On the Green by Team Attomax

Top 50 Best Golf Courses in the United States

Posted on March 11, 2024

Introduction

Golf is a sport loved by millions of people around the world, and the United States is home to some of the most prestigious and breathtaking golf courses. Whether you're a professional golfer or just enjoy playing recreationally, you'll find a wide range of exceptional courses across the country. In this article, we will explore the top 50 best golf courses in the United States, highlighting their unique features, challenging layouts, and stunning views.

1. Pebble Beach Golf Links - Pebble Beach, California

Pebble Beach Golf Links is an iconic course that has consistently ranked as one of the best in the world. Located along the scenic California coastline, this course offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Its challenging fairways and infamous 7th hole, known as the 'Cliffs of Doom,' make it a must-play destination for any golfer.

2. Augusta National Golf Club - Augusta, Georgia

Home to the Masters Tournament, Augusta National Golf Club is a legendary course known for its beauty and exclusivity. The perfectly manicured fairways, blooming azaleas, and iconic Amen Corner make this course a dream for golf enthusiasts. Walking in the footsteps of golfing legends adds to the allure of this hallowed ground.

3. Pine Valley Golf Club - Clementon, New Jersey

Considered by many as one of the toughest courses in the world, Pine Valley Golf Club features a unique layout with natural hazards, intimidating bunkers, and undulating greens. Its secluded location amidst pine forests adds to the allure of this private club, providing an unforgettable golfing experience for those lucky enough to play.

4. Cypress Point Club - Pebble Beach, California

Cypress Point Club is renowned for its stunning coastal scenery and challenging holes that wind through sand dunes and cypress trees. This exclusive club, located adjacent to Pebble Beach Golf Links, provides an unforgettable golfing experience. Playing alongside the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean is a true testament to the beauty of nature.

5. Shinnecock Hills Golf Club - Southampton, New York

With a rich history dating back to 1891, Shinnecock Hills Golf Club is one of the oldest and most respected courses in the United States. Its links-style layout, deep bunkers, and fast greens challenge even the most skilled golfers. The traditional clubhouse and iconic windmill add to the charm of this historic course.

6. Oakmont Country Club - Oakmont, Pennsylvania

Known for its challenging and lightning-fast greens, Oakmont Country Club has hosted numerous major championships. The course demands precision and strategy with its strategic bunkers and treacherous rough. Oakmont is a true test of a golfer's skills and mental fortitude.

7. Winged Foot Golf Club - Mamaroneck, New York

Winged Foot Golf Club is known for its classic design and challenging fairways. The tree-lined layout and deep bunkers demand accuracy off the tee and precise shot-making. This historic course has hosted several U.S. Open Championships, further cementing its reputation as a premier golf destination.

8. Merion Golf Club - Ardmore, Pennsylvania

Merion Golf Club is a historic gem with a rich championship tradition. The East Course, known for its tight fairways and challenging greens, has hosted five U.S. Opens. The club's timeless clubhouse and beautiful surroundings create a unique ambiance for any golfer.

9. Bandon Dunes Golf Resort - Bandon, Oregon

Bandon Dunes Golf Resort is a golfer's paradise along the rugged Oregon coast. With multiple courses, including Bandon Dunes, Pacific Dunes, and Old Macdonald, the resort offers a variety of challenging and breathtaking layouts. The stunning ocean views and natural dunes make this a must-visit destination for golf lovers.

10. Bethpage State Park - Farmingdale, New York

Bethpage State Park is home to five challenging courses, with the Black Course being the most renowned. This public course has hosted multiple U.S. Open Championships, providing an opportunity for amateur golfers to experience a championship-level course. The Black Course's thick rough and demanding layout ensure a true test of skill.

11. Whistling Straits - Kohler, Wisconsin

Whistling Straits is a visually stunning course located along the shores of Lake Michigan. The Straits Course, with its beautiful fescue grasses and rugged bunkers, has hosted several major championships. The challenging winds and panoramic views make playing here an unforgettable experience.

12. Kiawah Island Golf Resort - Kiawah Island, South Carolina

Kiawah Island Golf Resort is a coastal paradise with world-class courses. The Ocean Course, the most famous of the courses, has hosted the Ryder Cup and PGA Championship. With its challenging layout, unpredictable winds, and stunning ocean views, Kiawah Island is a golfer's dream destination.

13. Erin Hills - Erin, Wisconsin

Erin Hills is a modern masterpiece with wide fairways, fescue rough, and natural landscapes. This public course hosted the U.S. Open in 2017 and impressed golfers with its challenging layout and scenic beauty. The expansive views of rolling hills and prairies create a serene golfing experience.

14. Harbour Town Golf Links - Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Harbour Town Golf Links is a renowned course known for its iconic lighthouse and challenging layout. This Pete Dye-designed course requires precision and accuracy, with tight fairways and small greens. The stunning coastal setting and picturesque scenery make this course a must-play for any golf enthusiast.

15. Torrey Pines Golf Course - San Diego, California

Torrey Pines Golf Course is situated on the cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, offering breathtaking views of the coastline. The South Course, home to the annual Farmers Insurance Open, presents a challenging test for golfers with its narrow fairways and strategically placed bunkers. Playing on this course is a quintessential California golfing experience.

16. Oak Hill Country Club - Rochester, New York

Oak Hill Country Club is a championship-caliber course that has hosted multiple major championships. Its tree-lined fairways and challenging greens test the skills of professional golfers. The club's rich history and stunning setting make it a must-play course for any golf enthusiast.

17. Bethpage Black Course - Farmingdale, New York

The Black Course at Bethpage State Park is a true gem for golfers seeking a challenging experience. This public course has hosted the U.S. Open and PGA Championship, attracting golfers from around the world. The course's demanding layout and deep bunkers make it a favorite among avid golfers.

18. Medinah Country Club - Medinah, Illinois

Medinah Country Club boasts three championship courses, including Course #3, which has hosted multiple major championships. Its challenging fairways, water hazards, and well-guarded greens require precision and strategy. The club's luxurious amenities and rich history add to its appeal.

19. The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island - Kiawah Island, South Carolina

The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island is a Pete Dye masterpiece known for its dramatic seaside setting and challenging layout. This course has hosted the Ryder Cup and PGA Championship, showcasing its ability to challenge the world's best golfers. The oceanfront holes provide stunning views and a unique golfing experience.

20. Muirfield Village Golf Club - Dublin, Ohio

Muirfield Village Golf Club, designed by the legendary Jack Nicklaus, is a premier golf destination. The course has hosted the Memorial Tournament, attracting top professionals from around the world. The challenging layout, well-placed bunkers, and pristine conditions make it a favorite among golf enthusiasts.

21. Riviera Country Club - Pacific Palisades, California

Riviera Country Club is a classic course with a rich history and stunning coastal setting. The challenging layout and strategic bunkering demand accuracy and precision. Hosting the PGA Tour's Genesis Invitational, this course attracts top players and offers a memorable golfing experience.

22. Congressional Country Club - Bethesda, Maryland

Congressional Country Club is a prestigious club known for its championship courses. The Blue Course, in particular, has hosted major championships and showcases a challenging layout with tree-lined fairways and well-guarded greens. The club's elegant clubhouse and beautiful surroundings add to its allure.

23. TPC Sawgrass - Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida

TPC Sawgrass is home to the famous island green on the par-3 17th hole. This iconic course, host to The Players Championship, features a challenging layout with water hazards and strategic bunkers. The stunning clubhouse and vibrant atmosphere make it a must-play course for golf enthusiasts.

24. Colonial Country Club - Fort Worth, Texas

Colonial Country Club is a historic course with a rich tradition. The tree-lined fairways and small greens require accuracy and precision. Hosting the PGA Tour's Charles Schwab Challenge, this course attracts top professionals and offers a challenging test for golfers of all skill levels.

25. TPC Scottsdale - Scottsdale, Arizona

TPC Scottsdale is known for its vibrant atmosphere and stadium-style setting. The stadium hole, the par-3 16th, is one of the most famous holes in golf. The course's strategic bunkering and challenging layout make it a favorite among professionals and recreational players alike.

26. Hazeltine National Golf Club - Chaska, Minnesota

Hazeltine National Golf Club is a championship course with a rich history. It has hosted major championships and showcases a challenging layout with undulating fairways and well-protected greens. The course's beautiful setting and world-class facilities make it a top golfing destination.

27. Firestone Country Club - Akron, Ohio

Firestone Country Club is a classic course with a long-standing association with professional golf. The South Course, in particular, has hosted the PGA Tour's World Golf Championships. Its challenging fairways and demanding bunkers provide a memorable golfing experience.

28. Baltusrol Golf Club - Springfield, New Jersey

Baltusrol Golf Club is a historic course that has hosted numerous major championships. The Lower Course, with its challenging fairways and well-manicured greens, is a favorite among professionals. The club's elegant clubhouse and rich heritage attract golf enthusiasts from around the world.

29. Royal County Down Golf Club - Newcastle, Northern Ireland

Although not in the United States, Royal County Down Golf Club deserves a spot on this list for its stunning natural beauty and challenging layout. The course is located against the backdrop of the Mourne Mountains and offers breathtaking views of the Irish coastline. Its undulating fairways and deep bunkers make it a true test of skill.

30. Bethpage Red Course - Farmingdale, New York

Alongside the famous Black Course, Bethpage State Park is home to the Red Course, known for its challenging layout and strategic bunkering. This public course provides an opportunity for golfers to experience high-quality golf without the exclusivity of private clubs. The Red Course offers a fair test for golfers of all skill levels.

31. The Greenbrier - White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia

The Greenbrier is a historic resort with several championship courses. The Old White TPC Course, in particular, has hosted the PGA Tour's Greenbrier Classic. The course's scenic beauty and challenging layout make it a popular choice among golfers.

32. The Olympic Club - San Francisco, California

The Olympic Club is a championship course with a storied history. It has hosted multiple U.S. Opens, showcasing its challenging layout and demanding fairways. The breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the city of San Francisco add to the allure of this iconic course.

33. Sea Island Golf Club - Sea Island, Georgia

Sea Island Golf Club offers three championship courses, including the renowned Seaside Course. This course has hosted the PGA Tour's RSM Classic and features challenging fairways and stunning coastal scenery. The club's luxurious amenities and Southern hospitality make it a top destination for golf enthusiasts.

34. TPC Deere Run - Silvis, Illinois

TPC Deere Run is a hidden gem located in the heartland of America. This course hosts the PGA Tour's John Deere Classic and provides an enjoyable and challenging golfing experience. The course's rolling fairways and well-placed bunkers test golfers of all skill levels.

35. Prairie Dunes Country Club - Hutchinson, Kansas

Prairie Dunes Country Club is a classic course with a unique blend of prairie and sand dune landscapes. The challenging layout and strategic bunkering demand accuracy and precision. Playing at Prairie Dunes is like stepping back in time to the golden age of golf course design.

36. The Broadmoor - Colorado Springs, Colorado

The Broadmoor is a historic resort with two championship courses, East and West. Both courses showcase stunning mountain views and challenging layouts. The resort's luxurious accommodations and world-class amenities make it a top choice for golfers seeking a memorable experience.

37. Quail Hollow Club - Charlotte, North Carolina

Quail Hollow Club is a championship course known for its challenging layout and beautiful setting. The course has hosted the PGA Championship and showcases well-manicured fairways and fast greens. The club's elegant clubhouse and Southern hospitality create a welcoming atmosphere for golf enthusiasts.

38. Chicago Golf Club - Wheaton, Illinois

Chicago Golf Club is one of the oldest golf clubs in the United States and boasts a rich history. The course's classic design and challenging layout make it a favorite among golf traditionalists. Its tree-lined fairways and undulating greens provide a true test of skill.

39. Whistling Straits - Irish Course - Kohler, Wisconsin

Whistling Straits is home to the Irish Course, a sibling to the famous Straits Course. This stunning course features rugged dunes, fescue grasses, and challenging greens. The Irish Course provides a unique and enjoyable golfing experience for players of all skill levels.

40. TPC Boston - Norton, Massachusetts

TPC Boston is a championship course that has hosted the PGA Tour's Dell Technologies Championship. The course's challenging layout and well-placed hazards make it a favorite among professionals. The beautiful New England setting adds to the appeal of this top golfing destination.

41. Hazeltine National Golf Club - Chaska, Minnesota

42. Firestone Country Club - Akron, Ohio

43. Baltusrol Golf Club - Springfield, New Jersey

44. Royal County Down Golf Club - Newcastle, Northern Ireland

45. Bethpage Red Course - Farmingdale, New York

46. The Greenbrier - White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia

47. The Olympic Club - San Francisco, California

48. Sea Island Golf Club - Sea Island, Georgia

49. TPC Deere Run - Silvis, Illinois

50. Prairie Dunes Country Club - Hutchinson, Kansas

Conclusion

These are just a few examples of the top 50 best golf courses in the United States. Each course offers a unique experience, combining challenging gameplay with breathtaking views. Whether you're a professional golfer or a recreational player, these destinations should be at the top of your golfing bucket list. So, grab your clubs and get ready to tee off at some of the most exceptional golf courses in the United States!