For golf enthusiasts, the allure of lush fairways, challenging layouts, and breathtaking scenery is irresistible. North America, with its diverse landscapes, offers some of the finest public golf courses where anyone can tee off and enjoy a world-class golfing experience.
Plan a decent budget for this kind of vacation as it can be an expensive endeavor but finding that dream course is exhilarating for an avid fan of the game. Whether you're planning a golf 'til you drop vacation or just looking for the perfect spot for a quick round while traveling, these 12 public golf courses in North America should make it on to your must-play list.
Nestled along the stunning coastline of California, Pebble Beach Golf Links is a bucket-list course for golfers worldwide. With sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, this iconic course has hosted numerous major championships and offers a thrilling challenge with its dramatic cliffs and tight fairways. It's a true test of skill and a memorable experience for any golfer and was also my favorite course to play in Tiger Woods 2006 for the Nintendo Gamecube.
Signature Hole: 7th Hole, Par 3, 106 yards
The 7th hole at Pebble Beach is one of the most iconic par-3s in the world. This short hole features a dramatic 40 foot drop from the tee to a small green surrounded by bunkers and the Pacific Ocean. The beauty of this hole is matched by its challenge, as wind and the ocean spray can make club selection tricky. This beloved hole is the shortest on the PGA TOUR at just 106 yards, and has played as little as 92 yards during the 2010 U.S. Open.
Green Fees
Approximately $625 to $695 per round, depending on the season. An additional $50 for a cart fee or $95 for a caddie.
Bandon Dunes Golf Resort is a golfer's paradise with five distinct links-style courses that mimic the coastal courses of Scotland. They include Bandon Dunes, Pacific Dunes, Bandon Trails, Sheep Ranch and Old MacDonald. The original Bandon Dunes course, designed by David McLay Kidd, is particularly celebrated for its natural beauty, rugged terrain, and ocean views. Each course at the resort provides a unique challenge and experience, making it a top destination for golf enthusiasts.
Signature Hole: 16th Hole, Par 4, 363 yards
The 16th at Bandon Dunes is a stunning par-4 with the Pacific Ocean running along the entire left side. The fairway slopes toward the ocean, and the approach shot is to a green perched on a cliff with spectacular views. The natural beauty and the challenge of dealing with the coastal winds make this hole unforgettable.
Green Fees
Varies depending on the course and season. Typically, fees range from $100 to $345. For example, Bandon Dunes is around $295 during peak season.
Cabot Cliffs, perched on the cliffs of Cape Breton Island, offers stunning vistas of the North Atlantic. Designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, this course features dramatic elevation changes, undulating fairways, and a layout that harmonizes with the natural surroundings. Cabot Cliffs is not just a round of golf; it's an immersive experience in nature's grandeur.
Signature Hole: 16th Hole, Par 2, 176 yards
The 16th at Cabot Cliffs is a breathtaking par-3 played over the edge of a cliff, with the green sitting on a narrow peninsula surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean. The hole requires a precise tee shot to avoid the rocky cliffs and the water below, offering a thrilling challenge with incredible views.
Green Fees
Approximately CAD 295 to CAD 350 during peak season, with lower rates in the shoulder season.
The Straits Course at Whistling Straits is a links-style course on the shores of Lake Michigan that feels like a slice of Ireland in the American Midwest. Designed by Pete Dye, the course is famous for its rugged, windswept terrain, deep bunkers, and stunning lake views. It's a favorite for major tournaments and a must-play for any serious golfer.
Signature Hole: 17th Hole, Par 3, 223 yards
Known as “Pinched Nerve,” the 17th at Whistling Straits is a long par-3 that plays over a massive, deep bunker with Lake Michigan framing the entire right side. The green is narrow and sloped, making it a difficult target, especially in windy conditions. It’s a hole that demands precision and nerves of steel.
Green Fees
Around $430, with an additional $65 caddie fee and gratuity.
Pinehurst No. 2, designed by Donald Ross, is a classic American golf course with a rich history. Known for its crowned greens and strategic design, this course has hosted multiple U.S. Opens and remains one of the most challenging and revered courses in the country. The sense of tradition and impeccable design make Pinehurst No. 2 a golfing pilgrimage.
Signature Hole: 5th Hole, Par 4, 476 yards
The 5th hole at Pinehurst No. 2 is a long and challenging par-4 with a slight dogleg right. The crowned green, typical of Donald Ross’s design, is well-protected by bunkers, making the approach shot particularly demanding. The hole embodies the strategic complexity and subtle difficulty that Pinehurst No. 2 is known for.
Green Fees
Approximately $495 to $575 depending on the season. Pinehurst offers various packages, which can include multiple rounds and accommodations.
6. Streamsong (Red Course) – Bowling Green, Florida, USA
Streamsong Resort's Red Course, designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, offers a unique golfing experience in a remote, natural setting. The course is known for its rolling terrain, large bunkers, and minimalist design that emphasizes strategy over power. Streamsong's Red Course, along with the Blue and Black courses, provides a modern yet timeless golf experience.
Signature Hole: 16th Hole, Par 4, 426 yards
The 16th at Streamsong Red is a visually stunning par-4 with a fairway that runs along a large sand dune on the right. The green is elevated and guarded by bunkers, with an approach shot that requires precision. The natural landscape and the strategic design make it one of the most memorable holes on the course.
Green Fees
Around $179 to $239 depending on the season. Discounts may apply for staying guests.
TPC Sawgrass's Stadium Course is a test of nerves and precision. Designed by Pete Dye, this course has hosted The Players Championship for decades and is known for its strategic layout and challenging water hazards. Playing here feels like walking in the footsteps of golf's greatest players.
Signature Hole: 17th Hole, Par 3, 137 yards
The 17th at TPC Sawgrass, known as the "Island Green," is one of the most famous holes in golf. The green is entirely surrounded by water, with only a small walkway connecting it to the tee box. The short distance belies the difficulty of the hole, as the pressure of avoiding the water makes this a nerve-wracking shot for any golfer.
Green Fees
Approximately $600, depending on the time of year, with an additional $25 cart fee.
Another gem at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, Pacific Dunes, designed by Tom Doak, is celebrated for its natural beauty and links-style design. The course follows the rugged coastline, with holes that weave through dunes and offer spectacular ocean views. The minimalist design allows the landscape to dictate the flow of play, making every round a unique adventure.
Signature Hole: 13th Hole, Par 4, 444 yards
The 13th at Pacific Dunes is a dramatic par-4 that runs along the cliff’s edge, offering spectacular ocean views. The fairway is wide, but the approach shot to a green nestled among the dunes and overlooking the Pacific Ocean requires careful judgment. The hole’s natural beauty and challenge make it a standout.
Green Fees
Around $295 during peak season, similar to other Bandon courses.
Set against the backdrop of the Canadian Rockies, Banff Springs Golf Course offers a stunning setting for a round of golf. Designed by Stanley Thompson, the course is known for its tree-lined fairways, elevated tees, and breathtaking mountain views. Playing at Banff Springs is as much about the scenery as it is about the golf, making it a memorable experience. Some pretty famous folk have played a round there including the power couple of the early1950's: Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio. Elk are commonplace, and since the 27-hole course is located in a national park in the Canadian Rockies, they, and not you, have the right of way. You might even catch a glimpse of bears or wolves off in the distance. Due to these added challenges of wildlife the course has a unique rule: “Any ball striking an elk may be replayed with no penalty.”
Signature Hole: 4th Hole, Par 3, 192 yards
Known as the "Devil’s Cauldron," the 4th hole at Banff Springs is a stunning par-3 set against the backdrop of a glacier-fed lake and towering mountain peaks. The tee shot must carry over the lake to a well-guarded green, with the dramatic scenery making this one of the most photographed holes in the world.
Green Fees
Approximately CAD 199 to CAD 275 depending on the season, with discounts available for hotel guests.
Torrey Pines Golf Course, located on the cliffs above the Pacific Ocean in San Diego, is renowned for its stunning coastal views and challenging layout. The course has hosted the U.S. Open and is a favorite among both professional and amateur golfers. With two 18-hole courses, the North and South, Torrey Pines offers a diverse and rewarding golf experience that combines natural beauty with championship-level challenges. I've played both North and South and loved it. The North course I played in the early morning and there was a fog coming in off the ocean that made play very interesting. I did a lot of wandering to find my golf ball that day.
Signature Hole: 3rd Hole, Par 3, 195 yards
The 3rd hole at Torrey Pines South is a par-3 that plays along the cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The green is perched on the edge of the cliff, with bunkers guarding the front and the ocean framing the background. The wind often plays a significant role, adding to the challenge and beauty of this iconic hole.
Green Fees
The South Course is approximately $202 to $252 for non-residents, while the North Course is around $128 to $160. Residents enjoy discounted rates.
Situated in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Kananaskis Country Golf Course offers a breathtaking mountain golf experience. With two 18-hole courses, Mount Lorette and Mount Kidd, the scenery is spectacular, featuring towering peaks, rushing rivers, and lush forests. The course design takes full advantage of the natural terrain, providing a challenging yet enjoyable round of golf in one of the most picturesque settings in North America. The Kananaskis Valley itself was carved out by glaciers, and many of the surrounding features, including the U-shaped valleys and the rugged mountain peaks, are the result of glacial erosion. The remnants of glacial activity are visible in the region, such as moraines, outwash plains, and small glacial lakes. The large glacial lake that once existed in the region near Kananaskis Country is known as Glacial Lake Calgary. This lake formed during the last Ice Age, around 15,000 to 12,000 years ago, when massive glaciers began to retreat from the Canadian Rockies.
Signature Hole: 4th Hole (Mount Kidd Course), Par 4, 406 yards
The 4th hole on the Mount Kidd course at Kananaskis is a spectacular par-4 with a backdrop of the Rocky Mountains. The fairway is framed by tall pines, and the green is surrounded by a natural amphitheater of mountains, creating a visually stunning and challenging hole that embodies the beauty of the Canadian Rockies.
Green Fees
The most affordable on our list here the fees come in at around CAD 95 to CAD 139, depending on the course and time of year.
Chambers Bay, located on the Puget Sound, is a modern links course that gained fame as the host of the 2015 U.S. Open. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., the course features wide fairways, dramatic elevation changes, and sweeping views of the water. It's a challenging course that rewards creativity and precision, offering a unique and unforgettable round of golf. Based on several reviews though it appears break-ins to vehicles in the parking lot are a fairly common occurrence so be sure not to leave anything of value in your car!
Signature Hole: 9th Hole, Par 3, 227 yards
The 9th hole at Chambers Bay, known as "Olympus," is a long par-3 with a dramatic downhill tee shot and sweeping views of Puget Sound. The green is large but well-protected by bunkers, and the elevation change makes club selection critical. The stunning views and the strategic challenge make it a standout hole on this modern links course.
Green Fees
Approximately $195 to $275 depending on the season, with lower rates for residents.
The 19th Hole: A.K.A. End of the Round
North America's public golf courses offer a diverse array of experiences, from the coastal cliffs of California to the rugged mountains of Canada. Whether you're looking for a classic course steeped in history or a modern layout that challenges your skills, these 12 courses provide unforgettable rounds and breathtaking scenery. So pack your clubs, plan your trip, and get ready to tee off at some of the best public golf courses North America has to offer!
Comments