Located just 15 minutes from Akron, Chippewa Golf Club is one of the best values in the area.Designed in 1962, the course meanders its way through rolling hills of green. Even though it’s spacious off the tee, the ...

Mother Nature is what shaped the links-style course at Majestic Springs.  Sprawling meadows, native grasses, and copious wetlands make this round an experience unlike any other in the area. Less than 200,000 yards of ...

EagleSticks is more than just great golf, it’s a great experience.  From the moment you arrive until you put your clubs in your car after your round, you’ll feel welcomed and cared for. The course itself is beautiful.  ...

Located in the rolling farm country of Southern Ohio, Indian Ridge is a must play.Spacious vistas of the surrounding countryside can be found on nearly every hole at Indian Ridge.  Don’t let the views fool you however, ...

Opened in 1995, Oak Shadows continues to receive rave reviews from both locals and visitors alike. Rolling hills and tree lined fairways give this course a lot of character.Here, you’re going to use every club in your ...

Only 35 minutes from Columbus, Chapel Hill is easily accessible. Designed by Barry Serafin, this course has a mixture of both tight and open holes. The layout is straightforward but, that doesn’t mean it lacks ...

Shale Creek Golf Club is the crown jewel for public golf in Medina, OH. Classic prairie design is what you’ll find here.  The fairways are wide, but the bordering fescue is quick to swallow up errant shots. The greens ...

Just a short drive from Columbus in the town of Pataskala, you’ll find Cumberland Trail Golf Club.One of the area’s best kept secrets, this course stretches to more than 7,200 yards from the back tees.Some 60 bunkers ...

Even though it’s only been open since 2004, Stonelick Hills has quickly gained a reputation as one of the premier courses in the state.When Stonelick Hills was designed, the number one goal was to make it purely about ...

When you come to the Sanctuary Golf Club, that’s exactly what you’ll find. There might not be a more peaceful atmosphere for golf in Ohio than here.  A parkland setting with plenty of tress and idyllic ponds and lakes ...

When I think of Indiana, the name Bobby Knight comes to mind.  I know there are plenty of other notable people that hail from the Hoosier State but for some reason, I have too many memories of Knight screaming at ...

Golf Digest gave Bear Slide Golf Club 4.5 stars and it’s more than deserved.Located in Cicero, Bear Slide isn’t only a great golf course, it’s a great value too. The front nine is fairly open and has hints of links ...

You can let it loose at Chariot Run Golf Club.  Make sure you keep your balance though because even though these fairways are wide, they’re bordered by some of the thickest fescue you’ll ever see.Voted by Golfweek as ...

Prairie View Golf Club is the only Robert Trent Jones Jr. design in Indiana.Built on 206 acres of forested land in Hamilton County, this course is filled with white oaks and sycamores that line the fairways.  ...

Pete Dye is one of my favorite architects you bet I’m going to play Plum Creek when I get to Indiana.True to form, there’s plenty of water and bunkers at Plum Creek.  Not to worry though, Dye gives you plenty of room ...

If you find yourself in the city of Evansville, I hope you have time to play around at Cambridge Golf Course.Our readers say this a fair test that’s always in great shape.Again, a wide-open design doesn’t mean this ...

It appears golfers in Indiana are big fans of links golf.  By all accounts, Noble Hawk is a great links experience. This isn’t an easy golf course.  If you’re a rank beginner, another option might be wise.  However, if ...

We’re always on the lookout for hidden gems.  Country Oaks Golf Club fits that bill.Built into verdant farm country, this course isn’t overly long.  However, it has all the characteristics to make a round both fun and ...

You don’t have to be a golf savant to play Purgatory Golf Club but, you do need to love a challenge. This links course can play anywhere from 4,500 yards to over 7,700 yards.  That means there are plenty of tee boxes ...

Located in the southern part of the state, Sultan’s Run is a favorite for Indiana golfers.The course was named for Sultan Supreme.  The land was formerly home to a horse that sired a record number of World Champion ...

In Lebanon, Indiana you’ll find the Trophy Club. Built on 247 acres of rolling terrain with Prairie Creek running through the property, The Trophy Club is a site to behold. A true links course, the fairways are wide ...

The pride of the town of Bolingbrook is Bolingbrook Golf Club.Spread out on a large piece of land, Bolingbrook isn’t the typical tree lined course you find in the Upper Midwest.  Instead, its open design lets you see ...

Stonewall Orchard was designed by the iconic architect, Arthur Mills.Over 65,000 native pine and oak trees dot this property that is a mix of forest and wetlands.The golf is right in front of you but that doesn’t make ...

Shepherd’s Crook is located in the town of Zion.  Designed by Keith Foster, the course opened for play in 1999. The design itself reflects many characteristics of 1920’s and 1930’s architecture.  A true links course, ...

There’s nothing quite like playing where the Pros play.  You get that chance at TPC Deer Run.  As the name would suggest, this is John Deer tractor country.  Hence why the John Deer classic is held here every summer.A ...

The pride of the town of Bolingbrook is Bolingbrook Golf Club.Spread out on a large piece of land, Bolingbrook isn’t the typical tree lined course you find in the Upper Midwest.  Instead, its open design lets you see ...

Just a short drive from downtown Chicago, you’ll find Prairie Landing Golf Club. Surrounded by native wetlands, Prairie Landing looks wide open at first glance.  Sure, the fairways are generous.  However, you don’t ...

One of the Chicago area’s most underrated public facilities is Blackstone Golf Club. Even though it’s located in suburbia, you’d never know it based on the course’s natural setting and over 26 acres of protected ...

Readers in Illinois might be mad at me for letting the cat out of the bag about what they call one of the state’s best kept secrets… We’re talking about El Paso Golf Club.One of the oldest clubs in the area, El Paso ...

If you happen to find yourself in the northwest part of the state, make sure to spend some time in Lanark.  I’m told the town is wonderful.  The people are friendly and there’s lots to do.One of those activities is ...

Built on a centuries old prairie where bison once roamed free, PrairieView Golf Club is one of the best public tracks in the region.You’ll find a mix of narrow tree lined holes that demand accuracy from the tee, and a ...

For the past 27 years, Annbriar Golf Club has been a focal point in the small town of Waterloo, Illinois.Built on the site of an old family farm and named for Ann Nobbe who tragically lost her life in a car accident, ...

Sin City.  When I was younger, it was one of my favorite places in the world.  And the fact that it’s only a few hours from my home in Phoenix didn’t help.  In those days, I was partial to the Blackjack ...

There are plenty of golf courses in the community of Summerlin, but locals rave about Highland Hills.Designed by Billy Casper and Greg Nash, Highland Hills isn’t going to kill you with its length.  Instead, tight ...

Located on the outskirts of Las Vegas is the burgeoning Paiute Golf Resort.  All three courses at this property are worth playing but the Snow Course might be the best.As the original course, it’s not hard to see why ...

Since it opened in 1997, Rhodes Ranch has continued to gain in popularity with both Las Vegas residents and out-of-towners. Designed by Ted Robinson Sr., the course has plenty of water and risk and reward opportunities ...

Arguably the nicest hotel on the Strip is the Wynn.  What makes it even more special is that one of the best courses in the whole city is right on property.A parkland style design with plentiful trees, lush fairways, ...

Angel Park might be Las Vegas’ finest municipal facility.  The Mountain Course is my personal favorite.Designed by Arnold Palmer (my favorite player of all time) and opened in 1990, the Mountain Course affords stunning ...

If you’re looking to get away from the glitz and glamor of the strip, Mountain Falls Golf Club is the perfect excuse.Located in the town of Pahrump, Mountain Falls has received numerous national accolades and is ...

Designed by Rees Jones and opened in 1997, Rio Secco is desert golf at it’s finest. Expansive waste areas, wide fairways, and dramatic features all the hallmarks of this course.A player’s course, Rio Secco was meant to ...

I’ll be the first to admit, Cascata isn’t the cheapest option for golf in Las Vegas.  However, it’s worth the price of admission at least once in my book.Located in the town of Boulder City, Cascata gets its name from ...

Home to the University of Arizona’s Men’s and Women’s golf teams, it no secret why Arizona National ranks as the best public golf course in Tucson year after year. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. in 1966, this ...

Just a short 20-minute drive from the strip is Bear’s Best Las Vegas.  This Jack Nicklaus design is inspired by the Golden Bear’s favorite 18 holes from his more than 270 designs worldwide. In true Nicklaus design ...

Just 100 miles south on Interstate 10 from the golf Shangri La that is Phoenix, lies Tucson, Arizona.  Some might call it the black sheep of the family when compared to Phoenix, but I beg to differ.  Tucson is a ...

All three golf courses at Starr Pass are just what you expect at a JW Marriot Resort – first class. The Roadrunner Course is a nine-hole layout, par 35.  From the very first tee, you’ll find yourself mesmerized by a ...

There are two courses at Omni Tucson National – the Catalina and the Sonoran.  While both are quite good, the Sonoran takes the cake in my opinion. Designed by Tom Lehman and opened in 2005, this course is flat out fun ...

Designed by beloved native Navajo son, Notah Begay III, Sewailo makes wonderful use of the natural desert terrain as it meanders through arroyos dotted with Saguaros and Ironwood trees. Significant elevation ...

Home to the University of Arizona’s Men’s and Women’s golf teams, it no secret why Arizona National ranks as the best public golf course in Tucson year after year. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. in 1966, this ...

Formerly home to a stop on the LPGA Tour, Randolph Dell Urich is centrally located in the heart of Tucson. Even though this track only measures 6,600 yards from the back tees, its parkland-style design places a premium ...

If Phoenix is the hub of golf on the west coast, Scottsdale is the epicenter.  Nowhere else in the valley is good golf more concentrated than here.  Aside from great golf, Scottsdale is Phoenix’s hub for fine dining, ...

In the heart of Scottsdale lies McDowell Mountain Golf Club.  A true gem named after the mountains that surround it.In 2011, Phil Mickelson undertook this facility’s renovations and he did a great job in my opinion.  ...

Starfire might just be Scottsdale’s favorite public golf course and I can’t say that I disagree. Designed by The King, Arnold Palmer himself, Starfire isn’t overly long and welcomes golfers of all abilities.I took my ...

I attend a work conference at this property every year and it’s something I always look forward to.  They do it right. While the conference consists of gladhanding and pretending like I’m excited about the next ...

Golf can be expensive in Scottsdale.  Heck, the entire community can be expensive.Perhaps the best bang for your buck here is Scottsdale Silverado Golf Club.This par 70 layout is a memorable experience that’s both a ...

The Phoenician Golf Course just underwent a wall-to-wall renovation and the results are out of this world.Previously 27 holes, the new 18-hole design is more cohesive and is sure to afford one of the more memorable ...

The Talon Course at Grayhawk is a strong test of desert golf.  Surrounded by the Sonoran Desert and built into box canyons, this course is a must play.  If it’s your first time, don’t let the narrow look off the tees ...

There isn’t a resort in Scottsdale that has more going on than Talking Stick.  For me, the great golf is at the center of it all.The O’odham Course is a thinking man’s track.  Even though the layout is fairly flat, ...

Both courses at the JW Marriot Camelback Inn are world-class.  Lush, rolling fairways situated in the Camelback foothills make for a golf setting you won’t soon forget. Dramatic elevation changes, expansive waste ...

You’ve undoubtedly heard of TPC Scottsdale as it’s host to the biggest party on the PGA Tour, the Waste Management Open.  If you haven’t been to the tournament proper, you need to go.  Just make sure you save a day or ...

Arguably the hallmark of Scottsdale public golf is the Pinnacle Course at Troon North.  Set amongst giant granite boulders in the Sonoran Desert, great golf meets awe-inspiring landscape at this track.If it’s your ...

If you’ve never been to Portland, Oregon, you need to go.  The Rose City is truly the gem of the Pacific Northwest and is alive with culture, great food, endless outdoor activities, and yes, plenty of world-class ...

Located in the suburb of Aloha, both courses at the Reserve are worth the price of admission.  Even though this facility is technically private, members only privileges rotate between the North and South courses on a ...

After a couple days off from muni madness, we couldn’t wait to get back and our choice was the second oldest course in the state, Rose City.  Our writer and host for this trip grew up playing this course in junior ...

Much to the dismay of the driver-loving bombers in our group, Portland Golf Club isn’t going to reward distance anytime soon.  Instead, accuracy and deft touch are required to navigate this prestigious private ...

Columbia Edgewater Country Club is said to be home to more single-digit handicappers than any golf course west of the Mississippi River. As we warmed up the range before our round, the surrounding swings resembled a ...

There are two courses at Heron Lakes but the Great Blue is considered the ball buster among Portland’s municipal tracks.Designed by Robert Trent Jones II, this track isn’t overly long at just 7,016 yards but, it’s ...

If there’s a city a city in the country with a better collection of city-owned courses than Portland, I haven’t heard of it.  Even though this great city’s private clubs are steeped in history and something to behold, ...

Tualatin Country Club is the fourth oldest golf course in Oregon and its history reflects just that.  The club was established in 1912 in reaction to the exclusion of Jewish business professionals from the other ...

You might recognize this Bob Cupp design from television.  It played host to Tiger’s iconic comeback over Steve Scott to win his third straight U.S. Amateur in 1996, and was also the chosen site for the 1997 and 2003 ...

Even though this round came toward the end of our trip, we consider Langdon Farms the best kempt public golf course in the Portland area.Although this course sits right on Interstate 5, there’s no traffic noise and you ...

Normally we like to save the best for last at Golfer’s Authority, but we couldn’t wait to play this Chandler Egan course that’s remained largely unchanged since 1896.We missed the entrance to Waverley twice before we ...

Phoenix.  It’s the Mecca of golf on the west coast and that’s one of the reasons I’m so thankful to call it home.  Every time I fly back into Sky Harbor airport, I’m taken aback by the sprawling lush, green fairways ...

A true links-style course, Foothills Golf Club will test you from the first tee to the 18th green.  Built into the surrounding rocky terrain, this course places a premium on accuracy off the tee. Even though the course ...

It’s not hard to see why Cave Creek is consistently voted the most popular municipal golf course in Phoenix. Built in 1983, Cave Creek is centrally located in North Phoenix making access easy.The course itself features ...

Dating all the way back to 1985, The Legacy Golf Club has been a stalwart in Phoenix for a long time. Generous fairways and large greens make this golf course user friendly for most players. Should you venture too far ...

Having received a four-star rating from Golf Digest nine times, it’s no wonder Lookout Mountain is a local’s favorite. Built into the rugged landscape of the Sonoran Desert with the Phoenix North Mountains as a ...

If you’re short on time and have to catch flight out of Sky Harbor Airport, Ahwatukee Country Club is a great option.  Located just minutes away, this track was designed by legendary designer, John Bulla. The layout is ...

Las Sendas Golf Club is one of the best kept secrets in the whole Phoenix area.  Designed all the way back in 1955 by Robert Trent Jones Jr., this is desert golf at it’s finest.Even more, it’s one stern test.  Out of ...

Located in the heart of Scottsdale, McCormick Ranch’s Pine and Palm courses are a bit of a throwback to Old Phoenix golf course design.Both of these munis feature layouts with holes that run parallel to each other with ...

Situated on the Ak-Chin Indian Reservation, this track is set far enough away from the hustle and bustle of the city that you’re assured an enjoyable, relaxing, quiet round. The facility underwent a wall-to-wall ...

Best. Muni. Period.  Papago is a really good track and the best value anywhere in the city. Set at the base of the Papago Buttes inside of Papago Park, the course opened its doors in 1963 and was met with critical ...

When you think about desert golf, images of tees, fairways, and greens surrounded by cacti and scrub are probably the first images that come to mind.That’s anything but the case at Raven Golf Club.  More than 6,000 ...

When most Oregonians think of the country between the rural eastern towns of Burns and John Day, cattle ranching, elk hunting, and lack of people are the first things that come to mind. While that’s certainly true, one ...

Believe it or not, the state of Oregon isn’t pronounced oree-gon, it’s ora-gun.  One of our writers is a proud Oregon resident and was all too quick to point that out to us when we visited for an extended golf trip to ...

Prineville Golf Club isn’t likely to make it onto many top ten lists but it damn well should.  I was lucky enough to play this course with one of our writers who lives in the area and I can honestly say, it’s the ...

Centennial Golf Club is a tremendous public track located in Medford.  Designed by renown architect, John Fought, Centennial Golf Club opened in 2006 to rave reviews.Don’t let this course’s open layout lull into ...

There are two courses at Black Butte Ranch, Glaze Meadow and Big Meadow.  Both deserve a spot on our list as they’re some of the best kept secrets in the state and epitomize classic mountain golf. Because these courses ...

Founded in 1892, Gearhart Golf Links is the oldest golf course west of the Mississippi River.  Located near the beach in Astoria, Gearhart is an iconic beach links course.  Firm, fast conditions make this windswept ...

Nestled on the western slope of the Cascade Mountains, along the McKenzie River, lies Tokatee Golf Club.  This course is truly a slice of heaven.  So much so that, our writer from Oregon wants his ashes spread on the ...

We mentioned Crosswater Club in our article about the Top Courses in Bend, Oregon (insert link) but it’s also one of the best courses in the state.Located less than 15 miles south of Bend, Crosswater sits along the ...

Another gem in Oregon’s backcountry is the Running Y Ranch.  The only course in Oregon designed by Arnold Palmer is located just minutes west of the town of Klamath Falls, the Running Y Ranch offers everything a golfer ...

Established in 1899, Eugene Country Club is one of the most iconic courses west of the Rockies.  It’s played host to more USGA Championships than we can count, and Ben Hogan called the par four third hole, his favorite ...

The 103 holes of golf at Bandon Dunes are unlike anything else in the United States.  Every damn one of them.  Instead of listing all the courses individually (because each one truly deserves a spot on our list), we’ve ...

I’ve been fortunate to spend quite a bit of time in the Sunshine State.  I’ll be the first to tell you that it can be stifling hot in the summer.  But, for the majority of the year, this great state is truly a golfer’s ...

If you’re looking for a great round of golf at a reasonable price, Juliette Falls might be your best bet in the state. Even though the course is largely lined by homes, it’s easy to see the land was used for the golf ...

There are more golf courses to choose from in Southwest Florida than I care to count.  One of the local’s favorites, however, is Old Corkscrew Golf Club.This Jack Nicklaus design measures more than 7,400 yards from the ...

Situated on the picturesque shoreline of Choctawatchee Bay is Kelly Plantation Golf Club.Designed by Fred Couples and Gene Bates, this track might be the best conditioned public golf course in all of Florida. This is a ...

Nestled on a stately 200 acres between Orlando and Daytona beach is Victoria Hills Golf Club.  This track is one of the best values in the entire state.Unlike many Florida courses, you’ll feel like you have the place ...

If you’re like me, and have an appreciation for old traditional designs, put the Florida Club at the top of your list.Long, wide fairways are bordered by ancient oaks, whispering pines, and palmettos. Designed by ...

One of the best kept secrets in Orlando is the Crooked Cat Course at Orange National. The course has a links feel which you won’t find many other places in Florida.  Ample room off the tee allows you to grip it and rip ...