For golf enthusiasts looking for their next golf getaway, GOLF recently released its latest ranking of the Top 100 Courses You Can Play, showcasing accessible spots for Average Joe golfers around the world. The list features some of the most memorable courses that are open to the public, making them ideal destinations for avid golfers. To help inspire and inform your next golf adventure, here are our staffers’ picks for their favorite public courses played from the Top 100 list.
Sand Valley (Sedge Valley) in Nekoosa, Wisconsin, stands out as a top favorite among our staffers. Known for its fun, strategic, and playable layout, with a thrilling 18th hole, Sand Valley Golf Resort offers a memorable golfing experience for players of all skill levels. With Pacific Dunes as a close contender, Sedge Valley has quickly become a must-play course for golfers seeking a challenging yet enjoyable round.
Kiawah Island’s Ocean Course in South Carolina is another favorite on our list, offering a stunning combination of beauty and treachery at every turn. With breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and a challenging layout, this course provides a unique golfing experience that is both scenic and exciting. The double-dogleg finishing hole adds to the fun and excitement of playing on this renowned course.
In Hawaii, Kapalua’s Plantation course offers a setting that is difficult to beat, making it a top choice among our staffers. With challenging wind conditions and elevation changes, this course presents a tough but rewarding test for golfers. The stunning views and overall experience from tee to green make this course a memorable destination for golfers seeking a unique golfing experience in a picturesque setting.
Tot Hill Farm in Asheboro, North Carolina, offers a hidden gem of a course that challenges traditional course strategy with its dramatic slopes, arduous fairways, and demanding greens. Designed by Mike Stranz, this course incorporates elements of an old cattle farm into its layout, adding a unique touch to the overall golfing experience. With each hole presenting a new adventure, Tot Hill Farm provides a memorable round for players looking for a challenging and exciting course.
Taconic Golf Club in Williamstown, Massachusetts, holds a special place in the hearts of our staffers, particularly for one who played college golf there. With its scenic views and challenging layout, Taconic offers a unique golfing experience that combines beauty and difficulty in equal measure. From quirky maneuvering on the front nine to a brutish test on the back nine, Taconic provides a memorable round for golfers of all levels.
Pinehurst No. 4 in North Carolina is beloved for its fun and forgiving layout, making it an ideal choice for mid-handicappers looking for a rewarding round. With its scenic views and challenging yet playable design, Pinehurst No. 4 offers an enjoyable golfing experience for players of all skill levels. The course’s reputation as one of the best at Pinehurst Resort adds to its appeal among golfers seeking a quality golf destination.
In Santa Cruz, California, Pasatiempo offers a chance to play on one of Alister MacKenzie’s best courses, providing an opportunity to experience his iconic bunkering and strategic design. While Augusta National may be out of reach for most golfers, Pasatiempo offers a similar level of quality and challenge that is accessible to the public. The course’s unique features and cool logos make it a must-play for golfers looking for a memorable round in a picturesque setting.
George Wright in Boston, Massachusetts, holds a special place in the heart of one of our staffers, who learned to play golf at this muni course in his late teens. With its quirky layout, charming features, and affordable rates, George Wright offers a memorable golfing experience that goes beyond just architectural merits. The course’s rich history and unique layout make it a favorite among golfers looking for a fun and rewarding round.
Lawsonia Links in Green Lake, Wisconsin, stands out as a top choice for yearly gatherings among a group of longtime golfers, thanks to its challenging yet enjoyable layout and picturesque setting. The course rewards good shots without punishing players too harshly, making it an ideal destination for golfers of all levels. With the added amenities and attractions on the property, Lawsonia Links offers a complete golfing experience that keeps golfers coming back year after year.
