Best Golf Courses by State: A Golfer's Travel Guide
Explore the best golf destinations across America. From Florida's resort courses to Oregon's coastal links, find top-rated courses and book tee times in every state.
Every state in the US has golf courses worth traveling for. Whether you are planning a dedicated golf trip or looking to squeeze in a round while traveling for work or vacation, this guide highlights the best golf regions across the country and what makes each one special.
The Southeast: Year-Round Golf With Southern Charm
Florida
Florida has more golf courses than any other state, and for good reason. The combination of year-round warm weather, flat terrain that is friendly to all skill levels, and a massive tourism infrastructure makes it a golfer's paradise. Key regions include:
- Naples and Southwest Florida — Home to some of the highest concentration of golf courses per capita in the country
- Orlando — Dozens of resort courses designed by top architects, many accessible to the public
- Palm Beach — A mix of exclusive private clubs and excellent public and resort courses
- Jacksonville and the First Coast — The TPC Sawgrass and surrounding courses make this a world-class golf destination
The best time to play in Florida is October through April when humidity is lower and snowbirds fill the courses. Summer rates can be 50 percent cheaper.
South Carolina
The Lowcountry and Grand Strand regions of South Carolina are elite golf destinations. Myrtle Beach alone has over 80 courses within a short drive, making it one of the most golf-dense areas in the world. Hilton Head and Kiawah Island offer resort-quality golf in stunning coastal settings.
Georgia
Georgia's golf identity is defined by Augusta National, but the state has much more to offer public golfers. The Georgia coast (Sea Island, St. Simons) features beautiful courses, and the Atlanta metro area has dozens of well-regarded daily-fee and municipal courses.
The Southwest: Desert Golf at Its Finest
Arizona
Scottsdale and Phoenix form the undisputed capital of desert golf. The landscape creates dramatic courses carved through red rock and saguaro cactus terrain. Notable areas include:
- Scottsdale — The highest concentration of golf resorts in the country
- Tucson — Excellent courses at slightly lower price points than Scottsdale
- Sedona — Stunning red rock backdrop for scenic rounds
Peak season runs from January through April. Summer rates drop by 60 to 70 percent but temperatures regularly exceed 110 degrees.
Nevada
Las Vegas is not just casinos. The surrounding desert offers world-class golf with dramatic mountain backdrops. Several courses designed by Jack Nicklaus, Tom Fazio, and Pete Dye are available for public play.
The Pacific Coast: Ocean Views and Diverse Terrain
California
California's golf landscape is as diverse as the state itself:
- Monterey Peninsula — Pebble Beach, Spyglass Hill, and the Links at Spanish Bay make this arguably the most famous public golf destination in the world
- Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley — Over 100 courses in the desert, with peak season from November through March
- San Diego — Torrey Pines (host of the US Open) and numerous excellent public courses with ocean views
- Los Angeles — A massive selection of courses ranging from budget municipal tracks to high-end daily-fee layouts
Oregon
Oregon is an underrated golf destination. The Bandon Dunes resort on the southern coast has become one of the most celebrated golf destinations in the world, featuring multiple links-style courses on dramatic oceanfront cliffs. The Portland area and Bend also offer excellent golf.
Hawaii
Golf in Hawaii is a bucket-list experience. Maui, the Big Island, Oahu, and Kauai all have stunning courses that combine ocean views, volcanic landscapes, and tropical vegetation. Kapalua and Mauna Kea are among the most famous, but there are excellent public options on every island.
The Mountain West: Elevation and Scenery
Colorado
Golf at altitude is a unique experience — the ball flies noticeably farther in thin air. The Colorado mountain towns of Vail, Breckenridge, and Steamboat Springs have outstanding courses with breathtaking scenery. The Denver metro area also has numerous well-maintained public courses.
Utah
Utah is gaining recognition as a golf destination. The St. George area in southern Utah offers desert golf with red rock canyons, while the Salt Lake City area and Park City provide mountain courses with stunning views. The short season means courses are often in excellent condition during peak months.
Idaho
Coeur d'Alene is home to one of the most unique holes in golf — a floating green on the 14th hole at the Coeur d'Alene Resort course. The Boise area also has a growing collection of quality courses.
The Midwest: Underrated Value
Michigan
Michigan is a sleeper golf destination with world-class courses at reasonable prices. Traverse City and the northern Lower Peninsula have numerous top-rated resort courses. The state's Great Lakes shoreline creates beautiful settings for coastal-style courses.
Wisconsin
Whistling Straits and Erin Hills have both hosted major championships, putting Wisconsin on the national golf map. Kohler and the surrounding area offer a concentration of top-tier public courses.
Minnesota
The Twin Cities metro has a surprisingly robust golf scene. The summer season is short but the long daylight hours mean you can squeeze in rounds late into the evening.
The Northeast: History and Challenge
New York
Long Island and Westchester County are home to some of the most famous courses in golf history. Bethpage Black, a public course on Long Island, regularly hosts the US Open and PGA Championship. The Adirondacks and Finger Lakes regions offer more affordable rounds in scenic settings.
Massachusetts
Cape Cod is a premier golf destination with links-style courses influenced by ocean winds. The Berkshires in western Massachusetts offer mountain golf with fall foliage that rivals anywhere in the country.
The South Central: Hidden Gems
Texas
Texas has a massive and diverse golf scene. The Hill Country around San Antonio and Austin features beautiful courses with rolling terrain, while the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex has some of the best municipal golf in the country. Coastal courses near Houston and Galveston offer a different experience entirely.
Alabama
The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail is one of the best values in American golf — a collection of 11 sites across the state with 26 courses, all offering championship-quality golf at public-course prices.
How to Plan Your Golf Trip
When planning a golf trip to a new state, keep these tips in mind:
- Check seasonal pricing — Playing during the off-season can save you 40 to 60 percent
- Book early for top courses — Premier public courses like Pebble Beach, Bethpage Black, and Bandon Dunes book out months in advance
- Consider stay-and-play packages — Resort courses often offer significant discounts when you bundle lodging and golf
- Factor in walking vs riding — Some of the best courses (like Bandon Dunes) are walking only
- Leave buffer time — Do not schedule back-to-back rounds at courses that are far apart
Find Tee Times in Any State
Ready to book? Browse tee times by state on OpenCourse to find courses, compare prices, and reserve your round. Select your state below to get started.
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