Best Golf Courses
By now, I’m guessing you’re familiar with our course guides. If so, you know that I love golf in the Carolinas. I make a buddies’ trip to play back here every year. Even with as much as I’ve played in this part of ...
One of the newest courses in the state is located just 10 minutes from downtown Wilmington. It’s called Compass Pointe.Designed by North Carolina native, Rick Robbins, this layout has quickly developed a reputation as ...
According to Golf Digest, “Eagle Point is some of Tom Fazio’s best work”. The locals say this is one of the most underrated rounds of golf in the Wilmington area. Holes wander through live oaks, sabal palms, and ...
Another widely respected 27-hole facility is Magnolia Greens. Each nine plays distinctly different with a mixture of tight and narrow, long and short holes. While some holes demand your very best if you’re going to ...
I love a good muni. You guys probably know that by now if you’ve read enough of our course guides.Wilmington Muni is operated by the city. It was designed by none other than Donald Ross in 1926. An old-school ...
There’s just something especially romantic about golf along the coast. That’s exactly what awaits at Beau Rivage. This 18-hole masterpiece makes its way through coastal estuaries and forests of whispering pines. Even ...
No less than 27 holes of award-winning golf await at Carolina National. Designed by Fred Couples, this layout is the epitome of golf in the coastal lowlands. The Lockwood Folly River comes into play on a number of ...
Yes, you read that right. This place has not only great golf, but more beer than you can imagine as well. Sounds like a winning combination to me. Owned and operated by Ironclad Brewing Company, this track is in the ...
Old Pointe Golf Club has a storied history having opened all the way back in 1975. Today, this semi-private facility boasts an active membership, but is open to play for the public. Designed by Jerry Turner, this is a ...
True links courses are few and far between in this part of the country. However, that’s precisely what you’ll find at Castle Bay Country Club. Penal bunkers, native grasses, and ample penalty areas can be found ...
The unanimous opinion was that Cape National at Brunswick Forest is the place to be if you want to experience some of the best golf that Wilmington has to offer. Unlike a lot of courses in the Carolina’s, the natural ...
Maybe you’ve read some of our other course guides about golf in Michigan. If so, you know that my best friend from college, Dan, lives in the wonderful community of Ann Arbor. Every year, I make a trip out to see him ...
We didn’t have a chance to get to Indian Trails in the city of Grand Rapids, but our readers insisted this place is a hidden gem. This isn’t a long golf course, but it’s the perfect place if you’re a beginner, or just ...
Mt. Pleasant, Michigan is quite the spot. Dan has vacationed here with his family and had high remarks for Bucks Run. So much so that he wanted me to see it with my own eyes. Set on more than 290 acres, this is a ...
We don’t have enough room to list all the accolades and awards Pilgrim’s Run has received. Suffice it to say this is one of the finest upscale daily fee facilities in all of Michigan. Dan and I played here near the ...
Also set on the shores of Lake Michigan is Macatawa Golf Club. Even though Dan and I didn’t have the chance to play this track, our readers unanimously insisted it’s one of the best in the western part of the state. A ...
While my favorite golfer of all-time is Arnold Palmer, Dan’s is Jack Nicklaus. That’s why it was only fair that we played Harbor Shores on our trip.A Nicklaus design, Harbor Shores has hosted the Senior PGA ...
Just like Shanty Creek, there are a number of courses at Gull Lake View. Dan has played most of them, but his favorite is the Stoatin Brae Course. Unlike a lot of courses in this part of the country, this one is ...
Dan knows that Arnold Palmer is my favorite golfer of all-time. That’s why there was no way we were going to miss a chance to play Shanty Creek’s Legend Course.Designed by the King, this track asks for your very best ...
There are a bevy of courses at Shanty Creek Resort. We didn’t have time to play them all, but the Cedar River Course was a memorable experience.Designed by Tom Weiskopf, it’s no surprise Golfweek called this course ...
Our next stop was Elmbrook Golf Course. Dan knows I love a good muni, and that’s exactly what Elmbrook turned out to be. An old school layout, the course isn’t overly long. Set atop of a large hill, the views of both ...
One of our first stops was in Traverse City. Neither of us had ever been to Traverse City but Dan had heard there was some quality golf to be found.The Crown Golf Club was our first round and didn’t ...
Much like Wyoming, I still harbor a childlike fascination with South Dakota. A land seemingly so vast and endless, I imagine myself a frontier explorer with endless wonder of what lies over the next hill. I’ve been ...
Willow Run received a prestigious “Four Star” rating from Golf Digest. And it’s not hard to see why.This Joel Goldstrand design isn’t just one of the most scenic you’ll find anywhere; it offers a ton of opportunities ...
Just outside Rapid City, you’ll find Hart Ranch Golf Course. Elevation change is the prominent feature here. The vistas from the course’s highest points are breathtaking but you’d better stay focused. Club selection ...
Lawrence Hughes might be one of the most understated architects of the Golden Era. We’re talking about the 1930’s, give or take a decade or two. He’s the guy who designed Tomahawk Lake Country Club.We’ve got another ...
There’s a theme in South Dakota with golf courses that have “country” and “club” in their name. While that implies that they’re “member’s only” facilities, that’s usually not the case.So goes the story at Belle ...
The finest facility in the city of Huron is Broadland Creek. This track is right in front of you. No surprises or blind shots. With that being said, penalty areas and well-placed bunkers come into play on a number of ...
Boulder Canyon is the newest golf course in the Black Hills region. Located just a short drive from the world-famous town of Sturgis, this course winds its way through boulder country and affords unforgettable views in ...
Always having my eye out for a good nine-holer, there’s no way I was going to leave Rocky Knolls off my list. Located in the quaint town of Custer, this track affords stunning views of the Black Hills. Don’t get too ...
It’s all about family at Hillcrest Golf and Country Club in Yankton. Your family, absolutely. But it’s their goal to make you feel like family when you come to play. This is a semi-private facility that has a robust ...
The clear local’s choice in Rapid City is Meadowbrook Golf Course. Designed by David Gill, this parkland design is an absolute classic. Stately cottonwood, spruce, and fir trees line the fairways and tell you exactly ...
As its name would suggest, Southern Hills is nestled into the southern region of the Black Hills. Verdant fairways are framed by magnificent Ponderosa pine trees to create what many golfers call a work of art. With ...
I haven’t spent any time in South Jersey. From the little I knew about this part of the country, I wouldn’t have pegged it as a top golf destination.Boy, was I ever mistaken? Our readers were all too quick to brag ...
Wide fairways, rolling terrain, and gently sloping greens characterize the layout at Hanover Golf Club.Even though this course is in the middle of a metropolitan area, it feels far removed from the noise and traffic. ...
McCullough’s Emerald Golf Links is hands down the best value on the Jersey Shore.Just minutes from downtown Atlantic City, this course feels distinctly Scottish. Wide-open fairways, plenty of sand and water, and ...
Avalon Golf Club is located on the Jersey Shore between Ocean City and Wildwood.Even though this track is right on the coast, most of the layout exists inland where holes are framed by whispering pines.Target golf is ...
Harbor Pines is one of the more affordable rounds of golf in Egg Harbor Township.For the last 25 years, locals have remained loyal to this facility because of its impeccable condition and unparalleled customer ...
Even though this track has the words “country” and “club” in its name, it’s 100% open to the public.This is a traditional layout with tree lined fairways and a mix of long and short holes. Generally, keeping it in the ...
Also located in Egg Harbor Township is Ballamor Golf Club.A golfer’s sanctuary, the course is carved out of dense woods and rolling terrain. It occupies some 350 acres. Even though the course has lots of trees, the ...
Pinelands Golf Club is a classic layout in the heart of Hammonton. It opened in 1963. Every hole is framed by mature trees that are trouble if you stray offline. Short and straight is better than long and ...
When it opened in 1993, Blue Heron Pines quickly developed a reputation as the premier place to play on the Jersey Shore. Designed by Stephen Kay, this layout blends seamlessly with the natural pine forest that ...
Built on an old sand quarry, Scotland Run is another true test of links golf. Just 45 minutes from Atlantic City, Scotland Run is easy to get to if you’re from out of town.Wide fairways and large features allow you to ...
Twisted Dune is one of the most revered modern links courses on the Eastern Seaboard. It was even ranked the “Fourth Best Public Course in New Jersey” by Golfweek. When you hit it crooked out here, you probably won’t ...
Last time I was in Raleigh, I was at a Darius Rucker concert, and I was having myself a mighty fun time. While I don’t remember much of what happened post-concert, I do remember the crowd going crazy during the song, ...
Even though Olde Liberty is located in the heart of the Research Triangle, you’ll feel like you’re in the middle of nature when you play it. A quiet setting that lacks any commercial or residential buildings. The ...
Hedingham Golf Club was designed by respected architect, David Postlethwait. A local’s favorite, the course’s diversity is what makes it both fun and challenging. A mixture of long and short holes will have you using ...
Even though Olde Liberty is located in the heart of the Research Triangle, you’ll feel like you’re in the middle of nature when you play it. A quiet setting that lacks any commercial or residential buildings. The ...
Hedingham Golf Club was designed by respected architect, David Postlethwait. A local’s favorite, the course’s diversity is what makes it both fun and challenging. A mixture of long and short holes will have you using ...
The Crossings Golf Club is in Durham, just a short drive from Raleigh. The work of renowned architect Ron Garl, this course demands sound strategy and laser-like accuracy. If you miss big here, you’re going to pay ...
Another great track along the Neuse River is Riverwood Golf Club. Set on rolling terrain, this layout moves naturally along the land’s contours. Three different nines comprise this facility. Each one has its own ...
One of the best values in the area is just ten minutes from downtown Raleigh. It’s called Eagle Ridge Golf Club and it was designed by World Golf Hall of Fame member, Tom Kite. Since it opened in 2000, good players ...
Davis Love III designed this iconic course that sits at the edge of Jordan Lake. Located just south of Chapel Hill, getting here is easy and well worth it. Golfweek called this course “One of the 40 Best New Courses” ...
As its name would suggest, The Neuse Country Club boasts an active private membership. However, the public is welcome to come play too. The traditional layout blends old and modern design features in a way that makes ...
For more than 33 years, Reedy Creek has welcomed golfers from all over the Research Triangle. The course was designed by Gene Hamm and occupies fertile ground that was formerly a working farm. Today, southern pines ...
Chuck Smith was the mastermind behind the course at River Ridge. This spectacular layout meanders through rolling hills and hollows along the banks of the Neuse River. This course was constructed in perfect harmony ...
Lonnie Poole is home to the NC State men’s and women’s golf teams. This golf course was also designed by Arnold Palmer, my favorite golfer of all-time. Located just minutes from downtown, this course is one of the ...
If you haven’t yet been to Asheville, North Carolina, you’ve been missing out. This mountain town has quickly become one of the hottest vacation destinations on the East Coast.It makes sense too. There are endless ...
Picturesque and relaxing. That’s how locals and visitors alike describe a round at Reems Creek. Even more, Golf Digest gave this course four stars and the prestigious “Best Places to Play” ...
Donald Ross was a busy guy in 1926. Not only did he design Asheville Golf Course, he constructed Grove Park as well.Ranked by Conde Nast Traveler as a “Top 20 Southern U.S. Golf Resort in the U.S.” in 2011, Grove Park ...
There’s no less than 27 holes of top-notch golf waiting for you at Etowah Golf Course. The old school design dates back to 1967.Rolling fairways and small greens are framed by stately trees that ask you to keep the ...
One of the oldest courses in the western part of the state, Asheville Golf Course was designed by Donald Ross and opened for play in 1926.The course’s features reflect that time period too. The greens are small and ...
Located in Fletcher, North Carolina, Broadmoor Golf Links is an iconic layout that affords stunning views of the Blueridge Mountains and the French Broad River Valley below. Designed by Karl Litten, Broadmoor’s Bermuda ...
If you’ve read our course guide about public golf in Colorado, you know I absolutely love this state and all that it has to offer. From hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, and just general exploring, the outdoor ...
The third oldest golf course west of the Mississippi world is Patty Jewett Golf Course. It opened in 1898. Since 1919, it’s been owned and operated by the city of Colorado Springs. Golfers have 27 holes of classic ...
Eisenhower Golf Club is the home facility for the Airforce Academy. These are big courses that ask a lot of your game from tee to green. Drive is straight and long, and pick your clubs into greens wisely. The Blue ...
Shining Mountain just sounds like a happy place to be. I can personally attest that it is. Set in the community of Woodland Park, this is a classic mountain design that meanders through alpine meadows while affording ...
As its name suggests, Cheyenne Shadows sits at the base of Cheyenne Mountain. Even though this course was built for the Cheyenne Mountain Space Force, it’s open to the public and civilians are welcomed with open arms, ...
A theme in Colorado Springs is facilities with 27 holes. Just like Silver Spruce, you can choose between a championship 18-hole course and a nine-hole par three course.The regulation course is short and somewhat ...
There’s a lot going on at Silver Spruce Golf Course. Not only is the 18-hole course open year around and always in great shape, the nine-hole par three course is perfect for families and beginners. The Championship ...
When you visit Colorado Springs, a day exploring Pike’s Peak and the Garden of the Gods is a must. The geologic formations and scenery have to be seen to be believed. I’ve taken my family here and I’m always happy to ...
The East Course at the Broadmoor is considerably more user friendly than the West Course. The fairways are generous and the greens sizable. With that being said, they can be difficult to read. As a general rule of ...
The Broadmoor Resort is one of the most iconic properties in the American West. It’s rich with the history of luminaries from decades past, and a lot of great golf.The West Course is a formidable test to say the ...
Residents say Antler Creek is one of the finest public courses in all of El Paso County. Designed by Rick Phelps and opened in 2004, this course offers six sets of tees making it both fun and challenging for ...
I haven’t spent a lot of time in Virginia, and to be honest, I’ve played only a scant amount of golf. But Old Dominion has always fascinated me for some reason. Maybe it’s the rich Civil War history, that ...
Mill Quarter Plantation is a public course in every sense of the word. You won’t find much pretention out here. Instead, the atmosphere is laid back and everyone is welcome. With that being said, the course ...
Birkdale Golf Club is a semi-private club that sets aside ample tee times for the public every day. The Dan Maples design caters to both seasoned players and beginners. From the back tees, expect to hit every club in ...
One of the more scenic courses in Richmond is Hanover Golf Club. It’s nestled in gently rolling foothills that offer spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. Your chances of seeing wildlife are better than ...
Providence Golf Club underwent a renovation in 2002 and has received 4.5 stars from Golf Digest every year since. This is a traditional parkland layout with narrow fairways lined by trees. Holes meander in each ...
Belmont Golf Course is one of the oldest courses in the area. It opened its doors all the way back in 1917 and was designed by A.W. Tillinghast. Just a decade later, it was redesigned by Donald Ross. ...
Just 20 miles east of downtown Richmond, you’ll find the Club at Viniterra. This Rees Jones design sits adjacent to the critically acclaimed New Kent Winery and is the focal point of the greater residential ...
The entire family is welcome at Independence Golf Club. Not only does this facility boast a tremendous layout, there’s fun to be had at the spacious indoor/outdoor event venue. On any given night of the week during ...
When it opened in 1999, Lake Chesdin quickly became a favorite of both Richmond locals and visitors alike. I’m told the Bermuda fairways are like playing off carpet, and the greens are a dream to putt on. ...
Even though Meadowbrook is touted as one of the higher-end private clubs in the Richmond area, the course is open for public play on a limited basis. The club has a storied history of iconic pros too. ...
Royal New Kent was designed by the venerable Mark Strantz and has been consistently ranked in Golf Digest’s list of “100 Greatest Courses”. This links style layout isn’t typical of a lot of courses you’ll find ...
If you’ve been a regular reader of our public course guides, you know that I don’t mind making a little wager if there’s a gaming establishment in close proximity to where I’m playing golf. Trust me, I don’t ...
Also operated by the city of Saint George is Southgate Golf Club. Even though the Santa Clara River weaves through this course and can swallow up errant shots, the fairways are generous here. That’s especially true on ...
As its name might imply, Saint George Golf Course is owned and operated by the city proper.Having played here a number of times, I can say that I light it up with the putter (not something I can say often). That’s ...
You guys know I’m a fan of old-school designs that are a little quirky. In Saint George, there aren’t too many. But Dixie Red Hills is most certainly one that fits the bill. Opened in the 1960’s, this ...
Set in the heart of the Virgin River Valley, SunRiver Golf Club is one of the truest tests of golf in the Saint George area.Some of the purest greens in Southern Utah are complemented by lush fairways which are ...
Green Spring Golf Course is only part of the story at the world-class recreation facility in the town of Washington. In addition to a user-friendly track, the facility has mountain biking trails, football and baseball ...
In an area seemingly saturated with high-end resort courses, Sky Mountain is a breath of fresh air in the Saint George area. Owned and operated by the city of Hurricane, this is one of the best values you’re going to ...
There’s not much quick like the contrast of emerald green grass and red rock backdrops at first or last light. That’s exactly what’s to be experienced at The Ledges of Saint George.A modern design, this course’s ...
Along with Sand Hollow, Coral Canyon is a course we play every time we’re in Saint George.Designed by Keith Foster and situated in “Color Country”, golfers are treated to splendid views of Bryce Canyon’s snow-capped ...
Unlike the Championship Course that is desert target golf in every sense of the word, the Links Course at Sand Hollow Resort asks you to hit a variety of shots and use the ground to your advantage.Even though it’s only ...
Sand Hollow Resort is quite the place. Golf is most definitely the focal point, but there’s plenty of other activities for the family. My wife wants to bring the kids on our fall trip, but I’ve diplomatically made it ...
For some reason, I’ve always felt like Missouri is one of the most understated states in the country. I’m not quite sure why. Maybe it’s too far east to be considered a “flyover” state. Perhaps it’s too far west and ...
Horton Smith Golf Course is located in the community of Springfield. One of the best values in the area, this is the epitome of muni golf. The layout is straightforward and not that long. With that being said, you ...
Thousand Hills is often called the “Fastest 18 in Branson”. Pace of play is never an issue here. It’s also one of the most unique and enjoyable rounds you’ll find anywhere. Playing to a par of 64, this course gives ...
Rounding out the tracks at Big Cedar Lodge is Ozarks National. Designed by the infamous duo of Coore and Crenshaw, this track is one of the most beautiful you’ll find anywhere. Mountain vistas and sweeping prairie ...
