Best Golf Courses in USA | Top American Golf Courses | Our Top Picks
The USA is a paradise for golf enthusiasts, offering some of the most iconic and challenging golf courses in the world. With lush fairways, stunning landscapes, and meticulously designed courses, golfing in the USA is an experience like no other. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, America’s top golf courses promise an unforgettable experience.
Let’s explore some of the best golfing destinations in the USA. In this article, I reviewed the best golf courses across the country. These courses are listed in no particular order – you can’t go wrong picking any of them.
Pebble Beach Golf Links (Pebble Beach, California)
Pebble Beach Golf Links is one of the most famous courses in the world, renowned for its breathtaking ocean views and challenging layout. Located along the rugged coastline of California, this course has hosted numerous prestigious tournaments, including the U.S. Open.
Location: Pebble Beach, California
Length: 6,828 yards
Par: 72
Designed by: Jack Neville, Douglas Grant
Established: 1919
Notable Tournaments: U.S. Open, AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am
Where to Stay: Pebble Beach Resorts
Golfweek’s Best Rating: 8.72
The stunning seaside holes and the historic significance of Pebble Beach make it a must-play for any golfer. The iconic 7th and 18th holes are particularly memorable, with the 18th being one of the most famous finishing holes in golf.
Details: Official Pebble Beach Golf Links Website
Augusta National Golf Club (Augusta, Georgia)
Home to the prestigious Masters Tournament, Augusta National Golf Club is revered in the golfing world. Its immaculate fairways, challenging greens, and rich history make it one of the most exclusive and sought-after courses to play.
Location: Augusta, Georgia
Length: 7,475 yards
Par: 72
Designed by: Alister MacKenzie, Bobby Jones
Established: 1933
Notable Tournaments: The Masters
Golfweek’s Best Rating: 9.28
The course’s beauty, particularly during the Masters when the azaleas are in full bloom, is breathtaking. However, Augusta’s tight fairways and lightning-fast greens present a true challenge, even for the best players in the world.
Details: Augusta National Golf Club
Pinehurst No. 2 (Pinehurst, North Carolina)
Pinehurst No. 2 is a masterpiece of golf course design, known for its strategic layout and challenging greens. This course has hosted more single golf championships than any other course in America, making it a legendary venue.
Location: Pinehurst, North Carolina
Length: 7,588 yards
Par: 70
Designed by: Donald Ross
Established: 1907
Notable Tournaments: U.S. Open, Ryder Cup, PGA Championship
Golfweek’s Best Rating: 8.95
Donald Ross designed Pinehurst No. 2 to test every aspect of a golfer’s game, particularly the short game. The crowned greens are notoriously difficult, adding to the challenge and allure of this historic course.
Details: Pinehurst Resort
Shinnecock Hills Golf Club (Southampton, New York)
As one of the oldest golf clubs in the United States, Shinnecock Hills has a rich history and is considered one of the finest links-style courses in the country. It’s known for its narrow fairways, deep bunkers, and windy conditions.
Location: Southampton, New York
Length: 7,440 yards
Par: 70
Designed by: William Flynn
Established: 1891
Notable Tournaments: U.S. Open, Walker Cup
Golfweek’s Best Rating: 9.12
Shinnecock’s layout requires precision and strategic play. The wind coming off the Atlantic Ocean adds another layer of difficulty, making every round a test of skill and patience.
Details: Shinnecock Hills Golf Club
Cypress Point Club (Pebble Beach, California)
Cypress Point Club is one of the most exclusive and scenic golf courses in the world. Located on the Monterey Peninsula, this course is famed for its dramatic coastal holes that challenge even the best golfers.
Location: Pebble Beach, California
Length: 6,524 yards
Par: 72
Designed by: Alister MacKenzie
Established: 1928
Golfweek’s Best Rating: 9.45
The 15th, 16th, and 17th holes at Cypress Point are among the most beautiful and challenging in the world. The 16th hole, in particular, is a par-3 that plays over the Pacific Ocean, requiring both precision and nerve.
Details: Cypress Point Club
Oakmont Country Club (Oakmont, Pennsylvania)
Oakmont Country Club is one of the most challenging courses in the world, known for its fast greens and deep bunkers. This course has hosted more combined USGA and PGA championships than any other course in the U.S.
Location: Oakmont, Pennsylvania
Length: 7,255 yards
Par: 71
Designed by: Henry Fownes
Established: 1903
Notable Tournaments: U.S. Open, PGA Championship, U.S. Amateur
Golfweek’s Best Rating: 9.02
Oakmont’s Church Pews bunker and slick, undulating greens have tested some of the greatest golfers in history. Playing here is a true examination of a golfer’s skill and mental toughness.
Details: Oakmont Country Club
TPC Sawgrass (Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida)
Home to The Players Championship, TPC Sawgrass is best known for its iconic 17th hole, the “Island Green.” This course is a modern marvel of design, offering a balanced challenge for all types of golfers.
Location: Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida
Length: 7,245 yards
Par: 72
Designed by: Pete Dye
Established: 1980
Notable Tournaments: The Players Championship
Golfweek’s Best Rating: 8.75
TPC Sawgrass demands accuracy and nerve, especially on the closing holes. The 17th hole is one of the most famous and feared par-3s in golf, where even the best players can be humbled.
Details: TPC Sawgrass
Merion Golf Club (Ardmore, Pennsylvania)
Merion Golf Club is a historic course that has hosted numerous major championships. Known for its tight fairways and strategic design, Merion is a course that rewards precision over power.
Location: Ardmore, Pennsylvania
Length: 6,846 yards
Par: 70
Designed by: Hugh Wilson
Established: 1912
Notable Tournaments: U.S. Open, Walker Cup