In a recent article published by Golf.com, the top 100 courses that are accessible to the public were listed, providing golf enthusiasts with the opportunity to plan their dream golf vacations. The list includes a variety of courses across the United States, ranging from well-known destinations like Pebble Beach to hidden gems like George Wright. The best part about these courses is that no membership is required to play them, just money. The article sparked curiosity among the Golf.com staff, who pondered how they would spend $1,000 on playing these top 100 courses.
One staffer, Josh Sens, shared his plan to spend his $1,000 on playing two top-notch courses in Northern California, Pasatiempo and Harding Park. He described his planned itinerary, which included staying local and indulging in the beauty of the California coast while enjoying 54 holes of golf. Another staffer, Dylan Dethier, decided to piggyback on Sens’ plan, opting to join him for the same adventure and doubling the fun.
Meanwhile, Nick Dimengo had his sights set on playing at Pinehurst No. 2, the home of the 2024 U.S. Open. Despite the challenges presented by the course’s unique layout, Dimengo was eager to test his skills and potentially achieve a personal milestone. On the other hand, Jessica Marksbury expressed her desire to visit Bandon Dunes in Oregon, where she could play four top courses at a reduced rate by visiting during the off-season.
Connor Federico aimed for variety in his hypothetical golf trip, selecting a range of courses with different natural surroundings and architectural styles. His itinerary included stops at Black Mesa, Rustic Canyon, Wild Horse, and George Wright, culminating in a memorable experience at the Lido course. Similarly, Josh Berhow planned a diverse golf journey, incorporating courses like Sheep Ranch, Chambers Bay, Caledonia, Lawsonia Links, and Wild Horse into his itinerary.
Zephyr Melton envisioned a luxurious golf excursion, starting with a round at Pasatiempo followed by a visit to The Loop at Forest Dunes. His final stop included playing Pine Needles and enjoying a round at the Cradle in Pinehurst. Jack Hirsh opted for a premium golf experience at Bandon Dunes, spreading his budget to play multiple courses at the resort before visiting other top public courses like George Wright, Lawsonia Links, and Bethpage Black and Red.
As for the author of the article, Nick Piastowski, he jokingly contemplated writing a letter to Chairman Ridley for Augusta membership before settling on playing Erin Hills in his home state of Wisconsin. Piastowski then planned a volume-driven golf trip, playing a variety of top courses within the budget, including Wright, Wild Horse, Black Mesa, Lawsonia Links, Bethpage Red, and Rustic Canyon, with a budget leftover for a snack at Lawsonia.
Overall, the article highlighted the accessibility and diversity of the top 100 courses available to the public in the U.S. It showcased the unique preferences and strategies of each staff member in maximizing their $1,000 budget to create memorable golf experiences. Whether opting for premium courses, off-season deals, or a mix of diverse destinations, the staff’s creative approaches demonstrated the endless possibilities for planning a dream golf vacation on these renowned public courses.
