You don't need a pair of tartan pants to get down with the game of golf.
Whether you're a high-powered business associate looking to make deals on the links, a retiree catching some well-earned rest and relaxation on the green, or a young PGA hopeful, this country is full of challenging, amenity-rich and picture-worthy golf courses from sea to shining sea.
We asked our editorial team to hone in on their favorites, from Chicago to Miami, Boston to Hawai'i and more.
See also: 7 Golf Podcasts To Improve Your Swing and Get in The Game
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500 Atlanta Country Club Drive, Mariett / Website
Since its founding in 1964, this club has hosted multiple PGA and USGA events due to its rich tradition and history in golf matched with its world-class course. Surrounded by Civil War sites, the Chattahoochee River and Sope Creek, this course transports its players far from the nearby city. Elevation changes and hole variety bring the heat, making this course a go-to for serious Atlanta-based players. Want to take your champion swing elsewhere? Check Atlanta's full list of fabulous greens.
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39551 Highway 82 / Website
Aspen’s only public course, designed by Frank Hummel, is a classic. It also happens to be the top ranked municipal golf course in Colorado. Just 2 miles from downtown, this beautiful course features trees and water on almost every hole. It’s a solid choice for any golfer, as it’s suitable for any level of play. Want something more exclusive? Check the other five courses on Aspen's full list.
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100 Quarry Hills Dr. / Website
Just 20 minutes from downtown, the Granite Links Golf Club offers stunning views of the city skyline. Granite also offers high-end amenities, including a driving range and a patio bar, most of which are available to both public guests and members. The course was built on top of previously-mined quarries and features some granite outcroppings and water hazards to keep you on your feet throughout the game. Boston is rich with golf history, though, so be sure to check out the rest of the great courses on the full list.
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12294 Archer Ave., Palos Park / Website
You’ll want to make plenty of free time in your schedule when heading over to Cog Hill Golf & Country Club. With 72 holes across four courses, a driving range, learning center and two golf shops, this sweeping range has received national recognition for its great courses and fabulous teachers. Since 1964, Course No. Four, also known as “Dubsdread,” has been distinguished for its ability to test some of the best professionals in PGA Tours and USGA tournaments. Are you up for the challenge of beating Tiger Woods’ course record?
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3735 Country Club Circle / Website
Experience the velvet feel of this club’s bentgrass course. After opening in 1936, the Colonial golf club has been recognized as a home for the professional-level golf experience, and has been the sole host of the PGA Tour’s Charles Schwab Challenge since 1946. Looking for more ways to win? Try one of the other four fantastic golf courses on Dallas' full list.
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200 Tuckahoe Road, Southampton / Website
History runs deep at Shinnecock Hills, the oldest incorporated golf club and one of the five founding member clubs of the United States Golf Association. Created in 1891, the club has been expanded and renovated many times, but the present course has remained since it was designed by William Flynn before the 1931 season. Reminiscent of courses on the British Isles, Shinnecock rolls over natural hills and provides picturesque views of the windblown grasses of Southampton. The property also features a comfortable clubhouse with exclusive amenities provided to members. Still, there are five other gorgeous greens in The Hamptons, so check out our fill list.
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3351 Ho’Olaulea Way, Lihue / Website
As a Jack Nicklaus signature golf course, the Ocean Course at Hōkūala is a site that tops golfers’ bucket lists. The 18-hole course offers an entire half-mile of tropical ocean vistas, peaks of mango and guava tree forests, and picturesque views. There’s no better way to play your afternoon round than on the pristine turf of the Ocean Course. Honestly, Hawai'i is one of the most breathtaking places to play a round, so check out the other offerings across the islands on our fill list.
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4430 South FM 1486 / Website
Nestled within serene forests and sloping hills, Bluejack National is home to the first and only golf course designed by Tiger Woods himself. Built with all skill levels in mind, the 18-hole course has no rough, allowing for a variety of shot-making opportunities that all may enjoy. Praised for its one-of-a-kind family-friendly disposition, Bluejack also features a shorter, 10-hole course called The Playgrounds which is the perfect place to create lifelong family memories with lights equipped for day or night play. Don't stop there, because Houston has a few other must-try courses on our full list.
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9401 Foothill Blvd, Sunland / Website
This hidden gem in Sunland-Tujunga is an impressive course for players of every skill level. The par-72 championship golf course has a desert style layout designed by the Nicklaus Design group. There are four sets of tees to accommodate all preferences and highlight features of the course include Tifway Bermuda fairways, Bentgrass greens, two lakes, one creek and 54 bunkers. The Agave Bar & Grill is the perfect spot to dine with a view of the course, and the snack bar is available daily for sandwiches, cocktails and more. Ready to play another round? Check the full list of top-tier golf courses in Los Angeles.
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6700 Crandon Blvd. / Website
Just 10 minutes from downtown Miami, the beautiful Crandon golf course features over 250 acres of Key Biscayne’s island paradise. Escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a relaxed, secluded round at Biscayne Bay’s only public golf course. Crandon is held in high regard as one of the most beautiful and difficult par-72 courses in the state of Florida, with its seventh hole carrying the esteemed title of one of the greatest holes in golf. The acclaimed course offers a unique, tropic golf experience incorporating seven saltwater lakes, lush mangrove thickets and plenty of challenging sand traps. Don’t forget to catch a morning or afternoon session with the illustrious Crandon Golf Academy. There's more where that came from, so check Miami's full list of 10 tropical golf courses that you've got to see to believe.
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851 Fenimore Rd., Mamaroneck / Website
Designed by renowned architect, A. W. Tillinghast, the Winged Foot Golf Club is home to two 18-hole golf courses: East and West. At 7,477 yards, the course you play depends on your experience level, and how much of a challenge you’re willing to take—just ask Tiger Woods. Its grassy hills, steep slopes, unique contours and vintage feel are all a part of the course’s original and incredible design. The 2020 U.S. Open was held at Winged Foot, so if you know a member of the club, then you’re in luck. Not ready to go home? Try one of NYC's four other incredible golf courses on the full list.
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Drive North, 50 Monarch Beach Resort N, Dana Point / Website
If links-style golf is something you enjoy, this course is well worth the visit. It’s hidden in the middle of a luxury residential area, but it’s open to the public and still has some amazing views of the Pacific shoreline. This 18-hole, par-70 course is extremely varied, due to its somewhat cramped nature. Links-style fairways, curvy greens, doglegs, and beach-white bunkers make for an exciting game. Once you’ve come to the end of the round, you can make use of the high-class locker facilities. If you’ve got a bit more time, take advantage of the coveted treatments at Waldorf Astoria Spa. Even more luxury awaits on our full list of Orange County golf gems.
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One S. County Rd. / Website
It’s time to grab your golf clubs and head to Florida’s oldest golf course, the Ocean Course at The Breakers. Nurtured by The Breakers for more than a century, this stunning course has it all. From tropical landscapes, continuous cart paths and even occasional ocean views, the Ocean Course is a sight of wonder while remaining a challenge for experienced golfers. Since its 2018 renovation, the course has continued to provide a positive golf experience and maintained its picturesque seaside aesthetic. Don't let your caddy go home just yet, because there are seven other amazing golf courses on our full list.
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450 Ardmore Ave., Ardmore / Website
Consistently ranked among the top golf courses in the country, championship golf and champion golfers intertwine with the glamour of Merion Golf Club’s East and West courses. As host to the most USGA Championships in America, Merion’s East course has seen some of golf’s greatest moments, from Robert Tyre Jones Jr.’s completion of the elusive Grand Slam at the 1960 U.S. Amateur to Justin Rose’s first major title win at the 2013 U.S. Open Championship. That's not the only championship course in Philly though, so check out the rest of our picks on the city's full list.
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599 Skyline Blvd. / Website
Originally the "San Francisco Olympic Club," the private social and athletic club serves as the oldest athletic club in the United States. The 45-hole Olympic Club hosts multiple National Championships, numerous prestigious competitions and U.S. Open Championships. With a lake course, ocean course and cliffs course with seriously stunning views, the club offers a rewarding, memorable and breathtaking golfing experience. Ready for more stunning views? The full list of golf courses for San Francisco will knock your socks off.
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11500 N. Hayden Rd. / Website
Designed by the one and only Arnold Palmer, Starfire Golf Club’s courses and driving range were made with golfers of all levels in mind. The Mulligan 9 course is ideal for both kids and pros since the versatility of the course allows all players to test their golf skills. The King is the more challenging of the courses with 18 holes, bunkers and water hazards placed at imperative parts of the fairway. Don’t forget to warm up at the full-length driving range. Don't stop now, because Scottsdale offers nine other must-play courses on our full list.
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3825 Union Road, Hollister / Website
Born of a collaboration between PGA TOUR Pro Fred Couples and renowned course architect Gene Bates, San Juan Oaks is set in the quiet foothills south of the Valley. With 18 holes, the course features native grasses and scenic waters, and even stretches over 150 feet above the valley to grant golfers the perfect view as they play. The practice facilities, snack bar and pro shop round out the club, so players have everything they need for a successful game. Talk about majestic, and so are the other five on our full list.
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972 Ohio Dr. SW / Website
East Potomac is one of the only courses located inside the District. In fact, there’s no need to worry about sightseeing, as some holes play right towards the Washington Monument, the Jefferson Memorial and the Naval College. This municipal course also offers walkability, fair greens and lovely fairways. Cool to move outside the District for more top-tier golf adventure? Check D.C.'s full list.
Photography by: Obi Onyeador / Unsplash
