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!
California Search
Go Golfing Near You
Go Golfing Near You
42000 Highway One, Sea Ranch, CA
About Us Designed by Robert Muir Graves and completed in 1974, the first nine holes at The Sea Ranch Golf Links jumped onto the list of exciting a... Read More
19400 Highway 116, Monte Rio, CA
In 1928 after designing around the cypress trees at Cypress Point and amongst the magnolias of Augusta National, Dr. Alister MacKenzie made a stop ... Read More
599 Park Boulevard, Ukiah, CA
About Us: The beauty of the land and the great traditions of golf come together at Ukiah Valley Golf Course in a way that you may never have experi... Read More
927 S Fitch Mountain Rd, Healdsburg, CA
The Healdsburg Golf Club at Tayman Park is a PGA regulation nine-hole layout, which is perfect if you are thinking about having time to winetaste o... Read More
21301 Heron Drive, Bodega Bay, CA
The Links at Bodega Harbour is one of Northern California’s most impressive and affordable coastal golf courses. Perched along the spectacula... Read More
2881 Scotts Right Of Way, Sebastopol, CA
About Sebastopol Golf Course is a 9-hole executive course measuring in at just 2,992 yards. This course offers fun, relatively easy gameplay with ... Read More
1340 19th Hole Drive, Windsor, CA
Windsor Golf Club, a former stop on the PGA Nationwide Tour, represents Wine Country golf at its best. The challenging layout carves through a gent... Read More
Highway 175 at Snead Drive, Loch Lomond, CA
About Us: The golf Course Contains 381 Yards,Par 4 and 9 holes. The first hole on any golf course is generally the hole that gives golfers the ea... Read More
2855 Eastlake Drive, Kelseyville, CA
From a full bar overlooking the golf course to our extensive menu and wine list, we have it all at Buckingham Golf and Country Club. Reservations a... Read More
7750 N Highway 1, Little River, CA
About Us: Little River Inn was built in 1853 by Silas Coombs and has remained in our family ever since. Our grandfather, Ole, turned that original... Read More
1350 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa, CA
Sonoma County's Premier Practice 9-Hole Golf Facility Our story begins in 1960 when Fairgrounds Golf Course opened to the public. Our 9-Hole San... Read More
100 Golf Course Drive, Rohnert Park, CA
About Both the South and North Courses are open to the public! The North Course has recently been reopened after an extensive reconstruction effor... Read More
3330 Yulupa Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA
Bennett Valley Golf Course (BVGC) opened in 1969 and is located at the base of Bennett Peak where Matanzas Creek meanders throughout the tree-lined... Read More
2025 Grant Street, Calistoga, CA
A diamond in the rough, the Mount St. Helena Golf Course is located on the Napa County Fairgrounds in beautiful Calistoga, at the northern most end... Read More
19210 Hartmann Road, Hidden Valley Lake, CA
About Hidden Valley Lake Golf Course is open to public play, rain and shine, except for rare snow storms. It was built along with the rest of the ... Read More
2301 East Washington Street, Petaluma, CA
About The Rooster Run Golf Course started as pancake flat pastureland. Meandering through the property were three creeks. Along their beds grew na... Read More
3035 Novato Boulevard, Novato, CA
About Located in beautiful Marin County, California, the Indian Valley Golf Club has offered some of the best golfing in the San Francisco Bay Are... Read More
7901 Solano Avenue, Yountville, CA
Vintner’s Golf Club is recognized as a premier golf destination in Northern California, the Greater San Francisco Bay Area and the Napa Valle... Read More
9 StoneTree Lane, Novato, CA
About Us: StoneTree Golf Club remains one of the finest Northern California golf courses because of its sand-plated fairways ensuring the finest t... Read More
350 Smith Ranch Road, San Rafael, CA
Designed by Fred Bliss, this 9-hole, par 31 executive links course features expansive, well bunkered rolling greens, with water hazards on three ho... Read More
333 Biscayne Drive, San Rafael, CA
Classic golf course architecture is defined by fairways that invite but challenge and greens that creep beyond where the player thinks they end. Th... Read More
280 Buena Vista, Mill Valley, CA
The Mill Valley Golf Club is a wonderful organization for golfers of all backgrounds and skill sets, based out of our home course, the Mill Valley ... Read More
2295 Streblow Drive, Napa, CA
Napa GC is an 18-hole full service championship daily fee golf course with practice facilities consisting of an 8,500 sf putting green, modest chip... Read More
580 South Kelly Road, Napa, CA
Founded on the belief that nature and golf were meant to co-exist in magnificent harmony, Eagle Vines has made a profound commitment to protecting ... Read More
2555 Jameson Canyon Road, American Canyon, CA
Chardonnay Golf Club is a 18-hole semi-private golf facility located Southeast of the city of Napa in Jamieson Canyon at the gateway to the world r... Read More
5918 Hillgate Road, Arbuckle, CA
The Arbuckle Golf Club Was Incorporated In 1925 As Asemi-Private Golf Club. We Are Open To The Public And Have Membership Opportunities Available.C... Read More
300 34th Avenue, San Francisco, CA
This par 68 course, designed by Tom Bendelow and opened in 1928, is 5,149 yards long and offers magnificent views of San Francisco and the Golden G... Read More
Show More