30. Bethpage (Black)
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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 lose 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, playing a round will cost you $150.
29. Bandon Trails
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Course Location: Bandon, Oregon
Bandon, Oregon is home to one of the world’s premier golf resorts. Situated on the Oregon coast in the unsuspecting town of Bandon, resides a true links-style golf resort modeled after the courses in Scotland where the game was invented. Mike Keiser’s dream was to build a golf course like that in the United States. Well, needless to say, he succeeded.
The third course built at this resort Bandon Trails begins atop a massive sand dune, then quickly opens into a sprawling meadow. The routing then works higher into the coastal forest, before finally returning to finish in the dunes. Heaven on Earth is found in Bandon, Oregon for golf enthusiasts.
28. Southern Hills
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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 that 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. Southern Hills hosted the 2022 PGA Championship, making it 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. Justin Thomas won the PGA Championship in 2022.
27. California Golf Club of San Francisco
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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.
26. Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge: Challenger/Champion
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Course Location: Orlando, Florida
The Bay Hill Club & Lodge stands as a bastion of exclusive golfing and hospitality nestled in the sun-kissed landscapes of Bay Hill, Florida, a serene suburb southwest of Orlando. Crafted under the meticulous eye of renowned architect Dick Wilson in 1961, the initial 18 holes, known as the Champion and Challenger nines, epitomize Wilson’s ingenuity, boasting subtly elevated greens enhancing both visibility and drainage. Following Wilson’s legacy, the additional nine holes, named the Charger Nine, were masterfully fashioned by Bob Simmons.
From its inception in 1974 until the passing of its legendary proprietor, Arnold Palmer, in 2016, Bay Hill Club & Lodge bore the indelible stamp of Palmer’s vision. Presently, under the stewardship of his daughter and son-in-law, Amy & Roy Saunders, the establishment continues to exude the essence of Palmer’s legacy.
25. Sedgefield Country Club
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Course Location: Greensboro, North Carolina
Nestled in the verdant landscapes of Greensboro, North Carolina, southwest of the bustling city center, lies the venerable Sedgefield Country Club, an esteemed establishment steeped in history and prestige.
Crafted with meticulous care by the legendary Donald Ross, the course unveiled its splendor to the world in 1926. Remarkably, alongside Detroit Golf Club, Sedgefield remains one of the only two Ross-designed courses to host a regular PGA Tour event. The essence of Ross’s vision endured a transformative rejuvenation in 2007, marked by a monumental $3 million restoration project. This endeavor not only introduced Champion Bermuda greens but also meticulously revitalized the course’s undulating fairways, reinstating its timeless allure.
24. TPC San Antonio Oaks Course
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Course Location: San Antonio, Texas
Nestled amidst the captivating vistas of the Cibolo Canyons region, just north of the vibrant city of San Antonio, Texas, lies an exquisite course.
Unveiled to the world in February 2010, this splendid resort boasts a pair of immaculate 18-hole golf courses, each a testament to the ingenuity of renowned architects. The Oaks Course, sculpted under the discerning eye of Greg Norman, with insights from Sergio García, offers a harmonious blend of challenge and serenity. Perched at an approximate average elevation of 1,100 feet above sea level, this haven offers not just a golfing escape, but an opportunity to commune with nature’s grandeur while indulging in the finest amenities and hospitality.
23. Waialae Country Club
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Course Location: Honolulu, Hawaii
In an effort to bring luxury travel and trade to Hawaii, a hotel and golf course were erected on Honolulu’s East side. In 1927, a golfing oasis emerged. Helmed by architect Seth Raynor, Waialae Golf Course was built, drawing inspiration from golfing meccas around the globe.
The par three 13th is designed from one on the Biarritz Course in France. Meanwhile, the 8th hole pays homage to the iconic Redan Hole of Scotland’s North Berwick Course. Venturing further into the course, the unique 16th hole echoes the spirit of the National Course at Southhampton, Long Island. And the 10th Hole introduces features of the 17th or Road Hole at St. Andrews in Scotland. As if a trip to Hawaii wasn’t already intriguing enough, a round at Waialae would be the experience of a lifetime.
22. The Country Club (Clyde/Squirrel)
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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.
21. TPC Southwind
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Course Location: Memphis, Tennessee
TPC Southwind spans 7,244 yards and boasts a par-70 layout, bearing the signature of the esteemed architect Ron Prichard. Prichard crafted a masterpiece that captivates golfing aficionados with its undulating zoysia fairways, champion Bermuda greens, and a picturesque array of lakes, streams, and ponds. The charm of the golf course is enhanced with two-grain silos and a windmill, remnants of the dairy farm once located on the site. Notable among the course’s challenges are the 11th hole, a diminutive yet daunting 165-yard par-3 reminiscent of TPC Sawgrass’s famed 17th Island Green, the 231-yard par-3 14th, celebrated as one of the PGA TOUR’s toughest, and the grand finale, the 461-yard par-4 18th hole, demanding precision as players navigate alongside a menacing water hazard guarding the entire left flank of the fairway.
20. Seminole
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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 several 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.
19. PGA West: Stadium
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Course Location: La Quinta, California
Palm Springs is a golf haven in California, with nearly 365 days of great golf weather. The peak of Palm Springs golf is at PGA West, and the peak of PGA West is the Pete Dye Stadium Course. Spanning a formidable 7,300 yards, it reigns supreme with the loftiest stroke (76.1) and slope (150) ratings among all the courses at PGA West. The Stadium Course delivers multiple challenges throughout the round. On the back nine, golfers must navigate the island green of hole #17, known as Alcatraz, as well as the menacing water-lined 18th hole. And who could forget the iconic sand traps that feel like you need to hit the ball a mile high to get back to the fairways.
18. Torrey Pines Golf Course
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Course Location: La Jolla, California
Carved into the cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean near San Diego, this iconic venue offers two championship courses, the North and South, each sculpted by the legendary hands of William P. Bell and later refined by his son, Rees Jones. The South Course, in particular, commands international acclaim as a challenging layout. Beyond its storied fairways, Torrey Pines captivates visitors with panoramic vistas of the ocean and rugged cliffs, creating a captivating backdrop for an unforgettable golfing experience.
17. Colonial Country Club
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Course Location: Fort Worth, Texas
Established in 1936 by the visionary Marvin Leonard, Colonial Country Club emerged from a fervent desire to introduce bentgrass greens to the landscape of Fort Worth. Leonard’s initial endeavor to implement this innovation at an existing local golf club faltered, prompting him to conceive his grand vision for Colonial Golf Club.
The masterful layout of the Colonial Country Club course bears the marks of Texas architect John Bredemus and Oklahoma’s Perry Maxwell. This par-70 course, spanning 7,209 yards, is framed by the Trinity River to the north and embraced by the surrounding residential enclave. Colonial has hosted just one major, the 1941 U.S. Open, won by Craig Wood.
16. Sheep Ranch
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Course Location: Bandon, Oregon
The second course from Bandon Dunes Golf Resort on this list, Sheep Ranch is a premiere coastal golfing experience. Renovated by the world-class design team of Coore & Crenshaw, the Sheep Ranch was for many years a mysterious golf landscape just north of Bandon Dunes Golf Resort. Now with one mile of ocean frontage, nine green sites right along the edge of the coast, and stunning Pacific Ocean views on every hole, Sheep Ranch continues Mike Keiser’s vision of “Golf As It Was Meant to Be” on the Pacific Coast.
15. Harbour Town Golf Links
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Course Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
When it comes to big-name course designers, are there any more notable than Pete Dye and Jack Nicklaus? Harbour Town Golf Links was designed by Pete Dye in 1967 with the help of professional golfer Jack Nicklaus. Despite being a par 71 at only 7,099 yards (relatively short for a PGA event), Harbour Town has many tricky holes with a very small margin between greens and water hazards. The course is expertly designed to be enhanced by the surroundings rather than bulldozing the natural landscape to make a course free of them (done too often in modern times). Overhanging trees play a role on nearly every fairway and depending on the tide, you may be able to play an errant shot right off the sand and back in play. The elements are everything on this picturesque course.
14. East Lake
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Course Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Established in 1898, the Atlanta Athletic Club (AAC) swiftly soared in popularity, attracting a remarkable 700 members within a mere four years. Steering the club’s athletic endeavors was none other than John Heisman, the renowned football coach after whom the prestigious Heisman Trophy is named. In 1904, recognizing the need for expansion, the AAC acquired property at East Lake, laying the foundation for a country club that would include a distinguished golf course. Tasked with crafting this masterpiece was none other than course architect Tom Bendelow. Notably, all proceeds generated by the East Lake Golf Club are dedicated to the noble cause of supporting the East Lake Foundation, which in turn champions initiatives in health, education, safety, and productivity within the East Lake neighborhood. It is this profound commitment to community betterment that underscores East Lake Golf Club’s ethos: “Golf with a Purpose.” East Lake was home to the Ryder Cup in 1963 and is also believed to be the course of the first and last round played by legendary golfer Bobby Jones.
13. Kapalua Golf Club: Plantation Course
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Course Location: Lahaina, Hawaii
Conceived by the esteemed visionaries Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore, this remarkable course was meticulously crafted to complement its breathtaking setting amidst the undulating slopes of the West Maui Mountains. With sweeping ocean panoramas gracing virtually every hole, the course unfolds as a captivating tapestry of natural beauty and golfing prowess. Spanning an impressive 7,596 yards with a par of 73, it presents a formidable test for even the most seasoned professionals, yet its expansive fairways and inviting greens ensure an accessible and enjoyable experience for golfers of all abilities. As stated before, you really don’t need to convince me to go to Hawaii to golf.
12. Quail Hollow Club
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Course Location: Charlotte, North Carolina
Crafted by the illustrious golf course architect George Cobb in 1961, this course was meticulously designed to showcase the captivating beauty and rugged terrain of the Piedmont region. Over the years, it has evolved through a series of enhancements, with Arnold Palmer making modifications to several holes in 1986, followed by a comprehensive redesign by Tom Fazio in 1997, and further refinements by Fazio in the summer of 2016. Notably, the par four 14th hole presents a tantalizing challenge with its dogleg left layout, offering the opportunity for bold players to drive the green with a well-placed tee shot. Measuring 346 yards from the championship tees, this hole is framed by a picturesque 15-acre lake to the left, with the narrow landing area guarded by bunkers on either side. The two-tiered green poses an additional test with bunkers strategically placed to catch errant shots. Similarly, the 17th hole, a daunting 221-yard par three over water, demands precision and nerve from players as they navigate the rock-walled lake and undulating green. With its strategic design and breathtaking surroundings, this course offers an unforgettable golfing experience for players of all levels.
11. Valhalla Golf Club
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Course Location: Louisville, Kentucky
Valhalla Golf Club stands as a testament to championship golfing excellence, steeped in rich history and surrounded by the scenic beauty of Louisville, Kentucky. Named after the mythical hall of the Norse gods, Valhalla Golf Club was the realization of Dwight Gahm’s vision to create a world-class golfing sanctuary capable of hosting major championships. Designed by Jack Nicklaus, the course offers a challenging yet playable experience for golfers of all levels, with its lush fairways, strategic water features, and captivating views. Since its inception, Valhalla has been the proud host of numerous prestigious tournaments, including the PGA Championship and Ryder Cup, showcasing its status as one of the premier golf clubs in the country. With a recent change in ownership by a group of dedicated local businessmen, Valhalla embarks on a new chapter, poised to continue its legacy of providing an unparalleled golfing experience steeped in Southern hospitality and tradition. Scheduled to host the 2024 PGA Championship, Valhalla promises spectators and players alike an unforgettable championship golf experience.
10. Pebble Beach
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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.
9. Castle Pines Golf Club
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Course Location: Castle Rock, Colorado
In 1969, Jack Vickers embarked on a journey to familiarize himself with Denver’s landscape, leading him to discover the breathtaking property that would later become Castle Pines Golf Club. After stumbling upon a dirt lane and ascending a rocky ridge, he was captivated by the panoramic views of Colorado’s natural beauty, envisioning it as the ideal location for his envisioned world-class golf course. After 12 years of negotiating, Vickers struck a deal with local landowners to secure the acreage needed for his dream project. With the site established, Vickers enlisted Jack Nicklaus as the course designer, despite their occasional disagreements, resulting in the creation of one of the nation’s premier golfing destinations. Construction commenced in 1979, culminating in the grand opening of Castle Pines Golf Club in October 1981.
8. TPC Sawgrass: Stadium
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Course Location: Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida
Conceived under the visionary leadership of former PGA Tour Commissioner Deane R. Beman, The Players Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass emerged in 1980 as the permanent host of The Players Championship. Pioneering a new era in golf course design, Beman collaborated with the esteemed architect Pete Dye to craft a layout that prioritized the enhancement of the spectator experience. This innovative approach led to the creation of a course renowned for its equitable challenges, not favoring any singular style of play. The signature island green on the par-3, 17th hole is one of the most recognized in all of golf.
7. Pinehurst No. 2
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Course Location: 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.
6. Bandon Dunes
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Course Location: Bandon, Oregon
The third course from golf heaven on this list, this is the one that started it all. The saga began in 1999 with the unveiling of Bandon Dunes. Crafted by the visionary Scotsman David McLay Kidd, the course graces a coastal perch, gazing over the majestic Pacific Ocean. Nature’s profound influence sculpted the terrain, setting the stage for what would evolve into a golfing masterpiece. The course’s layout tantalizes the senses, guiding players through a captivating odyssey that culminates at the heart of the resort. Winding amidst untouched coastal dunes, the journey unfolds, offering glimpses of vast ocean vistas at every turn. This course is very strategy-based– winds are ever-present, and the varying elements create a new experience each time you play.
5. The Riviera Country Club
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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), and PGA Championship (1983, 1995). It is also tapped to host the Olympics in 2028 and is home to the PGA Tour’s Genesis Invitational.
4. Muirfield Village Golf Club
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Course Location: Dublin, Ohio
Crafted by golf legend Jack Nicklaus, Muirfield Village pays homage to Scotland’s historic Muirfield, where Nicklaus clinched the first of his three British Open titles in 1966, marking the inception of his illustrious career in grand slams. Nestled within this prestigious enclave lie two distinct courses: The Country Club at Muirfield and the renowned Muirfield Village Golf Club, home to the esteemed Memorial Tournament. Over the years, Muirfield Village has hosted a plethora of esteemed events, from national championships to international team competitions (1987 Ryder Cup, 2013 Presidents Cup), cementing its status as a premier golfing destination. Under Nicklaus’s meticulous stewardship, the course has continually evolved, with strategic modifications to accommodate technological advancements and enhance the playing experience.
3. Pacific Dunes
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Course Location: Bandon, Oregon
Crafted under the meticulous eye of renowned architect Tom Doak and unveiled in 2001, Pacific Dunes stands as a testament to the raw beauty of nature. Unlike its counterparts, Pacific Dunes doesn’t feel like it was built as much as it was discovered. Its undulating fairways and untouched bunkers seamlessly blend into the coastal landscape, evoking a sense of timeless charm. The course emerges from shore pines to spectacular 60-foot sand dunes. The ever-present wind adds an element of challenge, demanding precision from every shot. Pacific Dunes is short enough to give you hope but rugged enough to test every facet of your game. You will be hard-pressed to find a more beautiful golf course.
2. Cypress Point
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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 can clear the water, you will be tasked with avoiding bunkers that guard the green.
1. Augusta National Golf Club
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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.
