There are many renowned courses and clubs throughout the United States to inspire your golfing bucket list.
The U.S. is a premier golfing destination with some of the world’s most exclusive courses. From invitation-only clubs to splurge-worthy resorts, there’s something for every golfer.
These are the country’s top golf courses that any player would be honored to visit.
Pinehurst Resort, North Carolina
Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina offers a luxurious twist on classic Southern hospitality. Since 1895, Pinehurst has been a leading choice among professional and amateur golfers alike. The property boasts ten 18-hole courses, offering plenty of variety. Pinehurst is a public club with many comfortable accommodations and tailored packages for a once-in-a-lifetime golf getaway.
Chicago Golf Club, Illinois
As the oldest 18-hole course in North America, Chicago Golf Club is at the top of many golfing bucket lists. The club is less than an hour from downtown Chicago, making it a popular afternoon activity for local businesspeople and politicians. You’ll need a member’s invitation to play on this legendary course.
Prairie Dunes Country Club, Kansas
Prairie Dunes Country Club transports guests to Scotland’s rolling plains without stepping outside Kansas. This private country club has been a leading golf property since its founding in 1937. Designed around the region’s sandy dunes and prairie grass, the course is equally challenging and rewarding.
The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, South Carolina
South Carolina’s scenic Kiawah Island Golf Resort boasts the exceptional 18-hole Ocean Course. This private beach near Charleston has earned its place among the nation’s leading golf experiences. Ocean Course’s 18 holes have stunning coastline views but are subject to unpredictable breezes. This waterfront setting is uniquely tricky, even for seasoned players.
TPC Sawgrass, Florida
Plan a trip to TPC Sawgrass during your next Florida beach vacation. The course hosts the annual Players Championship and attracts golfers of all experience levels. Players can try the Players Stadium or the Dye’s Valley Course during their visit. Both are world-renowned for their signature designs.
Augusta National Golf Club, Georgia
Home to the legendary Masters Tournament, the Augusta National Golf Club is a must-visit for golf lovers. While most major tournaments change locations annually, Augusta, Georgia, has always hosted the Masters. The members-only club is famous for its course design and exclusivity. Although Augusta National Golf Club isn’t open to the public, members can bring guests for the day.
Pine Valley, New Jersey
Many consider Pine Valley Golf Club the country’s top course. The private club has operated in southern New Jersey for over 100 years. Pine Valley is well-known for incorporating all three schools of golf course design: penal, heroic, and strategic. The rolling hills and pine forests provide a scenic backdrop for golfers.
Cypress Point Club, California
What Cypress Point Club lacks in size, it makes up for in its dramatic landscape. The Club sits on California’s Monterey Peninsula. Its 18 holes offer breathtaking Pacific Ocean views. The Cypress Point course is world-famous, partially due to its limited access. Only members and their guests can golf at this California club.
Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, New York
You’ll find one of the country’s most exclusive golf clubs in Southampton, New York. The Shinnecock Hills Golf Club is a premier golfing destination that has hosted many notable tournaments over the years. Many golfers aspire to visit the club for its unique course, which complements the natural terrain.
Sand Hills Golf Club, Nebraska
Sand Hills Golf Club in Nebraska is highly regarded for its minimalist design and remote location. This is the ideal club to escape the chaos of city life and immerse yourself in golfing culture. Opportunities to golf at Sand Hills are rare, but the experience of playing there is unforgettable.
Oakmont Country Club, Pennsylvania
Expect to spend big bucks for the opportunity to join Pennsylvania’s elite Oakmont Country Club. Oakmont has a renowned course that’s well-regarded by golf enthusiasts. In addition to top-tier facilities, the country club offers indulgent dining options for members and guests.
Oakland Hills Country Club (South), Michigan
Oakland Hills Country Club features two celebrated courses, North and South. The South Course, established in 1917, is the more popular choice. Sometimes called “The Monster” for its difficult design, the South Course at Oakland Hills is a famous destination for top golfers. The course’s 18 holes span over 7,000 yards, testing the abilities of those who attempt to conquer it.
Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, Oregon
Hit the links at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort to taste Scotland in Oregon. Bandon Dunes has six distinct courses ranging in style and size. The resort’s finest offerings, Bandon Dunes and Pacific Dunes, lead golfers along the ruggedly beautiful Oregon coastline. Relaxation is easy at Bandon Dunes Resort, thanks to its incredible dining, lodging, and amenity options.
Whistling Straits, Wisconsin
Whistling Straits is the ideal spot for a golf getaway. This upscale resort has two fabulous 36-hole courses located in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Enjoy picturesque views of Lake Michigan while tackling the Straits Course, or head inland for the Irish Course. After a day on the green, guests can indulge in delicious cuisine, wellness services, and organized activities.
Southern Hills Country Club, Oklahoma
Few know Oklahoma is home to one of the world’s finest golf courses. Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa is a private club famous for its Championship Golf Course. The course has hosted 17 Championships since 1945 and underwent a total restoration in 2019. With high-end amenities like indoor and outdoor tennis courts, multiple pools, and on-site dining, Southern Hills’s distinguished reputation is unsurprising.
Congressional Country Club, Maryland
The Congressional Country Club is a classic Maryland golf establishment. Members of Congress founded the club over 100 years ago so that prominent political figures could socialize. Everyone from John D. Rockefeller to President Obama has golfed at this course. Today, the club continues its legacy of excellence with strict membership and guest standards.
Ballyneal Golf Club, Colorado
Links course enthusiasts will enjoy golfing at Ballyneal Golf Club. This private club is built atop eastern Colorado’s high sandy plains. Its 18-hole course is minimal but carefully planned to provide a memorable experience. Ballyneal memberships aren’t cheap, but the club is an exciting destination for avid players.
The Country Club, Massachusetts
The Country Club in Massachusetts is the nation’s oldest golf club. Established in 1882, this Boston-area club maintains an air of exclusivity. Its course was designed by multiple architects over several decades and restored in 2019 for better cohesion. The club’s property has extensive recreation opportunities, from swimming to skeet shooting and ice skating.
Continue your sightseeing tour of the US
Aside from world-class golf courses, the country is also home to incredible cities and natural wonders. Add the best places to visit in the U.S. to your travel itinerary.
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Elise Armitage is an entrepreneur and founder of What The Fab, a travel + lifestyle blog based in California. At the beginning of 2019, Elise left her corporate job at Google to chase her dreams: being an entrepreneur and helping women find fabulous in the everyday. Since then, she’s launched her SEO course Six-Figure SEO, where she teaches bloggers how to create a passive revenue stream from their website using SEO. Featured in publications like Forbes, Elle, HerMoney, and Real Simple, Elise is a firm believer that you can be of both substance and style.
