Ultimate List Of Must Play Golf Courses

Ever wondered why some golf courses draw in golf fans from all over? They’re on a quest for the Ultimate List Of Must Play Golf Course adventures.

I’m a huge golf fan, and I think these top 30 courses are the best in the U.S. They offer breathtaking views and tough challenges. Each course is a unique journey, waiting for you to start.

Historically, about 54 U.S. courses are in Golf Magazine’s Top 100 Golf Courses in the World list. This year, 49 American courses made the cut¹. American courses are among the best, with 10 in the top 15 and 29 in the top 50¹.

Using the Ultimate List Of Must Play Golf Courses let’s dive into these amazing courses. They’re not just tests of skill but also tributes to the sport. Legends like Pine Valley Golf Club and Cypress Point are among the best, making these courses truly special¹.

Key Takeaways

• Explore the top 30 must-play golf courses across the U.S.
• Discover what makes these destinations iconic among golf enthusiasts.
• Learn about the prestigious rankings showcasing America’s best courses.
• Understand the selection criteria used for this bucket list.
• See how each course provides a unique golfing experience.

Introduction to Ultimate List Of Must Play Golf Courses

The charm of bucket list golf courses is undeniable for every golfer. These places are known for their history, beauty, and tough designs. Pebble Beach Golf Links in California is famous for its views and layout². Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia is celebrated for hosting the Masters Tournament².

Pine Valley Golf Club in New Jersey is known as one of the toughest courses². Golf courses across the United States show the game’s growth. Each has its own style, from classic to modern, attracting players from everywhere³.

Choosing iconic courses like Oakmont Country Club and Winged Foot Golf Club is exciting². Courses like Torrey Pines in California and Whistling Straits in Wisconsin offer unique experiences². This introduction prepares us for exploring the best golf courses in the United States.

Criteria for Selection of Courses

When I start making my list of must-play golf courses, I look at a few key things. First, I check if the course is open to the public. This is because public access courses are often considered the best. It makes sure everyone can enjoy golf, not just a few.

Another important factor is how affordable the course is. I want to find places where you get great value for your money. For example, Bethpage Black in New York costs $39-$85 for locals, and $78-$150 for visitors⁴. Green Lake in Wisconsin is $65-$120⁴, and Rustic Canyon in California is $15 to $69⁴. It’s important that the price matches the quality, especially on busy days.

I also love the look and design of a course. A beautiful course can make your game more exciting. Sand Hollow in Utah, priced at $45-$125⁴, is a great example of this. Plus, GolfPass reviews helped find the best walking courses, focusing on public access and variety⁵. I look for courses that are not only pretty but also offer a great golfing experience.

Top 30 Best Bucket List Golf Courses in the United States

My quest to find the best golf courses in the U.S. uncovered some amazing spots. These courses are not just tests of skill but also offer stunning views and unique layouts. With 76.6% of the courses from the U.S., it’s clear American golf is a global powerhouse⁶.

Here are my top picks, each known for its unique character and challenge:

1. Pebble Beach Golf Links, California – Famous for its beautiful coastal views and ranking among the world’s best⁷.
2. Pine Valley Golf Club, New Jersey – Known as one of the toughest courses globally⁷.
3. Cypress Point Club, California – Offers stunning coastal scenery⁷.
4. Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, New York – One of the oldest and most respected courses, with a rich history since 1891⁷.
5. Oakmont Country Club, Pennsylvania – Famous for its fast greens and hosting major championships⁷.
6. Whistling Straits, Wisconsin – Located by Lake Michigan, it has hosted many big tournaments⁷.
7. Erin Hills, Wisconsin – The 2017 U.S. Open was held here, challenging even the best⁷.
8. Harbour Town Golf Links, South Carolina – Designed by Pete Dye, it’s known for its iconic lighthouse⁷.
9. Torrey Pines Golf Course, California – Offers stunning Pacific views and hosts the Farmers Insurance Open⁷.
10. Muirfield Village Golf Club, Ohio – A top Jack Nicklaus-designed course, hosting the Memorial Tournament⁷.
11. Hazeltine National Golf Club, Minnesota – Known for its well-protected greens and undulating fairways⁷.

In my exploration, I found that 63.3% of these courses feature water and sand hazards⁶. They have an average of 2.2 par 5 holes, offering a mix of challenges and opportunities. What impressed me most was that every course exceeded my expectations. They not only have unique features—86.6% of them do⁶—but also share the thrill of golf with breathtaking views.

Iconic Golf Courses Worth Mentioning

Some golf courses are truly iconic and must be played. Pine Valley in New Jersey is the top golf course worldwide. It’s famous for its tough layout and exclusive club status. It’s a dream spot for many golf fans⁸.

The Cypress Point Club in California is another highlight. It’s known for its beautiful coastal views and rich golf history. Getting a tee time here can be tough because of its limited membership⁹.

The Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia is also a big name. It hosts the Masters Tournament and is known for its tradition and excellence. It’s hard to get into, but the experience is unique¹⁰.

Golf Course	Location	Highlights
Pine Valley	New Jersey	Number one in the world, exclusive access
Cypress Point Club	California	Breathtaking scenery, historical significance
Augusta National	Georgia	Home of the Masters, rich tradition

Affordable Bucket List Options

Finding affordable golf courses can be rewarding. Many offer great amenities and views without costing too much. For example, over 100 golf courses in America are under $100, with the highest at $98 at Worthington Manor Golf Club in Maryland¹¹. The average green fee is below this, so golf lovers can play without spending a lot¹¹.

The Kankakee Elks Golf Course in Illinois is just $41, a great deal for those looking to save¹¹. The George Wright Golf Course in Massachusetts is another excellent choice. It’s a classic Donald Ross design that’s both affordable and rich in golf history¹¹.

Myrtle Beach in South Carolina has over 80 golf courses within 60 miles. It’s a top spot for golf that’s both affordable and high-quality¹². The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail in Alabama offers 12 sites across 100 miles with 486 holes of golf. All this is available at budget-friendly rates¹². Golfers can enjoy many different experiences without spending too much.

Course Name	Location	Green Fee	Course Designer	Amenities
Kankakee Elks Golf Course	Illinois	$41	N/A	Great value, scenic views
George Wright Golf Course	Massachusetts	$75	Donald Ross	Classic design, rich history
Worthington Manor Golf Club	Maryland	$98	Notable Architect	Challenging layout, beautiful scenery

Historic Courses with Rich Heritage

The charm of historic golf courses is more than their beautiful views. It’s about the rich history they carry. Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in New York is a prime example. Founded in 1891, it’s one of the oldest golf clubs in America. It has a deep history in U.S. Open events, showing the area’s golf heritage¹³.

Oakmont Country Club in Pennsylvania is known for its tough layout. It has hosted more major championships than any other course in the U.S. This makes it a key spot in American golf history. Oakmont is 7,254 yards long with a par of 71, adding to its fame¹⁴.

Golf course heritage is more than just age or events. It’s about the stories and traditions kept alive. For example, National Golf Links of America in Southampton gives a peek into golf’s past. It’s a challenging course for today’s golfers, measuring 6,873 yards with a par of 72¹⁴.

Course Name	Location	Year Established	Yardage	Par
Shinnecock Hills Golf Club	Southampton, NY	1891	7,445	70
Oakmont Country Club	Pittsburgh, PA	1903	7,254	71
National Golf Links of America	Southampton, NY	1909	6,873	72

Scenic and Picturesque Golf Experiences

Pebble Beach Golf Links in California is a top scenic golf course known for its views of the Pacific Ocean. Its beauty makes it a favorite among golfers worldwide¹⁵. Nearby, Bandon Dunes Golf Resort offers five courses with stunning coastal views, perfect for golf lovers¹⁶.

Pacific Dunes in Oregon is another gem. It combines challenging golf with the beauty of rolling dunes and coastline. This mix of challenge and scenery is a treat for all golfers.

St. Andrews, Scotland, is famous for its golf history and views. It’s a must-see for golf fans, offering a unique blend of heritage and beauty. These places make golfing a visual feast.

Course Name	Location	Highlight
Pebble Beach Golf Links	Pebble Beach, CA	Stunning Pacific Ocean views
Bandon Dunes Golf Resort	Bandon, OR	Five breathtaking courses
Pacific Dunes	Oregon	Challenging layout with coastal beauty
Old Course at St. Andrews	Scotland	Historical significance; Home of Golf

Exploring these golf destinations has given me amazing memories and views. It’s a journey that welcomes both new and experienced golfers.

Regional Highlights Across the United States

The United States boasts a wide range of regional golf courses. Each one reflects the local landscape and golfing history. In the Northeast, courses are known for their rich history and scenic views. For instance, the Woodstock Inn & Resort in Vermont is the oldest public golf course in the state, dating back to 1895¹⁷.

In the Southeast, golf courses are surrounded by lush greenery and traditional designs. The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón is a standout with its two Greg Norman-designed courses and the Tiburón Golf Academy. It’s a favorite for both fun and learning¹⁸.

The West offers a unique golfing experience with its stunning terrains. Courses here blend natural beauty with top-notch golfing. The Lodge at Torrey Pines in San Diego, with its views of the Pacific Ocean, is a must-visit. It features two scenic courses with amazing views and challenging play¹⁸.

Region	Course Name	Highlights
Northeast	Woodstock Inn & Resort	Oldest public golf course in Vermont, established in 1895.
Southeast	The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón	Features two Greg Norman-designed courses and a golf academy.
West	The Lodge at Torrey Pines	Overlooks the Pacific Ocean with two beautiful courses.

Regional golf courses are a treasure across the country. From the Northeast’s rich history to the Southeast’s lush landscapes and the West’s stunning terrains, there’s plenty to explore. Each region offers a unique golfing experience¹⁹.

Conclusion

Looking back at the bucket list golf courses I’ve seen, each one stands out in its own way. Pebble Beach Golf Links and Bandon Dunes are known for their stunning views. Shinnecock Hills and Oakmont Country Club have a rich history that adds to the experience.

These courses offer more than just a game. They have beautiful landscapes and challenging terrains. They also hold deep traditions of golf, like the famous island green at TPC Sawgrass. These places make golfing unforgettable for everyone.

Thinking about your next golf game? Let this guide inspire you to try these legendary courses. Your golfing journey will be filled with friendship, excitement, and amazing views. Start making your golf dreams come true and enjoy the incredible experiences these courses offer²⁰²¹²².

FAQ

What are bucket list golf courses?

Bucket list golf courses are iconic spots across the United States. Every golf lover dreams of playing them. They’re famous for their history, tough layouts, and stunning views.

How were the top golf courses selected for the list?

We picked the top courses based on several factors. These include being open to the public, affordable, and beautiful. We also looked at personal experiences and rankings.

Are bucket list golf courses accessible to the public?

Yes, the best golf courses are open to everyone. This means anyone can play, not just members.

What types of courses are considered affordable options on the bucket list?

Affordable options have green fees under 0. They offer great value without breaking the bank.

What makes a course aesthetically appealing?

Beautiful courses have stunning views and designs. They make playing golf a joy.

Can you recommend any specific regional golf courses?

Definitely! The Northeast has traditional courses with rich history. The West offers courses with amazing natural beauty.

Why are historic golf courses significant?

Historic courses have a deep legacy. They’ve hosted big tournaments and are linked to golf legends. Playing them feels like part of a larger story.

What is the importance of course challenges in the bucket list selection?

Course challenges make a game exciting. They add to the fun and satisfaction of playing.

Are there any international golf courses on your bucket list?

Yes, I also consider international courses. The Old Course at St. Andrews in Scotland is a must-play. It’s the “Home of Golf” with a rich history.

Travel Booking Links

Source Links

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