Ever dream of teeing it up where the pros play, without needing a country club membership? Public golf courses make that possible. From Pebble Beach’s ocean cliffs to Bethpage Black’s legendary toughness, some of the world’s most iconic layouts are open to everyday golfers like you.
In this guide, we’ll explore 20 of the best public golf courses in the US, from coast to coast. Whether you’re planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip or just looking for your next weekend round, these courses deliver unforgettable golf you can actually play.
Ready to start building your golfing bucket list?
What Makes a Great Public Golf Course?
Not all public golf courses are the same. Some are famous for hosting major championships. Others are loved for their views or affordable green fees. So what really makes a course stand out?
- Course design and difficulty. The best public golf courses in the US challenge every part of your game. They have smart layouts, tricky greens, and holes you’ll remember long after your round.
- Scenic beauty. Ocean views, mountain backdrops, or rolling dunes can turn a normal round into one of the best golf trips of your life. Scenery matters, and it adds to the experience.
- History and prestige. Playing a course that has hosted PGA Tour events or U.S. Opens connects you to the game’s biggest moments. It feels like walking in the footsteps of the pros.
- Accessibility and cost. A great course should be open to everyone. While some top golf courses in the US are expensive, others are surprisingly affordable. Finding a balance between quality and cost makes for great golf vacation ideas.
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20 Best Public Golf Courses in the US
Pebble Beach Golf Links
- Location: Pebble Beach, California
- Yardage: 6,828 yards
- Par: 72
Pebble Beach is the ultimate public golf experience. Perched on the cliffs of the Monterey Peninsula, every hole offers breathtaking ocean views. Signature holes like the short par-3 7th and cliffside par-4 8th are unforgettable.
The course has hosted multiple U.S. Opens, giving it a prestigious history few courses can match. Walking the fairways feels like stepping into a golf postcard, with waves crashing along the rocks.
It’s challenging but fair, making it a bucket-list course for golfers of all skill levels. Beauty, history, and playability combine for a truly memorable round.
Walking up to the first tee at Pebble Beach, I felt like I was stepping into a postcard. The ocean stretched out to the horizon, and the waves crashing below set the perfect soundtrack for the round. Every hole tested me in different ways. The 7th made me rethink club selection, and the 18th left me in awe of the view. By the end, I felt accomplished and grateful, knowing I had played one of the most iconic courses in the world.
Image courtesy of Pebble Beach.
TPC Sawgrass (Stadium Course)
- Location: Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida
- Yardage: 7,275 yards
- Par: 72
TPC Sawgrass is a must-play in Florida. Pete Dye’s design tests your strategy with narrow fairways, tricky bunkers, and water hazards on nearly every hole.
The 17th hole is the star. The iconic island green creates tension as soon as you step on the tee. THE PLAYERS Championship is held here each year, so playing these fairways connects you to PGA Tour history.
Despite the challenge, the course has multiple tee options, making it playable for most golfers. Every round feels like a championship, with drama, strategy, and fun at every hole.
Playing TPC Sawgrass was a mix of excitement and nerves. I’ll never forget approaching the 17th island green, my heart was racing with every step. The rest of the course demanded focus, too, with tricky bunkers and water hazards around nearly every corner. Walking these fairways, I could imagine the pros competing in THE PLAYERS Championship. It was a round that tested my game and gave me memories I’ll be talking about for years.
Whistling Straits (Straits Course)
- Location: Kohler, Wisconsin
- Yardage: 7,790 yards
- Par: 72
Whistling Straits is rugged, scenic, and challenging. Built along Lake Michigan by Pete Dye, it’s a true links-style course with rolling dunes, tall grasses, and more than 1,000 bunkers.
The course has hosted PGA Championships and the Ryder Cup, giving it world-class credibility. Wind can change your approach on nearly every hole, making strategy key.
Wide fairways and dramatic scenery make it playable for everyday golfers while still testing even the best players. A round here is unforgettable, combining natural beauty with a championship-level challenge.
From the first tee at Whistling Straits, the view of Lake Michigan took my breath away. The wind changed everything on almost every hole, and I had to adjust constantly. I loved the rolling dunes and natural fescue, it felt like playing links golf in Ireland without leaving the US. By the back nine, I was fully immersed in the challenge, carefully plotting shots and enjoying the scenery. Finishing the round, I felt both exhausted and exhilarated. It was a true links golf experience.
Bethpage Black
- Location: Farmingdale, New York
- Yardage: 7,468 yards
- Par: 71
Bethpage Black is one of the toughest public courses in the country and home to the 2025 Ryder Cup. It’s also rated as one of the top 100 golf courses by Golf Digest. Known for the famous warning sign on the first tee, it challenges every aspect of your game with narrow fairways, deep bunkers, and long rough.
The course has hosted multiple U.S. Opens and PGA Championships, cementing its place in golf history. Its difficulty is legendary, but it remains open to the public, which is rare for a championship venue.
Players who thrive on strategy and precision will find Bethpage Black both frustrating and exhilarating. It’s a must-play for golfers who want to test themselves against a true classic.
Pinehurst No. 2
- Location: Pinehurst, North Carolina
- Yardage: 7,588 yards
- Par: 70
Pinehurst No. 2 is Donald Ross’s masterpiece. Known for its turtleback greens, even a small miss can leave a tricky up-and-down. Accuracy and patience are essential on nearly every hole.
It has hosted multiple U.S. Opens, and walking the fairways offers a glimpse into golf history. The natural sand-based terrain and subtle undulations make every shot a thinking golfer’s challenge.
Whether you’re chasing a personal best or soaking in the atmosphere, Pinehurst No. 2 delivers a classic experience. The course blends history, strategy, and beauty in a way few others can match.
Bandon Dunes (Bandon Dunes Course)
- Location: Bandon, Oregon
- Yardage: 6,732 yards
- Par: 72
The original Bandon Dunes Course feels like an old Scottish links. Firm fairways, pot bunkers, and dramatic ocean views create a timeless golfing experience.
The course flows naturally along the rugged Oregon coastline, and the ever-present wind adds challenge and variety. Every round feels unique depending on how the elements play.
Bandon Dunes is perfect for a West Coast golf trip. The natural setting, strategy, and history make it a must-play for golfers seeking both adventure and beauty.
Bandon Dunes (Pacific Dunes)
- Location: Bandon, Oregon
- Yardage: 6,633 yards
- Par: 71
Pacific Dunes is a Tom Doak design often ranked even higher than the original Bandon Dunes. The course hugs the coastline with sweeping views and subtle elevation changes.
Wide fairways give you room off the tee, but tricky greens and the coastal wind keep it challenging. Signature holes, like the 12th, offer dramatic panoramas of the Pacific Ocean.
Many golfers consider Pacific Dunes the highlight of a Bandon trip. It’s a must-play for any links golf enthusiast looking for a true West Coast golf vacation.
Bandon Dunes (Old Macdonald)
- Location: Bandon, Oregon
- Yardage: 6,944 yards
- Par: 71
Old Macdonald pays homage to the golden age of golf course architecture. Wide fairways, massive greens, and bold bunkering create a course that’s both fun and challenging.
The wind can shift play dramatically, and every hole requires thoughtful shot selection. It’s a course that rewards creativity and strategic thinking.
It rounds out the Bandon experience perfectly. Playing Old Macdonald feels like stepping back in time, offering a unique challenge for golfers of all skill levels on a memorable Oregon coast setting.
Erin Hills
- Location: Hartford, Wisconsin
- Yardage: 7,731 yards
- Par: 72
Erin Hills is a championship-level course set among rolling Wisconsin farmland. The fescue-lined fairways and natural contours make for a visually stunning and strategic round.
It hosted the 2017 U.S. Open, where length and accuracy were tested on nearly every hole. Multiple tee options make it playable for a variety of skill levels.
The course feels expansive and rugged, giving players a sense of freedom and adventure. Erin Hills is a must-play for anyone seeking a Midwest golf experience that combines challenge and scenery.
Harbour Town Golf Links
- Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
- Yardage: 7,099 yards
- Par: 71
Harbour Town is a Pete Dye design that rewards precision. Narrow fairways, small greens, and tricky angles keep you thinking from tee to green.
The iconic finishing hole features a lighthouse framing the green, making it one of golf’s most recognizable images. Harbour Town hosts the RBC Heritage annually, adding to its prestige.
Strategic and scenic, the course is perfect for a South Carolina golf vacation. Players who enjoy thoughtful shot-making will love every hole, from the opening tee to the memorable lighthouse finish.
Chambers Bay
- Location: University Place, Washington
- Yardage: 7,585 yards
- Par: 72
Chambers Bay feels like Scotland in the Pacific Northwest. Wide fairways, massive dunes, and tall fescue create a true links experience along Puget Sound.
The course hosted the 2015 U.S. Open, where wind and natural terrain challenged the best players in the world. Walking the course provides panoramic views and a sense of isolation that’s hard to find elsewhere.
Chambers Bay is challenging but fair, making it ideal for both serious golfers and those seeking an unforgettable golf vacation. The scenery alone makes it worth the trip.
Kapalua (Plantation Course)
- Location: Maui, Hawaii
- Yardage: 7,596 yards
- Par: 73
Kapalua’s Plantation Course is paradise on the Pacific. Wide fairways, elevation changes, and ocean views from nearly every hole create a memorable round.
The PGA Tour season kicks off here, so walking the fairways lets you play where the pros compete. Signature holes, like the downhill 18th, are both beautiful and challenging.
This course is ideal for a Hawaiian golf vacation. With stunning scenery, thoughtful design, and championship pedigree, the Plantation Course combines adventure, fun, and unforgettable memories.
Shadow Creek
- Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
- Yardage: 7,560 yards
- Par: 72
Shadow Creek was once ultra-exclusive but is now open to the public. Lush fairways, immaculate greens, and perfectly sculpted landscapes make it a visually stunning experience.
The course feels like a private sanctuary. Every hole has a distinct personality, and the attention to detail is unmatched. Playing here is expensive, but it delivers a round unlike any other.
Shadow Creek is a must-play for golfers visiting Las Vegas. Luxury, design, and challenge come together to create an unforgettable round in the desert.
The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island
- Location: Kiawah Island, South Carolina
- Yardage: 7,876 yards
- Par: 72
The Ocean Course is a Pete Dye masterpiece along the Atlantic. Wind, narrow fairways, and tough greens make it one of the most challenging public courses in the US.
It hosted the 2021 PGA Championship, showcasing its difficulty and strategic design. Dramatic dunes and ocean views provide a stunning backdrop to every hole.
For golfers seeking a true test with world-class scenery, Kiawah Island is unbeatable. Every round feels like a championship, combining challenge, beauty, and history.
Torrey Pines (South Course)
- Location: La Jolla, California
- Yardage: 7,802 yards
- Par: 72
Torrey Pines sits on cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Its dramatic setting combines challenge and beauty for a memorable golfing experience.
The course has hosted multiple U.S. Opens, including Tiger Woods’ famous 2008 victory. Multiple tee options make it playable for most golfers while still offering a championship-level challenge.
Torrey Pines is a perfect California golf trip destination. The views, history, and accessible pricing make it one of the most popular public courses in the US.
Arcadia Bluffs
- Location: Arcadia, Michigan
- Yardage: 7,300 yards
- Par: 72
Arcadia Bluffs offers sweeping views of Lake Michigan with rolling dunes and natural fescue. The design gives a true links-style feel in the Midwest.
Wide fairways and undulating greens create an enjoyable but strategic round. Golfers can experience dramatic scenery without leaving the heartland.
This course is perfect for a Midwest golf getaway. The combination of links-style design, challenge, and scenery makes Arcadia Bluffs a must-play for serious and casual golfers alike.
Sand Valley (Sand Valley Course)
- Location: Nekoosa, Wisconsin
- Yardage: 6,938 yards
- Par: 72
Sand Valley was built on massive sand dunes, creating bold elevation changes and natural features throughout. The wide fairways reward strategic play, while the greens demand focus.
It’s part of a growing golf destination known for challenging and scenic courses. Each hole feels distinct, making every round feel fresh and exciting.
Sand Valley is ideal for a Midwest golf vacation. Natural terrain, strategic design, and beautiful surroundings combine for a memorable round.
Sand Valley (Mammoth Dunes)
- Location: Nekoosa, Wisconsin
- Yardage: 6,988 yards
- Par: 73
Mammoth Dunes lives up to its name with huge fairways and massive greens. It’s designed for fun but still offers a thoughtful challenge to golfers of all levels.
The course is forgiving off the tee but still demands careful approach shots. Its modern design balances strategy and enjoyment for groups or individual players.
This course rounds out the Sand Valley resort experience. It’s ideal for a golf buddies trip or a Midwest golf vacation full of variety and adventure.
Gamble Sands
- Location: Brewster, Washington
- Yardage: 7,169 yards
- Par: 72
Gamble Sands sits high above the Columbia River, offering sweeping views and wide fairways. David McLay Kidd designed it to be scenic, strategic, and fun for golfers of all abilities.
Greens are challenging but fair, and the layout allows for creative shot-making. The course is especially enjoyable on sunny Pacific Northwest days.
It’s a top golf vacation destination in the region. The combination of scenery, design, and playability makes every round at Gamble Sands memorable.
TPC Scottsdale (Stadium Course)
- Location: Scottsdale, Arizona
- Yardage: 7,261 yards
- Par: 71
TPC Scottsdale is best known for the Waste Management Phoenix Open. The 16th hole, with stadium seating, creates an electric atmosphere unlike any other course.
The rest of the course features desert-style design with risk-reward holes, firm fairways, and fast greens. Playing here allows golfers to experience a PGA Tour venue firsthand.
TPC Scottsdale is perfect for a desert golf vacation. The excitement, challenge, and memorable holes make it one of the best public courses in the US.
Tips for Planning a Golf Trip to These Courses
- Book Early: Courses like Pebble Beach, Bandon Dunes, and Whistling Straits fill up quickly. Reserve tee times months in advance to secure your spot.
- Budget Considerations: Pebble Beach and Shadow Creek are more expensive, while Torrey Pines and Bethpage Black offer championship golf at a lower cost. Plan according to your budget.
- Look for Travel Packages & Golf Resorts: Many courses offer stay-and-play deals with lodging, meals, and green fees. These packages save time and money.
- Plan for the Best Golf Vacations: Choose the right season, course, and location to make your trip memorable.
- Consider Affordable Golf Trips in the US: Not every top course breaks the bank. Research options to balance experience and cost.
Final Thoughts on the Best Public Golf Courses in the US
From oceanside courses like Pebble Beach and Bandon Dunes, to championship venues such as Whistling Straits and Bethpage Black, the US offers a wide variety of public courses for every golfer. There are also hidden gems like Sand Valley and Gamble Sands that provide unforgettable experiences without the crowds.
No matter your skill level or budget, there’s a course for you. Take some time to create your own golf bucket list and plan trips to these iconic destinations.
Which public courses have you played, or dream of playing? Share your favorites in the comments below, we’d love to hear about your experiences!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the #1 public golf course in the US?
Many golfers consider Pebble Beach Golf Links in California the top public course. Its stunning ocean views, challenging layout, and history hosting multiple U.S. Opens make it a bucket-list destination for golfers of all skill levels.
What’s the most affordable public golf course on this list?
Courses like Bethpage Black in New York and Torrey Pines in California offer championship golf at public rates that are lower than luxury resorts. While still challenging, they provide a great experience for golfers on a budget.
Which public courses have hosted the U.S. Open?
Several on this list have hosted the U.S. Open, including Pebble Beach Golf Links, Bethpage Black, Pinehurst No. 2, Torrey Pines (South Course), Whistling Straits, and Chambers Bay. These courses are known for challenging layouts and championship-level conditions.
Are these courses beginner-friendly?
Some courses offer multiple tee options to accommodate beginners, like Torrey Pines, Bethpage Black, and Bandon Dunes. While many are challenging, selecting the right tees can make the experience enjoyable for less experienced golfers.
What are the best golf resorts for a buddies trip?
Top resorts for a golf trip with friends include Bandon Dunes, Sand Valley, and Gamble Sands. They offer multiple courses, lodging, and amenities in scenic settings, making them ideal for multi-day golf vacations.
How far in advance should you book tee times at Pebble or Bandon?
Tee times at Pebble Beach and Bandon Dunes often fill up months in advance. For popular dates, it’s recommended to book at least 3–6 months ahead to secure your preferred times and accommodations.
Sean’s parents first put a golf club in his hands at the age of 8. He immediately fell in love with the game of golf. Today he’s passing on that love to his own kids.