Top 10 Public Golf Courses in USA 2024
These are the top 10 public golf courses in the USA for 2024, ranked based on course design, scenic beauty, level of challenge, and overall playability:
- Pebble Beach Golf Links - Monterey Peninsula, California
- Pacific Dunes - Bandon, Oregon
- Whistling Straits (Straits Course) - Kohler, Wisconsin
- The Ocean Course - Kiawah Island, South Carolina
- Shadow Creek - North Las Vegas, Nevada
- Pinehurst No. 2 - Pinehurst, North Carolina
- Bandon Dunes - Bandon, Oregon
- Bethpage Black - Farmingdale, New York
- Erin Hills Golf Course - Hartford, Wisconsin
- Spyglass Hill - Monterey Peninsula, California
These courses offer exceptional golfing experiences with their outstanding designs, breathtaking scenery, and challenging layouts that test players' skills. From iconic ocean views to rugged links-style terrain, each course provides a unique and memorable round of golf.
Related video from YouTube
Quick Comparison
| Course | Location | Slope Rating | Length (Yards) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pebble Beach Golf Links | Monterey Peninsula, CA | 144 | 7075 |
| Pacific Dunes | Bandon, OR | 142 | 6633 |
| Whistling Straits (Straits) | Kohler, WI | 152 | 7200 |
| The Ocean Course | Kiawah Island, SC | 155 | 7849 |
| Shadow Creek | North Las Vegas, NV | - | - |
| Pinehurst No. 2 | Pinehurst, NC | 142 | - |
| Bandon Dunes | Bandon, OR | 141 | - |
| Bethpage Black | Farmingdale, NY | 141 | - |
| Erin Hills | Hartford, WI | - | - |
| Spyglass Hill | Monterey Peninsula, CA | - | - |
1. Pebble Beach Golf Links - Monterey Peninsula, California
Course Design
Pebble Beach Golf Links boasts an outstanding course layout, with nine holes situated right above the Pacific Ocean. This design by Jack Neville and Douglas Grant offers a unique and challenging golfing experience.
Scenic Views
The course's location on the Monterey Peninsula provides breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, lush fairways, and rolling greens, creating a visually stunning golfing environment.
Challenge Level
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Slope Rating | 144 |
| Length | 7075 yards |
Pebble Beach Golf Links is a demanding course that tests the skills of golfers at all levels, requiring strategy and precision to navigate its 18 holes.
Historical Significance
Pebble Beach Golf Links has hosted numerous prestigious tournaments, including the U.S. Open and the PGA TOUR's AT&T Pro-Am. The iconic 7th hole is one of the most photographed in golf, and the course has been a favorite among celebrities and golf enthusiasts.
2. Pacific Dunes - Bandon, Oregon
Pacific Dunes, located in Bandon, Oregon, is a links-style golf course that offers a unique and challenging golfing experience. Designed by Tom Doak, the course features 18 holes that wind through natural dunes and offer stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
Course Design
The course design at Pacific Dunes is a masterpiece of links golf. The holes are carefully routed through the natural dunes, with many featuring dramatic elevation changes and breathtaking ocean views. The course demands strategy and precision, with many holes requiring blind shots and tricky approaches.
Scenic Views
The views at Pacific Dunes are simply spectacular. The course is situated right on the Pacific Ocean, with many holes offering stunning vistas of the coastline. The natural dunes and rolling fairways create a visually striking environment that is a joy to play.
Challenge Level
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Slope Rating | 142 |
| Length | 6633 yards |
Pacific Dunes is a challenging course that requires skill and strategy to navigate its 18 holes. The course features a mix of long and short holes, with many requiring precise approach shots and tricky putts.
Historical Significance
Pacific Dunes has hosted several high-profile tournaments, including the US Amateur Championship. The course is widely regarded as one of the best links courses in the United States, and is a must-play for any serious golfer.
3. Whistling Straits (Straits Course) - Kohler, Wisconsin
Whistling Straits, located in Kohler, Wisconsin, is a links-style golf course designed by Pete Dye. The Straits Course is one of the four courses at Whistling Straits, and it's renowned for its dramatic holes along Lake Michigan.
Course Design
The Straits Course showcases a masterful links golf design. The 18 holes wind through natural dunes, offering stunning views of Lake Michigan. The layout takes full advantage of the terrain, with many holes featuring elevation changes and blind shots.
Scenic Views
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Right on Lake Michigan |
| Views | Breathtaking vistas of the coastline |
| Terrain | Natural dunes and rolling fairways |
The views at Whistling Straits are simply breathtaking. The course's location on Lake Michigan provides stunning vistas of the coastline, while the natural dunes and rolling fairways create a visually striking environment.
Challenge Level
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Slope Rating | 152 |
| Length | 7200 yards |
The Straits Course is a challenging course that demands skill and strategy. The 18 holes feature a mix of long and short holes, with many requiring precise approach shots and tricky putts.
Historical Significance
Whistling Straits has hosted several major tournaments, including:
- PGA Championship
- Ryder Cup
The course is widely regarded as one of the best links courses in the United States, making it a must-play for serious golfers.
4. The Ocean Course - Kiawah Island, South Carolina
The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort offers a remarkable golfing experience. Designed by Pete Dye for the 1991 Ryder Cup, this course has hosted major tournaments like the Ryder Cup and PGA Championship.
Course Design
The layout features:
- 10 holes along the Atlantic coastline
- 8 holes running parallel to the coastline
- Constant sea breeze
- Lagoons and pot bunkers
- Huge wastelands
- Fast greens
- Steep run-off areas
- Alligators (occasionally)
This design by Pete Dye presents a unique and challenging course.
Scenic Views
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Along the Atlantic coastline |
| Views | Breathtaking ocean vistas |
| Environment | Sea breeze and sound of waves |
The Ocean Course offers stunning ocean views and a serene coastal atmosphere.
Challenge Level
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Slope Rating | 155 |
| Length | 7,849 yards |
The course demands skill and strategy, with a mix of long and short holes, precise approach shots, and tricky putts.
Historical Significance
The Ocean Course has hosted:
- Ryder Cup
- PGA Championship
It is widely regarded as one of the best public golf courses in the USA, making it a must-play for serious golfers.
5. Shadow Creek - North Las Vegas, Nevada
Shadow Creek Golf Course in North Las Vegas offers a unique golfing experience. This Tom Fazio-designed course features a landscape resembling North Carolina in the desert.
Course Design
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Landscaping | 20,000 mature pines planted for seclusion on each hole |
| Water Features | Gurgling streams and waterfalls for an opulent feel |
| Hole Design | Risk-reward holes for match-play entertainment |
| Finishing Holes | Rousing finish with a par-5, par-3, par-5 sequence |
Scenic Views
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Transportation | Limo service from MGM Resort hotels |
| Clubhouse | Beautiful white walls and green shutters, reminiscent of Augusta |
| Staff | Friendly and down-to-earth, despite the course's exclusivity |
Challenge Level
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Greens Fees | $600 per golfer (Monday to Thursday), $750 per golfer (Friday to Sunday, by invitation only) |
| Caddie Gratuity | Recommended $75 to $100 per bag |
| Course Difficulty | Fast greens and tricky approach shots requiring skill and strategy |
sbb-itb-be1bec7
6. Pinehurst No. 2 - Pinehurst, North Carolina
Pinehurst No. 2 is a renowned golf course in North Carolina, designed by Donald Ross. This iconic course has hosted many major championships, including:
- 3 U.S. Open Championships
- 1 U.S. Women's Open
- 3 U.S. Amateur Championships
- 1 PGA Championship
- The Ryder Cup
Course Design
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Style | Minimalist design |
| Fairways | Large waste areas on either side |
| Bunkers | Rugged, natural-looking flashed bunkers |
| Greens | Convex, requiring precise approach shots |
The course design presents a challenge for golfers of all skill levels.
Scenic Views
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Setting | Rolling sandhills of North Carolina |
| Landscape | Majestic pines lining the fairways |
The natural beauty of the course makes it a must-play destination for golf enthusiasts.
Challenge Level
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Slope Rating | 142 |
| Course Rating | 76.5 |
| Greens | Challenging, requiring precision and strategy |
Pinehurst No. 2 is a formidable test for even the most skilled golfers.
Historical Significance
- Opened in 1907
- Underwent restorations, notably by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw in 2011
- Remains one of the most famous and respected golf courses worldwide
Pinehurst No. 2 has a rich history and continues to be a premier golfing destination.
7. Bandon Dunes - Bandon, Oregon
Course Design
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Layout | Links-style with firm, uneven fairways |
| Hazards | Natural dunes and rugged bunkers shape the holes |
| Greens | Large and undulating, requiring precise approach shots |
| Fairways | Wide, allowing different angles of attack |
Scenic Views
- Dramatic ocean vistas from several holes
- Holes framed by towering sand dunes
- Peaceful meadows and coastal forests
Challenge Level
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Slope Rating | 141 |
| Course Rating | 76.1 |
| Conditions | Firm, fast conditions require strategic shot-making |
| Wind | Winds off the Pacific Ocean add an extra test |
Historical Significance
- Opened in 1999 as the first course at Bandon Dunes Resort
- Designed by David McLay Kidd to emulate classic Scottish links
- Hosted prestigious events like the U.S. Amateur and U.S. Mid-Amateur
- Part of a world-renowned golf destination on the Oregon coast
8. Bethpage Black - Farmingdale, New York
Bethpage Black in Farmingdale, New York, is a renowned public golf course. It features a challenging layout and has hosted major tournaments like the U.S. Open and PGA Championship.
Course Design
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Layout | Links-style with firm, uneven fairways |
| Hazards | Natural dunes and rugged bunkers shape the holes |
| Greens | Large and undulating, requiring precise approach shots |
| Fairways | Wide, allowing different angles of attack |
Scenic Views
Several holes offer scenic views of the surrounding woods and hills.
Challenge Level
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Slope Rating | 141 |
| Course Rating | 76.1 |
| Conditions | Firm, fast conditions demand strategic shot-making |
| Wind | Winds from nearby woods add difficulty |
Historical Significance
- Hosted U.S. Open in 2002 and 2009
- Hosted PGA Championship in 2019
- One of the world's most famous public courses
- Known for its iconic warning sign about the course's difficulty
9. Erin Hills Golf Course - Hartford, Wisconsin
Erin Hills Golf Course in Hartford, Wisconsin, is a top-rated public golf course. It hosted the 2017 U.S. Open and offers a world-class golfing experience.
Course Design
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Layout | Links-style with firm, uneven fairways |
| Hazards | Natural dunes and rugged bunkers shape the holes |
| Greens | Large and undulating, requiring precise approach shots |
| Fairways | Wide, allowing different angles of attack |
The course design presents a challenging yet fair test of golf skills.
Scenic Views
The course offers picturesque views of the surrounding Wisconsin countryside, enhancing the overall golfing experience.
Historical Significance
- Hosted the 2017 U.S. Open
- Hosted the 2022 U.S. Mid-Amateur
- Known for its commitment to excellence
- Regarded as one of the top public golf courses in the USA
Erin Hills' reputation as a premier golfing destination is well-deserved, making it a must-play for golfers of all levels.
10. Spyglass Hill - Monterey Peninsula, California
Spyglass Hill Golf Course is a top-rated public course located in Monterey Peninsula, California. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., it opened in 1966 and has become a favorite among golfers.
Course Design
The course layout is unique:
- First 5 holes are in sand dunes with ocean views
- Remaining holes wind through Monterey pines
- Features water hazards and strategically placed bunkers
- Design resembles Augusta National
Scenic Views
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Ocean Views | Several holes offer breathtaking Pacific Ocean vistas |
| Natural Beauty | Course combines challenging design with scenic surroundings |
Historical Significance
- Hosted PGA Tour's Pebble Beach Pro-Am
- Ranked among top 100 public courses in USA
- Renowned as a premier golfing destination
Spyglass Hill offers a world-class experience with its challenging design and stunning natural beauty.
Final Thoughts
As we wrap up our look at the top 10 public golf courses in the USA for 2024, it's clear that each course offers a unique and enjoyable golfing experience. From the breathtaking ocean views at Pebble Beach Golf Links to the challenging layout of Whistling Straits, every course on this list has been carefully selected for its outstanding design, scenic beauty, and playability.
A common thread among these courses is the emphasis on course design and conditioning. Each one has been meticulously crafted to provide a challenging yet enjoyable experience for golfers of all skill levels. The attention to detail in bunkering, water hazards, and strategic hole placement is evident throughout.
Another key factor is the natural beauty and scenic views that enhance the golfing experience. From the rugged Oregon coastline to the majestic South Carolina mountains, each course offers stunning vistas that make the game even more enjoyable.
As you plan your next golfing adventure, we encourage you to explore and experience these exceptional courses for yourself. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner, each course on this list is sure to provide a memorable experience. So pack your bags, grab your clubs, and get ready to tee off at one of the top 10 public golf courses in the USA for 2024!