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!
Ohio Search
Go Golfing Near You
Go Golfing Near You
19300 Orchard Road, Marysville, OH
Darby Creek Golf Course sits on 204 naturally rolling acres located in the rural southeast corner of Union County.  The course layout takes ad... Read More
4900 Swisher Road, Cable, OH
About Us: Golfing at Woodland is a pleasurable experience from the nice country drive out to the course till you leave the course several hours la... Read More
13683 State Rt 38, Marysville, OH
About Us: Featured by Golf Digest as one of the Best Public Places to Play, Marysville Golf Club offers a fabulous golfing experience at an afford... Read More
1107 London Avenue, Marysville, OH
About Us: Timberview Golf Club is a challenging 18 hole golf course quickly located 30 minutes from Columbus, Ohio. Our course gives the golfer a ... Read More
11233 Industrial Parkway, Marysville, OH
This 18-hole layout is a fine blend of scenic beauty and dlverse holes, Rolling Meadows Golf Club is a challenge for all skill level. The course wi... Read More
5135 US Highway 40, West Jefferson, OH
The 18-hole "National Road" course at the National Road Golf Course facility in West Jefferson, Ohio features 5,312 yards of golf from the longest ... Read More
276 Clubhouse Drive, South Charleston, OH
About Us: 18 hole course with a range of 5,100 yards from the red tees to 7,200 yards from the championship tees. The links style course provides ... Read More
1325 South Bird Road, Springfield, OH
We offer two unique 18-hole golf courses designed by Jack Kidwell and  Dr. Michael Hurzdan. Opened in 1967, each course is unique in its&rsqu... Read More
500 Roscommon Drive, Springfield, OH
Windy Knoll Golf Club, established in 2001, is one of the newest in the Springfield area and an excellent addition to the rich golf tradition of Oh... Read More
5805 Eiterman Road, Dublin, OH
Golf Club of Dublin offers the only true links golf experience in the Midwest and features fescue turf, stacked stone walls, over 70 hand stacked s... Read More
5575 North River Road, Springfield, OH
Locust Hills Golf Club is a 36-hole public golf course located just outside of Springfield, OH. The two 18-hole courses are named the Maple and Loc... Read More
1051 Alton Darby Creek Road, Galloway, OH
Thorn Apple is a Jack Kidwell designed course and was opened in 1966. It has many challenging holes, including a 245 yard par three. If you want le... Read More
4850 West Powell Road, Powell, OH
Safari Golf Club is the "Best Public Golf Course" in Central Ohio. And we have been for two years running. SGC offers a modern layout that welcomes... Read More
1772 Kiser Lake Road, Saint Paris, OH
Originally constructed in 1964, 2011 will celebrate the 47th Season for Lakeland Golf Club.  Lakeland was redesigned in 2002 to an 18-Hole Champio... Read More
3950 South Yellow Springs Street, Springfield, OH
1900 Wilson Road, Columbus, OH
This is Columbus Ohio's only executive 9 hole course that features six par 3's and 3 par 4's. Wilson Road has a creek meandering it's way through t... Read More
580 West William Street, Delaware, OH
About Mature trees and a winding creek add to the beauty of this executive, par-28 layout nestled in Delaware’s hidden valley. A pond, trees... Read More
6005 Alkire Road, Galloway, OH
A Jack Kidwell design championship golf course was opened in 1971. Mentel Memorial offers great turf, wide tree-lined fairways, undulating greens, ... Read More
3860 Trabue Road, Columbus, OH
Located inside I-270 in northwest Columbus, this Robert Trent Jones, Sr. designed golf course is a rare find - built over 50 years ago. Mr. Jones t... Read More
3329 Columbus Pike, Delaware, OH
About Us: Three dramatic valleys, natural tree-lined fairways, ravines, undulating hillsides, and water features set the stage for Delaware Golf C... Read More
2871 US Highway 23 North, Delaware, OH
Oakhaven Golf club is a public golf course that features not only an 18-hole championship golf course, but also one of Central Ohio's premier pract... Read More
231 Clubhouse Drive, Delaware, OH
Business hours Monday - Sunday — 7:00am - 6:00pm About Glenross offers an eclectic blend of both old and new. The 6,600-yard, par-70 layou... Read More
3594 Gooding Road, Marion, OH
Here at Green Acres Golf Course a great executive golf course (Par 60/18 holes) it’s a walk one can take at either 7 or 70. Built over 40-yea... Read More
20635 State Park Road 20, Mount Sterling, OH
Located in the heart of Ohio's agricultural country, Deer Creek State Park is central Ohio's vacation showplace. A collage of meadows and woodlands... Read More
Show More