Step onto the fairways of America’s most legendary courses, where every bunker, green, and sweeping vista tells a story. America’s 50 Greatest Golf Courses isn’t just a ranking—it’s a celebration of the artistry, strategy, and history that make golf in the U.S. unforgettable. From the rugged dunes of Sand Hills to the dramatic cliffs of Pebble Beach, these courses test every club in your bag while captivating the imagination.
Some are exclusive private retreats, while others welcome the public to experience championship-level challenges. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or an enthusiastic amateur, each hole promises excitement, skill-testing strategy, and memories that last a lifetime. Below, we’ve ranked and detailed the top 50 courses that every golf lover should know, complete with locations, designers, and the stories that make them iconic.
| Year | Golf Course | Type |
| 1891 | Shinnecock Hills Golf Club | Private |
| 1894 | Chicago Golf Club | Private |
| 1903 | Oakmont Country Club | Private |
| 1907 | Pinehurst Resort (No. 2) | Resort |
| 1911 | National Golf Links of America | Private |
| 1912 | Merion Golf Club (East) | Private |
| 1913 | Pine Valley Golf Club | Private |
| 1915 | San Francisco Golf Club | Private |
| 1917 | Oakland Hills Country Club (South) | Private |
| 1919 | Pebble Beach Golf Links | Public/Resort |
| 1921 | Shoreacres | Private |
| 1923 | Winged Foot Golf Club (East) | Private |
| 1923 | Winged Foot Golf Club (West) | Private |
| 1924 | The Olympic Club (Lake Course) | Private |
| 1926 | Fishers Island Club | Private |
| 1926 | Oak Hill Country Club (East) | Private |
| 1926 | Riviera Country Club | Private |
| 1926 | Baltusrol Golf Club (Lower) | Private |
| 1927 | Los Angeles Country Club (North) | Private |
| 1927 | The Country Club (Main Course) | Private |
| 1928 | Cypress Point Club | Private |
| 1929 | Seminole Golf Club | Private |
| 1931 | Shinnecock Hills Golf Club (current Flynn design) | Private |
| 1932 | Crystal Downs Country Club | Private |
| 1936 | Southern Hills Country Club | Private |
| 1936 | Bethpage State Park (Black Course) | Public |
| 1937 | Prairie Dunes Country Club | Private |
| 1939 | Old Town Club | Private |
| 1947 | Peachtree Golf Club | Private |
| 1974 | Muirfield Village Golf Club | Private |
| 1980 | TPC Sawgrass (Players Stadium) | Public/Resort |
| 1981 | Castle Pines Golf Club | Private |
| 1983 | The Honors Course | Private |
| 1987 | Wade Hampton Golf Club | Private |
| 1989 | Shadow Creek Golf Club | Resort |
| 1991 | The Ocean Course (Kiawah Island) | Resort |
| 1994 | Sand Hills Golf Club | Private |
| 1998 | Whistling Straits Resort (Straits) | Resort |
| 1999 | Bandon Dunes Golf Course (Original) | Public/Resort |
| 2001 | Pacific Dunes Golf Course | Public/Resort |
| 2004 | The Alotian Club | Private |
| 2006 | Erin Hills Golf Course | Public/Resort |
| 2006 | Ballyneal Golf Club | Private |
| 2008 | Gozzer Ranch Golf & Lake Club | Private |
| 2009 | Pikewood National Golf Club | Private |
| 2017 | Congaree Golf Club | Private |
| 2018 | Ohoopee Match Club | Private |
| 1921 | Camargo Club | Private |
| 1967 | The Golf Club (New Albany, OH) | Private |
| 2003 | Friar’s Head Golf Club | Private |
| 1903 | San Francisco Golf Club | Private |
Here is the List of America’s 50 greatest golf courses:
The greatest golf courses below are listed based on the year of establishment:
1. Shinnecock Hills Golf Club
- Location: Southampton, NY
- Year Established: 1891
- Designer: William Flynn
- Website
The course embraces a natural, windswept style reminiscent of Scotland’s links, yet with a distinctly American touch. It was one of the first clubs in the United States to allow women members, a progressive move for its time. Its rolling fairways and fescue roughs are as much a part of the experience as the fierce breezes that make it a fixture in the greatest golf courses.
2. Chicago Golf Club
- Location: Wheaton, Illinois
- Year Established: 1894
- Designers: C.B. MacDonald & Seth Raynor
- Website
Fishers Island Club is intimate yet demanding. The layout challenges golfers to consider wind, coastal terrain, and strategic placement on every hole. Its secluded charm, combined with a design that tests both precision and creativity, makes it a memorable stop for any serious golfer.
3. Oakmont Country Club
- Location: Plum & Oakmont, PA
- Year Established: 1903
- Designer: Henry Fownes; Restoration by Gil Hanse & Jim Wagner (2023–24)
- Website
Oakmont is notorious for having the toughest greens in championship golf—slick, sloping surfaces that demand pinpoint accuracy. It’s also home to the famous “Church Pews” bunker, a massive hazard that has humbled countless players. Its ability to challenge the very best without major alterations for decades keeps it firmly anchored in America’s 50 Greatest Golf Courses.
4. Pinehurst Resort (No. 2)
- Location: Pinehurst, North Carolina
- Year Established: 1907
- Designers: Donald Ross
- Website
Pinehurst No. 2 is legendary for its crowned greens that punish even minor miscalculations. Donald Ross’ design encourages creativity and thoughtfulness on every shot. Its championship history and iconic holes make it a natural choice when discussing courses.
5. National Golf Links of America
- Location: Southampton, NY
- Year Established: 1911
- Designer: C.B. MacDonald
- Website
What sets the National Golf Links of America apart is its clever use of “template holes” inspired by famous British courses. Rolling fairways, tricky pot bunkers, and coastal winds create a dynamic challenge that rewards smart play. Its historic significance and unique design philosophy ensure it remains a benchmark when considering America’s 50 Greatest Golf Courses.
6. Merion Golf Club (East)
- Location: Ardmore, PA
- Year Established: 1912
- Designer: Hugh Wilson
- Website
Merion East is a course that quietly demands respect. Its compact, undulating greens and narrow fairways test every aspect of a golfer’s game, from accuracy to strategic thinking. Often hosting dramatic U.S. Opens, the course has produced some of golf’s most memorable moments, which is why it is frequently celebrated among the top golf courses.
7. Pine Valley Golf Club
- Location: Pine Hill, NJ
- Year Established: 1913
- Designers: Crump; H.S. Colt; Charles Alison; A.W. Tillinghast; Perry Maxwell
- Website
Beyond its elite reputation, Pine Valley Golf Club is famed for having no parallel holes, meaning every shot presents a fresh challenge. Its rugged bunkering and expansive greens require precision, making it a frequent training ground for the world’s best amateurs and pros. The club’s remote setting and limited membership policy add to its mystique, helping secure its top ranking in America’s 50 Greatest Golf Courses year after year.
8. San Francisco Golf Club
- Location: San Francisco, California
- Year Established: 1915
- Designers: A.W. Tillinghast
- Website
The San Francisco Golf Club combines rolling fairways with fast, undulating greens. Its exclusivity and strategic layout create an experience that is both challenging and rewarding. This blend of tradition and difficulty keeps it consistently mentioned in America’s 50 Greatest Golf Courses.
9. Oakland Hills Country Club (South)
- Location: Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
- Year Established: 1917
- Designers: Donald Ross (restored by R.T. Jones)
- Website
Oakland Hills South has been called the “ultimate test of golf.” Its massive bunkers, quick greens, and rolling fairways create a thrilling challenge, especially under tournament conditions. The course’s legendary status and the dramatic stories it has produced keep it firmly in the ranks of courses.
10. Pebble Beach Golf Links
- Location: Pebble Beach, CA
- Year Established: 1919
- Designers: Jack Neville & Douglas Grant; later refinements by H. Chandler Egan
- Website
Few places can match the dramatic coastal views of Pebble Beach. Golfers are treated to holes that wind along cliffs, beaches, and groves of cypress trees, with iconic par-3 and finishing unforgettable holes. Its combination of scenic beauty and championship-level difficulty makes it unique..
11. Shoreacres
- Location: Lake Bluff, Illinois
- Year Established: 1921
- Designers: Seth Raynor
- Website
Shoreacres in Texas combines coastal breezes with natural terrain for a truly dynamic round. Golfers face subtle elevation changes and thoughtful green complexes that keep the experience fresh and exciting. Its challenge and charm make it memorable.
12. Winged Foot Golf Club (East)
- Location: Mamaroneck, New York
- Year Established: 1923
- Designers: A.W. Tillinghast
- Website
Bandon Dunes, on the Oregon coast, is the epitome of links-style golf in America. Wind, dunes, and dramatic seaside holes create an immersive experience that challenges all aspects of a golfer’s game. It is consistently celebrated in any list of America’s 50 Greatest Golf Courses.
13. Winged Foot Golf Club (West)
- Location: Mamaroneck, New York
- Year Established:1923
- Designers: A.W. Tillinghast
- Website
The West Course at Winged Foot is famous for its “Monstrous” reputation, where even the smallest mistake can lead to disaster. Its iconic deep bunkers and undulating greens have witnessed countless dramatic U.S. Open finishes, producing moments that live in golfing history. For fans and players alike, it’s a place where legends are made.
14. The Olympic Club (Lake Course)
- Location: San Francisco, California
- Year Established: 1924
- Designers: Sam Whiting
- Website
The Lake Course at The Olympic Club in San Francisco is legendary for its demanding conditions and iconic U.S. Open history. Tight fairways, slick greens, and challenging bunkers test every aspect of a golfer’s game. Its prestige and difficulty secure its place on most lists of America’s 50 Greatest Golf Courses.
15. Fishers Island Club
- Location: Fishers Island, NY
- Year Established: 1926
- Designers: Seth Raynor—completed by Charles Banks
- Website
Fishers Island Club, located off the coast of New York, is often described as one of the most breathtaking seaside courses in the country. Its dramatic ocean views, combined with wide fairways and strategic bunkering, create a perfect balance of beauty and challenge. The salty sea air and ever-changing winds make every round feel fresh and unpredictable.
16. Oak Hill Country Club (East)
- Location: Rochester, New York
- Year Established:19256
- Designers: Donald Ross
- Website
Oak Hill East combines classic architecture with modern demands, offering surprises at nearly every turn. From challenging approach shots to tricky putting surfaces, the course constantly tests players’ creativity and precision.
17. Riviera Country Club
- Location: Pacific Palisades, California
- Year Established: 1926
- Designers: George C. Thomas Jr. & Wm. P. Bell
- Website
Riviera is famous for its “Postage Stamp” par-3, a tiny green that has humbled the best players in the world. Combined with sweeping fairways and lush surroundings, Riviera delivers a round full of surprises. This mix of challenge and charm cements its place in the conversation about courses.
18. Baltusrol Golf Club (Lower)
- Location: Springfield, New Jersey
- Year Established: 1926
- Designers: A.W. Tillinghast
- Website
Baltusrol’s Lower Course combines tradition and championship challenge. Rolling fairways, deep bunkers, and undulating greens make every round memorable. Its history of hosting major events ensures it remains a recognized entry in the greatest golf courses.
19. Los Angeles Country Club (North)
- Location: Los Angeles, California
- Year Established: 1927
- Designers: George C. Thomas Jr.
- Website
The North Course offers more than challenge; it surprises golfers with hidden elevation changes, short par-4s that require creativity, and tree-lined fairways that feel almost cinematic. Its blend of strategy, history, and scenic beauty ensures it remains an essential mention in any overview of courses.
20. The Country Club (Main Course)
- Location: Brookline, Massachusetts
- Year Established: 1927
- Designers: Willie Campbell (rev. Alex Campbell)
- Website
The Main Course at The Country Club isn’t just historic—it’s legendary. It has witnessed some of golf’s most dramatic moments, including Bobby Jones’ early triumphs. Rolling fairways, strategic bunkering, and tight greens make each hole memorable, which is why it is celebrated among the greatest golf courses.
21. Cypress Point Club
- Location: Pebble Beach, CA
- Year Established: 1928
- Designer: Alister MacKenzie & Robert Hunter
- Website
Cypress Point’s allure lies in its seamless transition from forested dunes to dramatic oceanfront holes. With only a few hundred members worldwide, it’s one of the most difficult invitations in golf to receive. The coastal weather can change within minutes, turning a serene round into a test of grit.
22. Seminole Golf Club
- Location: Juno Beach, Florida
- Year Established: 1929
- Designers: Donald Ross
- Website
Seminole Golf Club is a hidden gem where every hole tells a story. Its undulating fairways and perfectly placed bunkers are legendary, but what sets it apart is the way the course flows seamlessly with Florida’s natural terrain. Visitors often remark that a round here feels like a true test of both strategy and imagination, which is why it frequently appears on lists of courses.
23. Crystal Downs Country Club
- Location: Frankfort, Michigan
- Year Established: 1932
- Designers: Alister MacKenzie & Perry Maxwell
- Website
Crystal Downs is often described as “golf poetry in motion.” Its natural dunes and panoramic Lake Michigan views create a stunning backdrop for a round that demands both finesse and patience. Every hole has a subtle risk-reward element that keeps golfers thinking, and this understated brilliance is why it appears in discussions of golf courses.
24. Southern Hills Country Club
- Location: Tulsa, Oklahoma
- Year Established: 1936
- Designers: Perry Maxwell
- Website
Southern Hills has hosted multiple PGA Championships, and its design rewards thoughtful strategy. Tree-lined fairways, tricky approaches, and rolling greens create memorable experiences at every hole. Its history and challenge earn it a regular spot among courses.
25. Bethpage State Park (Black Course)
- Location: Farmingdale, New York
- Year Established: 1936
- Designers: Burbeck & Tillinghast
- Website
Bethpage Black is famous for punishing lengths and tough greens, earning a reputation as one of the most difficult public courses in the U.S. Its championship pedigree, including U.S. Opens, and relentless challenge make it a natural inclusion in courses.
26. Prairie Dunes Country Club
- Location: Hutchinson, Kansas
- Year Established: 1937
- Designers: Perry & Press Maxwell
- Website
Prairie Dunes offers a rare test of golf where every hole is a study in strategy and patience. The course winds through native prairie grasslands, providing natural hazards and breathtaking views. Its unique layout and thoughtful challenges have made it a frequent mention among top golf courses.
27. Old Town Club
- Location: Winston-Salem, North Carolina
- Year Established: 1939 (refurb 2013)
- Designers: Perry Maxwell & Coore & Crenshaw
- Website
The Old Town Club in Kansas City blends tradition with strategic design. Rolling fairways, thoughtful bunkering, and subtle green contours make each round mentally engaging. Golfers appreciate the balance of challenge and beauty, which keeps it in conversations about golf courses.
28. Peachtree Golf Club
- Location: Atlanta, Georgia
- Year Established: 1947
- Designers: Bobby Jones & Robert Trent Jones
- Website
Peachtree Golf Club in Atlanta is known for its lush, rolling fairways and strategic bunkering that demand creativity and precision. The course often surprises players with subtle elevation changes and challenging greens that require careful reading. Its unique combination of beauty and difficulty earns it a spot among the top golf courses.
29. Muirfield Village Golf Club
- Location: Dublin, Ohio
- Year Established: 1974
- Designers: Jack Nicklaus & Desmond Muirhead
- Website
Every hole at Muirfield Village has a story, from its signature finishing holes to subtle doglegs that require clever shot placement. Designed by Jack Nicklaus, the course rewards thoughtful play and creativity, making it one of the most enjoyable championship venues and a natural pick in America’s 50 Greatest Golf Courses.
30. TPC Sawgrass (Players Stadium)
- Location: Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida
- Year Established: 1980
- Designers: Pete Dye
- Website
TPC Sawgrass is world-famous for its iconic 17th “Island Green” hole, which has tested the nerves of professionals and amateurs alike. Every hole demands strategy, precision, and patience, solidifying its status as one of America’s 50 Greatest Golf Courses.
31. Castle Pines Golf Club
- Location: Castle Rock, Colorado
- Year Established: 1981
- Designers: Jack Nicklaus
- Website
Castle Pines in Colorado offers dramatic mountain vistas and elevation changes that add an extra layer of challenge. Its combination of breathtaking scenery and thoughtful design makes each round unforgettable, earning it a place among America’s 50 Greatest Golf Courses.
32. The Honors Course
- Location: Ooltewah, Tennessee
- Year Established:1983
- Designers: Pete Dye
- Website
The Honors Course in Tennessee is consistently praised for its pure layout, blending natural hills with strategic design. Each hole challenges players to think creatively, and its pristine condition adds to the allure. Golfers consider it a must-play, often listing it among courses.
33. Wade Hampton Golf Club
- Location: North Carolina
- Year Established: 1987
- Designers: Tom Fazio
- Website
Wade Hampton is a hidden gem on the Carolina coast, famous for its natural layout and risk-reward holes. Golfers are often tested by subtle contours and strategic bunkering that demand creativity and precision. Its charm and challenge make it a notable entry on lists of America’s 50 Greatest Golf Courses.
34. Shadow Creek Golf Club
- Location: North Las Vegas, Nevada
- Year Established: 1990
- Designers: Tom Fazio
- Website
Shadow Creek in Nevada is more than a golf course—it’s an experience. Surrounded by desert terrain, lush waterways, and dramatic elevation changes, it challenges every club in a golfer’s bag. Its design and luxury setting make it one of the most talked-about destinations on America’s 50 Greatest Golf Courses.
35. The Ocean Course (Kiawah Island)
- Location: Kiawah Island, South Carolina
- Year Established: 1991
- Designers: Pete Dye
- Website
Kiawah Island’s Ocean Course delivers dramatic coastal views and punishing wind conditions. Its signature 17th hole, perched above the Atlantic, is one of golf’s most photographed challenges. The combination of scenery and strategic play makes it a highlight in any ranking of courses.
36. Sand Hills Golf Club
- Location: Mullen, NE
- Year Established: 1994
- Designers: Ben Crenshaw & Bill Coore
- Website
Sand Hills captivates golfers with its minimalist approach and pristine natural setting. Every hole seems to grow organically from the surrounding dunes, with subtle elevation changes and undulating greens that require finesse. Many enthusiasts argue that its untouched beauty and pure design make it one of the 50 greatest golf courses in modern times.
37. Whistling Straits Resort (Straits)
- Location: Haven, Wisconsin
- Year Established: 1998
- Designers: Pete Dye
- Website
Whistling Straits is a dramatic lakeside spectacle with links-style holes that hug the shoreline. Known for its wind-swept dunes and tournament-ready design, it offers both beauty and extreme challenge. Its rugged, unforgettable terrain keeps it a standout in discussions of America’s 50 Greatest Golf Courses.
38. Bandon Dunes Golf Course (Original)
- Location: Bandon, Oregon
- Year Established: 1999
- Designers: David McLay Kidd
- Website
Bandon Dunes, on the Oregon coast, is the epitome of links-style golf in America. Wind, dunes, and dramatic seaside holes create an immersive experience that challenges all aspects of a golfer’s game. It is consistently celebrated in any list of golf courses.
39. Pacific Dunes Golf Course
- Location: Bandon, Oregon
- Year Established: 2001
- Designers: Tom Doak
- Website
Pacific Dunes is a coastal masterpiece where natural dunes and seaside winds dictate strategy. Each hole feels like an adventure, with sweeping vistas and risk-reward opportunities at almost every turn. Golfers often call it one of the most immersive experiences in the U.S., making it a frequent highlight in lists of courses.
40. The Alotian Club
- Location: Roland, Arkansas
- Year Established: 2004
- Designers: Tom Fazio
- Website
Set along the Arkansas River, The Alotian Club is known for its dramatic elevation changes and flawless conditioning. Every hole offers strategic options, from risk-reward tee shots to carefully contoured greens. Its challenging yet fair layout makes it a regular feature on America’s 50 Greatest Golf Courses lists.
41. Erin Hills Golf Course
- Location: Erin, Wisconsin
- Year Established: 2006
- Designers: Hurdzan, Fry & Whitten
- Website
Erin Hills in Wisconsin is famous for its open, windswept fairways and rolling terrain. The course combines natural beauty with strategic holes that test distance control and accuracy. Its memorable challenges make it a standout in discussions.
42. Ballyneal Golf Club
- Location: Holyoke, Colorado
- Year Established: 2005
- Designers: Tom Doak
- Website
Ballyneal in Colorado is a remote, windswept desert layout that feels like stepping back in time. Its natural prairie terrain and undulating fairways create a unique, rugged experience for golfers who enjoy a challenge. This distinctive character makes Ballyneal a standout when discussing courses.
43. Gozzer Ranch Golf & Lake Club
- Location: Harrison, Idaho
- Year Established: 2007
- Designers: Tom Fazio
- Website
Gozzer Ranch in Idaho is a mountain golf paradise with stunning vistas and natural terrain that shape each hole uniquely. Its design rewards strategic thinking and creativity, earning its place among golf courses.
44. Pikewood National Golf Club
- Location: Morgantown, West Virginia
- Year Established: 2008
- Designers: John Raese & Robert Gwynne
- Website
Pikewood National is a hidden mountain gem where elevation changes and scenic vistas create an unforgettable experience. Golfers face carefully designed holes that test creativity and control. Its unique setting and challenge make it a standout among America’s 50 Greatest Golf Courses.
45. Congaree Golf Club
- Location: Ridgeland, South Carolina
- Year Established: 2018
- Designers: Tom Fazio
- Website
Congaree in South Carolina is a secluded gem where pristine conditioning meets natural beauty. Its wide fairways and intricate greens reward creativity and careful planning, making it a favorite among enthusiasts and a notable name in courses.
46. Ohoopee Match Club
- Location: Cobb County, Georgia
- Year Established: 2018
- Designers: Gil Hanse
- Website
Ohoopee Match Club in Georgia is a hidden treasure where natural wetlands and rolling terrain combine to create a strategic test. The course rewards precision and creativity, offering an experience unlike any other. Golfers often rank it highly among courses for its innovative design.
47. Camargo Club
- Location: Indian Hill, Ohio
- Year Established: 1927
- Designers: Seth Raynor & Charles Banks
- Website
Camargo Club in Cincinnati is a hidden gem with classic design features and meticulously maintained greens. Its layout emphasizes shot-making and strategic decisions, giving every round a sense of purpose and challenge. Golfers often include it when considering America’s golf courses.
48. The Golf Club
- Location: New Albany, Ohio
- Year Established: 1967
- Designers: Pete Dye
- Website
The Golf Club in Ohio offers a layout that blends natural rolling terrain with clever strategic challenges. Each hole provides multiple ways to approach, rewarding creativity and risk-reward thinking. Its unique character earns it recognition in lists of America’s 50 golf courses.
49. Friar’s Head Golf Club
- Location: Riverhead, New York
- Year Established: 2002
- Designers: Ben Crenshaw & Bill Coore
- Website
Friar’s Head feels like a secret getaway, with windswept dunes and holes that twist along the rugged North Shore. Its coastal challenges force golfers to adapt creatively, making each round unpredictable and thrilling. This unique combination of natural beauty and strategic design makes Friar’s Head a standout among America’s 50 Greatest Golf Courses.
50. Augusta National Golf Club
- Location: Augusta, GA
- Year Established: 1933
- Designers: Alister MacKenzie & Bobby Jones; modifications by Perry Maxwell, Tom Fazio, etc.
- Website
Augusta National’s blooming azaleas and meticulously manicured grounds are just part of its charm. The course is redesigned subtly over the years to keep up with modern equipment, ensuring it still challenges even the longest hitters. Its invitation-only membership and tradition of green jackets have become symbols of prestige, solidifying its legendary status in courses.
Conclusion
Exploring America’s 50 Greatest Golf Courses is more than ticking off a list—it’s a journey through golf’s most extraordinary landscapes and historic stages. From secluded gems to world-famous resorts, each course offers a unique challenge, breathtaking scenery, and a story that has shaped the game. These venues don’t just test skill—they inspire creativity, reward precision, and create moments that linger long after the round is over. For any golfer, stepping onto these fairways isn’t just playing the game; it’s experiencing the very heart of golf in America.
