Top Golf Courses in the USA: Ultimate Guide to America's Best Fairways

Tee off at the best places around the United States. (And don't miss our Los Angeles and New York City golf guides.)

A Once-in-a-Lifetime Course

Pebble Beach Golf
Pebble Beach, California
The Lowdown: What hasn't already been said about Pebble Beach? Impressive views, a legendary course, a stunning location. For those making a journey, it's the place to be.
Caddie Tip: With thick rough and fast greens, the course is meant for skilled players. And be ready to fork over big bucks: Rounds cost around $500.

Photo: Courtesy of Pinehurst

Best Course to Bring Your Short Game

Pinehurst Resort
Pinehurst, North Carolina
The Lowdown: Pinehurst is constantly lauded as one of the best courses in the United States. Believe the hype: With a bevy of courses to choose from, any golfer would be hard-pressed to find fault with Pinehurst.
Caddie Tip: Practice your putting and bring your short game.

Photo: Courtesy of TPC Sawgrass

A Real 'Players' Course

TPC Sawgrass
Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida
The Lowdown: A signature course with signature details and full stadium seating for spectators, Sawgrass is one of the best championship courses in the country and recently hosted the 2012 Players Championship.
Caddie Tip: The 17th hole gets a lot of attention, but the 18th —  a 462-yard, par-4 guarded by water down the left side — is the more formidable one.

Photo: Courtesy of Bandon Dunes

A Scottish Course in Oregon

Bandon Dunes
Bandon, Oregon
The Lowdown: One of the best golf resorts in the world. The land is perfectly suited to the game, and the design pays attention to the natural terrain, working with every curve and hill.
Caddie Tip: The seaside location means ocean breezes will challenge players, as will the sand-based turf. Keeping the ball low is key.

Photo: Courtesy of Whistling Straits

A Top Resort with a Top Course

Whistling Straits
Sheboygan, Wisconsin
The Lowdown: Located in the hilariously-named Sheboygan, the resort has four strong courses with distinct trademarks and personalities. It's quite the masterpiece.
Caddie Tip: Open, rugged, and windswept terrain defines the walking-only, links-style Straits Course sculpted along two miles of Lake Michigan shoreline.

Photo: Courtesy of Kiawah Island Resort

Best Seaside Course

Kiawah Island Resort
Johns Island, South Carolina
The Lowdown: An incredible resort with a variety of courses designed by big names like Nicklaus, Fazio, and Dye. Possibly the perfect golf getaway.
Caddie Tip: The Ocean Course has more seaside holes then any other in the northern hemisphere. The raised course exposes every hole to ocean winds.

BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE

Best Los Angeles Golf Courses
Best New York City Golf Courses