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!
Pennsylvania Search
Go Golfing Near You
Go Golfing Near You
101 Pine Grove Road, Fayetteville, PA
The 1,125-acre Caledonia State Park is in Adams and Franklin counties, midway between Chambersburg and Gettysburg along the Lincoln Highway, US 30.... Read More
9515 Golf Course Road, Fayetteville, PA
About The 18-hole "Caledonia" course at the Caledonia Golf Club facility in scenic Fayetteville, Pennsylvania features 5,154 yards of golf from th... Read More
9632 Swamp Road, South Mountain, PA
South Mountain Golf Course is located in South Central Pennsylvania. It is 15 miles from downtown Chambersburg, PA, 12 miles from Waynesboro, PA an... Read More
12579 Monterey Lane, Blue Ridge Summit, PA
The nine-hole course of the Monterey Country Club is one of the oldest golf courses in the United States. The course stretches out below the peaks ... Read More
4099 Bullfrog Road, Fairfield, PA
Overall, golfers will find a fair, challenging and gratifying course with two distinctly different 9-holes. Nestled between the Catoctin Mountains... Read More
78 Country Club Trail, Carroll Valley, PA
Liberty Mountain and Carroll Valley golf course were originally developed in the mid 1960's as a focal point for a major real estate development. T... Read More
165 Slatersville Rd, Biglerville, PA
Set among the mountains of apple country in northwestern Adams County, Pennsylvania, this target style course has a wide variety of holes to appeal... Read More
20220 Jefferson Blvd, Hagerstown, MD
Welcome to Yinglings Golf Center — providing family fun and entertainment for over 30 years! Whether you’re a beginner or an experience... Read More
2 South Cleveland Avenue, Hagerstown, MD
About Us: The Greens at Hamilton Run is a beautiful golf course that is owned and operated by the City of Hagerstown. Nestled along Hamilton Run, ... Read More
20025 Mount Aetna Road, Hagerstown, MD
Developed and managed by Washington County, Md., Black Rock Golf Course features an 18-hole, Bob Elder-designed course that debuted in April 1989. ... Read More
9535 Mapleville Road, Hagerstown, MD
About Founded in 1959, and the Home of the Washington County Open, or WACO, for 25 years, Beaver Creek Country Club is a semi-private facility. No... Read More
11573 Blairs Valley Road, Mercersburg, PA
History:Construction began on our beautiful course during the summer of 1999 by the previous owners of Whitetail Ski Resort. Under the design guida... Read More
2395 Ritner Highway, Carlisle, PA
Open to the Public Challenging Traditional Course DesignFour Teeing Areas Ranging From 5,800 ....to 6,900 Yards to Accommodate All Skill LevelsDriv... Read More
601 Mason Dixon Road, Gettysburg, PA
Near hallowed ground where Union and Confederate soldiers marched and camped during the defining battle of America's Civil War, a supreme challenge... Read More
1225 Barlow Two-Taverns Road, Gettysburg, PA
Nestled in the rolling hills of Gettysburg, this par 72 golf course is perfect for golfers of all levels.  Four sets of tees and playing over ... Read More
3555 Brethren Church Road, Myersville, MD
Breathtaking views combined with impeccably conditioned fairways provide a challenging course that receives continuous praise from both occasional ... Read More
501 Conodoguinet Avenue, Carlisle, PA
Eagles Crossing Golf Course is situated on a picturesque 180 acre tract of land, surrounded by both the north and the south mountain ranges, as wel... Read More
430 Union Hall Rd, Carlisle, PA
The Bongiorno Conference Center is a Christian conference center owned by the Pennsylvania-Delaware District Council of the Assemblies of God. We h... Read More
10502 Glade Road, Walkersville, MD
Located in Walkersville, just 15 minutes from Frederick, Maryland, Glade Valley Golf Club is an immaculately manicured 18-hole Maryland golf course... Read More
50 Glenbrook Drive, Middletown, MD
About Us: Tucked away among the hills and valleys of Middletown Maryland, Richland Golf Club offers the perfect place to host a special event, pla... Read More
901 Jim Thorpe Road, Carlisle, PA
About Us: The Carlisle Barracks Golf Course is one of the finest in Cumberland Valley. It measures over 6300 yards, has a par 72, and is fully i... Read More
1 Mayapple Drive, Carlisle, PA
About Mayapple is a public facility able to serve your individual, small group, large party & outing needs.. Read More
940 Littlestown Road, Littlestown, PA
About Nestled in the rolling farmlands of southern Pennsylvania, Flatbush offers a challenge to the novice and advanced golfer alike. This Par 71 ... Read More
Show More