In the US, playing golf is more than just a hobby — it’s an adventure across varied terrain and storied courses that have influenced the game’s history. The nation is home to some of the most well-known golf destinations in the world, from the foggy Pacific Ocean shores to the undulating East Coast hills.
Whether it’s entwined with the surrounding natural beauty or etched in the history of significant championships, every course has a story to tell. Whether you are an experienced player or just interested in the history of the game, these locations offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity where each stroke, putt, and drive contributes to a greater story of masterful golf. Come along as we explore America’s fairways, where natural and traditional elements coexist. Check out these top 7 golf destinations in the USA for private jet travelers.
1. Pebble Beach Golf Links, California
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Pebble Beach Golf Links is often regarded as one of the most beautiful golf courses in the world, nestled along the rugged coastline of California’s Monterey Peninsula. This legendary course, which has hosted numerous prestigious tournaments including multiple U.S. Opens, is known for its breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, challenging layout, and rich history. The course’s signature hole, the par-3 7th, is one of the most iconic in golf, offering stunning ocean views and a test of precision.
The course’s design takes full advantage of the natural landscape, with undulating fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and small, sloping greens that demand accuracy and skill. Pebble Beach is not just a test of golfing ability but also an experience of incredible natural beauty. The course’s links-style layout presents a unique challenge compared to typical American courses, and its status as a public course means that any golfer can book a round and walk the same fairways as the game’s greatest players.
2. Augusta National Golf Club, Georgia
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Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia is a course synonymous with tradition and exclusivity. Famous for hosting The Masters, one of golf’s four major championships, Augusta National is known for its immaculate conditioning, beautiful azaleas, and storied history. The course, co-designed by Bobby Jones and Alister MacKenzie, is a masterpiece of golf architecture, featuring some of the most famous holes in the sport, including Amen Corner (holes 11, 12, and 13).
Augusta National is not just a golf course but a symbol of the sport’s history and traditions. The course is renowned for its fast, undulating greens, pristine fairways, and strategic bunkering. Playing Augusta is an exclusive experience, as the course is private and only open to members and their guests. The atmosphere during The Masters is electric, with the course’s beauty and challenge showcased to the world.
3. Pinehurst No. 2, North Carolina
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Pinehurst No. 2 in North Carolina, designed by Donald Ross, is a masterpiece of golf course architecture and a centerpiece of the historic Pinehurst Resort. Known for its crowned, undulating greens, natural topography, and strategic layout, Pinehurst No. 2 has hosted several major championships, including U.S. Opens and PGA Championships. The course demands precision and strategy, with a focus on shot-making and green-reading skills.
The restoration project by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw in 2010-2011 brought the course back to Ross’s original vision, with wider fairways, natural waste areas, and restored natural topography. This work enhanced the course’s rustic beauty and strategic challenge, making it a must-play for serious golfers. The resort’s ambiance, rich history, and Southern hospitality make a trip to Pinehurst a memorable experience beyond the golf course.
4. Whistling Straits, Wisconsin
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Whistling Straits in Wisconsin, designed by Pete Dye, is a stunning representation of a links-style course in the United States. Located along the shores of Lake Michigan, the course is known for its rugged beauty, with vast bunkers, rolling fairways, and windy conditions reminiscent of traditional Scottish courses. Whistling Straits has hosted major championships, including the PGA Championship and Ryder Cup, challenging the world’s best with its unique layout.
The Straits course at Whistling Straits is particularly notable for its scenic vistas and challenging design, with holes that run along the lake, providing dramatic views and a tough test of golf. The course’s naturalistic design, with fescue grasses and undulating terrain, offers a distinct golfing experience. The entire Whistling Straits complex, with its multiple courses and first-class facilities, is a premier destination for golf enthusiasts.
5. Bethpage Black Course, New York
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Bethpage Black Course in New York is famous for being a public course that hosts major championships, including the U.S. Open and PGA Championship. Known for its difficulty, Bethpage Black features narrow fairways, deep rough, and elevated greens, presenting a stern test for even the most skilled golfers. The course’s warning sign at the first tee, advising only highly skilled golfers to play, is a testament to its challenge.
Despite its difficulty, Bethpage Black remains accessible to the public, making it a unique venue where amateur golfers can test their skills on a championship course. The course’s layout requires strategic thinking and precision, with a premium on accurate tee shots and well-placed approach shots. The atmosphere during major tournaments is electric, with New York’s passionate sports fans adding to the experience.
6. TPC Sawgrass, Florida
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TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, is home to the PGA Tour’s headquarters and hosts the Players Championship. The course, designed by Pete Dye, is famous for its iconic 17th hole, the “Island Green,” one of the most recognizable and challenging par-3s in the world. TPC Sawgrass is designed with spectators in mind, offering great views and an engaging layout for both players and fans.
The course challenges golfers with its risk-reward holes, water hazards, and strategically placed bunkers. The Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass is a balance of beauty and challenge, with its well-maintained fairways and greens set against a backdrop of Florida’s natural landscapes. Playing TPC Sawgrass offers golfers a chance to walk in the footsteps of the game’s best players and experience a course that has become a modern classic in golf design.
7. Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, Oregon
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Bandon Dunes Golf Resort in Oregon is a true golfing paradise, with multiple courses that offer a pure links experience. Set along the stunning Oregon coastline, the courses at Bandon Dunes, including Bandon Dunes, Pacific Dunes, Bandon Trails, and Old Macdonald, each offer a unique challenge and breathtaking views. The resort is known for its commitment to traditional links golf, with natural landscapes, firm and fast playing surfaces, and a focus on walking the course.
Bandon Dunes provides a golf experience that’s both challenging and visually spectacular. The courses are designed by different architects, each bringing their own style and philosophy, yet all maintaining a commitment to classic links golf. The resort’s remote location adds to its allure, making a trip to Bandon Dunes a pilgrimage for serious golfers. The combination of world-class golf, stunning scenery, and a pure golf environment makes Bandon Dunes a must-visit destination for any golf enthusiast.
So, for anyone who loves the game, these courses are not just destinations; they are dreamscapes where every stroke is an opportunity to be a part of something larger than the game itself.