The 10 Worst Golf Courses in America: A Guide to Golf’s Biggest Train Wrecks

Hey fellow golf enthusiasts! You’ve probably heard all about the lavish, world-renowned golf courses in the U.S.—the ones with stunning designs and fascinating histories. But let’s be honest: Most of us are out here battling it out on the average public courses, the munis that often make you question your life choices.

Let’s face it; not all courses are created equal. While some are gems, others leave much to be desired. And I’m not just talking about a few worn-out bunkers or slow greens. No, my friends, I’m referring to golf courses that challenge even the boldest souls among us. So grab a snack, take a seat, and let’s dive into the ten worst golf courses in America. It’s like a train wreck—you can’t help but look!

1. Pelham Bay and Split Rock Golf Courses, Bronx, New York

Ah, the Bronx. Not exactly the first place that comes to mind when you think of amazing golf. But Pelham Bay and Split Rock takes that idea to a whole new level. Sure, the layout might be decent, but get this: the mosquitoes are practically plotting a hostile takeover!

One poor soul didn’t even make it past the first tee, dodging swarms that resembled a horror movie. If you come back with more bites than balls, just know that refunds are apparently off the table. Pretty wild for a supposed "golf experience," right?

2. Stoneybrook East Golf Club, Orlando, Florida

Now, you’d think that being near Disney World would up Stoneybrook East’s game. Nope! With a notorious rating of 2.6, players have walked away saying they’d rather play with a water hazard. For $65, you’d expect at least decent fairways, but the reviews say otherwise.

One disgruntled golfer remarked that spending money here is better suited for burning than playing. Seriously, it’s getting difficult to find even the bare basics here. A gem, this course is not!

3. Blackhawk Golf Club, Pflugerville, Texas

Let’s talk about “cow pastures” in golf. Blackhawk Golf Club is apparently a shining example of what not to do. This course is so unkempt you might as well have brought your pet cow with you for emotional support!

Reviews are brutal, with mentions of a less-than-friendly staff and wild conditions that leave you questioning reality. Fairways resembling areas designated for grazing and a handful of rude employees—what a combo!

4. Nashboro Golf Club, Nashville, Tennessee

Welcome to Nashboro Golf Club, where a bad day on the course is kind of the norm. With a price tag of about $70, you’d think you might get a decent deal. But nope! A lack of carts, rude employees, and slow play make it a real downer.

Players report delays, trash tee boxes, and even syringes found on the course. Talk about a buzzkill! If you’re looking for a place to reminisce about the good ol’ days of golf, this definitely isn’t it.

5. Cliffside Golf Course, Gallipolis, Ohio

Here’s a course with complaints about a “mean” owner and lack of basic maintenance; Cliffside Golf Course takes the cake. The sad part? If you hit into the rough, your ball might just be lost forever!

The fairways are said to resemble a desert, and the bunkers have changed from sand to what you’d find in a field. If you ever wanted to experience the worst of Ohio golf, look no further.

6. Ponkapoag Golf Course, Canton, Massachusetts

In a twist of fate, great golf writer Rick Reilly even dedicated a book to Ponkapoag, and for good reason. If you want to experience dryness at its finest, this is the place! Reports claim the greens haven’t seen grass in ages.

Players have shared stories of dodging sand pits instead of actual putting. Totally not golf-worthy. If you decide to make a trip here, bring your own turf, because you’ll need it!

7. Pinetuck Golf Course, Rock Hill, South Carolina

Just south of Charlotte, Pinetuck has been serving up some severely low ratings. Customers can’t seem to escape bad experiences, including breaking down golf carts.

With greens that players describe as "infields" and a layout full of confusion, Pinetuck sounds more like a cautionary tale than a golf course. Think you can handle it? Good luck!

8. Norwood Country Club, Norwood, Massachusetts

Oh, Norwood, you’re the only "country club" on this list, and boy, do you set a low standard! Despite costing over $50, players have reported bizarre conditions that make you wonder what planet you landed on.

Teeing off feels more like a scavenger hunt, as the ranger pointed out where to tee off—but was it the actual tee box or the parking lot? Reviews here are downright hilarious, and not in a good way!

9. Victoria Golf Course, Carson, California

You’ve probably heard about Victoria after it graced a viral article from Bob Does Sports. This one’s located just south of LA, and apparently, nobody’s thought about doing any upkeep.

For around $40, you’d think you’d at least see a patch of grass! Reviews are brutal, calling it one of the worst-maintained courses in the whole country. If you want to see a course that might as well be a dirt patch, this is it!

10. Leo J. Martin Golf Course, Weston, Massachusetts

To wrap up this dubious list, we’ve got the infamous Leo J. Martin Golf Course. With a Google rating of 2.7, this course doesn’t even bother pretending to be a golfing oasis.

Reviews talk about nonexistent greens, unplayable conditions, and paths so hazardous you’d need to sign a waiver just to walk there. To top it all off, some people have outright requested refunds because it was that bad!

So, there you have it! We’ve uncovered the most questionable golf courses in America. They might not be Instagram-worthy or offer anything remotely resembling a decent round, but they sure do provide good stories.

What about you? What’s the worst course you’ve ever played? Share your thoughts in the comments below!