.
Located on the beautiful Monterey Peninsula, Pebble Beach Golf Course is renowned for its picturesque setting and world-class playing conditions. The picturesque views are just the beginning- at Pebble Beach, you’ll also enjoy Spanish Bay sunsets, the inspiring Lone Cypress tree, and much more. And, of course, the challenging yet rewarding golf courses are not to be missed. With multiple courses to choose from, Pebble Beach has something to offer players of all skill levels.
9. Fishers Island Golf Course
Location: Fishers Island, New York
Highlights: Located on an island, features gorgeous geometric greens, towering bunkers, and rolling terrain, and has two Redan greens.
About Golf Course: If you’re looking for one of the best golf experiences in the United States, look no further than Fishers Island Golf Course. Located on a stunning island off the Northeast Coast, this course is a masterpiece of design and challenge.
Featuring gorgeous geometric greens, towering bunkers, and rolling terrain, it’s easy to see why golfers from all over the world flock to Fishers Island. And with two Redan greens and an exciting 3-hole stretch, there’s something for everyone at this one-of-a-kind course.
So if you’re searching for an unforgettable golfing experience, be sure to tee off at Fishers Island Golf Course.
10. Friar’s Head Golf Course
Location: Riverhead, New York
Highlights: Nestled among beautiful farmlands, meadows, and dunes, offers a unique set of challenges for each landscape, and has a smooth transition from one hole to the next.
About Golf Course: Constructed in 2003 by renowned course designers Bill Crenshaw and Bill Coore, Friar’s Head has quickly become one of the most beloved modern courses around.
Nestled among beautiful farmlands, meadows, and dunes, the course spans a variety of different landscapes, each with its own unique set of challenges. But don’t worry – the well-thought-out layout of the course ensures that players will enjoy a smooth transition from one hole to the next.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-time player, you’re sure to have an unforgettable round at Friar’s Head.
11. Pinehurst Golf Course
Location: Pinehurst, North Carolina
Highlights: Designed by Donald Ross, set amidst tawny-edged fairways and native areas, and host to the 2014 U.S. Open.
About Golf Course: This course, designed by Donald Ross, is perfect for golfers of all levels. With its tawny-edged fairways and native areas, Pinehurst Golf Course is truly a unique experience. And, with the 2014 U.S. Open being hosted here, you can be sure that this course is up to the challenge.
12. Shinnecok Hills Golf Course
Location: Southampton, New York
Highlights: Nestled in the picturesque Hamptons, features sprawling greens, rolling roughs, and stunning fairways, and was home to the U.S. Open five different times.
About Golf Course: Nestled in the picturesque Hamptons, Shinnecock Hills Golf Course is one of the United States’ most beautiful and revered courses. Designed by famed architect William Flynn, Shinnecock Hills boasts sprawling greens, rolling roughs, and stunning fairways – making it a true test of golf.
Since 1986, Shinnecock Hills has been home to the U.S. Open five times – cementing its reputation as one of the nation’s premier golf courses. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a weekend warrior, playing a round at Shinnecock Hills is an unforgettable experience.
13. Crystal Downs Golf Course
Location: Frankfort, Michigan
Highlights: Situated in Frankfort, Michigan, is relatively shorter and challenging, and features strong winds, undulating terrain, and contoured greens.
About Golf Course: Crystal Downs Golf Course is considered one of the best golf courses in the United States, and it’s easy to see why. Created in 1932 by Alister McKenzie and Perry Maxwell, the course is situated in Frankfort, Michigan, and boasts stunning surroundings. The course is also one of the shortest on this list, making it a great choice for those looking for a challenge.
The strong winds and undulating terrain are perfect for testing your skills, while the contoured greens provide an added level of difficulty. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-time player, Crystal Downs is sure to provide an enjoyable experience.
14. Winged Foot Golf Course
Location: Mamaroneck, New York
Highlights: One of the most difficult courses, host to some of the biggest golf tournamanets, and is designed by A.W. Tillinghast.
About Golf Course: Welcome to Winged Foot Golf Course, one of the most iconic and influential golf courses in the United States. This historic course has hosted some of the biggest tournaments in golf, including the U.S. Open, and has been the site of many memorable moments.
Designed by A.W. Tillinghast, Winged Foot is a true test of golf, with narrow fairways, deep bunkers, and large, undulating greens. The course is one of the most difficult in the world, but that doesn’t take away from its beauty or challenge.
15. Prairie Dunes Golf Course
Location: Hutchinson, Kansas
Highlights: Features beautiful undulating landscape, excellent greens, and is designed by Parry Maxwell.
About Golf Course: Prairie Dunes Golf Course is one of the best golf courses in the United States. It features beautiful landscapes and excellent greens. The course was originally designed by Perry Maxwell and his son Press added 9 more holes in 1957. Prairie Dunes is a great place to play golf and enjoy the rural Kansas scenery.
16. Riviera Golf Course
Location: Palisades, California
Highlights: Built in a narrow canyon, is a masterpiece of strategic design, and features bunkers and angled greens.
About Golf Course: Welcome to Riviera Golf Course, one of the best golf courses in the United States. This course is built in a narrow canyon and is truly a masterpiece of strategic design. The bunkers and angled greens make for a challenging and fun game.
Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, you’ll love playing here. Thanks to the great layout and design, Riviera is the perfect place to improve your game and have a great time doing it.
17. Seminole Golf Course
Location: Tallahassee, Florida
Highlights: Unique and majestic playing experience, flanked by the Atlantic Ocean, and is one of the most exclusive courses.
About Golf Course: This world-renowned course, by Donald Ross, offers a truly unique and majestic playing experience. Flanked by the beautiful Atlantic Ocean, Seminole Golf Course is one of the most exclusive courses in the country. While it has had some changes over the years, Seminole Golf Course remains one of the most beautiful and challenging courses around.
18. Pacific Dunes Golf Course
Location: Bandon, Oregon
Highlights: Stunning natural topography, challenging par 4s, and an unconventional 3-3-5-4-3-5 sequence.
About Golf Course: Designed by Tom Doak, this golf course is unlike any you’ve ever played. The first nine holes feature a slew of challenging par 4s, followed by an unconventional 3-3-5-4-3-5 sequence on the second nine.
You’ll be amazed by the beautiful blow-out bunkers, gigantic dunes, perfectly contoured greens, and stunning Pacific Ocean views. This is truly a must-play course for any serious golfer.
19. The Country Club Golf Course
Location: Brookline, Massachusetts
Highlights: Features medium-sized greens, tree-lined vistas, and lakes, and has hosted three U.S. Opens and the 1999 Ryder Cup.
About Golf Course: The Country Club, located in Brookline, Massachusetts, is one of the oldest and most prestigious golf courses in the United States. The course has been a favorite of high society for over 120 years and has hosted three U.S. Opens and the 1999 Ryder Cup.
The classic design features medium-sized greens, tree-lined vistas, and lakes, providing a glimpse into golfing history. The Country Club is the perfect choice for those looking for an unparalleled golfing experience.
20. San Francisco Golf Course
Location: San Francisco, California
Highlights: Breathtaking bunkers, stunning Bay Area views, and the Drop-Shot Par-3 7th hole.
About Golf Course: Looking for a breathtaking golfing experience in the United States? Look no further than the San Francisco Golf Course. A.W. Tillinghast applied his incredible artistic talent to create bunkers that are truly a sight to behold. In addition, the course offers stunning views of the Bay Area.
The Drop-Shot Par-3 7th hole is perhaps the most famous, but the real highlights are the par-4s, such as the 2nd, 3rd, 10th and 12th holes.
21. Somerset Hills Golf Course
Location: Bernardsville, New Jersey
Highlights: Two distinct nine-hole courses, features one open and breezy course and one in the woods, and excellent natural water features.
About Golf Course: This course, designed by T.W. Tillinghast, features two distinct nine-hole courses that are sure to challenge and engage any golfer. The first half of the course is open and breezy, while the second half is set in the woods – providing a truly unique and varied experience.
Additionally, the natural water features on the course are some of the best in the country – adding an extra element of beauty and interest to your game. So whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started, Somerset Hills Golf Course is the perfect place to tee off.
22. Shoreacres Golf Course
Location: Lake Bluff, Illinois
Highlights: Stunning landscape, difficult holes, is situated on a ravine, and has a challenging 15th and 520-yard par-5 hole.
About Golf Course: Shoreacres Golf Course is one of the best courses in the United States. It is known for its stunning landscape and difficult holes. The course is situated on a ravine and offers stunning views of the surrounding area. The 15th hole is particularly challenging, with a 520-yard par-5 that doglegs left around a ravine. Shoreacres is a truly unique course that will test even the most experienced golfer.
Location: Rochester, New York
Highlights: Designed by Donald Ross in 1920, offers expansive sightlines, and gently undulating greens.
About Golf Course: This top golf course was designed by Donald Ross in 1920, and the course has constantly been striving to improve and maintain his original vision. Oak Hill offers expansive sightlines and gently undulating greens, providing a challenging and enjoyable experience for golfers of all levels.
24. Garden City Golf Course
Location: Long Island, New York
Highlights: Nestled amongst picturesque Hempstead Plain on Long Island, it has rolling hills and lush greenery, and features 10 miles of breathtaking waterfront views.
About Golf Course: Nestled amongst the picturesque Hempstead Plain on Long Island, Garden City Golf Course is consistently ranked as one of America’s finest golfing experiences. Designed by Devereux Emmet and Walter Travis, the course stretches across rolling hills and lush greenery, with 10 miles of breathtaking waterfront views.
Garden City’s tilted greens are a true work of art and have been tested by some of the greatest golfers in history.
25. Camargo Golf Course
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
Highlights: Includes valleys, ravines, and a signature Raynor geometric-shaped bunkers and greens.
About Golf Course: Welcome to Camargo Golf Course, one of the best golf courses in the United States. This course was designed by Seth Raynor and was completed just over a year after his death. Camargo is located in suburban Cincinnati and boasts beautiful scenery, including valleys, ravines, and signature Raynor geometric-shaped bunkers and greens.
Best Golf Courses in the USA Conclusion
There are many great golf courses all over the United States. And this list has highlighted some of the best ones you should check out if you love playing golf. These courses are each special in their own way and will provide you with an unforgettable experience.
So whether you have a specific golf course in mind, want to start with the closest one, or simply want to begin at the top of this list, start planning your trip to one of these amazing golf courses. And to ensure you are saving money and time, visit our list of the best travel sites. This list will help you save money, time, and energy on finding flights, hotels, and more for your trip.
Because the last thing you want to do is to have to spend unneeded time and money planning your trip to go relax and play a few rounds of golf.
Have you visited any of these golf courses before, or is there a golf course that you think should be on this list, but you don’t see? If so, please feel free to share your feedback in the comments below.