Premium Golf Courses

Albuquerque, NM

Ken Dye design carved through juniper-studded foothills east of ABQ — 27 holes of pure high-desert beauty

$80–$150 · mountain

Pinehurst, NC

Gil Hanse redesign with sandy waste areas and wide fairways. Many say it rivals No. 2.

$225–$375 · parkland

Flagstaff, AZ

Jay Morrish design through ponderosa pines with dramatic elevation changes and views of the San Francisco Peaks

$75–$150 · mountain

Phoenix / Mesa, AZ

Scott Miller design on Fort McDowell Yavapai land — wide fairways framed by untouched Sonoran Desert

$130–$240 · desert

Payson, AZ

Tom Weiskopf design perched below the Mogollon Rim — dramatic elevation changes through pristine pine forest

$80–$150 · mountain

Coeur d'Alene, ID

Jack Nicklaus design on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille — pristine mountain golf in Sandpoint

$125–$225 · mountain

Sandpoint, ID

Jack Nicklaus design through towering pines with views of Lake Pend Oreille and the Cabinet Mountains

$100–$175 · parkland

McCall, ID

Private club with limited guest access through Shore Lodge; Gene Bates design with lakefront holes and mountain backdrops

$100–$175 · mountain

Glenwood Springs, CO

Jay Morrish design in Carbondale along the Crystal River; roaring fork valley views and excellent conditioning

$75–$130 · mountain

Glenwood Springs, CO

Arthur Hills design carved through red rock cliffs along the Roaring Fork; stunning and challenging

$85–$150 · mountain

Harbor Springs / Petoskey, MI

Arthur Hills design — the Links nine is perched on Lake Michigan bluffs with postcard views on every hole

$130–$225 · links

Brainerd, MN

Scott Hoch design on Gull Lake — the best resort course in Minnesota with dramatic water holes and immaculate conditioning

$89–$149 · resort

Pinehurst, NC

Donald Ross gem restored by Kyle Franz. Understated elegance, incredible green complexes, walkable perfection.

$150–$250 · parkland

Asheville, NC

Jack Nicklaus design in a private mountain community. Dramatic elevation changes and Appalachian views. Guest access through real estate or member.

$150–$275 · mountain

Orlando, FL

Greg Norman British Isles-inspired design. Pot bunkers, fescue, and links-style challenge in Florida.

$80–$170 · resort

Biloxi, MS

Jack Nicklaus design through Mississippi pinelands. Long, demanding, and beautifully routed.

$70–$130 · parkland

Pawleys Island, SC

Strantz's sister course to Caledonia. Wider and wilder with massive waste bunkers.

$80–$160 · coastal

Mystic, CT

Rees Jones championship design at Foxwoods — top 100 you can play, with a world-class practice facility

$89–$149 · parkland

Branson, MO

Chuck Smith design consistently ranked #1 public course in Missouri — dramatic Ozark terrain with 200 feet of elevation change

$65–$110 · mountain

Scottsdale, AZ

Tom Fazio design with killer post-round scene at Phil's Grill on the patio

$150–$275 · desert

Tucson, AZ

Jack Nicklaus design and former host of the WGC-Match Play. Stunning Tortolita Mountain setting.

$80–$200 · desert

St. George, UT

Johnny Miller design with lava rock, red sand, and Snow Canyon State Park views — absolutely unique

$100–$200 · desert

Lake Havasu City, AZ

Stunning canyon course in Parker with 300-foot elevation drops to the Colorado River — worth the 40-minute drive

$45–$90 · desert

Payson, AZ

Semi-private David Graham & Gary Panks design through thick pine and juniper forest — a hidden gem

$75–$140 · mountain

Bend, OR

David McLay Kidd links-style design with panoramic Cascade Mountain views

$150–$250 · links

Coeur d'Alene, ID

Gene Bates design through wetlands and timber on the Coeur d'Alene Tribe reservation — top 50 public course

$100–$175 · parkland

Boise, ID

Robert Trent Jones II design in the mountains above Donnelly — worth the drive for a spectacular mountain round

$85–$160 · mountain

Portland, OR

John Fought design with tour-quality conditioning and excellent practice facilities

$75–$130 · parkland

Seattle, WA

John Fought design with views of Mt. Rainier from nearly every hole

$80–$150 · parkland

Seattle, WA

Perched above Lake Washington with panoramic views of the Seattle skyline and Cascades

$65–$120 · mountain

Sun Valley / Ketchum, ID

Robert Trent Jones Jr. design winding through aspens and cottonwoods with Baldy Mountain views

$100–$175 · mountain

Whitefish, MT

Classic 36-hole facility with the North course winding through towering pines along Whitefish Lake

$75–$99 · mountain

Steamboat Springs, CO

Keith Foster design rated among Colorado's best public courses; wide valleys with the Yampa River in play and Sleeping Giant mountain as backdrop

$85–$145 · mountain

McCall, ID

Robert Trent Jones II design through mountain meadows with Lake Cascade views — the premium resort play near McCall

$120–$169 · mountain

Bozeman, MT

Tom Weiskopf design with dramatic elevation changes and panoramic Gallatin Valley views; limited public times

$85–$135 · mountain

Breckenridge, CO

Jack Nicklaus design at 9,324 feet; 27 holes with the Bear nine delivering the most dramatic mountain golf in Colorado

$80–$155 · mountain

Fort Collins, CO

27 holes of Jack Nicklaus design in Windsor; water on nearly every hole and championship conditioning

$55–$89 · parkland

Pagosa Springs, CO

Stunning private-turned-semi-public course near Durango with dramatic San Juan Mountain views, waterfalls, and immaculate conditioning

$85–$150 · mountain

Kohler, WI

The 'other' Straits course — still world-class links with Lake Michigan views at a fraction of the price

$220–$290 · links

Traverse City, MI

Reversible heathland-style course inspired by The Old Course — play it in two directions

$125–$195 · heathland

Traverse City, MI

27 holes by Arthur Hills — the Links nine along Little Traverse Bay is the signature stretch

$130–$225 · links

French Lick, IN

Fully restored 1917 Donald Ross classic — hosted the 1924 PGA Championship (Walter Hagen won)

$129–$229 · parkland

Duluth, MN

27 holes carved through Sawtooth Mountains birch forest — the crown jewel of Minnesota golf

$79–$125 · mountain

Grand Rapids, MI

Walk-only heathland design through native fescue and wildflowers — feels like Scotland on a Michigan budget

$59–$99 · heathland

Grand Rapids, MI

Semi-private club that opens to the public — championship conditioning in a beautiful hardwood setting

$65–$110 · parkland

Brainerd, MN

Arnold Palmer's only Minnesota design — carved through 600 acres of forests and wetlands

$99–$159 · parkland

Brainerd, MN

27 holes through northern Minnesota pines and lakes — three distinct nines that all deliver

$79–$139 · resort

Cincinnati, OH

Arthur Hills design with 27 holes through rolling farmland and mature hardwoods — 3-time Ohio Golf Course of the Year

$59–$99 · parkland

Cincinnati, OH

TPC network course on the Little Miami River — tournament-caliber conditioning and a demanding layout

$79–$130 · parkland

Indianapolis, IN

Pete Dye design built on Fort Harrison — the best public course in the Indianapolis metro with championship conditioning

$69–$110 · parkland

Indianapolis, IN

Pete Dye design with 4 holes inside the Indianapolis Motor Speedway — one of the most unique golf experiences anywhere

$59–$99 · parkland

Marquette, MI

Mike DeVries design carved into granite cliffs above Lake Superior — a top-50 public course with views that rival Pebble Beach

$89–$139 · mountain

Marquette, MI

Paul Albanese design at Island Resort & Casino — big, bold, and beautifully routed through UP wilderness

$65–$99 · parkland

St. Louis, MO

Gary Nicklaus design through Ozark foothills — dramatic elevation changes and championship conditioning at a public price

$59–$99 · parkland

Omaha, NE

Carved from a limestone quarry along the Missouri River bluffs — dramatic 200-foot elevation changes and stunning views

$59–$99 · parkland

Pinehurst, NC

Tom Fazio's Centennial course. Wide fairways, dramatic elevation changes, and pristine conditioning.

$175–$295 · parkland

Pinehurst, NC

Host of multiple US Women's Opens. Another Ross classic with towering longleaf pines framing every hole.

$150–$275 · parkland

Kiawah Island, SC

Jack Nicklaus design with three holes along the Atlantic. Recently renovated with stunning ocean views.

$150–$275 · coastal

Gulf Shores, AL

Jerry Pate links-style design right on the Gulf. Ranked #1 public course in Alabama. Dunes, wind, and ocean views.

$85–$145 · links

Lexington, KY

Arthur Hills design through horse country. Rolling hills, creeks, and pristine conditioning. Semi-private, guest access available.

$75–$125 · parkland

Asheville, NC

Donald Ross design clinging to the mountainside. Stunning Blue Ridge views from every hole. Resort-convenient and historic.

$100–$195 · mountain

Destin, FL

Rees Jones design and the crown jewel of Sandestin. Semi-private, immaculate conditioning, and the area's toughest test.

$150–$250 · parkland

Charleston, SC

Tom Fazio oceanfront links on Isle of Palms. Final three holes along the Atlantic are spectacular.

$100–$195 · links

Myrtle Beach, SC

Perched above the Intracoastal Waterway with stunning marsh views. Consistently top-rated.

$75–$150 · coastal

St. Augustine, FL

Sam Snead and Gene Sarazen tribute course. Bobby Weed design with great variety.

$60–$120 · parkland

Sarasota, FL

Tom Fazio design with resort access. Pristine conditioning and Ritz-level service.

$100–$200 · parkland

Orlando, FL

Tom Watson design with rolling terrain and strategic bunkering. Best of Reunion's three courses.

$70–$150 · resort

Virginia Beach, VA

Jack Nicklaus design on the Eastern Shore across the Bay Bridge Tunnel. Worth the drive for the views alone.

$90–$170 · coastal

Outer Banks, NC

Rees Jones design in Corolla. Ocean breezes, natural dunes, and sound views. Best course on the OBX.

$80–$160 · links

Outer Banks, NC

Tom Steele design through maritime forest and wetlands. Secluded and beautiful.

$60–$120 · coastal

Sea Island / St. Simons, GA

Davis Love III and Mark Love design on St. Simons. Avenue of Oaks entrance is unforgettable.

$150–$300 · parkland

Reynolds Lake Oconee, GA

Jim Engh design with creative green complexes and dramatic Georgia pines throughout.

$110–$200 · parkland

Saratoga Springs, NY

Roger Rulewich design ranked among the best public courses in New York — stunning water features throughout

$99–$175 · parkland

Stowe, VT

Bob Cupp design at the base of Spruce Peak with resort luxury and spectacular mountain views

$109–$179 · mountain

Kennebunkport, ME

Walter Travis links design with ocean views — tight, windy, and beautifully maintained since 1902

$95–$155 · coastal

Newport, RI

Arthur Hills links design with Sakonnet River views — wide-open, windswept, and top 100 caliber

$125–$195 · links

Atlantic City, NJ

Steve Smyers design consistently ranked among New Jersey's best public courses — immaculate conditioning

$65–$109 · parkland

Hershey, PA

Maurice McCarthy design with Hershey resort pedigree — the best course in the area with tournament conditioning

$89–$149 · parkland

Ocean City, MD

Arthur Hills design through coastal marshland with Assawoman Bay views on nearly every hole

$65–$109 · links

Bar Harbor, ME

8th oldest golf club in America — stunning mountain and ocean views from a Herbert Leeds design inside Acadia

$79–$135 · coastal

Burlington, VT

Jack Nicklaus design with Lake Champlain and Adirondack views — the best public course in Vermont

$89–$149 · parkland

Cape May, NJ

Karl Litton/Robert Mullock design through wetlands and pines — consistently ranked among NJ's best public courses

$59–$99 · coastal

Louisville, KY

Arthur Hills design consistently ranked among Kentucky's best — rolling terrain through hardwood forests with excellent conditioning

$65–$110 · parkland

Tulsa, OK

Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw design that's become the best public option in Tulsa — rolling terrain with native grasses and smart bunkering

$45–$80 · parkland

Lake of the Ozarks, MO

Tom Weiskopf design through wooded Ozark terrain with Lake of the Ozarks views — consistently ranked among Missouri's best

$60–$105 · resort

Sedona, AZ

The signature 10th hole frames Cathedral Rock — one of the most photographed golf holes in America

$100–$200 · desert

Tucson, AZ

Tom Fazio design in the Santa Catalina foothills — the par-3 3rd hole across the canyon is unforgettable

$100–$225 · desert

Santa Fe, NM

Baxter Spann design on Pueblo land with dramatic mesas and arroyos — the best course near Santa Fe

$60–$120 · desert

Las Vegas, NV

Former PGA Tour stop in the Summerlin foothills with dramatic canyon views on the back nine

$150–$250 · desert

Las Vegas, NV

Pete Dye design with 45 holes on site — Wolf is the beast, Snow Mountain and Sun Mountain round out the trio

$100–$200 · desert

Reno, NV

Arnold Palmer design perched above the city with panoramic views of Reno and the Truckee Meadows

$80–$150 · mountain

Albuquerque, NM

Red Ryder designed this monster for the Lobos — long, demanding, and one of the best college courses in the West

$50–$95 · desert

Albuquerque, NM

Gary Panks design at Hyatt Regency Tamaya on Santa Ana Pueblo land — dramatic mesa and mountain backdrops

$60–$110 · desert

Bend, OR

Peter Jacobsen design through canyon terrain with dramatic elevation changes

$120–$195 · desert

Boise, ID

Best public course in the Boise area — dramatic canyon setting with rattlesnake-avoidance vibes

$60–$110 · desert

Walla Walla, WA

Dan Hixson links design through rolling wheat fields — one of the best public courses in Washington

$70–$125 · links

Eugene, OR

Stunning McKenzie River Valley course with Cascade Mountain views — regularly rated top public course in Oregon

$55–$85 · mountain

Leavenworth, WA

Jack Frei design carved into Columbia River basalt cliffs — dramatic desert canyon golf with 800-ft elevation changes

$75–$130 · desert

Cannon Beach / Seaside, OR

Established 1892 — one of the oldest courses in the West with true links turf and ocean breezes

$55–$95 · links

Whitefish, MT

27 holes with a Nicklaus-designed nine on Flathead Lake — the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi

$65–$95 · mountain

Big Sky, MT

Arnold Palmer design weaving through the Gallatin Canyon; elk and moose regularly cross fairways

$100–$175 · mountain

Steamboat Springs, CO

Tom Weiskopf design through sage meadows and aspen groves; semi-private with limited public access

$95–$165 · mountain

Durango, CO

Ken Dye design carved along the Animas River valley with red-rock cliffs and mountain views; best public course in southwest Colorado

$85–$139 · mountain

Park City, UT

Arnold Palmer design winding through a gorgeous mountain valley; one of the best public-access courses in Utah

$75–$120 · mountain

Deadwood, SD

Upscale Black Hills championship layout through ponderosa pines with dramatic elevation changes — the premium round option

$65–$110 · mountain

Bozeman, MT

Semi-private gem along the East Gallatin River; best-conditioned greens in the valley

$70–$95 · parkland

Missoula, MT

Stunning Steve Jones design along the Clark Fork River; risk/reward layout with canyon views

$55–$85 · mountain

Colorado Springs, CO

Mountain course with dramatic elevation changes; tighter and more demanding than the East

$150–$250 · mountain

Colorado Springs, CO

Stunning red rock formations backdrop; resort course with jaw-dropping scenery on every hole

$100–$175 · mountain

Vail, CO

Municipal course that plays like a resort; tight fairways along Gore Creek with spectacular mountain walls

$100–$185 · mountain

Vail, CO

Bob Cupp design with stunning Gore Range views; long and demanding with immaculate conditioning

$90–$165 · mountain

Fort Collins, CO

Former Korn Ferry Tour host; championship layout with elevation changes and a serious test of golf

$60–$95 · parkland

Glenwood Springs, CO

Municipal course in Aspen at 7,800 feet; jaw-dropping mountain scenery and surprisingly affordable for Aspen

$80–$150 · mountain

Pagosa Springs, CO

Ken Dye design along the Animas River near Durango; worth the drive for the setting alone

$70–$120 · mountain

Rapid City, SD

Dramatic layout through red rock canyon terrain with elevation changes and stunning Black Hills views

$55–$85 · mountain

Keystone / Custer, SD

Upscale Black Hills course through red rock canyons and ponderosa pines — the premium round for the trip

$65–$110 · mountain

Kohler, WI

Wider fairways than the River Course but no less challenging — great for a second-day loop

$220–$290 · parkland

Kohler, WI

Jack Nicklaus design with broad fairways and demanding greens — top public course in Wisconsin

$99–$165 · parkland

Galena, IL

The flagship — dramatic elevation changes and pristine conditioning on every hole

$129–$199 · parkland

Harbor Springs / Petoskey, MI

Strategic bunkering and rolling terrain — plays slightly easier than The Heather but just as scenic

$89–$149 · resort

Grand Rapids, MI

Dramatic ravine crossings and elevation drops through dense Michigan forest — the most scenic track in the area

$55–$95 · parkland

Door County, WI

Door County's premier course — mature hardwoods and bay glimpses on a classic Midwest layout

$69–$110 · parkland

Madison, WI

Home of the AmFam Championship — Robert Trent Jones Jr. design with tournament conditioning and stunning views of the Wisconsin hills

$69–$115 · parkland

Columbus, OH

Arthur Hills design through Appalachian foothills — consistently rated among Ohio's best public courses

$69–$110 · parkland

Kansas City, MO

KC's most acclaimed public course — challenging Tom Watson design with tournament-quality conditioning

$59–$89 · parkland

Pinehurst, NC

Mike Strantz's wild, love-it-or-hate-it masterpiece. Blind shots, massive dunes, and 150 slope. Unforgettable.

$100–$195 · links

Kiawah Island, SC

Tom Fazio design winding through lakes, oaks, and marshland. Most forgiving of the five courses.

$150–$275 · parkland

Hilton Head, SC

Another Pete Dye gem at Sea Pines. Tight, challenging, and winding through lagoons and live oaks.

$150–$275 · coastal

Hilton Head, SC

Davis Love III redesign with ocean breezes and sandy waste areas. Sea Pines' most fun layout.

$125–$225 · coastal

Savannah, GA

Robert Cupp and Sam Snead design on Hutchinson Island. Marsh and river views, formerly hosted a PGA Tour event.

$100–$185 · coastal

Lexington, KY

UK's championship course. Hosted NCAA championships and SEC events. The area's best pure test of golf.

$65–$115 · parkland

Asheville, NC

Donald Ross design on the Biltmore Estate. Private but guest access available through the estate. Classic mountain parkland.

$125–$200 · parkland

Destin, FL

Robert Walker design on Choctawhatchee Bay. Dramatic water views, challenging layout, and the area's best conditioning.

$85–$165 · coastal

Myrtle Beach, SC

Tom Fazio design with immaculate conditioning. The PGA-branded flagship of the Strand.

$100–$200 · parkland

Nashville, TN

Former LPGA Tour venue. Long, challenging, and beautifully maintained municipal gem.

$70–$130 · parkland

Amelia Island, FL

Pete Dye design with salt marsh views and tricky island green. The resort flagship.

$100–$180 · coastal

Amelia Island, FL

Tom Fazio oceanside design. Dramatic dune-lined holes and ocean breezes.

$120–$200 · coastal

Naples, FL

Robert Trent Jones Sr. design with water on every hole. Flamingos sometimes make cameos.

$80–$160 · resort

Orlando, FL

Phil Ritson design used as PGA Tour Q-School venue. Big, bold, and beautifully conditioned.

$80–$160 · parkland

Virginia Beach, VA

Arnold Palmer's final design. Stunning Chesapeake Bay setting with creative routing.

$80–$150 · coastal

Pawleys Island, SC

Jack Nicklaus design through marsh and maritime forest. Dramatic back nine along the creek.

$70–$140 · coastal

Reynolds Lake Oconee, GA

Rees Jones design that hosted the PGA Cup. Lakeside holes and dramatic bunkering.

$150–$275 · parkland

Reynolds Lake Oconee, GA

Bob Cupp design with the most lake-exposed routing. Five holes right on the water.

$120–$225 · parkland

Cape Cod, MA

Rees Jones design in Plymouth with dramatic elevation changes and pristine conditioning

$95–$160 · heathland

Cape Cod, MA

Nicklaus design at Pinehills — wider fairways but well-guarded greens through pine and scrub oak

$95–$160 · heathland

Lake Placid, NY

Classic 1898 Walter Hagen layout on the shores of Lake Placid with Adirondack peak views

$89–$139 · mountain

Williamsburg, VA

Rees Jones design — longer and more modern than the Gold with generous fairways through mature pines

$75–$125 · parkland

Finger Lakes, NY

Robert Trent Jones Sr. design perched above Canandaigua Lake with jaw-dropping elevation changes

$69–$109 · mountain

Poconos, PA

Jack Nicklaus signature course at Shawnee Mountain — dramatic elevation changes and forest corridors

$75–$125 · mountain

Berkshires, MA

Wayne Stiles classic set against Mount Greylock — one of the best public courses in New England

$85–$140 · mountain

Stowe, VT

Classic mountain course with Mount Mansfield as the backdrop — immaculate conditioning and challenging greens

$89–$145 · mountain

Portland, ME

Cape Elizabeth beauty with ocean glimpses — semi-private with limited public tee times

$85–$140 · coastal

Atlantic City, NJ

Ron Forse design through South Jersey pine barrens — links-style bunkering with parkland routing

$69–$119 · parkland

Atlantic City, NJ

Scottish-style links built on actual sand dunes — feels like you're playing in Ireland, not New Jersey

$59–$99 · links

Ocean City, MD

Pete Dye/P.B. Dye design with Sinepuxent Bay views — the best public course near OC with true links character

$69–$119 · links

Ocean City, MD

Rick Jacobson design through mature pines and wetlands — tournament conditioning at a public price

$59–$105 · parkland

Catskills, NY

Ski-resort mountain course with dramatic elevation changes and Catskill views on every hole

$69–$109 · mountain

Bretton Woods, NH

Donald Ross design on the grounds of the grand hotel — Mount Washington as your backdrop on every hole

$99–$165 · resort

Cooperstown, NY

Devereux Emmet design on the shores of Otsego Lake — resort golf at The Otesaga with lake views on nearly every hole

$89–$145 · resort

Hudson Valley, NY

Stunning Hudson River views from every hole — the course where they filmed The Irishman

$75–$125 · parkland

Horseshoe Bay, TX

Most scenic of the four courses — plays along Slick Rock Creek with waterfalls and wildflowers in spring

$100–$175 · resort

Horseshoe Bay, TX

The toughest of the four — elevated tees with panoramic Hill Country views and punishing carries

$100–$175 · resort

Fredericksburg, TX

Tom Kite design with 27 holes through rugged Hill Country terrain — three distinct 9-hole loops with dramatic elevation

$85–$145 · resort

Branson, MO

Tom Clark design carved through Ozark ridgelines with 250 feet of elevation change — bring your A-game and extra balls

$65–$105 · mountain

San Antonio, TX

Pete Dye design at TPC — more dramatic elevation and tighter lines than the Oaks course with canyon carries

$125–$210 · resort

Dallas-Fort Worth, TX

The only NFL-themed golf course in the world — Dallas Cowboys branding, luxury clubhouse, and a legit championship layout

$100–$195 · parkland

Houston, TX

Former Shell Houston Open venue — long, challenging Rees Jones design with tour-level conditioning and huge greens

$75–$135 · parkland

New Orleans, LA

Rees Jones redesign in City Park — the best public course in New Orleans with live oaks, lagoons, and 10 minutes to the French Quarter

$55–$95 · parkland

Tulsa, OK

Randy Heckenkemper design in Broken Arrow with challenging elevation and water features — one of the best-conditioned public courses in Oklahoma

$50–$90 · parkland

Oklahoma City, OK

Bob Cupp design and home of OU golf — championship layout with Cross Timbers terrain, stone bridges, and excellent conditioning

$60–$100 · parkland

Oklahoma City, OK

Tom Fazio design in Edmond with rolling Cross Timbers terrain and excellent conditioning — one of the best public courses in the OKC metro

$50–$85 · parkland

Little Rock, AR

Robert Trent Jones Jr. 36-hole facility — two championship courses through Ozark foothills with excellent conditioning and resort-quality amenities

$55–$95 · parkland

Baton Rouge, LA

David Toms design with island green, Louisiana wetland setting, and excellent conditioning — the best public course near Baton Rouge

$55–$95 · parkland

Lake of the Ozarks, MO

Robert Trent Jones Sr. design overlooking the lake with dramatic cove crossings and mature Ozark forest — the signature course at the lake

$65–$120 · resort

Las Vegas, NV

Tropical-themed course steps from the Strip — palm trees, white sand, and convenience you can not beat

$150–$300 · resort

Reno, NV

Challenging mountain layout with Sierra Nevada views and some of the best conditioning in northern Nevada

$75–$140 · mountain

Albuquerque, NM

Scott Miller design at Sandia Resort with Sandia Mountain views and a casino next door

$60–$120 · desert

Laughlin, NV

Best course in the Laughlin area — well-conditioned resort layout with mountain and river valley views

$50–$110 · resort

Hood River, OR

Stunning Gorge-view course at Skamania Lodge — shorter but challenging mountain layout with Columbia River panoramas

$65–$110 · mountain

Portland, OR

Links-style layout with a massive red barn clubhouse and views of Mt. Hood

$65–$110 · links

Gig Harbor, WA

Consistently rated a top public course in WA — John Harbottle design through the Kitsap Peninsula forest

$55–$95 · parkland

Steamboat Springs, CO

Robert Trent Jones Jr. design at the Sheraton; dramatic elevation changes and views of the Flat Tops Wilderness

$79–$135 · mountain

Park City, UT

Dramatic elevation changes and ridgeline views at the Park City Mountain Resort; signature holes perched above the Wasatch

$85–$135 · mountain

Breckenridge, CO

Robert Trent Jones Jr. design through sage meadows and aspen groves; elk sightings common

$70–$140 · mountain

Traverse City, MI

Jack Nicklaus design — brutally tough from the tips but a marquee resort experience

$99–$175 · resort

Lake Geneva, WI

Arnold Palmer design with water on 13 holes — the most scenic of the three GN courses

$99–$179 · resort

Lake Geneva, WI

Gary Player's design philosophy on full display — strategic bunkering and elevation changes

$99–$179 · resort

Harbor Springs / Petoskey, MI

Robert Trent Jones Sr. design — the flagship of Boyne's four courses, tournament-worthy conditioning

$99–$169 · resort

Madison, WI

Oregon, WI gem with dramatic elevation and wooded holes — feels more northern Wisconsin than suburban Madison

$55–$89 · parkland

Des Moines, IA

Arnold Palmer design and former Korn Ferry Tour host — the best public course in Iowa with tournament-level conditioning

$59–$99 · parkland

Milwaukee, WI

Former PGA Tour Greater Milwaukee Open host — Andy North won here, and the course still has championship bones at a county price

$49–$85 · parkland

Omaha, NE

Former PGA Tour site — the best public course in Nebraska with tournament conditioning and a challenging layout through mature trees

$49–$85 · parkland

Hilton Head, SC

Classic RTJ design with wide fairways, big greens, and lagoons on 11 holes. Great resort course.

$120–$210 · resort

Destin, FL

Fred Couples and Gene Bates design along Choctawhatchee Bay. Beautiful routing through wetlands and hardwoods.

$80–$150 · parkland

Myrtle Beach, SC

Pete Dye at his most diabolical. Waste bunkers, island greens, and pure challenge.

$80–$170 · parkland

Nashville, TN

Larry Nelson design along the Cumberland River. Resort-quality conditioning with water on 13 holes.

$90–$160 · links

St. Augustine, FL

Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus collaboration. The only course co-designed by the two legends.

$70–$140 · parkland

Naples, FL

Greg Norman design at The Ritz-Carlton. Home of the PGA TOUR QBE Shootout. Tour-level conditioning.

$150–$275 · resort

Sea Island / St. Simons, GA

Rees Jones redesign through live oaks and lagoons. More traditional than Seaside and equally excellent.

$200–$375 · parkland

Reynolds Lake Oconee, GA

Tom Fazio design. Augusta National-style conditioning with dramatic elevation and lake views.

$130–$250 · parkland

Cape Cod, MA

Jack Nicklaus signature design winding through cranberry bogs and Cape Cod pines

$125–$195 · coastal

Lake Placid, NY

Seymour Dunn design with panoramic mountain views from nearly every hole

$79–$125 · mountain

Williamsburg, VA

Arnold Palmer design weaving through ravines and hardwoods — the more playable Kingsmill track

$95–$155 · parkland

Williamsburg, VA

Dan Maples design with water on 14 holes — target golf through wetlands and Virginia hardwoods

$70–$115 · parkland

Poconos, PA

A.W. Tillinghast design on the Delaware River — 27 holes of classic resort golf with mountain views

$69–$119 · resort

Kennebunkport, ME

The Bush family's home course — charming, walkable layout with Kennebunk River views

$80–$135 · coastal

Hot Springs, AR

Classic 1890s course redesigned by Willie Park Jr. — tight mountain fairways with views of the Ouachita range

$65–$110 · mountain

Hot Springs, AR

Longest and most challenging public course in the area — carved through dense Ouachita forest with water on eight holes

$55–$95 · mountain

San Antonio, TX

Built inside a former quarry with 100-foot limestone walls — the back nine plays through the quarry pit. Totally unique.

$65–$115 · desert

San Antonio, TX

Arnold Palmer design on a former quarry site with panoramic Hill Country views and a challenging finishing stretch

$80–$140 · resort

Austin, TX

Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore design with dramatic 100-foot cliff drops and native wildflower meadows

$100–$185 · resort

Austin, TX

Hyatt Lost Pines resort course on the Colorado River — natural terrain, wildlife sightings, and a strong finishing stretch

$85–$155 · resort

Dallas-Fort Worth, TX

Links-style tribute to the great holes of Scotland and Ireland — pot bunkers, burn crossings, and fescue rough in North Texas

$75–$140 · links

Houston, TX

Links-style course in south Houston with mounding, fescue, and strategic bunkering — feels like you left Texas

$65–$110 · links

New Orleans, LA

Jack Nicklaus design and former PGA Tour venue — challenging wetland course with strategic water hazards and mature oaks

$75–$130 · parkland

Shreveport-Bossier City, LA

Best public course in northwest Louisiana — challenging layout through pine forests with excellent conditioning and low green fees

$45–$80 · parkland

Baton Rouge, LA

Arnold Palmer design through Louisiana bluffs and ravines — dramatic 200-foot elevation changes rare for this part of the state

$50–$85 · parkland

Galveston, TX

Semi-private island course with Gulf views, sea breezes, and a links-influenced layout — the best golf on the island

$60–$100 · coastal

Lake Geneva, WI

Lee Trevino's only Midwest design — the most forgiving of the three but still plenty of teeth

$99–$179 · resort

Poconos, PA

Hal Purdy design carved through Pocono Mountain forests — casino resort amenities included

$79–$129 · mountain

Berkshires, MA

Stiles & Van Kleek design on the grounds of a former Gilded Age estate — now part of Miraval Resort

$75–$125 · resort

San Antonio, TX

South Texas ranch-style golf with mesquite-lined fairways, wildlife crossings, and generous landing areas

$70–$125 · resort

Galveston, TX

Links-style course in south Houston — add it to a Galveston trip for a quality 36-hole day with a different look

$65–$110 · links