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!
New Jersey Search
Go Golfing Near You
Go Golfing Near You
197 East Avenue, Woodstown, NJ
Town & Country Golf Links offers  a traditional links-style front nine featuring generous fairways and wide greens, and a more challenging... Read More
501 Pitman Road, Sewell, NJ
Pitman Golf Course offers players of all abilities the opportunity to have a fun and challenging game of golf.  The course features small gree... Read More
1319 Carruthers Lane, Wilmington, DE
Completely redesigned and lengthened, Rock Manor has been lengthened from 5,779 yards to an 18-hole, 6,405-yard championship design by renowned gol... Read More
800 North Dupont Road, Wilmington, DE
Ed Oliver Golf Club, located on the original site of the Wilmington Country Club, has attracted golfers for over 100 years. Of the original golf co... Read More
850 Kings Highway, Woodbury, NJ
Built in 1962, Westwood Golf Club is a long-time favorite of visiting and local golfers because of its excellent year-round condition, friendly per... Read More
2626 Fries Mill Road, Williamstown, NJ
About Us: Built in and around an old sand quarry, Scotland Run offers a distinctive blend of wooded, quarry, and links-style holes. The most uni... Read More
777 Delaware Park Boulevard, Wilmington, DE
About Us: At White Clay Creek Golf Academy, our certified PGA Golf Professionals and Apprentice Professionals will work with you as an individual,... Read More
801 McKennan's Church Road, Wilmington, DE
Delcastle Golf Course is known as being one of the finest public golf facilities in the area. In addition to its challenging 18 hole golf course, D... Read More
400 West Sproul Road, Springfield, PA
Innovative cuisine, impeccable service, natural beauty, and newly renovated ballrooms accommodating both intimate affairs and large receptions offe... Read More
1068 Howell School Road, Bear, DE
Lums Pond State Park is built around the largest freshwater pond in Delaware. The park features excellent camping, fishing, sports facilities, hiki... Read More
1 East Whittington Way, Middletown, DE
About Frog Hollow Golf Club, a links style 18 hole championship public golf course first presented to the public in the summer of 2000 and most re... Read More
200 Hurffville Road, Blackwood, NJ
Wedgwood Country Club, located in Turnersville, NJ, is the Tri-State Area's choice for Affordable Upscale Public Golf!  Its traditional layout... Read More
14 Gender Road, Newark, DE
 - 13-acre course built in 1967 - Rates include playing all 9 holes TWICE - Holes from 63 to 177 yards - Clubs available for re... Read More
14 Gender Road, Newark, DE
Vince's is an 18-acre, family-owned Sports Center established in 1981. Vince's features a 9-Hole, Par-3 Golf Course, Indoor Baseball and Softball B... Read More
221 Glen Mills Road, Glen Mills, PA
Golf Course at Glen Mills, located in Pennsylvania's historic Thornbury Township. It is the only golf course in the Philadelphia area featuring 12-... Read More
101 West Fairways Circle, Smyrna, DE
About UsThis newly renovated championship golf course is built on 160-acres.  It was originally built as a 9-hole private club in 1962, with t... Read More
200 Golfview Drive, Blackwood, NJ
The golf course at Valleybrook has been voted the best public course in South Jersey by readers of the Courier Post and it is easy to see why. Its ... Read More
200 Golfview Drive, Blackwood, NJ
The golf course at Valleybrook has been voted the best public course in South Jersey by readers of the Courier Post and it is easy to see why. Its ... Read More
2951 Dutch Mill Road, Newfield, NJ
The public is welcome at White Oaks Country Club. For area golfers who play White Oaks often, we offer a value-oriented annual membership programs.... Read More
101 Back Creek Drive, Middletown, DE
Located at the base of the bridge on Route 896 in Middletown, Delaware, Back Creek Golf Club offers an 18-hole golf facility providing the area&rsq... Read More
4049 Italia Avenue, Vineland, NJ
About Eastlyn is an 18-hole executive par-62 course designed and built by Francis Galbiati, whose vision for his vast collection of plants, trees,... Read More
7400 Lansdowne Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
Cobb's Creek Golf Club is site of the first public golf course in the Greater Philadelphia area and, today, houses two 18-hole layouts - "The Olde ... Read More
507 Thompson Station Road, Newark, DE
This championship 18-hole public golf course rivals any you have ever played for natural beauty and exhilarating enjoyment of the game.  Rolli... Read More
880 New London Road, Newark, DE
About the ParkThe land that is today known as White Clay Creek State Park includes parts of the boundary line made famous by Mason and Dixon, who b... Read More
Show More