As of the end of 2024, the United States has about 16,000 golf courses, with roughly 75% open to the public—including around 2,500 municipal courses and 7,600 daily-fee courses—and the remaining 25% being private, members-only clubs. Layouts range from standard 18-hole and 9-hole courses to less common formats such as 12, 27, or 36 holes. Holes are generally categorized as Par 3 (short distance), Par 4 (medium distance), or Par 5 (long distance), each offering different playing strategies. In terms of terrain and style, U.S. golf courses are diverse, including coastal links courses with sandy soil, lush parkland courses with tree-lined fairways, arid desert courses, heathland layouts with native vegetation, sandbelt courses known for fast-draining soil and strategic bunkers, and shorter executive or Par-3 courses designed for quick play—offering golfers of all levels and preferences a wide variety of playing experiences.
Discover top golf destinations across every U.S. state and easily explore golf courses near me to see which ones are just around the corner.
California golf courses are famous for their diverse and picturesque settings, from dramatic oceanfront cliffs to lush valleys and desert oases. Known for their excellent year-round weather, they provide an ideal environment for golfers of all skill levels, offering both prestigious championship layouts and welcoming public courses. Below is a list of renowned golf courses in California.
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Utah golf courses are known for their stunning natural backdrops, ranging from red rock canyons and desert landscapes to lush mountain valleys. The state’s dry climate offers plenty of sunny days, making it an excellent year-round golfing destination. Many courses incorporate the region’s unique terrain, providing both scenic beauty and challenging play for golfers of all skill levels.
Below is a list of some of Utah’s most notable golf courses:
Texas golf courses stand out for their incredible diversity, offering everything from coastal layouts along the Gulf of Mexico to lush, tree-lined fairways in the Piney Woods and wide-open desert courses in West Texas. The state’s mild winters and generally sunny climate make it a year-round golf destination. Many courses are designed by renowned architects and host prestigious tournaments, combining scenic beauty with challenging play.
Below is a list of some of Texas’s most famous golf courses:
New York golf courses are known for their diverse landscapes, from rolling countryside fairways to coastal links and parkland layouts surrounded by stunning fall foliage. Many offer challenging designs created by world-renowned architects, making them a paradise for both casual golfers and seasoned pros. Whether you prefer city golf with skyline views or serene courses in the countryside, New York delivers unforgettable golfing experiences.
Below are some of the most famous golf courses in New York State:
Arizona golf courses are known for their stunning desert landscapes, sunny weather year-round, and spectacular mountain views. Many feature challenging championship layouts, perfectly maintained greens, and resort-style facilities, making them a top destination for golfers of all skill levels. Whether you’re seeking a relaxed round or a professional-level challenge, Arizona offers a unique blend of scenic beauty and exceptional play.
Below are some of the most famous golf courses in Arizona:
North Carolina golf courses are celebrated for their diverse landscapes, ranging from stunning coastal layouts along the Outer Banks to challenging mountain courses in the Blue Ridge region. Known for their lush fairways, strategic designs, and four-season playability, these courses attract golfers seeking both beauty and challenge. With a rich golf history and welcoming Southern hospitality, North Carolina offers an unforgettable golfing experience for players of all levels.
Below are some of the most famous golf courses in North Carolina:
Kentucky Golf Courses are known for their rolling bluegrass fairways, scenic countryside views, and a mix of challenging layouts suitable for golfers of all skill levels. Many courses take advantage of the state’s natural beauty, with tree-lined holes, gentle hills, and serene lakes creating a peaceful yet competitive playing experience. Below is a list of some of the most famous golf courses in Kentucky:
Nevada Golf Courses stand out for their stunning desert landscapes, year-round playability, and a unique blend of natural beauty with resort-style luxury. Many courses feature dramatic elevation changes, rugged mountain backdrops, and pristine fairways that contrast vividly with the arid surroundings. With a mix of championship layouts and relaxed resort courses, Nevada offers an unforgettable golfing experience for both casual players and seasoned pros. Below is a list of some of the most famous golf courses in Nevada:
Washington State golf courses are known for their lush greenery, breathtaking mountain and coastal views, and diverse playing conditions that change with the seasons. Many courses feature tree-lined fairways, rolling hills, and a mix of parkland and links-style designs, offering challenges for golfers of all levels. The mild climate in many areas allows for extended playing seasons, while the scenic landscapes make every round a memorable experience. Below is a list of some of the most famous golf courses in Washington State:
Virginia Golf Courses are known for their scenic variety, blending rolling hills, lush woodlands, and coastal landscapes, offering golfers a mix of challenging layouts and picturesque views. Many courses take advantage of the state’s natural terrain, incorporating water features, elevation changes, and tree-lined fairways. The climate allows for nearly year-round play, and Virginia’s golf scene ranges from historic, classic designs to modern championship layouts. Below is a curated selection of some of the most famous golf courses in Virginia for you to explore.
Wisconsin Golf Courses are celebrated for their diverse landscapes, ranging from rolling farmland and wooded hills to breathtaking lakeside and coastal vistas along Lake Michigan. The state offers a unique mix of links-style layouts with open, wind-swept fairways and lush parkland courses surrounded by mature trees. Many courses feature significant elevation changes, challenging bunkering, and natural water hazards, making them both scenic and strategically demanding. Wisconsin’s golf season thrives in spring through fall, and it’s home to several championship venues that have hosted major tournaments. Below is a curated list of some of the most famous golf courses in Wisconsin for you to explore.
New Jersey Golf Courses are known for their diverse landscapes, from coastal courses along the Atlantic Ocean to lush parkland and wooded courses inland. The state offers a wide range of golfing experiences, with courses featuring challenging water hazards, elevated fairways, and strategically placed bunkers. Many of New Jersey’s top courses are designed by renowned architects, providing both seasoned golfers and beginners with unique and enjoyable layouts. The proximity to major cities like New York and Philadelphia makes New Jersey a popular destination for golfers. Below is a curated list of some of the most famous golf courses in New Jersey for you to explore.
Ohio Golf Courses are renowned for their varied landscapes, featuring a mix of lush parkland, rolling hills, and scenic water features. The state offers a wide range of courses, from classic, tree-lined layouts to more modern, challenging designs with strategic bunkers and water hazards. Ohio’s courses are often characterized by their beautiful, well-maintained fairways and greens, providing golfers with a high-quality experience. With its diverse terrain, the state caters to golfers of all skill levels, making it a popular destination for golf enthusiasts. Below is a curated list of some of the most famous golf courses in Ohio for you to explore.
Michigan Golf Courses are known for their stunning natural beauty, featuring a diverse mix of wooded areas, rolling hills, and picturesque lakefronts, especially along the shores of Lake Michigan. The state offers a wide variety of courses, from championship-level designs to more casual, family-friendly layouts. Many Michigan courses take full advantage of the state’s natural terrain, with challenging water features, sand dunes, and strategic bunkering. With its four distinct seasons, Michigan provides golfers with a unique experience throughout the year. Below is a curated list of some of the most famous golf courses in Michigan for you to explore.
Maryland Golf Courses are known for their beautiful landscapes, combining rolling hills, scenic waterfronts, and lush woodlands. The state’s courses offer a variety of challenges, with layouts that feature natural water hazards, strategic bunkering, and well-manicured fairways and greens. Many courses are designed to take advantage of Maryland’s diverse terrain, from the coastal courses along the Chesapeake Bay to inland courses surrounded by forests and farmland. The moderate climate allows for year-round play, making Maryland a popular destination for golfers. Below is a curated list of some of the most famous golf courses in Maryland for you to explore.
Colorado Golf Courses are renowned for their stunning mountain views, with many courses set against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains. These courses offer a unique combination of challenging elevation changes, wide fairways, and natural water features, often with breathtaking landscapes. The high altitude also affects ball flight, making for a different golfing experience compared to lower-elevation courses. Colorado’s diverse terrain includes links-style courses, parkland designs, and desert-like landscapes in the southern parts of the state. The state’s sunny climate allows for golf almost year-round in many regions. Below is a curated list of some of the most famous golf courses in Colorado for you to explore.
Florida Golf Courses are famous for their year-round playability, thanks to the state’s warm climate and abundant sunshine. They showcase a wide variety of landscapes, from coastal layouts with ocean breezes to lush inland parkland designs dotted with lakes and palm trees. Many Florida courses are known for their water hazards, strategic bunkering, and meticulously maintained fairways and greens. The state is home to numerous PGA Tour stops and championship venues, attracting golfers from around the world. With everything from world-class resort courses to accessible public layouts, Florida offers golfing experiences for all skill levels. Below is a curated list of some of the most famous golf courses in Florida for you to explore.
South Carolina Golf Courses are celebrated for their coastal beauty, warm climate, and year-round playability. Many are located along the Atlantic coastline, offering oceanfront holes with sweeping views, while others wind through marshlands, maritime forests, and rolling inland terrain. These courses often feature challenging layouts with natural water hazards, strategic bunkering, and well-manicured fairways that blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. The state is home to world-renowned destinations like Hilton Head Island, Myrtle Beach, and Kiawah Island, attracting golfers from across the globe. Below is a curated list of some of the most famous golf courses in South Carolina for you to explore.
Minnesota Golf Courses are renowned for their scenic beauty, shaped by the state’s abundant lakes, forests, and rolling terrain. Many courses are set along pristine waterways or nestled among dense woodlands, offering golfers both challenging play and breathtaking views. The state’s layouts range from classic parkland designs with tree-lined fairways to modern championship courses with strategic bunkering and water hazards. Minnesota’s warm summers provide ideal conditions for golf, while its long daylight hours in peak season allow for extended play. Below is a curated list of some of the most famous golf courses in Minnesota for you to explore.
Tennessee Golf Courses are known for their scenic variety, blending rolling hills, lush woodlands, and serene lakes that reflect the state’s natural beauty. Many layouts incorporate elevation changes, tree-lined fairways, and challenging water hazards, offering a mix of strategic play and picturesque views. The climate allows for a long golfing season, and the courses range from historic, traditional designs to modern championship layouts. With a combination of mountain vistas in the east and gentle countryside in the west, Tennessee provides diverse golfing experiences for players of all skill levels. Below is a curated list of some of the most famous golf courses in Tennessee for you to explore.
Pennsylvania Golf Courses are known for their rich history, scenic landscapes, and diverse layouts that cater to golfers of all skill levels. Many are set amid rolling hills, lush forests, and picturesque valleys, often incorporating natural water features and significant elevation changes for both beauty and challenge. The state offers a blend of classic parkland courses designed by legendary architects and modern championship venues that have hosted prestigious tournaments. From the mountainous terrains in the west to the more open countryside in the east, Pennsylvania provides a wide range of golfing experiences. Below is a curated list of some of the most famous golf courses in Pennsylvania for you to explore.
Massachusetts Golf Courses are known for their historic charm, coastal beauty, and diverse playing experiences. Many are classic parkland layouts designed by legendary architects, featuring tree-lined fairways, rolling terrain, and strategic bunkering. Along the coastline, links-style courses offer ocean views, sandy soil, and challenging wind conditions, while inland courses showcase New England’s seasonal beauty with vibrant foliage in the fall and lush greenery in the summer. The state’s rich golfing heritage includes some of the oldest clubs in the country, blending tradition with modern amenities. Below is a curated list of some of the most famous golf courses in Massachusetts for you to explore.
Alabama Golf Courses are known for their Southern charm, diverse landscapes, and year-round playability. Many are part of the famed Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, offering championship-level layouts with a mix of rolling hills, tree-lined fairways, and challenging water hazards. The state’s courses often incorporate natural features such as lakes, rivers, and wetlands, providing both scenic beauty and strategic challenges. From coastal courses near the Gulf of Mexico with ocean breezes to inland parkland designs surrounded by lush greenery, Alabama offers a wide range of golfing experiences for players of all skill levels. Below is a curated list of some of the most famous golf courses in Alabama for you to explore.
New Hampshire Golf Courses are known for their stunning New England scenery, combining rolling hills, lush forests, and picturesque mountain backdrops. Many layouts feature tree-lined fairways, natural water hazards, and significant elevation changes, offering both beauty and challenge for golfers. The state’s seasonal climate provides distinct golfing experiences, from vibrant foliage in the fall to lush greenery in the summer. Courses range from classic parkland designs to modern championship layouts, with some offering views of lakes or the White Mountains. Below is a curated list of some of the most famous golf courses in New Hampshire for you to explore.
Illinois Golf Courses are known for their blend of classic Midwest charm and diverse landscapes, ranging from tree-lined parkland layouts to open prairie-style designs. Many courses in the state feature gently rolling terrain, strategic bunkering, and water hazards that provide both challenge and scenic appeal. The Chicago area boasts a rich golfing tradition with historic private clubs and top public courses, while downstate regions offer more relaxed, spacious layouts surrounded by natural beauty. Seasonal changes bring distinct playing conditions, from lush summer greens to vibrant autumn backdrops. Below is a curated list of some of the most famous golf courses in Illinois for you to explore.
Louisiana Golf Courses are known for their unique blend of Southern charm, lush scenery, and year-round playability thanks to the state’s warm climate. Many layouts wind through wetlands, bayous, and cypress-lined fairways, offering both beauty and strategic challenges with natural water hazards and abundant wildlife. The terrain ranges from coastal courses near the Gulf of Mexico to inland parkland designs surrounded by oak trees and gentle rolling hills. Louisiana’s golf scene includes both historic, traditional courses and modern championship venues, making it appealing to players of all skill levels. Below is a curated list of some of the most famous golf courses in Louisiana for you to explore.
Hawaii Golf Courses are renowned for their breathtaking scenery, combining lush tropical landscapes, volcanic terrain, and stunning ocean views. Many layouts feature dramatic elevation changes, natural lava rock formations, and coastal holes where the Pacific Ocean serves as both a backdrop and a hazard. The warm, sunny climate allows for year-round play, and each island offers its own distinct golfing experience—from championship resort courses to hidden local gems. Hawaii’s courses often incorporate native flora, palm-lined fairways, and challenging trade winds, providing both beauty and a test of skill. Below is a curated list of some of the most famous golf courses in Hawaii for you to explore.
