10 Best PGA Tour Courses Picked by Pros
The top PGA Tour courses favored by professional golfers offer a perfect blend of challenging play, historic moments, and stunning vistas. Here are the courses that made the cut:
- Riviera Country Club - Rich history, classic design, and drivable par 4s
- Muirfield Village - Jack Nicklaus' masterpiece with elevation changes and water hazards
- Harbour Town - Demands accuracy over power with narrow fairways
- TPC Sawgrass - Famous for the iconic island green on the 17th hole
- Pebble Beach - Scenic beauty combined with a challenging layout
- Quail Hollow - Demanding course with Southern hospitality and the 'Green Mile' finish
- Aronimink Golf Club - Narrow fairways and fast, undulating greens
- Innisbrook's Copperhead Course - Tight fairways, bunkers, and the 'Snake Pit' stretch
- TPC San Antonio - Divisive course with narrow fairways and demanding greens
- TPC Scottsdale - Site of career-defining moments like Tiger's hole-in-one
Quick Comparison:
| Course | Standout Features |
|---|---|
| Riviera Country Club | Classic design, drivable par 4s, deep bunkers |
| Muirfield Village | Elevation changes, water hazards, challenging back nine |
| Harbour Town | Narrow fairways, small greens, accuracy over power |
| TPC Sawgrass | Island green on 17th, water hazards, bunkers |
| Pebble Beach | Scenic beauty, challenging holes like 7th and 17th |
| Quail Hollow | Hilly terrain, firm and fast conditions, 'Green Mile' finish |
| Aronimink Golf Club | Narrow fairways, strategically placed bunkers |
| Innisbrook's Copperhead | Tight fairways, numerous bunkers, 'Snake Pit' stretch |
| TPC San Antonio | Narrow fairways, strategically placed bunkers, demanding greens |
| TPC Scottsdale | Site of Tiger's hole-in-one, Phil's wire-to-wire win |
1. Riviera Country Club: A Pro Favorite
Riviera Country Club is a top pick among tour professionals due to its rich history and classic design. Let's explore what makes this venue a recurring favorite on the PGA Tour.
History and Rankings
Founded in 1926, Riviera Country Club has consistently challenged the world's best golfers with its 18 holes. It's ranked as one of the top 50 golf courses in the world and a top 25 in the United States.
Tournaments and Layout
Riviera has hosted numerous prestigious tournaments, including The Genesis Invitational. The club's natural layout, designed by George C. Thomas, is a standout feature. Thomas, an amateur architect, created the course free of charge.
Unique Features
Riviera's drivable par 4s and challenging greens make it a favorite among pros. The 10th hole is particularly notable, with bunkers protecting the green on its right, left, and back. The combination of deep bunkers and a skinny putting surface makes getting up-and-down difficult, even for the best shot-shapers in the world.
Atmosphere and History
The club's relaxed and comfortable atmosphere, along with its dedication to documenting its history, including its "Holes in One Club" and course records, make Riviera a beloved destination for golf enthusiasts. With its rich history, challenging layout, and welcoming atmosphere, it's no wonder Riviera Country Club is a pro favorite.
2. Muirfield Village: Jack Nicklaus' Masterpiece
Muirfield Village Golf Club, located in Dublin, Ohio, is a private golf club designed by the legendary Jack Nicklaus. This course has been a favorite among professional golfers and enthusiasts alike, hosting the Memorial Tournament since 1976.
Course Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Layout | Challenging with engaging elevation changes and a meandering creek |
| Conditions | Immaculate, with water hazards and mature trees framing each hole |
| Greens | Fast and undulating, rewarding accurate approach shots |
What Makes it Special
Muirfield Village demands attention and consideration on every shot, making it a quintessential shotmaker's course. The par 5s are reachable in two, but require precise execution to avoid water hazards and bunkers. The back nine is particularly renowned for its superior terrain, excellent risk-reward holes, and a memorable test of skill.
Awards and Accolades
Muirfield Village has consistently ranked among the top golf courses in the world, earning numerous awards and accolades. It has been rated as one of the top 20 golf courses in the United States and has hosted numerous high-profile tournaments, including the Memorial Tournament and the Presidents Cup.
3. Harbour Town: Accuracy Over Power
Harbour Town Golf Links is a course that demands accuracy over power, making it a favorite among professional golfers. Learn why its narrow fairways and distinctive layout appeal to precision-focused players.
Located in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, Harbour Town Golf Links is a Pete Dye design that has been a staple on the PGA Tour since 1969. This course requires precision and strategy over brute strength, making it a great fit for professionals who value accuracy.
Course Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Layout | Narrow fairways and strategically placed hazards |
| Conditions | Immaculate, with fast and undulating greens |
| Greens | Small and well-protected, requiring accurate approach shots |
What Makes it Special
Harbour Town's unique layout winds through neighborhoods and features several holes along Calibogue Sound, providing a challenging and scenic test of golf. The course's emphasis on accuracy over power makes it a great fit for professionals who value precision and strategy.
Awards and Accolades
Harbour Town Golf Links has consistently ranked among the top golf courses in the world, earning numerous awards and accolades. It has been rated as one of the top 20 golf courses in the United States and has hosted numerous high-profile tournaments, including the RBC Heritage and the PGA Tour.
4. TPC Sawgrass: The Iconic Island Green
TPC Sawgrass is famous for its island green on the 17th hole, but there's more to this course that pros love. Let's explore the features that make it a staple of the tour.
Located in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, TPC Sawgrass is the home of the PGA Tour headquarters and has hosted the Players Championship annually since 1982. The course, designed by Pete Dye, is a modern masterpiece that demands precision and strategy from golfers of all levels.
Course Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Layout | Challenging design with water hazards and bunkers |
| Conditions | Immaculate, with fast and undulating greens |
| Greens | Small and well-protected, requiring accurate approach shots |
What Makes it Special
TPC Sawgrass is a must-play for every serious golfer. The course offers a memorable experience, with many great holes that require the use of every club. The iconic island green on the 17th hole is a standout feature, but the entire course is a testament to Pete Dye's unique design philosophy.
Awards and Accolades
TPC Sawgrass has consistently ranked among the top golf courses in the world, earning numerous awards and accolades. It has been rated as one of the top 10 golf courses in the United States and has hosted numerous high-profile tournaments, including the Players Championship.
5. Pebble Beach: Scenic Beauty and Challenge
Pebble Beach is a course that offers more than just stunning views; its challenging layout is a test for even the best golfers. Let's explore what makes it a favorite among tour professionals.
Located in Pebble Beach, California, this iconic course has hosted numerous high-profile tournaments, including the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Designed by Jack Neville and Douglas Grant, Pebble Beach Golf Links boasts a rating of 8.56 and is known for its scenic beauty and challenging holes.
Course Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Layout | Challenging design with water hazards and bunkers |
| Conditions | Immaculate, with fast and undulating greens |
| Greens | Small and well-protected, requiring accurate approach shots |
What Makes it Special
Pebble Beach requires a high level of skill and strategy. The course's scenic beauty, combined with its challenging layout, makes it a favorite among tour professionals. The course's iconic holes, including the 7th and 17th, are a testament to its unique design philosophy.
Many professionals have praised Pebble Beach, calling it their favorite place to play. Whether you're a professional or an amateur, Pebble Beach is an experience you won't soon forget.
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6. Quail Hollow: A Demanding Course
Quail Hollow Club is known for its challenging course and Southern hospitality, making it a preferred stop for professionals, particularly for Rory McIlroy. Let's explore the features that make it stand out.
Located in Charlotte, North Carolina, Quail Hollow is a par-71 layout measuring 7,538 yards on the scorecard. The course is a mix of long holes and hilly terrain, with firm and fast playing conditions.
Course Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Layout | Long, hilly layout that plays longer than its yardage |
| Conditions | Firm and fast playing conditions, with softness in the ground |
| Greens | Well-protected, requiring accurate approach shots |
The course's challenging 'Green Mile' finishing holes, including the 16th, 17th, and 18th holes, are a testament to its demanding design philosophy. The 18th hole, in particular, is a tough one, requiring precision off the tee to avoid the creek on the left and produce a good angle into a green protected by water on the left and bunkers.
Many professionals have praised Quail Hollow, calling it one of the TOUR's more distinguished venues. Whether you're a professional or an amateur, Quail Hollow is a course that will test your skills and leave you with an unforgettable experience.
7. Other Pro Favorites
Beyond the top picks, courses like Aronimink and Innisbrook's Copperhead also earn high marks from the pros. Let's examine what these courses offer that earns them an honorable mention.
Aronimink Golf Club
Located in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, Aronimink Golf Club is a par-70 layout measuring 7,237 yards on the scorecard. The course is known for its:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Layout | Narrow fairways and strategically placed bunkers |
| Conditions | Fast and undulating greens |
| Greens | Require precise approach shots |
Many professionals have praised Aronimink, citing its challenging design and excellent conditioning.
Innisbrook's Copperhead Course
Situated in Palm Harbor, Florida, Innisbrook's Copperhead Course is a par-71 layout measuring 7,340 yards on the scorecard. The course is famous for its:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Layout | Tight fairways, numerous bunkers, and well-protected greens |
| Conditions | Demanding 'Snake Pit' stretch, comprising holes 16, 17, and 18 |
| Greens | Require strategic play and precise approach shots |
Professionals appreciate Copperhead's demanding layout and the need for strategic play.
Both Aronimink and Copperhead offer a unique blend of challenge and playability, making them favorites among professional golfers. While they may not be as well-known as some of the other courses on this list, they are certainly worthy of recognition for their exceptional design and conditioning.
8. Courses with Mixed Reviews
Some PGA Tour courses receive mixed opinions from professional golfers. While they may not be as highly regarded as other courses, they still offer unique challenges and opportunities for players to test their skills.
TPC San Antonio: A Divisive Course
TPC San Antonio, home of the Valero Texas Open, is a course that polarizes opinions among professional golfers. Its narrow fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and demanding greens make it a challenging test of golf.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Layout | Narrow fairways and strategically placed bunkers |
| Conditions | Fast and undulating greens |
| Greens | Require precise approach shots |
Other Courses with Mixed Reviews
Other courses that receive mixed reviews from the pros include Trinity Forest and TPC Louisiana. While they may not be as highly regarded as some of the other courses on the PGA Tour, they still offer unique challenges and opportunities for players to test their skills.
| Course | Description |
|---|---|
| Trinity Forest | Known for its links-style design and challenging wind conditions |
| TPC Louisiana | Features a challenging layout with numerous bunkers and water hazards |
These courses may not be everyone's favorite, but they are still an integral part of the PGA Tour and offer a unique test of golf for the professionals who play them.
9. Non-Tour Courses Pros Love
While the PGA Tour features many incredible courses, some professional golfers have a special affinity for courses that aren't part of the regular tour schedule. These courses hold a revered status among golf professionals despite not being regular tour venues.
Iconic Courses
Two such courses are the Old Course at St. Andrews and Augusta National. The Old Course at St. Andrews is Tiger Woods' all-time favorite course, known for its rich history and challenging layout. Augusta National, home of the Masters Tournament, is another course highly regarded by professionals for its iconic holes and challenging conditions.
| Course | Description |
|---|---|
| Old Course at St. Andrews | Rich history and challenging layout |
| Augusta National | Iconic holes and challenging conditions |
These courses may not be part of the PGA Tour, but they are still an important part of the golfing world, and many professionals relish the opportunity to play them.
10. Career-Defining Courses
In professional golf, certain courses have become synonymous with career-defining moments. These courses have witnessed historic victories, dramatic comebacks, and unforgettable performances that have shaped the legacies of golf's greatest players.
TPC Scottsdale: A Course of Firsts
TPC Scottsdale has been the backdrop for numerous career-defining moments. From Tiger Woods' memorable hole-in-one in 1997 to Phil Mickelson's wire-to-wire victory in 2013, this course has consistently pushed players to their limits.
| Course | Notable Moment |
|---|---|
| TPC Scottsdale | Tiger Woods' hole-in-one in 1997 |
| TPC Scottsdale | Phil Mickelson's wire-to-wire victory in 2013 |
Iconic Courses
Other courses, such as the Old Course at St. Andrews and Augusta National, have also played a significant role in shaping the careers of professional golfers. These iconic courses have hosted numerous major championships and have been the site of many historic moments in golf.
By examining the courses that have played a significant role in shaping the careers of professional golfers, we can gain a deeper understanding of what makes a course truly special. Whether it's the challenging layout, the rich history, or the electric atmosphere, these courses have earned their place in the annals of golf history.
The Best of the Best
These top PGA Tour courses offer a unique blend of beauty, challenge, and history that resonates with professional golfers. From Riviera Country Club to Quail Hollow, each course has earned its place in the hearts of the sport's best players.
What Makes Them Special
| Course | Unique Feature |
|---|---|
| Riviera Country Club | Rich history and classic design |
| Muirfield Village | Challenging layout with elevation changes |
| Harbour Town | Accuracy over power, with narrow fairways |
| TPC Sawgrass | Iconic island green on the 17th hole |
| Pebble Beach | Scenic beauty and challenging holes |
| Quail Hollow | Demanding course with Southern hospitality |
By examining the characteristics that make these courses stand out, we can gain a deeper understanding of what makes a course truly special.