The best golf courses in each state: We bring you some of the greatest courses in America – Part 2

When it comes to golf courses, there are no obvious choices. Each has its own special charm, and even the most humble municipal course may seem like the best in the world to you if that is where you learned the game, or perhaps where that special person who is no longer with you took you.

That is why we are using this list to encourage the debate, not to create a ranking of golf courses in America.

Here is the second part of our list:

Kentucky: Valhalla Golf Club

Situated in Louisville, Valhalla Golf Club is a championship designed by Jack Nicklaus. This challenging course features tree-lined fairways, numerous water hazards, and undulating greens. It is known for its impeccable conditioning, world-class amenities, and the thrilling golfing experience it offers.

It is also a course steeped in history. Despite being less than 40 years old (it was founded in 1986), it has hosted the PGA Championship four times and the Senior PGA Championship once. The 2008 Ryder Cup, in which the Americans defeated the Europeans at Valhalla, is also remembered fondly by fans.

Louisiana: TPC Louisiana

Avondale, Louisiana, is widely known as the home of one of the best golf courses in America. TPC Louisiana has hosted the PGA Tour’s Zurich Classic of New Orleans since 2007, in addition to other amateur events. Designed by Pete Dye with player consultant Steve Elkington, this championship course offers a challenging layout with strategically placed bunkers, water hazards, and large undulating greens. The course is praised for its pristine conditioning, scenic beauty, and the exceptional experience it provides to golfers.

Maine: Belgrade Lakes Golf Club

This course is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and challenging layout. The course is situated in Belgrade Lakes, a picturesque setting with rolling hills, crystal-clear lakes, and lush forests, providing golfers with breathtaking views throughout their round. The course features meticulously designed holes that blend seamlessly with the natural landscape, creating a unique and enjoyable golfing experience. Belgrade Lakes Golf Club has received numerous accolades from golf publications, including being consistently ranked as one of the top courses in the state.

Maryland: Congressional Country Club

Located in Bethesda, this prestigious club has a rich history and has hosted several major tournaments, including the U.S. Open (1964, 1997, 2011) and the PGA Championship (1976). The course is known for its impeccable conditioning, challenging layout, and beautiful surroundings.

Designed by renowned architect Devereux Emmet, the course offers a strategic and challenging test of golf for players of all skill levels. The club is committed to excellence in course maintenance and provides a first class golfing experience.

Massachusetts: The Country Club

The Country Club (Brookline) has a rich history and has hosted several prestigious golf tournaments, including the U.S. Open (1913, 1963, 1988, 2022) and the Ryder Cup (1999). It features two championship courses: the Clyde/Squirrel Course and the Primrose Course. The Clyde/Squirrel Course is known for its challenging layout and beautiful views, while the Primrose Course offers a more traditional New England-style layout.

Michigan: Arcadia Bluffs Golf Club

Located in Arcadia, on the shores of Lake Michigan, this stunning course offers breathtaking panoramic views of the lake and surrounding dunes. Designed by renowned architect Warren Henderson, Arcadia Bluffs features a links-style layout that embraces the natural contours of the land, providing a challenging and enjoyable golfing experience. The course is known for its firm and fast fairways, deep bunkers, and undulating greens, which require strategic shot-making and precise course management.

Minnesota: Hazeltine National Golf Club

Hazeltine National (Chaska) features a championship course that has hosted several major tournaments, including the U.S. Open (1970, 1991), the PGA Championship (2002, 2009), the US Women’s Open (1966, 1977) and the Women’s PGA Championship (2019), as well as the Ryder Cup (2016).

Hazeltine National is known for its challenging layout, strategic design, and impeccable course conditions. Designed by renowned architect Robert Trent Jones Sr., the course features a variety of hazards, including water, bunkers, and strategically placed trees, which require precision and strategic shot-making.

Mississippi: Fallen Oak Golf Course

Fallen Oak Golf Course is located in Saucier. This 18-hole championship course was designed by renowned golf course architect Tom Fazio and is known for its challenging layout and stunning natural surroundings. Fallen Oak is considered the best golf course in Mississippi due to its meticulously manicured fairways, undulating greens, and picturesque landscapes. The course offers a unique and memorable golfing experience, attracting both locals and visitors alike.

Missouri: Old Kinderhook Golf Course

Missouri is home to several exceptional golf courses, but one that stands out as the best in the state is the Old Kinderhook Golf Course in Camdenton. Designed by renowned golf course architect Tom Weiskopf, this 18-hole course offers a challenging yet enjoyable experience for golfers of all skill levels. The Old Kinderhook Golf Course is known for its beautiful rolling fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and breathtaking views of the surrounding Ozark Mountains.

Montana: Wilderness Club

Wilderness Club in Eureka was designed by golf legends Jack Nicklaus and Tom Weiskopf. This 18-hole championship course is nestled in the rugged beauty of Montana’s wilderness and offers a challenging yet fair golfing experience, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains, lakes, and forests.

Nebraska: Sand Hills Golf Club

This golf course was designed by renowned golf course architect Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw. This 18-hole course is located in the heart of the Sand Hills region, known for its natural dunes and unique landscape. The Sand Hills Golf Club offers a pure and traditional golfing experience, with wide fairways, strategic bunkering, and minimalistic design that blends seamlessly with the surrounding environment.

Nevada: Shadow Creek Golf Course

Shadow Creek Golf Course is one of the Las Vegas’ golf gems. Designed by renowned golf course architect Tom Fazio, this exclusive course offers a luxurious and unforgettable golfing experience. Shadow Creek is known for its lush fairways, meticulously maintained greens, and stunning water features. The course’s secluded setting, impeccable service, and attention to detail have made it a favorite among professional golfers and high-profile individuals.

New Hampshire: The Wentworth by the Sea Country Club

Located in Rye, The Wentworth by the Sea Country Club is renowned for its picturesque coastal setting and challenging course design. Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Wentworth Marina, this 18-hole championship course offers stunning views and a unique golfing experience. Golfers can enjoy well-manicured fairways, fast greens, and strategically placed bunkers.

New Jersey: Pine Valley Golf Club

Considered by many as one of the best golf courses in the world, Pine Valley Golf Club is located in the Camden County. This private course offers a challenging and unique layout with its undulating fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and fast greens. With no two holes alike, Pine Valley provides a memorable and thrilling golfing experience for its fortunate members.

New Mexico: Paa-Ko Ridge Golf Club

Located in Sandia Park, Paa-Ko Ridge Golf Club showcases the natural beauty of the Sandia Mountains and provides a challenging yet enjoyable golfing experience. With its undulating fairways, well-guarded greens, and breathtaking vistas, Paa-Ko Ridge Golf Club offers a memorable round of golf.

New York: Bethpage Black

Located in Farmingdale, this public course has hosted major championships, as it’s the case of the US Open (2002, 2009) and the PGA Championship (2019). It will also the venue of the next edition of the Ryder Cup (2025). Bethpage Black is renowned for its difficulty and offers a challenging layout and a unique experience accessible to the public.