15 of the Best Public Golf Courses in America!

Golf was invented somewhere around 1457, making it one of the world's oldest sports. And for those who valiantly face the sand traps, water hazards and unforgiving fairways, it seems like it takes a lifetime (or more) to master the game.

No doubt, golf is addictive. President Woodrow Wilson played in the snow, using black golf balls. Astronaut Alan Shephard used a six-iron to hit a ball on the moon. Actor Samuel L. Jackson has a clause in his contract allowing him to play twice a week during a movie shoot.

Golf is so popular in the U.S. that almost half the courses in the entire world are set within these 50 states. About 12,000 of them are open to the public - which is a good thing: of the 26 million golfers in America, 9 out of 10 play public courses. Here are 15 that are worth checking out.

1. Wintonbury Hills, Bloomfield, CT

It's built on the site of an old farm, and offers two different, but challenging, experiences. The front nine holes are very open, so the wind can throw unexpected curve balls; the back nine winds tightly through trees. While you're deciding which club to use, take in some pretty gorgeous views.

2. Bethpage Black, Farmingdale, NY

As one of the top (and most difficult) public courses in the country, it attracts players all over who want to take it on. Those who've played it say they have a new respect for the game: it requires way more focus and thinking than almost anywhere else.

3. The Ocean Course, Kiawah Island, SC

True to its name, it hugs the Atlantic Ocean - thus, the coastal winds hug your game. It's considered one of the most beautiful courses in the country, but one with many challenges. Bunkers butt up against sand dunes, every green has a tricky slope….but the views of the surf might relieve some of the pressure.

4. Arrowhead Pointe, Elberton, GA

It's a little out of the way, but players rave over the many scenic holes on this course. Because ten of the eighteen holes run near the lake, you stand a good chance of losing any "zen" moments - along with your ball. The standard advice is to pack extra in the golf bag.

5. Crandon Park, Key Biscayne, FL

It offers amazing views of the Miami skyline and the tropical waters surrounding the Keys. So that may take some of the sting out of the challenging greens. No wonder the super-experienced players of the Senior PGA Tour keep returning to take them on.

6. The Old White at The Greenbrier, White Sulphur Springs, WV

Built in 1913, this iconic course still ranks as a "must" to play -especially since getting a facelift in 2007. It still retains the park-like beauty that offers both challenges (tree-lined fairways) and serenity. It's the site of the annual Greenbrier Classic.

7. Harborside International (Starboard), Chicago, IL

It's a links-style course with no trees. But if you think you can play a nice relaxing few holes, take a look at all the sand and water features around you. Plus, that open design allows the unpredictable winds to take things up a notch. Hey, it's called the "Windy City" for a reason.

8. Whistling Straits, Haven, WI

It's built on the site of an abandoned army base, designed to look and feel like you're walking the links in Ireland. The winds coming off Lake Michigan add to that feel, as do the rugged fairways. This picturesque course will test your game, as it has with many PGA pros.

9. Karsten Creek, Stillwater, OK

It was developed for Oklahoma State University, and ranks among one of best collegiate courses in America. The greens are fast, the layout is challenging - but hey, if you want to compete against the youngsters, you better step up your game. Here's your chance.

10. Butterfield Trail, El Paso, TX

The course has an "Old West" flavor, making good use of the natural terrain. Expect plenty of natural sand dunes and tough desert plants - but the greens are always in top shape. It's challenging, but not soul-destroying, and players appreciate the chilled bottled water available at every third hole.

11. Shadow Creek, North Las Vegas, NV

It started out as a private course for high rollers, but is now open to Regular Joes. This oasis in the midst of the desert has impeccable greens and astonishing views of the mountains - which also means interesting elevation challenges.

12. Chambers Bay, University Place, WA

It was created to provide a taste of Scotland's St. Andrews - and because it's situated on Puget Sound, you get that whole "windswept moors" thing. As you battle the breezes, painting your face like "Braveheart" might give you an edge. Or not.

13. Pebble Beach, Carmel, CA

Since it opened in 1919, it's been something of a golf mecca, blending land and sea in breathtaking fashion. To start, nine holes sit right above the Pacific: the views, the noise of the surf and the winds can be supremely distracting. Yes, it's pricey to play (as in, "a few hundred") - but it's a true bucket-list item for the golf fan.

14. Torrey Pines, La Jolla, CA

This course, set atop ocean bluffs and with plenty of tangled rough, is an exhilarating challenge for (somewhat) experienced golfers. If you're just starting out, you're likely to toss your clubs in the ocean. And there are plenty of waterfront fairways to accommodate you.

15. Kapaluau's Plantation Course, Maui, HI

The course is built over a former pineapple farm. And because Hawaii is a series of islands, expect to battle tough ocean breezes. Expect a pretty amazing view, no matter what hole you're playing. The greens are in excellent shape, being irrigated by the same system that watered pineapples a century ago.

Share your favorites!
Hawaii Search
Go Golfing Near You
Go Golfing Near You
2290 Kaanapali Parkway, Lahaina, HI
About Ka'anapali Golf Courses is home to two championship courses on the island of Maui. Host of the Champions Tour Ka'anapali Skins Game & Go... Read More
2000 Village Road, Lahaina, HI
About Us: The Bay Course opened in 1975 and in that time has hosted over 20 major professional tournaments - the most of any neighbor island cours... Read More
2000 Plantation Club Drive, Lahaina, HI
The Plantation Course was designed by famed golf architects Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore. Experience the opportunity to play the same par 73, 7,411-... Read More
200 Halewaiu Road, Wailuku, HI
Considered one of Hawaii's two outstanding municipal golf courses, Waiehu is here for the riding or walking. It winds around a huge hill in the mid... Read More
1333 Maui Lani Parkway, Kahului, HI
From the course design, to each golfer’s arrival experience, the Dunes keeps pace with the best traditions of the game, and strives to embrac... Read More
100 Wailea Ike Drive Wailea, Wailea, HI
About Us: Wailea Golf Club - 100 Wailea Ike Drive.  The Blue:  Wailea Resort’s original layout, beautiful and gracious, hails from... Read More
100 Wailea Golf Club Drive, Wailea, HI
About Us: Wailea Golf Club - Gold Golf Course is a Public Resort golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones. The home course of The Champions Skin... Read More
5415 Makena Alanui, Kihei, HI
Maui For The World’s Best Golf Courses. Let Our Concierge Assist You With Your Golf Tee Times.Maui offers some of the world’s best golf... Read More
360 Pukalani Street, Pukalani, HI
About Set in the gentle hillsides of "Up-Country" Maui, Pukalani Country Club overlooks the Pacific Ocean and offers breath-taking panoranic views... Read More
Kalae Highway, Kualapuu, HI
Ironwood Hills is a historic 9-hole plantation-style course on the lush hillsides of cool and tranquil Kalae in central Molokai.Uneven fairways, sm... Read More
8902 Kalaniana’ole Highway, Honolulu, HI
About Us:Located just 13 miles east of Waikiki, Hawaii Kai Golf Course offers a Championship course featuring a challenging layout with elevation c... Read More
41-1801 Kalanianaole Highway, Waimanalo, HI
18 holes of spectacular vistas and tropical breezes amidst a breathtaking backdrop of the Ko'olau Mountain Range. A distinct clubhouse that brings ... Read More
62-100 Mauna Kea Beach Drive, Kamuela, HI
About Us:Modern improvements to Mauna Kea Golf Course by the original designer’s son, Rees Jones, have kept the original character intact whi... Read More
45-550 Kionaole Road, Kaneohe, HI
About Us: Ko`olau Golf Club in Oahu is an award-winning 18-hole championship golf course located in the heart of a magnificent tropical rainforest... Read More
62-100 Kauna'oa Drive, Waimea, HI
The younger and less famous of the two Mauna Kea Resort layouts is the Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay designed Hapuna Golf Course. Almost as soon as it ... Read More
45-285 Kaneohe Bay Drive, Kaneohe, HI
Bay View Golf Course - located in beautiful Oahu - Underwent a redesign and rebuilding in the mid-1990s. This Oahu golf course re-opened its new Ro... Read More
68-1798 Melia Street, Waikoloa, HI
This Robert Trent Jones, Jr. designed course features generous fairways and well guarded greens. Located at approximately 1,000 feet of elevation, ... Read More
72-3890 Hawaii Belt Road, Kailua Kona, HI
About Aloha from Makalei Golf Club...and experience long remembered! Makalei is truly one of the most unique golf courses in the world.  The ... Read More
98-535 Kaonohi Street, Aiea, HI
Mission Statement: To serve the local community by providing residents with golf course of equal caliber to any private course on Oahu. &nb... Read More
91-1200 Fort Weaver Road, Ewa Beach, HI
About Hawaii Prince Golf Club designed by Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay offers 27 dramatic holes, the only golf course of its kind in Hawaii. Three in... Read More
93-059 Waipio Point Access Road, Waipahu, HI
A flat course with sparse fairways located in the community of Waipahu on a peninsula into Pearl Harbor. 15 miles from downtown Honolulu and approx... Read More
91-1760 Park Row Street, Ewa Beach, HI
This is a  18 hole golf course. Read More
94-200 Paioa Place, Waipahu, HI
Designed by internationally renowned golf course architect, Ted Robinson, Waikele Country Club is just 30 minutes west of Waikiki in a region of ex... Read More
91-1111 Geiger Road, Ewa Beach, HI
About Coral Creek Golf Course designed by Robin Nelson and opened in 1999, it is fitting that the last Hawaii course to open in the twentieth cent... Read More
91-1126 Okupe Street, Ewa Beach, HI
The West Loch Municipal Golf Course is a Municipal golf course designed by Robin Nelson and Rodney Wright in Ewa Beach, HI.  This is a  1... Read More
94-1509 Anonui Street, Waipahu, HI
Royal Kunia Country Club Royal Kunia Country Club has been described as the best and most scenic course on Oahu. Located only 30 minutes from Waiki... Read More
95-176 Kuahelani Avenue, Mililani, HI
Mililani Golf Club is a challenging and fun 18-hole championship golf course on Oahu's central plain. The Bob Baldock player friendly track feature... Read More
Show More