The Best New and Renovated Golf Holes of 2025: A Look at Course Innovations
As the 21st century progresses, the golf landscape is experiencing a renaissance. Developers and clubs are investing significantly in new course designs and renovations, resulting in a notable improvement in quality. Modern golf course architects are gifted with stunning terrains and substantial budgets, allowing for innovative designs that deviate from the uninspired, standard layouts of the past. The focus now is on enhancing the golfing experience, making each hole unique and engaging.
In 2025, I had the opportunity to explore various new courses and renovations. Among the many memorable holes, the following ten stood out as the best.
Top 10 Golf Holes of 2025
1. Broomsedge Golf Club
Location: Rembert, S.C.
15th Hole, Par 4, 409 Yards
This classic setup presents players with a hard right out-of-bounds boundary, forcing them to make critical decisions on club choice and shot placement. The narrow green, sitting perilously close to the out-of-bounds line, adds an element of challenge, enhanced by its attractive, subtle contour.
2. Cabot Citrus Farms (The Roost)
Location: Brooksville, Fla.
4th Hole, Par 4, 420 Yards
This hole offers strategic intrigue with its dual centerline bunkers that challenge players to choose between multiple paths. The wide green, featuring a brutal false front, adds layers to the shot selection and potential misfires.
3. Eastward Ho!
Location: Chatham, Mass.
4th Hole, Par 3, 165 Yards
Kyle Franz’s renovation of this historic hole has transformed it into a breathtaking Biarritz-style green overlooking Pleasant Bay, amplifying its grandeur. Players are challenged not just by distance but by the green’s swales as well.
4. Fall Line (East Course)
Location: Butler, Ga.
3rd Hole, Par 5, 520 Yards
This exciting hole embodies the potential of a reachable par 5, showcasing a dynamic short grass environment that invites daring shots and creative short-game play around the green.
5. High Pointe Golf Club
Location: Williamsburg, Mich.
7th Hole, Par 4, 310 Yards
A clever design that offers a risk-reward scenario on a short par 4, this hole challenges players with conflicting strategies for reaching the green, which can lead to varying outcomes.
6. The International (Pines)
Location: Bolton, Mass.
12th Hole, Par 4, 418 Yards
This hole captures the essence of British golf with its rolling contours and strategic bunkering, requiring a precise approach to navigate the green’s challenges.
7. The Keep at McLemore
Location: Rising Fawn, Ga.
9th Hole, Par 4, 427 Yards
Designed to embrace its stunning cliffside landscape, this hole combines breathtaking views with a gameplay strategy that invites thoughtful shot placement.
8. Kinsale Club
Location: Naples, Fla.
13th Hole, Par 3, 167 Yards
Inspired by the iconic Postage Stamp, this short par-3 requires precision and finesse, turning a challenging approach into a rewarding experience.
9. Philadelphia Country Club
Location: Gladwyne, Pa.
12th Hole, Par 5, 619 Yards
This grand hole is a stunning blend of beauty and brawn, demanding skill and precision for a chance at an eagle that could transform a player’s game.
10. Soleta Golf Club
Location: Myakka City, Fla.
1st Hole, Par 4, 435 Yards
The opening hole is an effective introduction to the course, employing a strategic design that invites players into a landscape reminiscent of desert golf.
Conclusion
The evolution of golf course design is evident in these ten remarkable holes from 2025. Each exemplifies the thoughtful engineering and creativity that is shaping the future of golf. Whether through challenging layouts, breathtaking landscapes, or innovative strategies, these courses raise the bar for the golfing experience.
Explore these incredible courses to discover unique golfing adventures and celebrate the artistry of modern golf design.
