Top 10 Golf Courses in the United States

America’s best golf courses feature unique designs, challenging layouts, and stunning scenery. Many courses are rich in history and have hosted prestigious championships such as the U.S. Open and the Masters. Others are known for exclusivity and private memberships. Each course offers a unique experience that blends a love of the game with natural beauty.

Whether you’re a local looking to improve your game or a traveler seeking a first-class golfing experience, these top courses are exciting and worth visiting. This guide will highlight some of the best golf courses in the country, focusing on their unique features and history. Get ready to explore the best golf courses in the United States. Here are some of the best golf courses in the United States:

golf course

Place

Pal

Designer/Creator

Pine Valley Golf Club

Pine Valley, New Jersey

70

George Arthur Crump

Augusta National Golf Club

Augusta, Georgia

72

Bobby Jones, Alister MacKenzie

Cypress Point Club

Pebble Beach, California

72

Alister Mackenzie

Shinnecock Hills Golf Club

Southampton, New York

70

not applicable

Oakmont Country Club

Oakmont, Pennsylvania

71

Henry Furnace

Merrion Golf Club

Ardmore, Pennsylvania

70

not applicable

America’s National Golf Links

Southampton, New York

72

Charles Blair MacDonald

Pebble Beach Golf Links

Pebble Beach, California

72

not applicable

Pine Forest No.2

Pinehurst, North Carolina

70

Donald Ross

Monk’s Head

Baiting Hollow, New York

72

Bill Coore, Ben Crenshaw

Pine Valley Golf Club (New Jersey)

Pine Valley Golf Club is one of the most unique and difficult golf courses in the world. Created by George Arthur Crump and others, it requires golfers to be precise and skilled due to its unique layout. Golf Digest, Golf Magazine, and other publications regularly rank the course as the best golf course in the United States.

Membership is by invitation only, and guests may only attend tournaments accompanied by members. The club is known for its strict guest admission rules and recent improvements in gender inclusivity. It has hosted well-respected tournaments such as the Walker Cup.

Augusta National Golf Club (Georgia)

Augusta National Golf Club, home of the prestigious Masters Tournament, is known for its spectacular azaleas and iconic Amen Corner. Bobby Jones and Alister MacKenzie designed the layout of the course, blending scenic natural landscapes with thought-provoking strategic obstacles.

It is one of the most famous golf courses in the world, known for its exclusivity and customs, such as the green jacket awarded to the Masters champion. In order to maintain its reputation as one of the best places to play golf, the course has undergone several improvements.

Cypress Point Club (California)

Cypress Point is known for its beautiful waterfront views, which are scattered throughout the meticulously designed Alister MacKenzie course layout. Many holes are located on the edge, right next to the Pacific Ocean – creating a stunning backdrop for your game.

This is one of the most beautiful courses in the world, but membership is extremely special. The course is beloved by top players for its unique design and natural beauty, but it has faced intense scrutiny given issues with California’s water supply.

Shinnecock Hills Golf Club (New York)

Shinnecock Hills is one of the oldest golf clubs in existence and has hosted the U.S. Open many times. The course is extremely difficult, with complex green structures and is located on a naturally undulating terrain. After many renovations, the course has always maintained its championship status and is known as the center of American golf tradition.

Oakmont Country Club (Pennsylvania)

Oakmont is known for its famous greens and has hosted more U.S. Opens than any other course. The Henry Fownes-designed course has deep bunkers and a layout that can be strenuous for even the top golfers. Oakmont is known for its demanding maintenance and conditioning requirements, and today it is one of the most demanding courses for major championships.

Merion Golf Club (Pennsylvania)

Merrion Golf Club is known for its historical significance and has hosted several US Opens. The course features narrow fairways and small greens that require precision. Its rich history and unique layout make it a favorite destination for golfers.

United States National Golf Links (New York)

Designed by Charles Blair MacDonald, the National Golf Links is renowned for its strategic design and beautiful surroundings. The course features a variety of hole types inspired by famous courses around the world. Its uniqueness and historical significance make it a top choice for elite golfers.

Pebble Beach Golf Links (California)

Pebble Beach is one of the most famous public golf courses in the world, known for its stunning coastal views and challenging layout. It has hosted many major championships, including the U.S. Open. The course is open to the public and is a popular destination for golf enthusiasts.

Pinehurst 2 (North Carolina)

Designed by Donald Ross, Pinehurst No. 2 is known for its unique design featuring crowned greens and a layout that emphasizes strategy over length. The course has hosted several U.S. Opens and is known for its challenging conditions.

Fryer Head (New York)

Designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, Friar’s Head is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and challenging layout. The course features dramatic elevation changes and coastal views and is a member favourite.