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!
Colorado Search
Go Golfing Near You
Go Golfing Near You
6615 North River Road, Alamosa, CO
Mission: Cattails Golf Course is dedicated to serving our customers by providing a high quality golfing experience to players of all ages and abil... Read More
0285 Rio Grande Club Trail, South Fork, CO
About Us: Located adjacent to the Rio Grande National Forest and nestled in South Fork, Colorado near Wolf Creek Ski area in Southern Colorado, th... Read More
400 Pioneer Road, Red River, NM
About US: Northern New Mexico's year-round destination for family-friendly fun in the Southwest Sun & Snow! The place for all-ages traditions,... Read More
70 County Road 502, Walsenburg, CO
Colorado’s first state park, Lathrop State Park is 1,594 acres of recreational enjoyment nestled in the shadow of the Spanish Peaks in Southe... Read More
404 Grant Street, Salida, CO
The Salida Golf Club was started in 1926 when a golf professional from Colorado Springs, Emmitt Killian, was asked to lay out a golf course on the ... Read More
54 Golf Course Drive, Ranchos de Taos, NM
Mission To provide a high quality golf experience. About Us Featuring spectacular New Mexico desert scenery dotted with silver-green sagebrush a... Read More
55 North Parkway Drive, Colorado City, CO
We invite you to experience the friendly service of the Hollydot staff while golfing under the shadow of Greenhorn Mountain. There are 18 holes of ... Read More
5201 Gary Player Drive, Florence, CO
The world class Gary Player Course at the Sumo Golf Village is as exciting as a course can get. This par 72, 7,200 yard championship course has bee... Read More
1 Pines Club Place, Pagosa Springs, CO
The Pagosa Springs Golf Club is a spectacular Public Resort Facility with 27 championship holes. Ponderosa pines line the fairways making the cours... Read More
10 Miller Lane, Angel Fire, NM
About Us:Rise above the ordinary at the Angel Fire Resort Golf Course and Country Club. The longer-playing layouts of the front nine wind through t... Read More
28775 Fairway Drive, Buena Vista, CO
About Us: Collegiate Peaks Golf Course is one of the most breathtakingly beautiful golf courses in Colorado. Nestled in the upper Arkansas Valley ... Read More
251 South McCulloch Boulevard, Pueblo, CO
About Prepare yourself for an unparalleled golfing experience. Our course is a pleasure for golfers of any skill level to play. Desert Hawk at Pue... Read More
3900 Thatcher Avenue, Pueblo, CO
Elmwood Golf Course is rated one of the best conditioned city owned golf courses in the state. Elmwood Golf Course originated in the early 1900's a... Read More
115 State Road 399, Espanola, NM
Winding around and over sandstone ridges on the Santa Clara Pueblo, Black Mesa Golf Club is a high desert links design. The course combines a chall... Read More
501 Camino Del Rio, Gunnison, CO
Prepare yourself for an unparalleled golfing experience. Our course is a pleasure for golfers of any skill level to play. Dos Rios Golf Club will c... Read More
510 Country Club Road, Raton, NM
About Us:The Raton Golf Course is a nine-hole course nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. The surrounding scenery includes a gorgeous v... Read More
4301 Walking Stick Boulevard, Pueblo, CO
Walking Stick Golf Course was rated 4-stars by Golf Digest Magazine. It has also been rated as "Colorado's best golf value". This course was named ... Read More
20 Buffalo Thunder Trail, Santa Fe, NM
4290 Diamond Dr., Los Alamos, NM
Los Alamos County offers a course that’s both fun and challenging to play... Nestled at the base of the Jemez Mountains atop the Pajarito Pl... Read More
100 Shining Mountain Lane, Woodland Park, CO
The Course is 6,464 yards from the championship tees with a par of 70.   The course rating is 71.6 and has a slope rating of 136 on Blue Grass. ... Read More
610 South Chelton Road, Colorado Springs, CO
This is a 18 hole golf course. The Valley Hi Golf Course is a Municipal golf course designed by Henry B. Hughes in Colorado Springs, CO.Par: 71, Ya... Read More
900 East Espanola Street, Colorado Springs, CO
The Patty Jewett Golf Shop is located on the grounds of historic Patty Jewett golf course. Patty Jewett golf course has been open for play continuo... Read More
385 Country Club Drive, Crested Butte, CO
The Club at Crested Butte is located in the heart of Crested Butte, CO. The Club sprawls over 160 acres among a tranquil setting of trout filled la... Read More
205 Caja del Rio Road, Santa Fe, NM
About Us: Known as the City of Santa Fe’s finest municipal golf course since 1998, Marty Sanchez Links de Santa Fe offers a spectacular golf... Read More
6865 Galley Road, Colorado Springs, CO
Since 1977 World Golf has taken pride at being known as the "Club Fitting EXPERTS". Utilizing a proprietary combination of static and dynamic measu... Read More
1850 Tuskagee Place, Colorado Springs, CO
Cherokee Ridge Golf Course, located off Powers Blvd and Palmer Park, has the perfect mix of challenge and beauty for any golfer. With a full practi... Read More
259 County Road 5, Leadville, CO
Mount Massive Golf Course is a nine-hole public course on the outskirts of Leadville. Set in the open spaces of the Arkansas River Valley near the ... Read More
Show More