30. Bethpage (Black)
Course Location: Farmingdale, New York
Imagine walking up to the 1st tee of a course for the first time and seeing a sign that reads, “only for highly skilled golfers.” For many, seeing those words would be an instant invitation to turn around before you lost all the balls in your bag. But at The Black, golfers brace themselves for one of the most exhilarating rounds of their lives. Located in New York, Bethpage Black features uphill par-4s, gigantic bunkers that stump the world’s greatest players, and one of the country’s most iconic par-5s (4th).
The course has played host to the U.S. Open twice (2002, 2009) — ’02 won by Tiger Woods — and recently hosted the PGA Championship in 2019 (with Brooks Koepka coming out on top). If you aren’t a New York resident, it will cost you $150 to play a round.
Image Source: Two Inches Short
29. Maidstone
Course Location: East Hampton, New York
Another course located in New York, Maidstone is situated right along the coast of the Atlantic. This private club is home to both an 18-hole and 9-hole course. Established in 1891, Maidstone was originally just a 7-hole course — and later became a full-18 in 1899. While the setting may be picturesque, the course’s location also comes with a handful of challenges.
In addition to dealing with the ocean breeze, players must combat hazards including numerous sand dunes, a marsh, beach grass, bunkers, and a pond. Once you reach the greens, you will be met with numerous false fronts. Do you think you can conquer the elements?
Image Source: GOLF.com
28. Southern Hills
Course Location: Tulsa, Oklahoma
Designed by Perry Maxwell in 1936, Southern Hills has played host to numerous Majors over the years. Located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the course is on a plot of land that is ideal for golf. The smooth, rolling hills allow for a great day on the course for both professionals and amateurs alike. Before its renovation in 2019, Southern Hills was home to a plethora of trees which formed a canopy over much of the course.
In addition to some trees being removed, the clean edged bunkers that flanked the course were also eliminated during renovations. Set to host the 2022 PGA Championship, Southern Hills will be the site of a Major for the eighth time. It previously played host to the U.S. Open three times (most recently in 2001) and the PGA Championship four times. Tiger Woods won the PGA in 2007.
Image Source: PGA of America
27. California Golf Club of San Francisco
Course Location: South San Francisco, California
Known locally as the Cal Club, the California Golf Club of San Francisco is equal parts beautiful and challenging. Situated on the side of a hill, the course contains 144 bunkers and is notorious for being windy most days. Throughout its history, the course has been designed three times — A.V. Macan was the architect back in 1926, followed by Alister MacKenzie in 1928, and Kyle Phillips in 2007. If you can manage to control your ball through the wind, you will be asked to deal with tough slopes and fescue fairways. If you can find your way onto this beautiful course, you will have your work cut out.
Image Source: Golf Digest
26. Camargo
Course Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
When you think of Ohio, golf isn’t likely to be one of the first things that comes to mind. However, tucked away in Cincinnati is the Camargo Club — a gorgeous course built in 1926 by Seth Raynor. A Par 70, Camargo’s 18 holes totals 6,659 yards and features numerous valleys and ravines. The course features four par-3s — a classic setup on a Raynor-designed course — and newly-restored geometric-shaped bunkers and greens. Camargo Club is also home to one of the more unique holes in golf. The Biarritz green on the par-3 8th is mowed to two different lengths, with the front half of the green matching the height of the fairway.
Image Source: Golf Digest
25. Garden City
Course Location: Garden City, New York
Back to New York we go, this time to the Garden City Golf Club. One of the last remaining men-only golf clubs in America, Garden City was founded in 1899. It was designed by Devereux Emmet (1899) — who is credited with designing more than 150 courses worldwide — and Walter Travis (1906). Located roughly 10 miles from the sea, Garden City often has a steady breeze across the course. The club hosted the 1902 U.S. Open, won by Laurie Auchterlonie, and is home to a few of the country’s most-famed tilted greens. In order to succeed on the greens (especially on the 10th and 15th), you must be a confident, skilled player.
Image Source: Twitter
24. Shoreacres
Course Location: Lake Bluff, Illinois
Located near Lake Michigan, Shoreacres is a special course in more than one way. In addition to being in a beautiful location, the course is laid out in an incredibly unique way. Built in 1921, architect Seth Raynor opted to avoid putting holes directly against Lake Michigan — instead situating the course more inland and away from the lakefront. While the course is rather flat (like most of the Midwest), Shoreacres is home to a memorable ravine. In fact, only five holes aren’t set against a ravine. Raynor designed the course in a way that consecutive holes are rarely played in the same direction.
Image Source: Golf Digest
23. Somerset Hills
Course Location: Bernardsville, New Jersey
Constructed by the legendary A.W. Tillinghast, Somerset Hills recently underwent a long restoration. How long? 25 years. That’s right, 25 years. Tillinghast’s course is truly stunning. The front and back nine’s have stark differences. On the front, the course is rather open and a bit more forgiving. Comparatively, the back nine has a bit more flare. The back half is played into the woods and possesses natural water features. This New Jersey course offers a relaxing, joyful round.
Image Source: New Jersey State Golf Association
22. The Country Club (Clyde/Squirrel)
Course Location: Brookline, Massachusetts
Aside from having a great name, this Brookline, Massachusetts course is known for hosting its share of big tournaments. Built in 1899, the club is one of the oldest country clubs in the United States. The Country Club is also one of the five charter clubs that founded the USGA. While the course is home to 27 holes, 18 are used for tournament play. The course has hosted three U.S. Open’s since 1913, and is set to host the 2022 edition. If you want to succeed at this course, you need to hit the fairways and greens in regulation. A slightly haywire shot will leave you scrambling.
Image Source: Golf Digest
21. San Francisco
Course Location: San Francisco, California
California is home to some of the most beautiful courses in the world. More than a few of them are located in San Francisco. Yet another A.W. Tillinghast design, San Francisco Golf Club was built in 1918. More than 100 years later, it remains a true gem. Famously, the seventh hole is named the “Duel Hole.” The location of the hole is on the exact spot of the last legal duel in America. The drop-shot par-3 is easily the most iconic hole on the course. Moreover, there are a few memorable par-4s that will keep bringing you back for another round.
Image Source: Golf Digest
20. Seminole
Course Location: Juno Beach, Florida
Built in 1929, the Seminole Golf Club has long been a popular destination. Over the years, the club has hosted a number of high-profile members — including Henry Ford II, Jack Chrysler, Joseph P. Kennedy, and John Pillsbury. Additionally, Presidents John F. Kennedy and Gerald Ford frequented the course. The course itself is known to be firm, but that can sometimes become an issue when the wind comes in off the ocean. If the breeze catches the ball just right, it may run far past your desired landing spot.
Image Source: GOLF.com
19. Pacific Dunes
Course Location: Bandon, Oregon
Nestled in the upper reaches of the Pacific Northwest, Pacific Dunes is a truly majestic venue. Built 20 years ago, Pacific Dunes is situated against — you guessed it — massive dunes overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Once you reach the back nine, you will be greeted by a unique sequence of holes. Starting with the 10th, the back starts with pars of 3-3-5-4-3-5. In total, the Bandon Dunes Golf Resort is home to six courses as of 2021 — with Pacific Dunes being the second course built. This course is certainly not a walk in the park. In addition to an ocean breeze, players must deal with blow-out bunkers and up-and-down fairways. Quite simply, Pacific Dunes is one of the greatest links courses in the country.
Image Source: GolfPass
18. Prairie Dunes
Course Location: Hutchinson, Kansas
From the Pacific Dunes to the Prairie Dunes, from Oregon to Kansas. This mid-America course was founded by Carey Salt tycoon Emerson Carey and his four sons. It originally opened in 1937 with a 9-hole course designed by Perry Maxwell. 20 years after Maxwell worked his magic, his son (Press Maxwell) turned Prairie Dunes into a complete 18-hole experience. The course features sand dunes and desert prairie grass (which is native to Kansas). Mid-America is known for its flatlands, but the Prairie Dunes course more closely resembles a links course thanks to its rolling hills.
Image Source: Prairie Dunes Golf Club
17. Riviera
Course Location: Pacific Palisades, California
Located in the stunning Pacific Palisades, Riviera Country Club is one of the country’s most well-known golf venues. Architects George Thomas and Billy Bell created a true marvel nearly 100 years ago. Situated in a narrow canyon, Riviera doesn’t reside in an ideal location for a course. However, Thomas and Bell were able to utilize angled greens and numerous bunkers to perfection — making the most out of the canyon throughout the course. Riviera has hosted three Majors — U.S. Open (1948), PGA Championship (1983, 1995). It is also tapped to host the Olympics in 2028, and is home to the PGA Tour’s Genesis Invitational.
Image Source: CBS
16. Crystal Downs
Course Location: Frankfort, Michigan
At 6,518 yards from the tips, Crystal Downs is far from the longest course you can play. However, while some people may believe the relatively short distance equates to an easy course, that is far from true. Featuring an undulating course, thick fescue roughs, misleading greens, and strong gusts, Crystal Downs is a demanding course. Perhaps the only thing that is keeping this course from being more well-known is its location. Frankfort is a small, remote town. Because the town can’t adequately accommodate a large crowd, the PGA Tour has been hesitant to hold major events at the club.
Image Source: Golf Digest
15. Winged Foot (West)
Course Location: Mamaroneck, New York
Golf is a very difficult sport. Anybody that has picked up a club can attest to that. When it comes to difficult courses, Winged Foot is at the top of the list. Built in the early 1920’s, Winged Foot has played host to numerous Majors over the years. From the first U.S. Open played at the course in 1929, the winner posting a ‘bad’ score has been a common result. Bobby Jones won in ’29 while shooting +6. At the 1974 “Massacre at Winged Foot” U.S. Open, Hale Irwin won at +7. More than 30 years later, in 2006, Geoff Ogilvy shot five-over to win. From its massive bunkers to its uniquely shaped greens, Winged Foot is a devilish challenge.
Image Source: GOLF.com
14. Chicago GC
Course Location: Wheaton, Illinois
Chicago doesn’t exactly scream ‘golf’. With that said, Wheaton, Illinois — a suburb west of Chicago — is home to one of America’s founding clubs. One of five founding clubs of the United States Golf Association, Chicago GC was the country’s first 18-hole course. Built in 1895, Chicago Golf played host to the U.S. Open three times in its early years (1897, 1900, 1911). In recent years, the course has hosted the Walker Cup and the inaugural U.S. Senior Women’s Open in 2018. In 2020, the club was recognized for its historical significance as it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Image Source: Golf Digest
13. Friar’s Head
Course Location: Baiting Hollow, New York
Phil Mickelson and his activated calves love this modern course. In fact, Phil has said that Friar’s Head is his favorite modern course. Built in 2003, this New York-based course is truly gorgeous. This new gem resembles some of the West Coast’s most beautiful venues — and is often compared to Cypress Point. The course features bluff-top views, dunes lush with vegetation, and open meadows. Thank you Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, you truly crafted a masterpiece in Baiting Hollow.
Image Source: Golf Digest
12. Los Angeles (North)
Course Location: Los Angeles, California
Founded in 1897 as the Los Angeles Golf Club, what is now known as LACC North bounced around three times before landing in its current location. Los Angeles North is located on Wilshire Blvd. just one mile from Beverly Hills. Gil Hanse and his incredible team restored George Thomas’s course in 2010, and it is now regarded as one of the finest courses in the world. Five years after Hanse’s restoration, the USGA announced that LACC North will play host to the 123rd U.S. Open in 2023. We can’t wait to see the world’s best golfers take on this urban masterpiece.
Image Source: Golf Digest
11. Pinehurst (No. 2)
Course Location: Village of Pinehurst, North Carolina
The Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina is home to NINE 18-hole courses. Talk about a grand property. In 1907, Donald Ross’ design was completed. This included introducing Pinehurst’s second course to the state. No. 2 is known for having incredibly tough greens. At one time, the course was also lined with a thick Bermuda rough. However, Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw removed all of the rough during their renovation and returned the course to its original form. The course has hosted four Majors — most recently the 2014 U.S. Open — and is currently scheduled to host five more Opens between 2024-2047.
Image Source: Pinehurst Resort
10. Pebble Beach
Course Location: Pebble Beach, California
If you are asking yourself, “How is Pebble Beach only ranked No. 10?” — you are not alone. In the minds of many, Pebble Beach is the world’s most beautiful course. Hugged against Carmel Bay and the Pacific Ocean, a round at this coastal palace will take you from the ocean’s doorstep, then into the woods, and back to the water. The U.S. Open has been played at Pebble Beach six times. Famously, Tiger Woods shot -12 to win the Open in 2000 (by 15 strokes). If you can ever make it out to California to play here, do it.
Image Source: Pebble Beach Resorts
9. Fishers Island
Course Location: Fishers Island, New York
While Pebble Beach is nestled against the California coast, Fishers Island Club is (obviously) on an island off New York. Built in 1926, Seth Raynor’s course offers views of the Long Island Sound. Nearly every hole has a water view of either the Block Island Sound or Fishers Island Sound. One of the ways in which Fishers Island is unique is the way in which the course is reached. You can reach the island by one of two ways — a ferry or by air. Golf is already a solo sport, so what better way to enjoy a round than to bring yourself to an island?
Image Source: Golf Digest
8. Merion (East)
Course Location: Ardmore, Pennsylvania
This Pennsylvania course is one that will keep you on your toes for hours. While the course is rather small compared to some of America’s most well-known courses, Merion East is very challenging. Players must navigate twisting fairways, creeks, and even an abandoned stone quarry. Besides its plethora of natural obstacles, the course is known for its unique variety of par-3s and par-4s. The par-3s range from a miniscule 115 yards to a long 256-yarder. For the par-4s, on one hole you will be dealing with the aforementioned creek — and on the next you will be sending a shot over the quarry. Novices beware.
Image Source: GOLF.com
7. Sand Hills
Course Location: Mullen, Nebraska
If you didn’t know the location of this course and only looked at the photo above, you’d probably assume it was located near a coast. This is exactly why people love Sand Hills. Designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, the course utilizes Nebraska’s sand dunes — which were designated a National Natural Landmark in 1984 — to perfection. The rolling hills of Mullen, Nebraska are covered by prairie grasses and treacherous bunkers. The land was practically undisturbed during construction, resulting in one of the finest modern courses in America.
Image Source: Golf Digest
6. Augusta National
Course Location: Augusta, Georgia
Augusta National, home to The Masters. Need I say more? Augusta has hosted The Masters since 1934 — only skipping three years during World War II. With the tournament held the first full week of April each year, fans flock to Georgia for golf’s most spectacular event in hopes of witnessing history. Some of golf’s greatest golfers have owned Augusta over the years. Sam Snead, Gary Player, Phil Mickelson, Nick Faldo, and Jimmy Demaret have claimed the Green Jacket three times. Arnold Palmer won four of his own, and the great Tiger Woods has slayed The Masters five times — most recently in 2019.
Image Source: The Masters Tournament
5. Oakmont
Course Location: Oakmont, Pennsylvania
Back to Pennsylvania we go for Oakmont. A designated National Landmark, Oakmont Country Club was built in 1903. Designed by Henry Fownes, Oakmont is known to be one of the more difficult courses in the country. Despite being up against the Allegheny River, Oakmont features zero water hazards and barely any trees. While that may sound like a dream scenario, consider this: Oakmont is home to roughly 200 bunkers. Additionally, the course has a daunting slope to it. Since 1922, Oakmont has hosted the PGA Championship three times, the U.S. Women’s Open twice, and the U.S. Open on nine occasions.
Image Source: GolfPass
4. National Golf Links of America
Course Location: Southampton, New York
Often referred to as simply “The National,” NGLA is the brainchild of Seth Raynor and C.B. Macdonald. In 1911, the two architects came together for the first time to design this Southampton course. While National has never hosted a men’s Major, it has a firm place in American golf history. Six of the 18 holes were designed to mimic famous golf courses across the pond. Two holes, the 7th and 13th, pay homage to St. Andrews. The 2nd hole — named “Sahara” — is modeled after the famed 3rd at Royal St. George. In fact, some of golf’s most renowned figures believe NGLA tops its European counterparts.
Image Source: Golf Digest
3. Shinnecock Hills
Course Location: Southampton, New York
Another founding member of the United States Golf Association, Shinnecock Hills dates back to 1891. In 1931, William Flynn redesigned the course into its (near) current state. Shinnecock has a few unique claims to fame. First, it is believed to be the first American golf club to be inclusive to women. Also, Shinnecock is the only course to play host to the U.S. Open in three separate centuries. Scotland’s James Foulis won the U.S. Open in 1896. Raymond Floyd and Corey Pavin won in 1986 and 1995, respective. Lastly, Retief Goosen (2004) and Brooks Koepka (2018) have won this century.
Image Source: Golf Digest
2. Cypress Point
Course Location: Pebble Beach, California
If Pebble Beach isn’t the most beautiful course in the world, it is only second to Cypress Point. Also located in the city of Pebble Beach, Cypress Point was designed in 1928 by Alister MacKenzie. On the front nine, golfers will enter the Del Monte forest before finishing the round along the Pacific. Perhaps the most picturesque hole in the world is the 16th. A par-3, the 16th requires a tee shot that travels over the Pacific Ocean. If you are able to clear the water, you will be tasked with avoiding bunkers that guard the green.
Image Source: Golf Digest
1. Pine Valley
Course Location: Pine Valley, New Jersey
“Remember when Tiger Woods was once voted the most underrated player on tour when he won three majors in a year? Same applies here, with Pine Valley’s only benchmark being itself.”
For decades, Pine Valley has been recognized as the top course in America. The course is set on a rolling, sandy landscape — providing plenty of challenges for golfers of all calibers. Pine Valley is regarded as one of the most difficult courses in the world. In addition to the hills, the course has treacherous hazards and incredibly complex greens. Pine Valley is the top dog in American golf, and possibly worldwide.
Image Source: GOLF.com