Welcome to your go-to guide for discovering the absolute best golf destinations in the US.
Whether you are a beginner looking to find your footing on forgiving fairways or a seasoned golfer aiming to test your skills on a true championship course, planning a golf trip is one of the most exciting ways to experience the game.
The United States is home to some of the most diverse, breathtaking, and world class golf landscapes on the planet.
From coastal links shaped by the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean to emerald fairways carved out of dense pine forests, there is a perfect golf getaway waiting for everyone.
In this comprehensive guide, we will unpack the premier regions, iconic resorts, and hidden gems that offer an unforgettable play golf experience.
Grab your clubs, map out your next buddies trip, and let’s explore the ultimate destinations that deserve a top spot on your bucket list.
1. Bandon Dunes: The Purest Link to the Game
If you ask any passionate golfer to name their absolute dream golf destination, there is a high probability that Bandon Dunes Golf Resort will top the list. Located on the rugged, remote coast of Oregon, this isn’t just a place to play a round; it is an immersive pilgrimage.
Pure Walking Golf on the Pacific
Bandon Dunes has captured the hearts of purists because it strips away the modern distractions of the game. There are no golf carts on the fairways here.
It is a walking-only experience where you, your caddie, and the natural elements are in perfect harmony. The resort features multiple top courses that consistently rank among the finest in the world.
A World Class Lineup
When you plan a golf vacation here, you get to experience distinct architectural masterpieces. The original Bandon Dunes course offers jaw-dropping views of the ocean, while Pacific Dunes showcases dramatic blow-out bunkers and towering sand dunes.
If you want a unique layout, Bandon Trails takes you inland through a serene, wind-sheltered forest. No matter which of the multiple courses you tee it up on, you are guaranteed a world-class encounter with Mother Nature.
2. Pebble Beach and Monterey: The Crown Jewel of Northern California
No conversation about the best golf destinations in the US is complete without mentioning the Monterey Peninsula in Northern California. This iconic stretch of coastline represents the pinnacle of luxury resort golf and historic prestige.
Walking in the Footsteps of Giants
Pebble Beach Golf Links is arguably the most famous public course in the world.
It has hosted numerous major championships, including memorable U.S. Opens where legends like Tiger Woods dominated the field. Hitting a crisp iron shot over the crashing surf on the short, par-3 7th hole is a core memory for anyone who loves the sport.
An Unmatched Public Golf Collection
Beyond the main stage, the surrounding area boasts an array of excellent courses. Spyglass Hill offers a fierce test through dense pines and heavy sand dunes, while the Links at Spanish Bay treats players to a traditional, Scottish-style seaside layout.
Top off your evening by listening to the famous bagpiper close down the course at dusk, and you have the ingredients for a truly great trip.
3. Pinehurst and the Carolina Sandhills: The Cradle of American Golf
Stepping onto the property at Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina feels like walking through a living museum. Known affectionately as the “Cradle of American Golf,” this region is deeply rooted in the sport’s history and tradition.
The Genius of Donald Ross
Pinehurst features a massive collection of courses, but the undisputed crown jewel is Pinehurst No. 2. This legendary Donald Ross course is famous for its complex, inverted-saucer greens that require extreme precision.
It has hosted a PGA Championship and multiple U.S. Opens, and is a staple of the rotation for top-tier major championships.
A Complete Golf Destination
The beauty of the Sandhills region is that the excellent golf extends well past the main resort boundaries. Nearby towns like Southern Pines offer historic charms and public access to incredible golden-age layouts.
Whether you are tackling a grueling championship course or relaxing on a fun short course with a single wedge and a putter, the local culture centers entirely around celebrating the game.
4. Kiawah Island and Sea Pines: Lowcountry Coastal Perfection
South Carolina is a paradise for a golf getaway, offering a blend of Southern hospitality, beautiful salt marshes, and legendary seaside ocean breezes.
The Might of the Ocean Course
Located just outside of historic Charleston, Kiawah Island is home to the fearsome Ocean Course. Designed by Pete Dye, this track boasts more seaside holes than any other course in North America.
The coastal winds can turn a simple wedge shot into a mind-bending puzzle, which is why it has hosted thrilling editions of the PGA Championship and the Ryder Cup. It stands as one of the most beautifully challenging courses you can ever hope to play.
The Charm of Hilton Head
A short drive south brings you to Hilton Head Island, where the acclaimed Sea Pines Resort awaits. This destination is famous for Harbor Town Golf Links, an iconic venue easily recognized by its red-and-white striped lighthouse behind the 18th green.
Unlike the wide-open expanses of Kiawah, Harbor Town requires tight, strategic shot-shaping through overhanging oak trees, making it a perennial player favorite during its annual PGA event.
5. Myrtle Beach: The Grand Strand of Golf Vacation Value
If you are gathering a large group for a classic buddies trip, Myrtle Beach remains one of the undisputed capitals of the golf vacation. Stretching across a massive coastal strip in South Carolina, this region earned its reputation by offering unmatched variety and accessibility.
A Paradise of Public Golf Courses
Myrtle Beach is home to dozens of high-quality public golf courses designed by the absolute legends of golf architecture.
Because there are so many options packed into a single area, you can easily customize your itinerary to mix highly challenging courses with wider, more relaxed resort layouts.
Endorsements From Golf Digest
The area features plenty of favorite courses that regularly find a home on Golf Digest rankings.
From the beautifully sculpted dunes of the Dunes Golf and Beach Club to the dramatic wetland carries of Caledonia Golf & Fish Club, the Grand Strand proves that you do not need an exclusive private membership to experience a truly world-class golf vacation.
6. Sea Island and the Georgia Coast: Lowcountry Luxury
Just across the state border into Georgia lies Sea Island, an upscale oasis that perfectly blends world-class amenities with rich golfing tradition.
Championship Layouts and Southern Charm
The Sea Island golf club features three exceptional championship layouts, including the famous seaside course and the plantation course.
The Seaside Course is a magnificent oceanfront design that winds through tidal marshes and sand dunes, serves as the host venue for the PGA Tour’s RSM Classic, and offers a premium play golf experience with fast greens and stunning coastal vistas.
Tailored for All Skill Levels
What makes this golf resort destination so unique is its versatility. While the championship layouts will test the best players in the world, the resort also provides expansive learning centers and practice facilities that are welcoming to beginners.
It is a place where you can experience the finest aspects of resort golf during the day and unwind with exceptional coastal dining at night.
7. Scottsdale and Palm Springs: Sun-Drenched Desert Masterpieces
When the winter frost hits the northern states, wise golfers pack their bags and head southwest to the desert oases of Arizona and California.
Scottsdale: The Southwest Desert Hub
Scottsdale, Arizona, is synonymous with luxurious golf resorts and striking target-style golf. Here, your fairways are lush green carpets surrounded by majestic saguaro cacti and rugged desert rock formations.
Courses like Troon North (north course and south course) present a quintessential desert challenge where accuracy off the tee is highly rewarded.
Palm Springs: The California Valley Oasis
Across the border in California, Palm Springs offers a slightly different take on desert golf. Set against the backdrop of the towering San Jacinto Mountains, this valley features manicured oases with sweeping palm trees and brilliant water hazards.
Playing a round at PGA West allows you to test your skills on some of the most historic, televised courses in modern golf history.
8. Northern Michigan: The Hidden Gem of Summer Golf
While tropical destinations get plenty of love in the winter, Northern Michigan is one of the absolute best spots in the country for a summer golf trip. Blessed with rolling topography, thick forests, and stunning lake views, this region is a paradise of freshwater beauty.
Lakeside Wonders
Properties like Bay Harbor Golf Club offer jaw-dropping views along the cliffs of Lake Michigan, earning it a reputation as the “Pebble Beach of the Midwest.”
The air is crisp, the summer days are incredibly long, and the turf conditions are pristine, making it a premier spot for an extended golf getaway.
Innovation in the Woods
Deep in the heart of the Michigan forests, you will find forest dunes, an incredible resort featuring the Loop, a revolutionary reversible course designed by Tom Doak.
You can play it clockwise one day and counter-clockwise the next. It is this dedication to creative architecture and natural beauty that keeps travelers returning to Michigan year after year.
9. Sand Valley and Wisconsin: The Modern Heartland Explosion
In recent years, the state of Wisconsin has exploded onto the national scene, quickly becoming one of the most sought-after golf trip destinations in the world.
The Vision of Sand Valley
Following the success of Bandon Dunes, the same visionary developers looked inland to the ancient sand dunes of central Wisconsin to create Sand Valley.
This resort features wide-open, sandy expanses that allow for creative, ground-game shotmaking. With multiple world-class layouts and a massive, incredibly fun short course called the Sandbox, it is designed from the ground up for maximum enjoyment.
Championship Pedigree at Erin Hills
Further south, Erin Hills stands as a rolling, windswept monument to modern course design.
Set across the dramatic glacial topography of the Kettle Moraine, this massive walking-only facility hosted a thrilling U.S. Open and provides a rugged, minimalist look at what makes public golf so spectacular in the Midwest.
10. The Nebraska Sandhills and America’s Heartland Treasures
For those willing to venture slightly off the beaten path, the remote plains of Nebraska offer some of the most authentic, breathtakingly minimal golf experiences on Earth.
The Legends of Sand Hills and Prairie Club
The ultra-exclusive Sand Hills Golf Club completely changed the landscape of modern course architecture in the 1990s by proving that the best courses are discovered rather than built.
For the public traveler, the Prairie Club offers a spectacular resort alternative, featuring massive fairways, deep blow-out bunkers, and boundless big-sky views that make you feel like you are playing on the edge of the world.
The Accessible Magic of Wild Horse
If you want to see how elite design can be brought to the local community, Wild Horse in Gothenburg, Nebraska, is a must-visit.
It is an affordable, public municipality that shares the same sandy soil and rolling contours as the elite private clubs, proving that great golf belongs to anyone who loves to tee it up.
11. Unique Tracks and Iconic Regional Resorts
Beyond the primary clusters, the United States is dotted with singular, legendary resorts that are fully worth a dedicated journey.
Ozark Splendor at Big Cedar Lodge
Located deep in the Missouri mountains, Big Cedar Lodge has quickly grown into an entertainment and golfing powerhouse.
With courses designed by Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, and Tom Fazio, it is a visually stunning tribute to the great outdoors, complete with exposed limestone cliffs, pristine lakes, and cascading waterfalls.
Historic Gems and Mountain Views
- French Lick Resort (Indiana): Take a step back in time to play a historic PGA event course designed by Pete Dye, or take on their classic Donald Ross course that has stood the test of time for over a century.
- Lake Tahoe (California/Nevada): Tee off high in the mountains where your ball flies further in the thin air, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and deep blue alpine waters.
- Las Vegas (Nevada): Combine high-stakes entertainment with pristine green fairways tucked away just minutes from the neon lights of the Strip.
Planning Your Ultimate Stay and Play Trip
Planning the perfect getaway comes down to balancing your group’s skill levels, travel budget, and geographic preferences.
Choose Your Golf Adventure
| IF YOU WANT | THEN GO TO |
| Pure ocean views | Pebble Beach or Kiawah Island |
| Ultimate buddies trip | Bandon Dunes or Sand Valley |
| Maximum budget value | Myrtle Beach or the RTJ Trail |
| Sun and luxury resort life | Scottsdale or Palm Springs |
Mixing Styles and Layouts
When finalizing your itinerary, look for a resort or region that offers three courses or more within a short driving radius.
This allows you to experience a variety of architectural styles such as an open, windswept links course on day one, followed by a tight, tree-lined championship course on day two. Keeping the experience fresh is what turns a good trip into a legendary one.
Don’t Forget the Hidden Value Trails
If you want elite golf without the premium price tag, look into state-supported networks like the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail in Alabama.
This collection of public golf courses spans the entire state, offering beautifully maintained facilities, challenging designs, and deep value for golfers who love to rack up 36 holes a day.
Final Thoughts: The Spirit of Exploration
At its core, golf is a sport of discovery. Every single golf course has its own unique personality, shaped by the local soil, climate, and the creative mind of its architect.
Whether you find yourself watching your ball soar against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean at Palm Coast, navigating the historic pine trees of North Carolina, or walking the peaceful dunes of the Midwest, you are participating in a grand tradition of exploration.
Pack your bags, gather your favorite playing partners, and set out to experience the best golf destinations in the US. The fairways are calling!
Make sure to check our Golf Trip Packing List guide so you won’t miss to pack any important stuff for your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top golf destinations in the US?
The top golf destinations in the United States span several distinct geographical regions, each offering unique landscapes, world-class amenities, and historic course designs.
For many purists, Bandon Dunes Golf Resort on the rugged Oregon coast is the ultimate bucket-list destination for its walking-only, traditional Scottish-style links layout overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
On the opposite coast, Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina provides a historic, deeply traditional setting centered around its famous Donald Ross-designed No. 2 course.
California boasts the iconic Monterey Peninsula, home to Pebble Beach Golf Links, Spyglass Hill, and Spanish Bay, where players can experience premium public golf along breathtaking ocean cliffs.
South Carolina is another powerhouse destination, featuring the windswept Ocean Course at Kiawah Island and the strategic, tree-lined layouts of Sea Pines Resort on Hilton Head Island.
For large group trips seeking a great variety and exceptional value, the Grand Strand of Myrtle Beach offers dozens of highly rated public courses.
Finally, desert hubs like Scottsdale, Arizona, and Palm Springs, California, are incredibly popular winter getaways, offering pristine target-style fairways surrounded by cacti, palm trees, and mountain backdrops.
What is the 90% rule in golf?
In the context of course strategy and mental management, the 90% rule dictates that a golfer should never attempt a specific shot on the course unless they are at least 90% certain they can execute it successfully.
Golfers frequently find themselves in tough situations, such as being stuck behind a tree, buried deep in thick rough, or faced with a long carry over a major water hazard. The temptation is often to try a heroic, low-probability recovery shot to save par.
However, applying the 90% rule forces you to make a smarter, more conservative decision.
If you do not have the high-percentage confidence that you can pull off the shot in your current physical form, you are far better off choosing a safe alternative, such as chipping out sideways onto the open fairway or laying up short of a hazard.
This rule is designed to eliminate compounding mistakes, keep big numbers off your scorecard, and manage risk effectively.
By avoiding low-percentage gamble shots that frequently result in lost balls or severe trouble, amateur golfers can drastically lower their scores and enjoy a much more consistent, stress-free day on the course.
Is golf good for Parkinson’s disease?
Yes, golf is an excellent, highly beneficial activity for individuals managing Parkinson’s disease.
Medical research and clinical studies have shown that golf can significantly improve balance, mobility, coordination, and overall quality of life for patients with Parkinson’s disease.
Neurologists often refer to golf as a form of “random practice” exercise because it requires the brain and body to constantly adjust to changing targets, varied stances, shifting slopes, and different clubs.
This continuous mental engagement helps stimulate cognitive function and movement planning.
Furthermore, the physical motion of swinging a golf club requires torso rotation, core engagement, and reaching, which actively counteract the rigidity, muscle stiffness, and “freezing” symptoms commonly associated with the disease.
Beyond the physical mechanics, golf provides a fantastic low-impact cardiovascular workout, especially if patients can walk parts of the course or practice extensively on a driving range.
The sport also offers immense social benefits and stress relief; spending time outdoors with friends on a beautiful green course can help lower anxiety, which, in turn, can naturally mitigate tremors and improve emotional well-being.
What is the best state in America for golf?
Declaring the single best state in America for golf usually comes down to personal preference, but California, Florida, and North Carolina are universally considered the top contenders.
California is a strong favorite due to its unmatched geographical diversity and championship pedigree, boasting coastal masterpieces like Pebble Beach, desert gems in Palm Springs, and elite city courses in San Diego.
Florida leads the nation in total volume, offering thousands of beautifully manicured resort courses, sunny year-round weather, and famous golf communities like Ponte Vedra Beach and Palm Beach that house the PGA Tour headquarters.
North Carolina captures the hearts of traditionalists with its sandy soil, towering pines, and the historic Pinehurst Resort, a central anchor of American golf history.
However, states like South Carolina, with its coastal treasures in Hilton Head and Myrtle Beach, and Wisconsin, with its modern explosion of top-tier public courses like Whistling Straits and Sand Valley, are rapidly closing the gap.
Ultimately, if you prioritize historic coastal views and variety, California is tough to beat, whereas if you value winter accessibility and resort volume, Florida takes the crown.