Located in Pine Valley, New Jersey, the course at the Pine Valley Golf Club is currently considered the top golf course in the country by many experts and some even claim it's the best on the planet. It also has a reputation for being extremely challenging. Some say it's the most difficult course in the world. Others say that's what makes it so great.
Pine Valley was established in 1913 and finished in 1922, and was designed by George Crump. Golf Digest claims it "blends all three schools of golf design—penal, heroic and strategic—oftentimes on a single hole." The course is 7,181 yards with a par of 70.
Speaking of the most beautiful courses in the world, Cypress Point, which was also designed by Alister MacKenzie, also tops the list. Located along the coast at Pebble Beach, it's known for its dramatic holes and unique course structure. It even has back-to-back par-5s at the front and back-to-back par-3s at the back.
However, it's hard not to get caught up in the sight of the rocky coastline, pristine sand dunes, and views of the Pacific Ocean while playing a round at this course that was once an annual part of the PGA Tour. Cypress Point is 6,554 yards and has a par of 72.
As what is believed to be the oldest incorporated golf club in the U.S., you can imagine that Shinnecock Hill has undergone a few redesigns since it was first established in 1891. The last was in 1931, led by William Flynn. Flynn has designed many courses, but Shinnecock Hills is said to be his best work to date.
Located in Southampton, New York, the course is 7,445 yards with a par of 70. A Golf Digest panelist once stated, "There might not be a better collection of par-3s in the world. And three par-4s are all-worlders: the ninth, 10th, and 14th holes. This is an American classic as fair of a test to play for tour pros and amateur players alike."
Oakmont isn't just one of the oldest top-ranked courses on the list, it was made a National Historic Landmark in 1987. Located in the suburbs of Pittsburgh, there are many obstacles like trees or water, but you will find some unusual bunkers and greens that make this course quite a challenge.
It was established in 1903 and initially designed by Henry Fownes, although it was renovated by Tom Fazio in 2015. Built on old farmland, it sits across the Allegheny River Valley, and holes two through eight are separated by the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Oakmont has hosted the U.S. Open more than any other golf course in the U.S. — nine times — and it is 7,254 yards with a par of 71.
The Course at Sand Hills Golf Club is a bit newer than most of the other entries on our list. It's also located in the middle of the country, while most of the others are located along or close to the coast. Despite its location, which is remote, even for a town called Mullen, Nebraska, it attracts attention from golfers from all around the world each year. It also attracts attention for its minimalist design. Golf Club Atlas called it, "the most natural course built in the United States since World War I." But you'll also find a variety of hazards there.
The course was designed and built by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, and they claim they didn't need to make many changes to the area's topography to implement their design. The course at Sand Hills is 7,089 yards and has a par of 71.
National Golf Links of America is also located in Southampton, New York on Long Island, right next to Shinnecock Hills Golf Club. It was designed by Charles B. Macdonald, who had played many rounds of golf at St. Andrews, so the goal was for it to feel like a vintage British course. Macdonald was successful.
National Golf Links is a par-72 course and plays 6,873 yards. It sits on 250 acres that overlook the Peconic Bay. The course has never hosted a major men's tournament, although it did host the very first Walker's Cup. It also has a reputation for being exclusive and has been called the "snootiest" golf club in the country.
When legend Bobby Jones set out to create the course at Augusta National Golf Club, he and designer Alister MacKenzie wanted to mimic the course at St. Andrews in Scotland as closely as they possibly could. The result was one of the most notable golf courses in the world. It opened its doors in 1932, and in 1934 the Masters Tournament was held there. It's been held there ever since. The course is 7,475 yards with a par of 72.
Augusta National has undergone some changes throughout the years, but it's still considered one of the most beautiful courses in the world. Bobby Jones once said of his first visit to the property, "The long lane of magnolias through which we approached was beautiful. The old manor house was charming. The rare trees and shrubs of the old nursery were enchanting. But when I walked out on the grass terrace under the big trees behind the house and looked down over the property, the experience was unforgettable. It seemed the land had been lying there for years just waiting for someone to lay a golf course upon it."
Merion Golf Club has two courses, and we believe the East Course is one of the best in the nation. Located in the suburbs of Philadelphia, the course has hosted several U.S. Opens. It was designed by Hugh Irvine Wilson, and it first opened in 1912. Bobby Jones completed a Grand Slam there and retired shortly after.
Several obstacles make up the East Course at Merion, including creeks and an old, abandoned quarry. It's said to be one of the more challenging courses in the U.S. Another unique feature is the wicker basket placed at each hole in place of a flag. Legend has it that they were inspired by British shepherds, but either way, they make Merion stand out. The course is 6,946 yards and has a par of 70.
Designer Seth Raynor died before his vision was completed at Fishers Island Golf Club in 1926, but many experts say this course is his best work ever. Located on Fishers Island, New York, an island that sits off the coast of Connecticut, the course is stunning but don't let its beauty fool you. It's also quite challenging.
Sometimes called the "Cypress Point of the East," Fishers Island is 6,616 yards and has a par of 72. Golf Digest says of the course, "steeply-banked bunkers and geometric greens harmonize perfectly with the linear panoramas of the Atlantic Ocean and Long Island Sound."
Pebble Beach Golf Links has a reputation for being something of a golf paradise. Imagine golfing on a 75-foot bluff that overlooks the Pacific Ocean, and you'll understand why it's so notable, particularly for its scenic beauty. It's also one of the few public courses on the list.
Pebble Beach hosts several PGA Tour events every year and because it's the quintessential golf course, it's served as the backdrop for several video games and movies. It was designed by Jack Neville and Douglas Grant and first opened in 1919, although it was revised about a decade later. It is 7,075 yards and has a par of 72.
The Pinehurst Resort in Pinehurst, North Carolina is home to nine 18-hole golf courses, but Number 2 is regularly considered one of the best in the country by many publications and experts. Built in 1907 and designed by Donald Ross, it has hosted multiple top golf tournaments, including three U.S. Opens. It's also used as the backdrop for several video games.
Pinehurst Number 2 sits among a landscape of Southern pine trees and it features what Golf.com calls "legendary inverted-saucer greens." Many others have said that Pinehurst doesn't look challenging, but once you play a round, it surprises you. The course is 7,588 yards with a par of 72.
Located in Wheaton, Illinois, a Chicago suburb, the Chicago Golf Club is one of the five founding clubs of the U.S. Golf Association (USGA). It's also on the National Register of Historic Places. The course here opened in 1894 and has since hosted numerous prestigious tournaments, including several U.S. Opens and Walker Cups.
Designed and founded by Charles B. MacDonald, it's thought to be the first 18-hole golf course built in the U.S. It was redesigned in 1923 and hasn't been touched since. The course is 6,877 yards with a par of 70.
If you travel to the midwest—Kansas to be exact—you will find a real destination golf course. Prairie Dunes Country Club opened in 1937 with 9 original holes. In 1957, 9 more holes were added by Perry's son, making a full 18 holes. As architect Perry Maxwell concluded, "There are 118 good golf holes here. All I have to do is eliminate 100 of them."
The swells and ripples of this course put any golfer to the test. With a links-style course and rolling hills not unlike the seaside courses in Scotland, Prairie Dunes is certainly unique. It measures 6,759 yards with a par of 70.
Located in North Palm Beach, Florida, the course at Seminole Golf Club is also designed by Donald Ross. It was established in 1929, and it's 7,265 yards with a par of 72. It's also known for its elite membership, which has included everyone from presidents, kings, and dukes to businessmen like Henry Ford II and Robert Vanderbilt.
However, nonmembers got a glance inside when it was the setting for a COVID-19 relief fundraiser that aired on TV in 2020. Seminole sits along the Atlantic Ocean, and it is cleverly designed so that each hole experiences a different direction of the coastal winds. Golf.com calls it the "finest site on which Donald Ross ever worked."
Winged Foot Golf Club, which is located in Mamaroneck, New York, just outside New York City, is also home to two golf courses, and both often make Top 100 lists. However, the West course is considered superior. It was the last course designed by A. W. Tillinghast and opened in 1923. Today, it's listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The West course at Winged Foot is said to be quite challenging and has stumped even some of the greatest golfers in the world. It has hosted the U.S. Open six times and the PGA Championship once. Winged Foot's West course is 7,477 yards with a par of 72.
Los Angeles (North) is a top-notch golf course in the U.S., especially after Gil Hanse revamped it in 2010. He made changes like moving bunkers, widening fairways, and bringing back a natural hazard called barranca. This made the course even better and more challenging. It's so good that it hosted the famous Walker Cup in 2017 and will host the U.S. Open in 2023.
People love this golf course because it feels just right — it fits perfectly in its surroundings and offers a good mix of challenges. Some holes, like 3 and 10, have tricky slopes on the fairway, making it tough for players to hit their shots just right. And the one-shot holes are especially tough, even for really good players.
Despite being built in a narrow canyon, architects George Thomas and Billy Bell turned Riviera Country Club into a strategic masterpiece in the 1920s. Their innovative approach to bunker placement and angled greens transformed Riviera into a golfing marvel. The 10th hole, a mere 311-yard par-4, is a prime example of their genius.
Despite its small size, this hole offers numerous strategic choices, thanks to the clever arrangement of bunkers and the angled green. As Thomas famously said, "strategy is the soul of the game," and this sentiment truly comes to life at Riviera. The course's layout challenges players to think critically about their shots and rewards strategic thinking.
Created by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw in 2003, Friar's Head boasts stunning scenery with tree-covered dunes, sprawling meadows, and breathtaking views of Long Island Sound. Even golf legend Phil Mickelson considers it his favorite modern course. Its exceptional design, reminiscent of legendary courses like Cypress Point, sets Friar's Head apart.
Take, for instance, the par-5 14th hole, which showcases the beauty and challenge of the East Coast landscape. But what truly elevates Friar's Head to greatness is its commitment to constant improvement. Every detail, no matter how small, is meticulously refined, ensuring that the course remains in pristine condition and provides an unparalleled golfing experience.
Pacific Dunes golf course in Bandon, OR, is hailed as one of the premier golfing destinations in the U.S., and for good reason. Designed by Tom Doak, this unconventional gem burst onto the scene in the early 2000s, captivating golfers with its unique layout and stunning vistas. What sets Pacific Dunes apart is its departure from traditional design norms.
The course features an unconventional sequence of holes, with a mix of par-4s and challenging par-3s and par-5s that keep players on their toes. This departure from convention helped redefine modern golf course architecture, breaking free from traditional design constraints. Moreover, Pacific Dunes is a visual feast, with sprawling natural dunes, strategically placed bunkers, and sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean.
Oakland Hills (South) golf course in Bloomfield Hills, MI, holds a special place in the hearts of golfers and critics alike. Originally designed by the legendary Donald Ross, it was transformed into a challenging "monster" over the years, reminiscent of other tough championship courses. However, a recent restoration project led by Gil Hanse, Jim Wagner, and their team in 2020 brought back the essence of Ross's original vision.
The restoration work revitalized the course, returning it to its former glory by restoring its width, playing angles, and the immense scale of its bunkers. Notably, the greens were expanded by a staggering 35 percent, enhancing the strategic elements of the course. With the removal of trees, the undulating terrain and picturesque fescue grasses now shine, offering a regal parkland golf experience. Oakland Hills (South) showcases Ross's masterful design, with signature holes like the 1st and 14th capable of taking your breath away.
Crystal Downs golf course in Frankfort, MI, is revered as one of the finest golf courses in the U.S. Despite its remote location, its reputation soared when Tom Doak introduced it to Ben Crenshaw in the 1980s. What sets Crystal Downs apart is its unique and challenging layout. With strong winds from Lake Michigan, thick fescue roughs, and undulating terrain, it presents a formidable test for golfers.
The greens, famously contoured by architect Alister MacKenzie, are a highlight, demanding precision and skill from every player. Despite its modest length of just under 6,600 yards, Crystal Downs stands out for its exceptional greens rather than sheer distance. This combination of natural elements and expert design makes it one of the more difficult Top 100 courses relative to its par of 70.
Steeped in history, this tree-lined course has been a hub for Boston's elite for over 125 years. Hosting four U.S. Opens and the memorable 1999 Ryder Cup, it has witnessed legendary moments in golf. What sets The Country Club apart is its classic design, featuring a blend of old-school features like cross hazards and medium-sized greens.
The Clyde/Squirrel configuration, which members play regularly, was the setting for Francis Ouimet's historic win in the 1913 U.S. Open. Despite its age, The Country Club remains a formidable challenge for golfers, with thick rough and strategic layout demanding accuracy off the tee and precision on approach shots.
The San Francisco Country Club stands out as one of the premier golf courses in the U.S., quietly tucked away in the Bay Area. Designed by A.W. Tillinghast, this hidden gem showcases his artistic flair, particularly in the intricate bunkering throughout the course. Unlike its more well-known neighbor, the Olympic Club, San Francisco Country Club prefers to avoid the limelight.
While the drop-shot par-3 7th hole, known as the Duel Hole, garners attention for its challenge and beauty, it's the par-4s that steal the show. Holes like the 2nd, 3rd, 10th, and 12th offer a variety of strategic challenges, keeping players on their toes throughout the round.
Southern Hills golf course in Tulsa is revered as one of the greatest golf courses in the U.S. Over the years, it has hosted prestigious events like three U.S. Opens and five PGA Championships, showcasing its enduring appeal. Designed by Perry Maxwell during the Depression era, the course's layout gracefully traverses undulating terrain, providing a challenging yet picturesque setting for golfers. In recent years, Southern Hills has undergone significant improvements under the guidance of architects Keith Foster and Gil Hanse.
They have opened up the property, removing excess trees and restoring the natural beauty of the landscape. Additionally, the removal of clean-edged bunkers has brought the course more in line with Maxwell's original design intent. The evolution of Southern Hills has earned widespread acclaim, with the thrilling 2022 PGA Championship won by Justin Thomas serving as a testament to its continued excellence.
Shoreacres golf course in Lake Bluff, IL, holds a special place among the greatest golf courses in the U.S. Its renowned stretch of holes from 10 to 15 is characterized by steep ravines, adding a challenging and scenic element to gameplay. While the rest of the property may have more modest terrain, the expansive greens provide intriguing targets for golfers. Designed by Seth Raynor, Shoreacres features a mix of template holes and original designs.
Surprisingly, one of the standout holes is the unique risk-reward 520-yard par-5 15th. This hole doglegs left and requires players to navigate over and around a ravine, adding excitement and strategy to the round. With its blend of natural beauty, strategic design, and challenging layout, Shoreacres is a favorite among golf enthusiasts.
Somerset Hills golf course in Bernardsville, NJ, stands out as one of the greatest golf courses in the U.S., thanks to its meticulous restoration efforts spanning 25 years. Many golf enthusiasts consider it A.W. Tillinghast's finest design for regular play. The course's layout is diverse, with the first nine holes situated on more open land, while the second nine delves into the woods, incorporating natural water features seamlessly.
Tillinghast's Scottish influences are evident in holes like the Redan 2nd and the picturesque par-5 9th with its attractive cross hazard. The attention to detail and restoration efforts have elevated Somerset Hills to a level of excellence that attracts golfers from far and wide. Its blend of challenging yet fair holes, coupled with its stunning natural surroundings, make it a favorite among golf enthusiasts.
Garden City golf course in Garden City, NY, is hailed as one of the greatest golf courses in the U.S., boasting a rich history and a classic design that captivates golfers of all skill levels. Designed by Devereux Emmet and Walter Travis, this old-school course stretches across the Hempstead Plain on Long Island. Its strategic location means golfers often contend with sea breezes, adding an extra layer of challenge to their game. The course gained fame when Laurie Auchterlonie won the 1902 U.S.
Open here, setting record scores thanks to the introduction of the longer-lasting Haskell ball. What sets Garden City apart are its tilted greens, like those on the 10th and 15th holes, showcasing lay-of-the-land architecture at its finest. Additionally, the small parcel around the clubhouse containing the 1st, 2nd, and 18th holes highlights the course's ability to maximize the natural landscape.
The California Golf Club of San Francisco, affectionately known as the Cal Club, is revered as one of the greatest golf courses in the U.S. Established for over 80 years, it gained prominence through its association with golf legend Ken Venturi. Following a comprehensive redesign by Kyle Phillips in 2008, which combined restoration and modernization, the Cal Club has emerged as a premier destination for golfers. Perched on the side of a hill, the course is exposed to winds that add an extra challenge to the game.
With fescue fairways and sprawling bunkers, the landscape offers a dynamic playing experience that changes daily. The picturesque setting, featuring cypress trees and broad slopes, provides ample photo opportunities at every turn. Beyond its visual appeal, the Cal Club's design offers a challenging yet rewarding experience for golfers of all levels.
Maidstone golf club in East Hampton, NY, is celebrated as one of the greatest golf courses in the U.S., and for good reason. Situated on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, its recent restoration by Coore & Crenshaw has brought back its glorious coastal charm. The restoration achieved a perfect balance, preserving the coastal dunes while maintaining the course's sense of place.
Maidstone's exceptional set of greens, designed by Willie and John Park, adds to the allure. Many of these greens feature dramatic false fronts, adding excitement and challenge to the game. Playing at Maidstone is a dream come true, especially as the course's demands change daily with the ever-changing weather. Its romantic location and meticulously maintained layout make it a favorite among golfers, solidifying its reputation as one of the greatest golf courses in the U.S.
Bethpage (Black) in Farmingdale, NY, is widely regarded as one of the greatest golf courses in the U.S., and its reputation is well-earned. From the moment golfers step onto the 1st tee, they are greeted with a sign that warns only highly skilled players should attempt the course. Tiger Woods famously conquered Bethpage Black during the 2002 U.S. Open, earning it the nickname "People's Open." The course's rugged terrain, massive bunkers, and punishing rough, restored by Rees Jones, present a formidable challenge to even the most skilled golfers.
A.W. Tillinghast's masterful design is evident in the layout, with fairways and greens strategically placed throughout the course, creating a challenging yet fair playing experience. Iconic holes like the par-5 4th with its cross-bunkering showcase Bethpage Black's status as a world-class golf destination.
