Are you a golf enthusiast always on the lookout for the perfect course to tee off? Do you dream of lush green fairways, challenging bunkers, and scenic landscapes?
With an abundance of golf courses scattered throughout the United States, it can be difficult to select a good one. To make things easier, we’ve compiled a list of the seven best golf courses in the country every golf lover must experience at least once in their lifetime.
From world-renowned courses to hidden gems, get ready to discover the ultimate golfing destinations across the U.S.
1. Cypress Point
Nestled on the breathtaking coastline of Pebble Beach, California, Cypress Point Golf Course is a golfer’s paradise that offers unparalleled beauty and challenge.
The 18 holes wind their way through stunning dunes, rugged coastline, and towering Monterey pines, creating a dramatic landscape that will take your breath away.
With the sound of the crashing waves and the stunning ocean vistas on the horizon, Cypress Point is a golf course that demands both mindfulness and skill, making it an unforgettable experience for any golfer lucky enough to play its hallowed fairways.
State: California
Built: 1928
Size: 6,536 yards
2. National Golf Links of America
Located in the charming town of Southampton, New York, National Golf Links of America is a golf course steeped in history and tradition.
Designed by a legendary architect C.B. Macdonald in 1908, this 18-hole masterpiece is a tribute to some of the most iconic golf holes in the world.
Golfers will encounter replicas of famous holes such as the Road Hole and Eden from St. Andrews, the Alps from Prestwick, the Redan from North Berwick, and the Sahara from Sandwich.
Each hole is expertly crafted to test every aspect of a golfer’s game, from strategy and precision to skill and power. With stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and Shinnecock Bay, NGLA is a true gem of American golf.
State: New York
Built: 1908
Size: 253 acres
3. Fishers Island
The Fishers Island Club is not only a golfing paradise, but also a legendary course, that has maintained its place among the world’s best golf courses.
This exclusive 18-hole course is only accessible by air or water, adding to its allure. With its stunning ocean views and the refreshing ocean breeze, the course offers a tranquil escape from the outside world, where golfers can truly immerse themselves in the serenity of the surroundings.
Fishers Island is a masterpiece of legendary designer Seth Raynor, known for his innovative and strategic approach to golf course design, evident in each hole and captivating landscape.
State: New York
Built: 1926
Size: 6,566 yards
4. Merion East
The Merion East Course is a segment of the Merion Golf Club, known for its remarkable range of hole lengths, from the tiny 115-yard par-3 to the monster par-4s. Each hole presents a unique and strategic challenge, from the famous 11th with its creek to the demanding 16th that requires a shot over an abandoned stone quarry.
Golf Digest has consistently ranked the Merion East Course among the top 10 golf courses in the United States. In 2015, it took fifth place on the list of America’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses. It has also hosted five U.S. Opens, the most recent being in 2013.
Merion East has everything a golfer could want, including sub-air and irrigation systems that provide unprecedented control over the firmness and speed of the playing surfaces.
With recently expanded greens and a plethora of new hole locations, players must engage in a true chess match with its clever design. The result is an intense and rewarding golfing experience that is not to be missed.
State: Pennsylvania
Built: 1912
Size: 126 acres
5. Chicago GC
Another one of Macdonald’s golf course masterpieces is located in Wheaton, Chicago, and it’s one of the oldest golf courses in the States.
It’s also recognized as the first ever built 18-hole golf course in the United States, making it a historical landmark despite being a luring getaway for golf enthusiasts. With such glorious history, the Chicago Golf Club was one of the founding members of the United States Golf Association.
This 18-hole course features some of the most testing holes in the game, particularly at the start of the game. Holes one through four are particularly noteworthy, with Biarritz templates that have gained a reputation as one of the most difficult starts in golf.
Golfers will need to bring their A-game to navigate these challenging holes, which are designed to test every aspect of their ability.
State: Illinois
Built: 1895
Size: 6,950 yards
6. Oakland Hills Country Club
The Oakland Hills Country Club is home to one of the most magnificent parkland courses on the globe. This course was designed by the legendary Donald Ross and restored to its former glory in 2020 by Jim Wagner and Gil Hanse.
This 36-hole golf course features Ross’s signature width and playing angles, which have been beautifully restored. The greens have been expanded, while the bunkers have been brought back to their original size.
The undulating site, now free from trees, showcases the regal beauty of parkland golf, with some iconic landmark holes, such as the 1st and 14th.
State: Michigan
Built: 1917
Size: 7,509 yards
7. Rock Creek Cattle Company
The Rock Creek Cattle Company golf course is a relatively new addition to the golfing world and the company’s grounds as well. It has quickly become one of the most sophisticated courses in the United States.
Incorporating all the latest trends in golf course design, the Rock Creek Cattle Golf Course is a true masterpiece that seamlessly blends leisure, business, and agriculture.
As you make your way around the course, you’ll have the chance to witness breathtaking views of long-forgotten cottages and rams that dot the landscape.
Despite the challenging rocky terrain of Montana, the construction of the golf course has resulted in wide fairways that effortlessly follow the natural contours of the land with astonishing grace and playing angles.
State: Montana
Built: 2008
Size: 3,500 acres
Membership: Securing Your Place on the Golf Course
Source: Golf Digest
Being a member of a golf club is a fantastic way to meet other golfers and make new friends. In addition to that, being a golf club member offers a wide range of benefits that can greatly enhance your golfing experience, such as:
- Access to top-notch facilities
- A variety of events and tournaments
- Exclusive perks and discounts
- Opportunities for personal and professional growth
So, If you’re thinking about getting more involved in golf and want to take your game to the next level, joining a golf club may be just what you need. Contact links golf club to get access to the best experiences in the game, both on and off the course. And, if you’re wondering where to look for the best golf products for your team, you can shop golfing team equipment from the top provider in the nation online.
