America is an inexhaustible source of golf courses. The sport is so popular throughout the country that there is not a single state that does not have at least one world-class course. And that’s just talking about championship courses; if you include the shorter ones, the number goes on and on.
That’s why we decided to put some thought into identifying the best golf courses in each state. It is not an easy task, nor will this list make us all agree, because the personal taste of each golfer has a significant influence on the subject.
However, here we present our selection, which will at least serve to talk a little more about the sport that fascinates us. Since it is such a long list, we will deliber it in three parts, of which this is the first. Another detail is that the courses are sorted alphabetically by state. Which of them is the best is a subject for another work.
Alabama: Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Grand National
Located in Opelika, Alabama, the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Grand National offers a remarkable golfing experience. It features 54 holes spread across three challenging courses: The Links, The Lake, and The Short Course.
The Links course, with its beautiful views of Lake Saugahatchee, is known for its strategic layout and Scottish-style design. The Lake course, on the other hand, is known for its water hazards and stunning lake views. The Short Course is a nine-hole course that provides a quick and enjoyable round of golf.
With its exceptional design, manicured greens and breathtaking scenery, this venue offers an unforgettable experience.
Alaska: Anchorage Golf Course
Located in Anchorage, the Anchorage Golf Course golf course offers a unique golfing experience amidst the stunning Alaskan landscape. The course features 18 holes and spans over 200 acres, providing golfers with breathtaking views of the Chugach Mountains. The Anchorage Golf Course is known for its challenging fairways, well-manicured greens, and diverse wildlife sightings. Golfers can expect a memorable and scenic round of golf in this beautiful Alaskan setting.
Arizona: The Stadium Course at TPC Scottsdale
This championship golf course has gained international recognition for its challenging layout and hosting the Waste Management Phoenix Open, one of the most popular events on the PGA Tour. The Stadium Course is known for its iconic par-3 16th hole, also known as “The Coliseum,” which is surrounded by grandstands that create an electrifying atmosphere during tournaments. With its meticulously maintained fairways, undulating greens, and world-class facilities, The Stadium Course at TPC Scottsdale is a must-play for golf enthusiasts.
Arkansas: Big Creek Golf and Country Club
Located in Mountain Home, this golf course offers a scenic and challenging experience for golfers of all skill levels. The course features 18 holes that wind through the beautiful Ozark Mountains, providing stunning views at every turn. Big Creek Golf and Country Club is known for its well-manicured fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and fast greens. The course offers a variety of tee options, allowing golfers to tailor their round to their skill level.
California: Pebble Beach Golf Links
Situated along the picturesque Monterey Peninsula in California, Pebble Beach Golf Links is a true gem. With breathtaking coastal views and challenging holes, this course is a favorite among professional golfers and amateurs alike. The stunning oceanfront holes, including the famous par-3 7th hole, make Pebble Beach a bucket list destination for golfers worldwide.
As if that weren’t enough, golf history is at every turn at Pebble Beach. The best of the best have played here, as the course has hosted the U.S. Open six times, the PGA Championship once and the U.S. Women’s Open once.
Colorado: Broadmoor Golf Club
Located in Colorado Springs, at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, this historic golf club offers two championship courses: the East Course and the West Course. The East Course has hosted several USGA championships and is known for its challenging layout, tree-lined fairways, and beautiful mountain views. The West Course, designed by Donald Ross, offers a more traditional and strategic golfing experience. Both courses at the Broadmoor Golf Club are meticulously maintained and provide golfers with a memorable round of golf in a breathtaking Colorado setting.
Connecticut: Yale Golf Course
As de university itself, the Yale Golf Course is located at New Haven. Its characteristics include a challenging layout, beautiful scenery, and a rich history. The course was designed by renowned architect Charles Blair Macdonald and has been consistently ranked among the top 100 golf courses in the United States. The course is known for its undulating fairways, strategic bunkering, and fast greens, providing a true test of skill for golfers of all levels.
Delaware: Bidermann Golf Club
Situated in Wilmington, Delaware, Bidermann Golf Club offers a picturesque setting with rolling hills, mature trees, and stunning views. The course’s characteristics include a challenging layout, well-manicured fairways, and immaculate greens. Bidermann Golf Club is known for its exceptional service, attention to detail, and commitment to providing a first-class golfing experience.
Florida: TPC Sawgrass
Home of THE PLAYERS Championship, there’s little to say about this world-renowned course that fans don’t already know. TPC Sawgrass features the iconic par-3 17th hole with its island green. It is known for its challenging design and the thrilling finish it provides.
Georgia: Augusta National Golf Club
Located in Augusta, Georgia, Augusta National Golf Club is considered one of the most prestigious and iconic golf courses in the world. Known for hosting the Masters Tournament, this course features meticulously manicured fairways, challenging greens, and stunning azalea and dogwood-lined holes. The exclusivity and rich history of Augusta National make it a dream destination for golf enthusiasts.
Hawaii: Mauna Kea Golf Course
Located on the Kohala Coast of the Big Island, Mauna Kea Golf Course was designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. This course offers breathtaking ocean views, lush green fairways, and challenging holes. Its characteristics include strategically placed bunkers, elevated tee boxes, and undulating greens. Mauna Kea Golf Course is renowned for its stunning beauty and world-class amenities.
Idaho: Circling Raven Golf Club
Circling Raven Golf Club is located in Worley, and was designed by Gene Bates. The course offers a unique blend of natural beauty and challenging golf. The characteristics of the course include expansive fairways, well-placed hazards, and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and wetlands. This championship course has received numerous accolades for its design, condition, and commitment to environmental sustainability.
Illinois: Medinah Country Club
Medinah Country Club’s Course 3 is widely recognized as the site of the 2012 Ryder Cup, where the European team played a starring role in the so-called “Miracle of Medinah.” It has also hosted three editions of the US Open and two of the PGA Championship.
Designed by Tom Bendelow and later redesigned by Rees Jones, this course featurestree-lined fairways, challenging bunkers, and fast greens. It is known for its impeccable conditioning, strategic layout, and the opportunity to play on a course with a storied golfing heritage.
Indiana: The Pete Dye Course at French Lick Resort
Located in French Lick, this stunning golf course was designed by the legendary Pete Dye. It offers a challenging yet enjoyable experience with its undulating fairways, dramatic bunkers, and breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. The Pete Dye Course has hosted numerous prestigious tournaments and is known for its impeccable conditioning and world-class facilities.
Iowa: The Harvester Golf Club
The Harvester Golf Club (Rhodes, Iowa) is renowned for its meticulously maintained fairways and greens. Designed by Keith Foster, this championship golf course offers a unique blend of links-style and parkland features. With its strategic bunkering, natural water hazards, and picturesque landscapes, The Harvester Golf Club provides a memorable and challenging round of golf for players of all skill levels.
Kansas: Prairie Dunes Country Club
This course is located in Hutchinson, and is known for its stunning sand dunes, challenging greens, and strategic layout. The course has hosted several prestigious championships, such as the US Women’s Amateur (3 editions) and the US Women’s Open (1 edition), and is praised for its timeless design and natural beauty.
(To be continued…)