While it’s true that some of the world’s most amazing golf courses are located in exotic places like Scandinavia and the Caribbean, there are hundreds, if not thousands, of exceptional golf courses right here on home soil.
If you’ve recently moved to the U.S. and you happen to love the game of golf, chances are there’s a beautiful course close by that will capture your heart. But there are a few spectacular courses throughout the country that you should certainly make a road trip for.
Here’s our expat’s guide to the best golf courses in the U.S. It wasn’t easy to pick just a few, but we can guarantee that you’ll never forget your round on these courses!
1. Pebble Beach, California
Playing a round of golf at Pebble Beach is not for the faint of heart, even though it’s on many golfers' bucket lists of courses to play.
You may want to pack an extra sleeve of balls, as this course features fairways that are wide but roll towards the ocean and small, sloping greens that are lightning fast. If you overplay your shot, you’ll either end up losing your ball or worse, a triple bogey.
Every hole is varied and requires a strategic approach. You’ll have to bring your best putting game with you to keep your ball underneath the hole at all times.
There are so many great holes at Pebble Beach that it’s hard to pick one. Golfers will find the following holes to be challenging and enjoyable: the par-5 6th hole (spectacular view of the ocean), par-3 7th and the long par-4 9th, which has an intimidating drive and approach shot.
Golfers may find themselves distracted by the spectacular ocean scenery on the signature 18th hole, but it will demand accuracy as you take a tee shot over the ocean. Unforgettable!
2. Whistling Straits, Haven, Wisconsin
The Straits Course has an excellent layout that’s set amongst the natural beauty of the rugged shores of Lake Michigan.
This “must-play” course features many visually intimidating tee shots, fast, true greens, lush fairways and strategically-placed bunkers. But the course is also quite rugged and there are mounds virtually everywhere that can almost make you second-guess yourself.
Golfers will need a strategy, accuracy and mental toughness, as this course will put everyone’s skills to the test. An errant approach can land you in the bunker and some of them may seem like they’re impossible to get out of (you may not want to try the impossible two-putt challenge on this course).
The wind that blows off Lake Michigan can also throw your shots off-course, adding to the challenge.
If it’s your first time playing the Straits course, then either hire a caddie (which is highly recommended) or play the tee box assigned to your handicap (or you can play one lower).
On the signature 17th hole is a tricky par-3 named Pinched Nerve, you play downhill and if the wind is blowing it will be directly in your face. The green is approximately 40 feet below the tee and is protected by bunkers. The lake is on the left and numerous bunkers on the hill to the right, so precision is key.
Golfers will also find the par-3, 7th hole, par-4, 13th hole and the par-3 12th hole to be particularly memorable.
3. The Ocean Course, Kiawah Island, South Carolina
It’s hard not to be distracted by the sheer beauty of The Ocean Course, as almost every hole offers gorgeous views of the sea throughout the round. This championship course provides the perfect blend of fun and challenge which makes for an excellent golfing experience.
The course features small, elevated greens, wide fairways, protective dunes and uniquely crafted bunkers that can be difficult to play out of.
It opens with a short, welcoming par-4 and swiftly moves onto the lengthy 2nd hole, which is a par-5, 528-yard (gold tee) double-dogleg. Water comes into play as your ball has to carry over the marsh. Golfers will need to be strategic with their shots, as it’s almost a blind tee shot.
The course really tests your skillset from the 11th to the 18th hole, because of the prevailing left-to-right wind off the ocean that will force you to rethink your strategy.
The par-3 17th hole is one of the most memorable. It’s a risk/reward hole, with others choosing between a forced carry over a water hazard or a narrow strip of the fairway down the left.
Don’t get complacent on the last hole, which is known to be a tough finisher. It’s a 439-yard par-4, which will test you until the very last shot.
4. Shadow Creek, North Las Vegas, Nevada
If you’re traveling to Las Vegas, Shadow Creek is a must. It’s notorious, and not just for the great golf. It’s the most expensive course in the world, and you’re required to book an overnight stay at the accompanying resort just to play a round here!
The course is luxuriously manicured, and it’s made even more beautiful by the fact that it’s a bit of green paradise in the middle of the desert.
Although the fairways are forgiving, they’re lined by trees which should keep you on the straight and narrow. The greens are fast and challenging, so bring your strongest putting game.
There’s no specific signature hole at Shadow Creek, but there are also no weak holes. Golfers will find the par-3 17th hole to be memorable, as it plays down from an elevated tee to a well-protected postage-stamp green.
Another excellent hole is the par-3 5th hole, which has golfers playing their shot from an elevated tee over a forest, which is visually stunning.
Conclusion
Finding the best golf courses in the U.S. is no easy feat! These four come out on top for multiple reasons, and you won’t find more spectacular, challenging or jaw-dropping courses than them.
If you’re planning on visiting any time soon, best get your training aids working because they’re not for beginners. But I can guarantee you’ll never forget your round at these courses. It will stay with you forever, a wonderful memory.
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