Best Golf Courses
If there’s one thing people are more religious about than religion in the Lonestar State, it’s football. Specifically, the Dallas Cowboys. That’s why it shouldn’t come as any surprise that the city of ...
The Club at Emerald Hills was rated as the #1 course in Southern Florida by the USGA.Located less than one mile from the Ft. Lauderdale airport, this course is the perfect spot for a round when you first get into town, ...
If you’re looking to test yourself, Raptor Bay is the place to do it in Naples. Laid out across sprawling marshlands, this course has plenty of trouble both off the tee and around the greens. Due to the lack ...
Don’t be fooled by this course’s name. Yes, there is a private membership but, the course is open to the general public as well.With that being said, Esplanade has a reputation as one of the finest courses in ...
To this day, San Carlos Golf Club remains one of the best golf experiences in Southwest Florida.Dating all the way back to 1971, this course is quintessential Florida golf. Stately palm trees line the fairways ...
If you want to feel like a member of a private club but want to pay daily fee prices, check out Lakewood Golf Club.While this club has an active private membership, the public is welcomed with open arms.Having ...
The North Course at Bayou Oaks is a shining example of what public golf should be in a major metropolitan area. Even though the course measures less than 6,000 yards from the tippy toppies, it’s a treat to play ...
Having undergone a major renovation in 2017, the South Course at Bayou Oaks has quickly become a local’s favorite. It makes sense, too. The renovation was overseen by the venerable Rees Jones. If you ...
If you’re a links enthusiast, Twisted Dune is an experience you won’t want to miss. In fact, the locals refer to this track as the best links course in all of New Jersey.You won’t find many trees out here. ...
A sanctuary. That’s how locals describe Ballamor Golf Club. This course is built into gently rolling pine forests and it seems like it’s miles away from the big city.This is a player-friendly course with ...
Desert Falls Country Club has been a steady staple in the Palm Springs for years. In fact, this is where our writer I mentioned in the opening stays with his buddies every winter. Designed by renowned ...
Golf courses don’t have to be long and tough to be fun to play.That’s precisely the case at Palm Royale Country Club. This executive course is a hidden secret that locals love for a quick round with friends or to ...
The Classic Club might be the most underrated high-end public facility in all the Coachella Valley. Formerly home to the Bob Hope Classic, this course has it all.Wide fairways and slick, manicured greens are ...
Santa Cruz’s finest public golf course is without a doubt, Pasatiempo. I’ll come right out and say it, you’re going to pay a price to play here. It’s worth it though. This course was designed by ...
The home of the 2020 PGA Championship was Harding Park. Remember when Colin Morikawa drove the green on that short par four on the back nine on Sunday? You can try the same thing too as this course is open ...
Fox Hollow Golf Club was one of Robert Trent Jones Sr.’s last designs. It’s a testament to what a great architect he was. Opened in 1994, this course has plenty of water and white sand bunkers that provide ...
You know I’m a sucker for playing where the world’s best play. That’s why you can bet I’ll play TPC Tampa Bay when I come to town. Home to a Champions Tour event for 21 straight years, the course is ...
Cove Cay Golf Club is located on the western shores of Old Tampa Bay. There might not be a more beautiful setting for golf in the Tampa area.Even though the course is flat, it has plenty of character. ...
If you’re looking for a secluded round of golf but don’t want to drive hours to find it, check out Pebble Creek Golf Club. Water comes into play on 16 holes. So, you might want to bring an extra sleeve of ...
Formerly home to both LPGA and Champions Tour events, Kapolei Golf Club is one of the finest public facilities in all of Hawaii. Designed by the infamous Ted Robinson, this track’s fertile fairways are accented by ...
Another Ted Robinson design, Ko Olina is ranked as one of Golf Digest’s “Top 75 Resort Courses in the U.S.”In typical Robinson fashion, this course makes use of distinctive water features and multi-tiered greens to ...
When I think about golf in Hawaii, I think of verdant seaside fairways carved into majestic lava that gives way to the Pacific. While these types of courses seem “natural,” the reality is that a lot of earth was ...
Sure, there’s plenty of great resort courses to play for a pretty penny on Oahu. But what about my favorite – the muni?Welcome to the Hawaii Kai Champions Course. Located a short drive east of Waikiki, this ...
Pearl Country Club is one of the oldest courses on Oahu. That’s reflected in its design.Tree lined fairways and parallel holes make this parkland layout feel like the classic it is. Narrow fairways and ...
Lush and beautiful. Those are the words our readers used to describe Royal Hawaiian Golf Club. Even though this course is only a 20-minute drive from Waikiki, it’s hidden in the verdant surroundings of the ...
I know one thing about Lake Travis. It’s home to some of the best bass fishing in North America.It’s also home to Lakecliff Golf Club, one of the finest courses in West Texas. Designed by my all-time ...
This track was designed for people to have fun out on the course. The tale of two nines is what you’ll find at Coyote Ridge. Even though you’re a long way from the ocean, the front nine will remind you ...
Golfweek called Tangle Ridge the “44th Best Municipal in America.” From everything I’ve heard, it’s more than deserving of such high praise.This track is reminiscent of some of the best hill country layouts in ...
You’ll feel like a country club member when you come play at Bridlewood Golf Club. This D.A. Weibring design is immaculately kept and provides a fun round of golf that will keep you on your toes.Located in the ...
Robert Trent Jones Jr. designed a true masterpiece in Monarch Beach.Just like Trump National, this course sits above the Pacific and offers views you won’t ever forget. Dramatic elevation changes keep you guessing ...
If you’re a fan of classic architecture, you need to play Black Gold Golf Club. Designed by the infamous Arthur Hills, this layout isn’t going to overwhelm you with its length. Instead, it will test your ...
Seclusion might not be the first word you think of when it comes to LA golf. Believe it or not, that’s exactly what you’ll find when you tee it up at Oak Creek.Designed by Tom Fazio, Oak Creek is a classic design ...
One of Boca Raton’s finest public tracks is Osprey Point. Open since 2010, the 27-hole facility is always in great shape. Paspalum fairways and greens lack the grain of traditional Bermuda and are like ...
Another Boca Raton favorite is Southwinds Golf Course. With water coming into play on nearly every hole, you’ll need to both think and execute from tee to green around this track.The course isn’t overly long, ...
Owned and operated by the city of Lake Worth, Park Ridge is an exceptional public track.Unlike most other courses in South Florida, Park Ridge features numerous elevation changes that keep the round exciting and make ...
Designed by Mike Dasher, Providence Golf Club has some of the truest greens in South-Central Florida. The layout meanders through natural wetlands, hardwood forests, and freshwater creeks. Golfers describe a round ...
When I asked our readers what their favorite muni was in South Florida, the resounding majority said Lake Worth Beach Golf Club.Established in 1926, Lake Worth Beach continues to occupy a spot as a South Florida staple ...
Located in the city of West Palm Beach, Okeeheelee Golf Course offers 27 holes of public golf in a serene park setting. Water and wildlife abound out here but don’t get too distracted. The course is a solid ...
City Park is one of the oldest courses in Denver. Here you’ll find a rich history of great Denver golf.In recent years, the course has lost some of its luster. Last time I played here it was clear that the ...
When I reached out to our readers, I wanted to know what their favorite muni was in the Ft. Lauderdale area. The overwhelming majority pointed to Delray Beach.Designed by Donald Ross and opened in 1923, Delray ...
Located just a short drive from the Orlando International Airport, Eagle Creek Golf Club is the perfect stop upon arrival or departure.Designed by Ron Carl and Howard Swan, Eagle Creek is a seamless blend of Scottish ...
Sitting on more than 220 acres, Hawk’s Landing Golf Club is the crown jewel of the World Center Marriott Resort.Designed by world-renown architect Bob Cupp Jr., Hawk’s Landing is a perfect blend of natural landscape ...
There’s plenty of courses to choose from at Orange County National. My personal favorite is Panther Lake.Rolling meadows, open wetlands, and pine forests characterize the diverse landscape on which Panther Lake ...
Who wouldn’t want to play at a place called Celebration Golf Club? Doesn’t it just sound happy?Our readers say it’s all that, and a lot more. Here, golf is meant to be experienced, not just played.Designed ...
The Ocean Course at Hokuala is one that escaped my aggressive itinerary on Kauai. From what the locals and other loyal readers tell me, however, it’s one I shouldn’t have skipped.This track is the only one ...
According to our readers, Kapolei Golf Club is the premier daily fee course on Oahu. Formerly home to the LPGA’s Hawaii Open, many of the game’s greats have strolled these fairways.Designed by Ted Robinson, this ...
Opened in 1991, a round at Kahili Golf Course will let you know why Maui is called the Valley Isle. Situated in the foothills of the West Maui Mountains, this course’s terrain is as diverse as you’ll find ...
If you find yourself in Ankeny for any reason, you won’t want to miss out on a round at Otter Creek.A Paul Miller design, Otter Creek was named “18-Hole Course of the Year” by the Iowa Golf Association in 2016.Built ...
Waveland Golf Course is one of the oldest golf courses in Iowa. It dates all the way back to 1901.This classic design features narrow fairways that wander over hills of hardwood-dotted forest. Accuracy ...
Located just a short drive south of Des Moines, Legacy offers golfers of all levels a round they won’t forget.Generous fairways allow bombers to swing away and afford beginners plenty of room.Bentgrass turf throughout ...
When it comes to golf in the town of Chaska, Hazeltine is the course that first comes to mind. Unfortunately, the sight of the 2002 PGA Championship isn’t a place you and I can just show up and ...
The Meadows at Mystic Lake is located on an Indian Reservation that boasts a world-class hotel, casino, and golf course. The course is somewhat open and surrounded by acres of wildflowers and native ...
You know how much I love old school designs. That’s one of the many reasons I’m such a fan of Red Wing Golf Club. It dates back to 1915.Featuring dramatic elevation changes and fairways lined by oaks and ...
Spring Creek Golf Course is one of the newer courses in the state. It’s also one of the most fun to play. A diverse variety of holes creates plenty of chances for risk and reward. Both the payoffs and ...
Falcon Valley is hands down the best nine-hole golf course in the state. Some say it’s the best in the Midwest. The mixture of holes that make up this track is really something. Short, risk reward ...
Right on the Kansas and Missouri state line, Ironhorse Golf Club is one of the most renowned public courses in the state. Having received four stars from Golf Digest, it shouldn’t come as any surprise that players ...
Cherry Oaks Golf Course is the premier track in the Cheney area. Owned and operated by the city, this course is open an astounding 362 days a year. Not many other courses in Kansas can say that. Even ...
Turkey Creek has been open since 1990. Since then, it’s become well known for its beautiful bent grass greens and bluegrass fairways.Native golden grasses line most holes and provide a wonderful contrast against ...
Jay Morrish was the genius behind the design at Falcon Lakes which opened in 2002. This links-style layout features Zoysia fairways which are a dream to play off. You’ll feel like you’re hitting every shot ...
Buffalo Dunes is currently ranked as the “#1 Golf Course in Kansas” by Golf Digest. Located in the community of Garden City, this course opened in 1976 and has an air of a Scottish links in its design. The ...
Mariah Hills is the premier course in Western Kansas. Even at that, it remains somewhat of a hidden treasure. The layout spans the rolling hills of the high plains that are covered in native grasses. ...
Osawatomie Golf Course dates all the way back to 1941. It’s rich with history and tradition to say the least.A story of two different nines, the outward stretch demands precision, especially into the ...
Designed by Steve Wolfard, Shoal Creek is one of the best public facilities in Kansas City. That’s saying something for a course that’s owned by the city.Even though this track is built in an urban area, the ...
I’ve been fortunate to spend some time in Kansas. Even though I still don’t know exactly what a Jayhawk is, I’ve chased plenty of pheasants and whitetail deer in this state. What I haven’t done is play any golf. I’ve ...
Unlike a lot of golf courses in Nebraska, there’s no shortage of trees at Woodland Hills. The course was built on an old tree farm.Conveniently located between Lincoln and Omaha, Woodland Hills received five ...
I doubt that these two courses rank high up on anyone else’s list but, let me be the first to tell they damn well shouldSituated on a Native American reservation, this property is unbelievable. Truly. ...
One of the best kept secrets on Hilton Head is Old South Golf Links. Designed by Clyde Johnston, this course is just over the bridge in the town of Bluffton. Locals revere this course for its condition and ...
Crescent Pointe is an Arnold Palmer design that everyone raves about. You know this track is going to make it on to the list because Arnie is my favorite course designer. In that vein, this course is pure ...
The motto at Bear Creek is a “Great Place to Make Friends.” Every time I’ve played here, it certainly seems that’s what it’s all about. From the time I check in, to the time I head for the barn, everyone is ...
Chances are you’ve seen Harbour Town on television. The PGA Tour shows up here every year the week after the Masters. You remember, right? The course with the red and white club house behind the 18th ...
When I think of South Carolina, of course the first thing that comes to mind is golf. You know else I imagine though? A lazy Sunday drive in the country, windows down, listening to James Taylor’s Carolina ...
Formerly home to the Web.com Tour’s Utah Championship, Thanksgiving Point is a Johnny Miller design and one of his best. Carved out of natural desert landscape, this course is anything but short on ...
Coral Canyon sits at the gateway of some of the most splendid natural wonders in the world. Located in the southwestern part of the state, just outside of St. George, this course offers spectacular views of Bryce ...
Golf Digest says Wasatch Mountain is “One of the Best Places to Play in Utah.” Open since 1998, this course is the epitome of high-country mountain golf. Even though the season is short because of the ...
You’ll find 27 holes of spectacular golf at Stonebridge. Water comes into play on 20 out of the 27 holes. The course is also one of the longest in the area as each nine measures more than 3,500 yards from the ...
Bruce Summerhays designed Sun Hills Golf Course which opened in 1995.This links layout is friendly for players of all abilities. The fairways are wide and most of the greens are open in front which allows you to ...
The community of West Bountiful is charming and quaint. So is the town’s premier golf course, Lakeside.This parkland layout is an old school design. Fairways are lined with weeping willows and deciduous ...
Have you always wanted to play golf in Ireland but haven’t been able to make it happen? The good news is you feel like you’re in the Emerald Isle if you make your way to Virginia. Welcome to Royal Kent Golf ...
Lake Chesdin was designed by Barton Tuck and Ault Clark. It opened for play in 1999. This course is known for having the best greens in Central Virginia. Locals don’t deny that claim.Lake Chesdin is a ...
As I write this guide in the middle of winter, Raven Golf Club is covered in snow and locals are focused on skiing.Come spring though, everyone’s attention turns to golf and the spectacular layout that is Raven Golf ...
Yocha Dehe means “home by the spring water” in the native language of Yocha Dehe Native Americans. That makes sense considering this course features plenty of crystalline water and the surrounding country is ...
Playing where the pros play. It’s something all golfers dream of doing. Guess what? You can at Harding Park.Having played host to last year’s PGA Championship and a President’s Cup, Harding Park is ...
Truckee, CA is high up in the Sierra Nevada Mountains on the Nevada border. This is mountain golf at its finest where you can tee it high and let it fly. The ball goes a long way at this elevation. The ...
You know how much I love munis. Bidwell Park in the city of Chico is one of the best around.This course is over 100 years old and its charm hasn’t worn off in the least. It still plays host to the Chico ...
Big Rock Golf Club is a classic muni in the town of Indio. Known for its pristine condition and excellent putting surfaces, this is a place where the everyman can enjoy quality golf. Maybe that’s ...
Ancil Hoffman Golf Course is the work of William Francis Bell. He’s the son of William Park Bell. The father-son duo is renowned for their classic West Coast designs including Torrey Pines, Bermuda Dunes, ...
Locals say Diablo Hills is one of the best kept secrets in San Francisco. Even though it’s only nine holes, this course is touted as one of the best tests you’re going to find anywhere. The holes are ...
Locals say that Rosedale is arguably the best conditioned golf course in Sarasota. I don’t know about you, but that certainly piques my interest. The layout is challenging in that it asks you to execute a ...
Indianapolis’ best nine-hole golf course is Dakota Landing. This course is short but asks a lot from your game. Narrow fairways mean you have to hit it straight. Small greens dictate that your ...
This Dennis Griffiths design is located only minutes from downtown New Orleans.Even though this track plays to only a par of 62, it’s the setting and condition that make it such a treat to play.The course is set inside ...
Eagle Valley is owned and operated by the city of Woodbury. When you hear the term “city course,” it’s easy to assume the track is rundown and overcrowded.Such couldn’t be further from the truth when you’re ...
When golfers think of Chaska, they think of Hazeltine. Unfortunately, most of us common folk won’t ever get to play this prestigious private club.The good news is Chaska Town Course offers a tremendous ...
Golf Advisor called Branson Hills Golf Club the “#1 Best Golf Place to Play in Missouri.” It’s not hard to see why either.The Chuck Smith design sits in the heart of the Ozark Mountains and offers an experience ...
Designed by Coore and Crenshaw, Ozarks National is nothing short of spectacular. Beautiful views abound at this course which sits high up the mountains. From the back tees, this track is big. There are ...
Anaconda Hills was originally designed in the 1920’s as a nine-hole course for workers in the company town of Black Eagle. In 1992, it was expanded to 18. To this day, it continues to serve as a staple in ...
Dan Maples designed the layout at Rocky River Golf Club, one of the premier daily fee facilities in the Charlotte area. Bordered by the Rocky River, there are plenty of wetlands that come into out here. If ...
One property I haven’t play is Cape Fear National at Brunswick Forest. I can tell you that it’s definitely on my list next I’m in North Carolina though. Our readers have nothing but praise for this ...
Paradise Hills is the only privately owned, public golf course in Albuquerque. This is an upscale public facility, but that’s not at all reflected in price. During the peak season, green fees top out at $53 ...
Santa Ana Golf Club has consistently been revered as one of the best public tracks in all of New Mexico, not just Albuquerque. It’s received high praise from the likes of Golf Digest, Golf Magazine, and the New ...
Located in the town of Hobbs, Rockwind Community Links is a city-owned 27-hole facility. Open since 2015, players rave about both the 18-hole championship course, and the nine-hole par three course. Inclusion ...