Best Golf Courses in the US 2023 - Top 10 for an Unforgettable Round
by Maivizhi A | Updated May 08, 2023
Best Golf Courses in the US 2023
Golf is a popular sport enjoyed by millions of people around the world, and the United States boasts some of the best golf courses in the world. The country has a long history with the sport, with many iconic golf courses steeped in tradition and prestige. From the East Coast to the West Coast, and everywhere in between, there are plenty of top-notch golf courses to choose from.
Some of the best golf courses in the US include Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia, which is home to the prestigious Masters Tournament; Pebble Beach Golf Links in California, which offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean; and Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina, which has hosted multiple US Open Championships.
Other notable courses include the TPC Sawgrass in Florida, which features the famous "island green" on the 17th hole; the Kiawah Island Golf Resort in South Carolina, which hosted the 2012 PGA Championship; and Bandon Dunes Golf Resort in Oregon, which boasts several courses with breathtaking views of the rugged Pacific coastline.
Whether you're a seasoned pro or a casual golfer, there are plenty of options when it comes to golfing in the US. With so many amazing courses to choose from, it's no wonder that golfers from around the world come to the US to play on these world-class courses.
Top 10 Golf Courses in the US
Here is the list of the top 10 Golf Courses in the US with the location of these courses.
1
Pine Valley Golf Club
Pine Valley, New Jersey.
2
Augusta National Golf Club
Augusta, Georgia.
3
Cypress Point Club
Pebble Beach, California.
4
Shinnecock Hills Golf Club
Southampton, New York.
5
Oakmont Country Club
Oakmont, Pennsylvania.
6
Merion Golf Club: East
Ardmore, Pennsylvania.
7
National Golf Links of America
Southampton, New York.
8
Sand Hills Golf Club
Mullen, Nebraska.
9
Fishers Island Club
Fishers Island, New York.
10
Seminole Golf Club
Juno Beach, Florida.
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Golf Courses in the US
Location
Let us see each of the golf courses in detail.
1. Pine Valley Golf Club: Pine Valley, New Jersey
Pine Valley Golf Club is consistently ranked as the best golf course in the world. The course is located in Pine Valley, New Jersey and was designed by George Crump and Harry Colt in 1913. It is known for its challenging and unique design, with the course being set among towering pine trees, sand dunes, and waste bunkers.
Pine Valley is a private club, and membership is extremely exclusive, with an invitation being required to join. The course has hosted several major golf tournaments, including the Walker Cup and the PGA Championship. It is widely regarded as one of the most challenging courses in the world, with a unique blend of short and long holes, tricky greens, and deep bunkers. Pine Valley is a must-play for any serious golfer, and a true test of skill and perseverance.
2. Augusta National Golf Club: Augusta, Georgia
Augusta National Golf Club is a world-famous golf course located in Augusta, Georgia. It was founded in 1933 by legendary golfer Bobby Jones and investment banker Clifford Roberts. The course has played host to the Masters Tournament since 1934, one of the most prestigious events in golf. Augusta National is known for its beautifully manicured fairways and greens, with stunning azalea and dogwood blooms adding to the scenery.
The course is also known for its iconic holes, including the par-3 12th hole, known as the "Golden Bell," which is one of the most challenging short holes in golf. Augusta National is a private club, and membership is highly exclusive, with an invitation being required to join. The course is considered a must-play for any serious golfer, and the Masters Tournament is one of the most-watched and highly anticipated events in all of sports.
3. Cypress Point Club: Pebble Beach, California
Cypress Point Club is a private golf course located in Pebble Beach, California. It was designed by Alister MacKenzie, who is known for designing some of the most iconic golf courses in the world. The course was opened in 1928 and has since become one of the most revered courses in the world.
The course is known for its stunning natural beauty and challenging holes. It is situated on the coast and features dramatic ocean views throughout the course. Cypress Point is also known for its unique bunkering and green complexes, which add to the challenge of the course.
Cypress Point Club has hosted many important golf tournaments over the years, including the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and the Walker Cup. Despite its prestige, the course is only open to members and their guests.
4. Shinnecock Hills Golf Club: Southampton, New York
Shinnecock Hills Golf Club is a private golf club located in Southampton, New York. It was founded in 1891 and is one of the oldest golf clubs in the United States. The course was designed by William Flynn and has since undergone many renovations and upgrades.
Shinnecock Hills is known for its challenging layout and natural beauty. It is situated on the coast of Long Island and features views of the ocean throughout the course. The course is also known for its unique bunkering and green complexes, which require precision and skill to navigate.
Shinnecock Hills has hosted many important golf tournaments over the years, including the U.S. Open. It is widely regarded as one of the best courses in the world and is a must-play for any serious golfer. Despite its prestige, the course is only open to members and their guests.
5. Oakmont Country Club: Oakmont, Pennsylvania
Oakmont Country Club is located in Oakmont, Pennsylvania, and is considered one of the most challenging golf courses in the United States. It was designed by Henry Fownes and opened in 1903. The course has hosted numerous major championships, including the U.S. Open, U.S. Women's Open, and U.S. Amateur.
The course features narrow fairways, deep bunkers, and lightning-fast greens, making it a true test of skill for even the most seasoned golfers. Oakmont is also known for its famous "Church Pew" bunker, which stretches 100 yards along the third and fourth fairways and can swallow up any errant shots. The course underwent renovations in 2015 to restore some of its original features and ensure that it continues to challenge the best players in the world.
6. Merion Golf Club: East: Ardmore, Pennsylvania
Merion Golf Club is located in Ardmore, Pennsylvania, just outside of Philadelphia. The club was founded in 1896 and has two courses, the East Course and the West Course. The East Course is the more famous of the two and has hosted numerous major championships, including the U.S. Open, U.S. Women's Open, and U.S. Amateur.
The course was designed by Hugh Wilson and features narrow fairways, deep bunkers, and undulating greens. It is known for its iconic par-3 13th hole, which requires a precise tee shot over a quarry to a small green. Merion is a traditional-style course that rewards accuracy and strategy over power, making it a favorite among many professional golfers.
7. National Golf Links of America: Southampton, New York
National Golf Links of America is located in Southampton, New York, and was designed by renowned golf course architect C.B. Macdonald. The course opened in 1908 and is considered one of the greatest golf courses in the world. It has hosted numerous major championships, including the U.S. Open, and is known for its strategic design, challenging greens, and unique bunkering.
The course features a variety of holes that are inspired by famous holes from other courses around the world, including the "Redan" hole, which is based on a hole at North Berwick Golf Club in Scotland. National Golf Links of America is a must-play for any serious golfer looking to experience the history and tradition of the game.
8. Sand Hills Golf Club: Mullen, Nebraska
Sand Hills Golf Club, located in Mullen, Nebraska, is widely considered one of the best golf courses in the United States. It was designed by renowned golf course architect Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw and opened in 1995. The course is set on a vast expanse of rolling sand hills and features stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
The course itself is a par-72, 7,089-yard layout that challenges players with a variety of shots and hazards. The fairways are generous but require precise shots to find the correct positions for the approach shot. The greens are large and undulating, which requires a great deal of skill to read and execute putts.
The course is known for its natural beauty and minimalist design, which emphasizes the land's natural contours and features. The course has hosted several high-profile tournaments, including the 2015 U.S. Amateur Championship.
9. Fishers Island Club: Fishers Island, New York
Fishers Island Club is a private golf course located on Fishers Island, New York. The course was designed by Seth Raynor and opened in 1926. It is considered one of the most exclusive and prestigious golf clubs in the United States.
The course is a par-72, 6,566-yard layout that features stunning ocean views and challenging holes. The course is known for its fast greens and challenging bunkers, which require precise shots and good course management to score well.
The course is maintained to the highest standards, and the club is known for its exceptional service and amenities. The club has hosted several high-profile events, including the Walker Cup in 1989 and the Metropolitan Open in 2017.
10. Seminole Golf Club: Juno Beach, Florida
Seminole Golf Club is a private golf course located in Juno Beach, Florida. The course was designed by Donald Ross and opened in 1929. It is considered one of the best and most exclusive golf clubs in the United States, with a membership limited to just 300 members.
The course is a par-72, 6,836-yard layout that challenges players with narrow fairways, tricky greens, and strategic bunkering. The course has a classic design that emphasizes shot-making and strategy over distance, making it a favorite among traditionalists.
The course has hosted several high-profile events, including the Walker Cup in 2021 and the Florida Open. It is known for its excellent conditioning and exceptional service, which includes caddies for all players.
Top Golf Courses in the US
Here is a list of some other Golf Courses in the US.
1
Winged Foot Golf Club: West Course
2
Pebble Beach Golf Links
3
Chicago Golf Club
4
Crystal Downs Country Club
5
Friar's Head Golf Club
6
Los Angeles Country Club: North
7
Muirfield Village Golf Club
8
Riviera Country Club
9
The Country Club: The Main Course
10
Oakland Hills Country Club: South
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Golf Courses
Best Golf Courses in America
The United States is home to some of the best golf courses in the world, with a long history and tradition in the sport. The top 10 golf courses in the US include Pine Valley Golf Club, Augusta National Golf Club, Cypress Point Club, Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, Oakmont Country Club, Merion Golf Club: East, National Golf Links of America, Sand Hills Golf Club, Fishers Island Club, and Seminole Golf Club.
These courses offer unique challenges and stunning natural beauty, making them must-play destinations for serious golfers. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a casual player, the US offers an abundance of top-notch courses to choose from, with a wide range of styles and difficulty levels.
Best Golf Courses in the US - FAQs
Pine Valley Golf Club is considered the best golf course in the world due to its unique and challenging design, set among towering pine trees, sand dunes, and waste bunkers.
No, Pine Valley Golf Club is a private club, and membership is extremely exclusive, with an invitation being required to join. Therefore, only members and their guests are allowed to play on the course.
The most iconic hole at Augusta National Golf Club is the par-3 12th hole, known as the "Golden Bell."
No, Augusta National Golf Club is a private club, and membership is highly exclusive, with an invitation being required to join.
Cypress Point Club is a revered golf course due to its stunning natural beauty and challenging holes.