10 Best Golf Courses in the US

Pebble Beach, widely recognized as the premier public course in America for its exceptional quality, is a West Coast wonder. Since its inception in 2003, it has consistently topped the rankings, captivating golf enthusiasts with its breathtaking 18-hole layout set against the rugged coastal terrain. From this vantage point, golfers are treated to awe-inspiring views of Carmel Bay, the Pacific Ocean, and the picturesque Monterey Peninsula.

Renowned for its illustrious history as a 6-time host of the U.S. Open and its affiliation with a collection of exceptional sister courses, Pebble Beach offers a luxurious seaside retreat. The club boasts three remarkable accommodation options: The Lodge at Pebble Beach, The Inn at Spanish Bay, and Casa Palmero. Tee times at Pebble Beach Golf Links are subject to a hotel stay requirement.

Sand Hills, tucked away in the sparsely populated landscape of Mullen, Nebraska, is a golf club set on an 8,000-acre ranch that is celebrated for its expansive fairways, rolling dunes, and challenging crater-style bunkers. Habitually ranked as one of the world's best courses, this 18-hole dynamo is a major talking point among America's golfing fraternity, thanks to its contemporary, minimalist, and natural architecture.

Launched in 1995, Sand Hills features a clubhouse, accommodations, and a quaint little food shop called Ben's Porch, aptly named after one of the course's designers. With fewer than 200 initiates and fees in the region of five figures, this is one of America's most sought-after golfing memberships.

National Golf Links of America, an esteemed links-style course located in Southampton, New York, is a Long Island icon. It features 18 holes designed by Charles B. Macdonald, often considered the father of U.S. golf course architecture.

This private club encompasses 253 acres of glorious grounds, including its famous windmill, and offers breathtaking vistas over the moody blue waters of Peconic Bay. To gain access to this prime piece of New York real estate, you'll need to be acquainted with a member who can sign you in as a guest. Make sure to add National Golf Links of America to your golfing wish list.

Pacific Dunes, one of America's younger golf courses, launched in 2001 to critical acclaim thanks to its unique set of challenges and visual characteristics. Here, towering shore pines edge the course while colossal 60-ft dunes add a dramatic aesthetic to the already spectacular coastal scenery.

As part of the larger Brandon Dunes Golf Resort, the 18-hole Pacific course was initially considered a secondary option but quickly surpassed its established older brother as the preeminent place to play. The resort also offers luxurious accommodations, a wellness enclave, and a variety of top-notch bars and restaurants.

The Augusta National Golf Club, the birthplace of the annual Masters Tournament, stands as a top-ranking icon of American golfing. This visionary course was designed in the 1930s by golfer Bobby Jones and architect Alister MacKenzie.

Originally a plant nursery adorned with magnolia, dogwood, and juniper trees, Augusta National is globally admired for its emerald 18-hole championship course, white clapboard clubhouse, and prestigious green jacket. However, playing here requires more than just skill – it is an exclusive club, and membership is strictly by invitation only.

Pine Valley Golf Club, located in Camden County, New Jersey, was the brainchild of Philadelphian hotelier George Crump. Dating back to 1913, this 18-hole course is revered for its characterful beauty, featuring sweeping, sandy pine barrens, and its challenging golfing terrain, which includes penal, heroic, and strategic designs.

Consistently recognized as one of the finest clubs in America, Pine Valley maintains a strictly private membership policy, with invitations extended exclusively to select individuals. To have the opportunity to play a round at this prestigious club, one must be accompanied by a current member and demonstrate a low handicap.

Cypress Point, an elite private golf club nestled beneath the foothills of the Santa Lucia Mountains in Pebble Beach, California, showcases a breathtaking 18-hole course and offers mesmerizing views of the Monterey Peninsula. This picturesque setting is enhanced by its location among coastal dunes, with hole #16 standing out as the course's signature. Players must skillfully navigate a tee shot over the Pacific Ocean to reach a green guarded by strategic bunkers.

Consistently regarded as one of the world's top golf courses, Cypress Point is synonymous with exclusivity. Securing the opportunity to play here requires an invitation from a current member. If you aspire to experience the exceptional beauty and challenge of Cypress Point, it's time to leverage your connections within the golfing community and inquire about that coveted invitation.

Shinnecock Hills, a links-style golf club founded in 1891, is a true golfing paradise located in Long Island, New York. Designed by Scottish pro-golfer Willie Davis, it holds the distinction of being the oldest incorporated golf club in America. Shinnecock Hills is globally recognized as one of the finest 18-hole courses and has been selected to host the 2026 U.S. Open.

Notable for its undulating sandy terrain and challenging Atlantic winds, Shinnecock Hills is a private club. However, access to the course is possible if you are accompanied by a member. If you are fortunate enough to gain entry, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the venue's exclusive perks, including the historic clubhouse, which is the oldest in the United States.

Oakmont, the picturesque country club located in Pennsylvania, is a destination that any golfer seeking a challenge knows all too well. This esteemed club was honoured with the title of National Historic Landmark in 1987 and is renowned for its exceptional 18-hole golf course, which is revered for its many hazards, including the infamous Church Pews bunker.

With the distinction of hosting 3 PGA Championships and an impressive 9 U.S. Opens (with the upcoming 2025 event rounding off the count to 10), Oakmont has solidified its reputation as a premier tournament venue. Membership to this exclusive club is granted only by invitation, so it's time to leave a lasting impression on the esteemed players of the big leagues if you aspire to don your sweater and prepare your clubs for an unforgettable experience at Oakmont.

Merion (East), a scenic private golf club located in Delaware County, consistently earns a well-deserved spot on America's prestigious golfing honours lists. Its captivating 18-hole course and storied history, dotted with U.S. Opens, contribute to its esteemed reputation. Dating back to the 19th century, this 126-acre course is widely regarded as an architectural masterpiece, courtesy of its challenging Hugh Wilson design, which players affectionately refer to as a "3-act tragedy."

Notable features of Merion (East) include its distinctive white face bunkers, a signature 17th hole, wicker basket flag sticks, and a clubhouse adorned with trophies. Membership to this exclusive club is strictly by invitation, adding to its allure. Playing at Merion (East) is akin to discovering a treasure trove in the world of golf.