Solid Golf Courses

Phoenix / Mesa, AZ

Iconic Phoenix muni nestled between the Papago Buttes — where the locals play and the views punch way above the green fee

$45–$80 · desert

Bandon, OR

Affordable public course 10 min from the resort — great warm-up round or budget-friendly complement to the Dunes experience

$49–$89 · parkland

Sunriver, OR

Brian Whitcomb design through high desert lava flows — unique volcanic landscape 15 min north toward Bend

$55–$85 · desert

Portland, OR

Robert Trent Jones II design — best public course value inside Portland city limits

$40–$70 · links

Sandpoint, ID

Well-kept 18 in Bonners Ferry with mountain views, mature pines, and a friendly small-town vibe

$35–$60 · parkland

Gig Harbor, WA

Companion course at Gold Mountain — excellent value with mature trees and rolling terrain

$35–$60 · parkland

Whitefish, MT

Shorter but sneaky; more open layout with Flathead Valley views

$55–$79 · mountain

McCall, ID

Don Knott design through meadows and ponderosa pines in the Long Valley — mountain views and wildlife everywhere

$55–$95 · mountain

Telluride, CO

Jim Engh design in Montrose; links-style through desert mesa terrain — totally different from Telluride GC

$50–$85 · links

Fort Collins, CO

Jack Nicklaus-designed city course with dramatic red rock outcroppings and Horsetooth Reservoir views

$42–$68 · mountain

Cody, WY

Historic Bob Baldock design with mature cottonwoods and Shoshone River views; the social hub of Cody golf

$50–$75 · parkland

Door County, WI

State park course with Eagle Bluff views over Green Bay — one of the most scenic budget rounds in the Midwest

$39–$62 · parkland

Milwaukee, WI

South Milwaukee county course with Lake Michigan views — excellent value with surprisingly good greens

$32–$52 · parkland

Omaha, NE

City of Omaha's best muni — hilly and fun with mature trees and the best budget green fees in the metro

$25–$45 · parkland

Chattanooga, TN

Mountaintop course at the University of the South. Stunning views and absurd value.

$35–$60 · mountain

Amelia Island, FL

Tom Fazio design open to public play. Lush conditioning and great value for the quality.

$60–$110 · parkland

St. Augustine, FL

Clyde Johnston design that punches above its price. Good value round to balance the splurge days.

$40–$75 · parkland

Outer Banks, NC

Bob Moore design on Roanoke Sound. True links experience with ocean winds and sound views.

$50–$100 · links

Cape Cod, MA

Top-rated municipal course consistently ranked among the best public tracks in Massachusetts

$55–$85 · parkland

Portland, ME

Cumberland municipal course ranked among Maine's best public tracks — outstanding value

$38–$60 · parkland

Hershey, PA

Shorter companion course with more forgiving fairways — great second-day round for the group

$59–$99 · parkland

Hershey, PA

Cornwall course with nice elevation changes and woods — punches above its weight for the price

$39–$69 · parkland

Tucson, AZ

Robert Trent Jones Jr. design near Saguaro National Park — great desert golf at mid-range pricing

$50–$120 · desert

St. George, UT

27 holes with three distinct 9s — great value and the Black Rock 9 has dramatic lava rock scenery

$45–$85 · desert

Santa Fe, NM

Muni-priced links course with panoramic Sangre de Cristo mountain views — best value in Santa Fe

$40–$75 · links

Phoenix / Mesa, AZ

Pete Dye design for ASU — sneaky tough college course with great conditioning for the price

$40–$75 · desert

Payson, AZ

Public mountain course with ponderosa pines lining every fairway — gorgeous and affordable

$45–$85 · mountain

Bend, OR

Best muni value in Central Oregon with views of eight Cascade peaks

$50–$80 · desert

Sunriver, OR

Robert Trent Jones Jr. redesign with Cascade Mountain views and wide fairways

$70–$110 · parkland

Boise, ID

John Harbottle design in Eagle with canyon views and challenging elevation changes

$50–$85 · desert

Hood River, OR

Charming course right in Hood River with Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams views from nearly every hole

$40–$70 · parkland

Seattle, WA

Hidden gem on the Kitsap Peninsula with a fly-fishing pond and excellent conditioning

$45–$85 · parkland

Gig Harbor, WA

Long challenging layout near the harbor with water features and mountain views

$40–$70 · parkland

McCall, ID

Classic mountain muni with ponderosa pines, a creek running through, and views of the surrounding peaks; walkable and well-conditioned

$45–$75 · mountain

Missoula, MT

Hidden gem in the Bitterroot Valley with mountain views and a challenging layout

$40–$60 · mountain

Vail, CO

Classic mountain course between Vail and Beaver Creek; great conditioning and more affordable than Vail GC

$65–$110 · mountain

Telluride, CO

High mesa course near Ridgway with sweeping views of the Sneffels Range; excellent value alternative

$55–$95 · mountain

Glenwood Springs, CO

Charming city course perched above the Colorado River with panoramic valley views; great value

$40–$65 · mountain

Pagosa Springs, CO

27-hole facility with mountain and meadow holes; three distinct nine-hole loops at 7,300 feet

$55–$89 · mountain

Salida, CO

Well-maintained course in Buena Vista with 14,000-foot peaks as the backdrop; the ball absolutely flies at altitude

$35–$55 · mountain

Rapid City, SD

Rapid City's best muni; long, mature, and always well-conditioned with Rapid Creek running through

$35–$52 · parkland

Rapid City, SD

Play golf with a view of Devils Tower in the distance; worth the drive for the novelty and solid course

$40–$60 · parkland

Traverse City, MI

Arnold Palmer design through cedar forests and wetlands — outstanding value for the quality

$69–$99 · parkland

Lake Geneva, WI

36 holes — the Como Crossings links-style nine is the hidden gem in the Lake Geneva area

$59–$99 · parkland

Harbor Springs / Petoskey, MI

Jeff Gorney design with wide fairways and great conditioning — excellent value for northern Michigan

$59–$99 · parkland

Harbor Springs / Petoskey, MI

Longest of the four courses — wide fairways through meadows, great for scoring

$69–$119 · resort

Grand Rapids, MI

Built on reclaimed sand mine land — unique elevation changes and wide fairways make it fun for all skill levels

$42–$69 · parkland

Door County, WI

Sturgeon Bay's solid daily-fee course — well-conditioned with a friendly pace for a fun round

$35–$55 · parkland

Madison, WI

Cottage Grove's well-conditioned track through oak groves — great value and excellent greens

$42–$70 · parkland

Brainerd, MN

Social par-67 layout perfect for a warm-up round — walking-friendly with cold beers at the turn

$49–$79 · resort

Columbus, OH

Westerville's best public track — mature trees and well-maintained greens in a residential setting

$49–$79 · parkland

Columbus, OH

Metro Parks course along Big Darby Creek — excellent value with scenic creek-side holes

$35–$59 · parkland

Indianapolis, IN

Lebanon's best public course — well-groomed with strategic bunkering and good pace of play

$49–$79 · parkland

Indianapolis, IN

Best Indy Parks muni — a Gary Kern design with more character than you'd expect from a city course

$28–$45 · parkland

Indianapolis, IN

Carmel's public gem — Robert Trent Jones Jr. design with rolling terrain and top-notch conditioning for the price

$42–$69 · parkland

Des Moines, IA

Polk County course along Saylorville Lake — scenic water views and a great practice facility

$29–$49 · parkland

Marquette, MI

Classic 1926 course through mature pines — the 'other' Marquette course is still excellent golf at a fraction of Greywalls' price

$39–$65 · parkland

Marquette, MI

Escanaba area track through northern hardwoods — well-maintained and affordable UP golf

$35–$55 · parkland

St. Louis, MO

Arthur Hills design south of the city — well-conditioned with interesting routing through farmland and woods

$42–$69 · parkland

Kansas City, MO

Raymore's hidden gem — rolling terrain through creeks and hardwoods with excellent conditioning for the price

$39–$65 · parkland

Milwaukee, WI

Grafton's best public course — links-parkland hybrid with excellent conditioning and challenging green complexes

$45–$75 · parkland

Kiawah Island, SC

Gary Player redesign hugging the Kiawah River. Beautiful marsh views and excellent conditioning.

$125–$225 · coastal

Savannah, GA

Greg Norman design in Pooler. Well-maintained, generous fairways, and excellent value.

$65–$110 · parkland

Lexington, KY

Jack Ridge design in Georgetown. Wide fairways, mature trees, and excellent public-course conditioning.

$35–$60 · parkland

Asheville, NC

Robert Trent Jones II mountain design near Cherokee. Dramatic mountain scenery and excellent value. Worth the drive.

$55–$95 · mountain

Charleston, SC

Arnold Palmer design along the Wando River. Challenging and well-conditioned. Great group outing track.

$65–$120 · coastal

Chattanooga, TN

Jack Nicklaus design on Chickamauga Lake. State park course with championship pedigree.

$40–$75 · parkland

Naples, FL

Lee Trevino design with generous fairways and fun risk-reward par 5s.

$60–$120 · resort

Sarasota, FL

Best value in the Sarasota area. Well-maintained with some nice water features.

$40–$80 · parkland

Biloxi, MS

Best value on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Well-maintained muni with mature oaks.

$35–$65 · parkland

Virginia Beach, VA

Tom Clark design with mature pines and good variety. Solid value and walkable.

$40–$80 · parkland

Lake Placid, NY

Municipal gem named after the 1941 Masters champ — affordable mountain golf with tight tree-lined fairways

$42–$65 · mountain

Stowe, VT

Gene Bates design in Killington with rolling Green Mountain terrain, elevation changes, and gorgeous fall foliage views

$49–$79 · mountain

Portland, ME

South Portland's best public course — tight fairways through mature pines, challenging for all levels

$55–$89 · parkland

Newport, RI

Semi-private Portsmouth course with challenging layout and Narragansett Bay views on the back nine

$50–$85 · parkland

Bar Harbor, ME

Trenton course with great views of Cadillac Mountain — solid value round right outside town

$35–$60 · parkland

Burlington, VT

Links-style course on former farmland in Essex — open layout with solid conditioning and great value

$39–$65 · links

Burlington, VT

Shelburne course with Lake Champlain views — well-maintained semi-private club with public tee times

$45–$75 · parkland

Mystic, CT

Donald Ross design overlooking the Thames River and Long Island Sound — a public treasure with ocean views

$39–$65 · coastal

Mystic, CT

27-hole Pawcatuck facility with three distinct nines — great value and good conditioning for the price

$35–$55 · parkland

Branson, MO

Municipal course named for Branson's most famous golfer — great value with well-maintained fairways and mountain views

$35–$60 · mountain

Dallas-Fort Worth, TX

Arnold Palmer design in Fort Worth with elevation changes, creek crossings, and a challenging back nine through mature oaks

$40–$75 · parkland

Tulsa, OK

Tulsa's best-kept public secret — mature trees, elevation changes, and excellent conditions at rock-bottom prices

$30–$55 · parkland

Shreveport-Bossier City, LA

Semi-private club with public tee times available — rolling terrain through mature pines with a country club feel at public prices

$35–$60 · parkland

Sedona, AZ

Robert Trent Jones Sr. design with creek crossings and red rock views at a fraction of the price

$70–$130 · parkland

Tucson, AZ

Notah Begay III design at Casino Del Sol — great value with a casino and resort next door

$40–$90 · resort

Mesquite, NV

Well-maintained resort course at the CasaBlanca hotel — great value with casino and dining attached

$50–$100 · resort

Mesquite, NV

Hilly desert layout with canyon views and some dramatic forced carries

$50–$95 · desert

Santa Fe, NM

Hale Irwin design at Buffalo Thunder Resort with juniper-studded mountain terrain and casino on-site

$50–$100 · mountain

Flagstaff, AZ

Tree-lined mountain course with elk sightings and pine-scented fairways at 7,000 feet

$45–$90 · mountain

Reno, NV

Robert Trent Jones II design with an island green par-3 — best value in the Reno area

$50–$95 · parkland

Phoenix / Mesa, AZ

Ken Kavanaugh design in Mesa with water on 13 holes and mountain backdrops — great value

$50–$95 · desert

Lake Havasu City, AZ

Well-maintained desert muni with mountain views — the best value in town

$35–$70 · desert

Laughlin, NV

Semi-private course in Bullhead City with mature trees and a well-maintained layout

$35–$70 · desert

Bend, OR

Robert Muir Graves design with Mt. Bachelor views and tree-lined fairways

$60–$99 · parkland

Bend, OR

Juniper-lined fairways with Cascade views at a resort-friendly price point

$55–$89 · desert

Sunriver, OR

Tree-lined classic layout through the ponderosa pines — forgiving but fun

$60–$95 · parkland

Sunriver, OR

Robert Muir Graves design with Cascade Mountain views — solid resort course between Sunriver and Bend

$50–$90 · resort

Boise, ID

Affordable and well-maintained parkland course that plays fast — solid value round

$45–$75 · parkland

Spokane, WA

Historic muni perched on a basalt canyon rim — routinely named one of the best municipal courses in America

$30–$55 · parkland

Spokane, WA

Best-conditioned Spokane muni with Latah Creek winding through the layout

$30–$50 · parkland

Spokane, WA

Robert Muir Graves design in Liberty Lake — long, well-maintained, and affordable

$30–$55 · parkland

Sun Valley / Ketchum, ID

More forgiving resort course with wide fairways and the same stunning mountain backdrop

$70–$120 · mountain

Sandpoint, ID

Well-kept resort course with mountain views and a relaxed pace of play

$40–$70 · parkland

Walla Walla, WA

Well-maintained muni with mature trees and Blue Mountain views — great value for the money

$30–$50 · parkland

Walla Walla, WA

Semi-private course that welcomes outside play — classic parkland layout in wine country

$50–$85 · parkland

Eugene, OR

Semi-private club welcoming outside play with well-conditioned fairways and reasonable rates

$40–$65 · parkland

Eugene, OR

Mature parkland layout with excellent conditioning and views of the Coast Range foothills

$35–$60 · parkland

Leavenworth, WA

Well-maintained East Wenatchee course with Columbia River views and excellent value

$35–$60 · parkland

Cannon Beach / Seaside, OR

Scenic coastal course near the Columbia River with views of the Astoria-Megler Bridge

$40–$65 · coastal

Whitefish, MT

Resort course near Columbia Falls with wide fairways and mountain panoramas

$49–$79 · mountain

Big Sky, MT

Classic Bozeman club along the Gallatin River; walkable and well-conditioned with mountain backdrop

$55–$85 · parkland

Steamboat Springs, CO

Robert Trent Jones Jr. muni owned by the city — championship mountain golf at public prices with Yampa Valley views

$55–$95 · mountain

Durango, CO

Classic muni perched above town at Fort Lewis College; cheap, walkable, and stunning panoramic views

$49–$75 · mountain

Park City, UT

Muni course right in town with walkable terrain and mountain views; incredible value for the area

$45–$75 · mountain

Jackson, WY

Affordable public course in Rexburg with Teton views — the budget round between bucket-list splurges

$45–$75 · parkland

Deadwood, SD

Well-kept 18 in Lead with Black Hills pines, creek crossings, and gorgeous canyon views — the best full-length option near Deadwood

$40–$70 · mountain

Deadwood, SD

Best full 18 in the area; well-maintained Rapid City course with a links feel on the back nine

$39–$59 · parkland

Bozeman, MT

Best public value in the valley; Bridger Mountain views from every hole and a fun, rolling layout

$42–$62 · mountain

Bozeman, MT

Tight tree-lined fairways with a links-style finish; the most centrally located course in Bozeman

$45–$65 · parkland

Missoula, MT

Well-conditioned course through ponderosa pines with a great practice facility and affordable rates

$45–$72 · parkland

Colorado Springs, CO

Fort Carson military course open to public; outstanding mountain views and incredible value

$35–$55 · mountain

Breckenridge, CO

More forgiving sister course along the Snake River; great mountain scenery with less intimidation

$55–$110 · mountain

Breckenridge, CO

Copper Mountain's Pete and Perry Dye design; short but tricky with stunning Gore Range views

$50–$99 · mountain

Vail, CO

Pete Dye design in Gypsum with great valley views; less crowded and more affordable alternative to Vail courses

$55–$99 · mountain

Fort Collins, CO

Fort Collins' best muni; mature trees, tight fairways, and always in great shape

$35–$55 · parkland

Rapid City, SD

Beautiful Black Hills course winding through ponderosa pines and red rock canyons; the best public track in the area

$45–$72 · mountain

Keystone / Custer, SD

Best public course in the Black Hills; ponderosa pines and red rock canyons create a stunning layout

$45–$72 · mountain

Traverse City, MI

Arnold Palmer design at a full-service resort — Cedar River and Schuss Mountain courses also available

$79–$139 · resort

Galena, IL

Tight fairways through hardwood forest — the toughest of the four courses for some

$79–$129 · parkland

Galena, IL

The most playable of the four — wide fairways with rolling hills and lake views

$69–$109 · parkland

Lake Geneva, WI

Lives up to its name — a brawny resort course with tight fairways and demanding greens

$89–$159 · resort

Lake Geneva, WI

Links-inspired layout with Scottish-style mounding — more playable than The Brute

$69–$119 · resort

Harbor Springs / Petoskey, MI

Harry Bowers design through hardwood forest with dramatic elevation changes — overlooking Little Traverse Bay

$69–$119 · parkland

Harbor Springs / Petoskey, MI

Tribute to classic Ross design — replica holes from Pinehurst, Seminole, and Oakland Hills

$69–$119 · parkland

Grand Rapids, MI

Best public value in the GR metro — mature trees, rolling terrain, and consistently excellent greens

$45–$75 · parkland

Brainerd, MN

Robert Trent Jones Jr. design on Gull Lake — resort golf with teeth, especially the back nine

$59–$99 · resort

Cincinnati, OH

Hilltop municipal gem with panoramic city skyline views — best public value in Hamilton County

$34–$52 · parkland

Cincinnati, OH

Denis Griffiths design through North Bend's river bluffs — long, challenging, and well-maintained

$49–$79 · parkland

Cincinnati, OH

Clermont County's best daily-fee course — hilly terrain through wooded ravines

$39–$65 · parkland

Columbus, OH

Links-style layout in New Albany — open fairways, pot bunkers, and firm conditions

$45–$75 · links

Des Moines, IA

Ankeny municipal that plays way above its price point — rolling terrain with well-maintained greens

$32–$55 · parkland

Des Moines, IA

Pleasant Hill's well-designed public course — good mix of challenge and playability through Iowa prairie

$35–$59 · parkland

St. Louis, MO

Tom Fazio design on the Missouri River bluffs — dramatic holes with 200-foot elevation drops

$45–$75 · parkland

Kansas City, MO

KC Northland's best public course — strategically bunkered with elevation changes through native Missouri landscape

$35–$59 · parkland

Kansas City, MO

Lenexa, KS course with dramatic elevation and mature trees — plays long and challenging from the tips

$42–$69 · parkland

Kansas City, MO

Spring Hill, KS course with wide fairways and fast greens — great for scoring and group-friendly pace

$35–$59 · parkland

Milwaukee, WI

Hales Corners county course with mature oaks and tight fairways — the most challenging of the Milwaukee county tracks

$32–$52 · parkland

Milwaukee, WI

Arthur Hills design through Kettle Moraine terrain — glacial ridges create unique elevation changes you don't expect in Wisconsin

$39–$65 · parkland

Omaha, NE

27 holes in west Omaha — three distinct nines with good variety and consistently well-maintained greens

$39–$65 · parkland

Kiawah Island, SC

Clyde Johnston design just off-island. Great value play with Kiawah-caliber conditioning at lower rates.

$100–$175 · parkland

Hilton Head, SC

Smaller greens and tighter fairways than its RTJ neighbor. A thinking player's course.

$100–$180 · resort

Hilton Head, SC

Excellent value with top-notch conditioning. The island's best-kept secret.

$80–$150 · parkland

Gulf Shores, AL

Arnold Palmer design with wide fairways and generous greens. The most forgiving of the area courses.

$60–$110 · parkland

Gulf Shores, AL

Bruce Devlin design north of town. Consistently well-maintained and the best pure value in the area.

$50–$90 · parkland

Savannah, GA

Mike Young design with rolling terrain and mature trees. Solid daily-fee option.

$45–$85 · parkland

Lexington, KY

P.B. Dye links-style muni with great bones. Rolling terrain, fescue, and the best value in Lexington.

$35–$65 · links

Lexington, KY

Rees Jones design at the Marriott resort. Convenient location and solid conditioning. Good for day 1.

$55–$95 · resort

Destin, FL

Robert Trent Jones Jr. design at Sandestin Resort. Mature oaks, rolling terrain, and resort convenience.

$60–$120 · resort

Charleston, SC

Harbor views and the USS Yorktown as your backdrop. Great twilight rate for arrival day golf.

$60–$110 · coastal

Chattanooga, TN

Scenic mountain layout with dramatic elevation changes and valley views.

$45–$80 · mountain

Naples, FL

Walking-friendly resort course steps from the beach. Good value warm-up round.

$50–$100 · resort

Sarasota, FL

27 holes of Ron Garl design. Three distinct nines with excellent conditioning and value.

$50–$100 · parkland

Orlando, FL

David Harman design near the convention center. Great value with resort-quality conditioning.

$50–$100 · resort

Pawleys Island, SC

Willard Byrd design through ancient oaks. Classic lowcountry layout at a great price.

$40–$80 · parkland

Outer Banks, NC

Russell Breeden design in Powells Point. Good value with sound-side views.

$40–$80 · links

Sea Island / St. Simons, GA

Joe Lee design on St. Simons. Great value round to balance the Sea Island splurge days.

$50–$90 · coastal

Cape Cod, MA

Longest public course on the Cape — tight, tree-lined fairways that demand accuracy

$45–$72 · parkland

Lake Placid, NY

Shorter companion course at LPC — great for an afternoon round with forgiving fairways

$59–$95 · mountain

Saratoga Springs, NY

Classic state park course inside Saratoga Spa State Park — great value with mature tree-lined fairways

$39–$62 · parkland

Saratoga Springs, NY

Semi-private club with public tee times — tight, strategic layout that rewards shot-making

$45–$75 · parkland

Finger Lakes, NY

Well-conditioned public course in Victor with a links-style back nine and solid pace of play

$39–$65 · parkland

Finger Lakes, NY

Hidden gem near Watkins Glen — hilly terrain, well-maintained greens, very affordable

$35–$59 · parkland

Berkshires, MA

Williamstown gem in the shadow of the Green Mountains — friendly layout with excellent fall foliage

$45–$75 · parkland

Stowe, VT

Waterbury semi-private course — solid value with rolling terrain and mountain views

$55–$85 · mountain

Portland, ME

Well-maintained Scarborough course with water features and a fair test of golf at a good price

$49–$79 · parkland

Newport, RI

Friendly public course in Portsmouth with solid conditioning and a good pace of play

$45–$75 · parkland

Atlantic City, NJ

Affordable links-style course right in Egg Harbor Township — great value to round out the trip

$35–$59 · links

Hershey, PA

Affordable links-inspired public course — good warmup round with open fairways

$35–$59 · parkland

Ocean City, MD

Clive Clark design with dramatic water carries and coastal wind — excellent value for the quality

$49–$89 · links

Catskills, NY

Classic Catskills resort course in Greenville with rolling mountain terrain, mature trees, and a throwback vibe that fits the region perfectly

$39–$65 · mountain

Catskills, NY

Freehold public course with rolling terrain and a great layout for the price

$35–$55 · mountain

Bretton Woods, NH

Classic White Mountains course in Jefferson with Presidential Range views — a well-maintained 18 that complements the resort rounds

$40–$65 · mountain

Bretton Woods, NH

Donald Ross design from 1898 — one of the oldest courses in NH with classic mountain golf charm

$35–$55 · mountain

Bretton Woods, NH

Donald Ross mountain layout in Bethlehem — 1903 design with stunning White Mountain panoramas and classic New England charm

$40–$65 · mountain

Burlington, VT

St. George course with rolling terrain and Green Mountain views — reliable and affordable

$35–$55 · parkland

Cooperstown, NY

Affordable local course with well-maintained greens and classic upstate New York golf charm

$35–$55 · parkland

Cape May, NJ

Bob Hendricks design in Swainton with coastal wind and well-maintained greens — solid shore golf

$49–$85 · coastal

Hudson Valley, NY

27-hole facility in Hopewell Junction — three distinct nines with good variety and solid conditioning

$45–$75 · parkland

Hot Springs, AR

Companion course at HSCC — more open and forgiving than the Arlington with some of the same mountain views

$50–$85 · mountain

Austin, TX

Public course in Bee Cave with Hill Country terrain, well-maintained conditions, and a challenging layout at a reasonable price

$55–$95 · parkland

Austin, TX

North Austin public course with elevation changes, canyon crossings, and some of the best-maintained greens in the city

$50–$85 · parkland

Dallas-Fort Worth, TX

Former NCAA Championship venue in Euless — strong public course with mature trees and excellent conditioning at a fair price

$45–$80 · parkland

Houston, TX

Peter Jacobsen design in Cypress — big, bold course with rolling terrain and excellent conditions for the price

$50–$85 · parkland

Houston, TX

Jacobsen design in Galveston with coastal breezes, marshland views, and pelicans — unique Texas Gulf Coast golf

$45–$75 · coastal

New Orleans, LA

Charming par-62 in Uptown New Orleans — perfect for a hangover round under live oaks draped in Spanish moss

$20–$40 · parkland

Louisville, KY

Horseshoe Casino's course across the river in Indiana — challenging Fuzzy Zoeller/Clyde Johnston design at a great price

$40–$70 · parkland

Oklahoma City, OK

Perry Maxwell design from 1929 — the oldest course in OKC with historic bones, good greens, and a walkable layout at municipal prices

$25–$40 · parkland

Shreveport-Bossier City, LA

Well-maintained municipal course with tree-lined fairways, solid greens, and good value for the money

$25–$45 · parkland

Little Rock, AR

Classic Little Rock muni on the Arkansas River — mature trees, good greens, and the best value in the city

$20–$35 · parkland

Little Rock, AR

Semi-private club with public access — rolling Ozark-edge terrain through pines with reasonable green fees

$35–$55 · parkland

Baton Rouge, LA

Robert Trent Jones Sr. design and Baton Rouge's best municipal course — solid layout with mature oaks and good greens

$30–$55 · parkland

Lake of the Ozarks, MO

Ken Kavanaugh design companion to the Cove — more forgiving but still scenic with ridge-top views of the lake

$45–$80 · resort

Galveston, TX

Jacobsen design on Galveston Island with coastal marshland, Gulf breezes, and pelicans — unique Texas Gulf Coast golf

$45–$75 · coastal

St. George, UT

Wide fairways and gentle layout — a great warm-up round or hangover-recovery course

$40–$75 · parkland

Mesquite, NV

Wide-open and forgiving layout — the ideal warm-up or hangover round

$40–$80 · parkland

Lake Havasu City, AZ

Shorter sister course — wide open, forgiving, and perfect for a warm-up or hangover round

$30–$60 · desert

Lake Havasu City, AZ

Hidden gem 18-hole resort course on the Colorado River with waterfront holes and mountain views — worth the drive south

$35–$65 · desert

Laughlin, NV

Flat and forgiving course right in Laughlin — cheap, walkable, and perfect for a warm-up round

$30–$65 · parkland

Boise, ID

Long and flat with tree-lined fairways — a good warm-up round at a budget price

$40–$65 · parkland

Hood River, OR

Charming 18-hole course in The Dalles with Columbia Gorge views and a welcoming clubhouse — great second-day round

$35–$55 · parkland

Hood River, OR

Well-maintained 18 in Goldendale, WA with views of Mt. Adams — worth the drive across the river

$35–$55 · parkland

Seattle, WA

Stunning links-style muni near Chambers Bay — best value in Washington state golf

$40–$75 · links

Sun Valley / Ketchum, ID

Tight mountain course right in Ketchum — beautiful but bring your A game off the tee

$55–$95 · mountain

Leavenworth, WA

Mountain course right in the village with Cascade peaks on every hole — short but scenic

$40–$70 · mountain

Leavenworth, WA

Beautiful Lake Wenatchee course surrounded by national forest with mountain views in every direction

$45–$80 · mountain

Whitefish, MT

Well-conditioned daily-fee course through dense Montana forest; great value

$45–$65 · mountain

Deadwood, SD

Scenic course in Spearfish Canyon; shorter but character-filled with creek crossings and canyon walls

$40–$65 · mountain

Rapid City, SD

Mature 18-hole course right in Rapid City with tree-lined fairways, well-bunkered greens, and consistent conditioning

$40–$65 · parkland

Keystone / Custer, SD

Beautiful course through the ponderosa pines of Hot Springs; the best track in the southern Black Hills

$40–$60 · mountain

Keystone / Custer, SD

Rapid City's top muni; long and mature with Rapid Creek flowing through. Worth the drive.

$35–$52 · parkland

Galena, IL

Executive-length course — great for warm-up rounds or afternoon scrambles

$49–$79 · parkland

French Lick, IN

Tim Liddy design through rolling hills and creeks — top public course in Indiana

$55–$89 · parkland

Duluth, MN

Semi-private club open to public play — well-maintained fairways and fast greens

$45–$70 · parkland

Madison, WI

Arnold Palmer design on the west side — great for groups with a comfortable layout and strong facilities

$49–$79 · parkland

Columbus, OH

Hilly Pataskala track through woods and ravines — feels like Appalachian golf for half the price

$39–$65 · parkland

St. Louis, MO

Links-style layout across the river in Madison, IL — firm and fast with views of the Gateway Arch

$39–$69 · links

Kansas City, MO

A.W. Tillinghast design in Swope Park — one of the great municipal courses in America, recently restored

$25–$45 · parkland

Gulf Shores, AL

Tighter and more demanding than its Cotton Creek sibling. Water on 15 holes keeps you honest.

$60–$110 · parkland

Gulf Shores, AL

Earl Stone design with 27 holes in three 9-hole loops. Marshes, lakes, and great value.

$55–$100 · resort

Savannah, GA

Municipal course punching above its weight. Best pure value in the Savannah area.

$40–$75 · parkland

Destin, FL

Tom Jackson links-style design. Open, breezy, and the most walkable course at Sandestin.

$50–$100 · links

Destin, FL

Tom Jackson resort course. The shortest and most forgiving at Sandestin. Good warm-up round.

$45–$90 · resort

Nashville, TN

Best value in Metro Nashville. Well-kept, fair layout with some nice elevation changes.

$50–$90 · parkland

Nashville, TN

Classic Nashville track with mature trees and tight fairways. Great afternoon round.

$45–$85 · parkland

Virginia Beach, VA

Rees Jones design with water on 13 holes. Challenging and well-conditioned daily-fee track.

$50–$95 · parkland

Williamsburg, VA

Tom Clark design with wider fairways — great warm-up round or hangover-day option

$65–$100 · parkland

Finger Lakes, NY

Charming semi-private track overlooking Seneca Lake — great views and honest golf

$35–$55 · parkland

Poconos, PA

Historic 27-hole facility with Donald Ross roots and solid mountain views at a budget price

$39–$65 · mountain

Berkshires, MA

Semi-private course in Dalton with tree-lined fairways and a classic New England feel

$40–$65 · parkland

Kennebunkport, ME

Arundel municipal course with wide fairways — good warm-up round at a great price

$40–$65 · parkland

Newport, RI

Short but strategic Middletown course right on the island — ocean breezes make it play longer than the card

$40–$65 · coastal

Bar Harbor, ME

Charming Seal Harbor course with ocean views — short but strategic, open to the public on select days

$45–$75 · coastal

Cape May, NJ

27 holes through South Jersey pine barrens — waste bunkers and sandy soil give it a true links feel

$39–$69 · links

Hudson Valley, NY

Poughkeepsie course with rolling terrain and mature trees — solid public golf at a good price

$39–$65 · parkland

Fredericksburg, TX

Affordable municipal course right in town — friendly layout with wildflower-lined fairways in spring

$35–$60 · parkland

Hot Springs, AR

Mountain target golf with dramatic elevation changes — several blind shots over ridgelines keep it interesting

$40–$65 · mountain

Hot Springs, AR

Classic 1920s course with a throwback feel — short but strategic with small, fast greens

$35–$55 · mountain

Branson, MO

Short executive course perfect for an afternoon round or hangover day — fun layout through Ozark hills

$40–$70 · mountain

Louisville, KY

27-hole public facility with three distinct 9-hole loops — friendly layout, good conditions, and the best value in Louisville

$35–$60 · parkland

Louisville, KY

Shepherdsville public course with well-maintained fairways, reasonable rates, and a solid test without the premium price tag

$30–$55 · parkland

Oklahoma City, OK

Two solid 18-hole municipal courses on OKC's south side — well-maintained, affordable, and great for doubling up on rounds

$25–$45 · parkland

Lake of the Ozarks, MO

Affordable Osage Beach course with rolling terrain, good greens, and lake-area convenience at budget prices

$35–$60 · parkland

Galveston, TX

Mainland course near Galveston in Clear Lake — affordable, well-maintained, and a change of pace from island wind

$35–$60 · coastal

Laughlin, NV

Well-maintained 18-hole course in Bullhead City with lakes, mature trees, and mountain backdrop — solid value across the river

$35–$65 · desert