Tag: Tom Fazio

Top Golf Resorts and Public Courses: Myrtle Beach 2025

Barefoot Resort, Myrtle Beach

It’s just about time to start planning your spring golf trip, and Myrtle Beach is always the #1 destination offering more than seventy public courses, great food, terrific nightlife, and a gorgeous ocean sunrise.  

Myrtle Beach weather is getting better and better every day now, and temps will rise into the mid 60’s by early March and keep climbing toward the 70’when April arrives.

Many of the great modern architects are on display among the wide variety of courses in the Myrtle Beach area, including Tom Fazio (Barefoot Resort and TPC Myrtle Beach), Pete Dye (Barefoot and Prestwick), Rees Jones (The Dunes Golf & Beach Club and Arcadian Shores), Tom Doak (Legends Resort) and Jack Nicklaus (Pawleys Plantation).

Roger Rulewich, who collaborated with Robert Trent Jones, Sr. to sculpt the wonderful courses along the RTJ Golf Trail in Alabama, laid out another fantastic track at the Grande Dunes Resort Club.

Mike Strantz: Masterpieces at Caledonia and True Blue

There are also the two masterpieces left to us by Mike Strantz at Caledonia and True Blue. Strantz, named by Golfweek Magazine in 2000 as one of the 10 greatest architects of all time, designed only nine courses—all of them highly acclaimed—before he passed away at only 50 years of age. 

There are two golf trails in the Myrtle Beach area as well–The Hammock Coast Golf Trail and The Myrtle Beach Golf Trail, each offering a variety of great tracks. 

If you are looking for deals and packages, check out Myrtle Beach Golf and Myrle Beach Golf Trips.

Our Top 3 MB Golf Resorts and 30 best public courses are below, listed by GolfDay Rating. We’ve included links to the resort or course website, as well as direct links for course descriptions. Current USGA course and slope ratings, course architect(s), a practice facility overview, and a link to Google Map and Directions for each location is provided as well. 

You can also click Myrtle Beach Area Public Courses for a comprehensive list of all public courses within 50 miles of MB, or to view courses near to where you’ll be, use the GolfDay Search Engine and enter the city or zip code. 

Resorts

Barefoot Resort
  1. Barefoot Resort & Golf/Myrtle Beach, SC
  • Holes: 72 (4 Eighteen Hole Courses)
  • Course Architects: Greg Norman/Tad Burnett/Davis Love III/Tom Fazio/Pete Dye
  • USGA Course/Slope Rating:
    Norman:          74.2 Rating/141 Slope
    Love:               74.9 Rating/141 Slope
    Fazio:              73.4 Rating/144 Slope
    Dye:                76.0 Rating/143 Slope
  • Practice Facilities: Lighted and Covered Grass Driving Range with Targets, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunker. Dyer and Greg Norman Golf Academies.
  • Course Descriptions
  • Golf Academy
  • Accommodations
  • Golf Packages
  • GolfDay Rating: 100
  • Location
Grande Dunes Resort Club
  1. Grande Dunes Resort Club/Myrtle Beach, SC
    Marina Inn
Legends Resort
  1. Legends Resort/Myrtle Beach, SC
    Arnold Palmer Golf
  • Holes: 54 (3 Eighteen Hole Courses)
  • Course Architects: Tom Doak/P.B. Dye
  • USGA Course/Slope Rating:
    Parkland:         74.3 Rating/144 Slope
    Moorland:       73.6 Rating/143 Slope
    Heathland:      73.3 Rating/143 Slope
  • Practice Facilities: Lighted Grass Driving Range with Targets, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunker.
  • Golf Academy
  • Accommodations
  • Golf Packages
  • GolfDay Rating: 94.9
  • Location

Public

The Dunes Golf & Beach Club
  1. The Dunes Golf & Beach Club/Myrtle Beach, SC
  • Holes: 18
  • Course Architects: Robert Trent Jones, Sr./Rees Jones/Roger Rulewich
  • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 76.3 Rating/149 Slope
  • Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Range with Targets, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunker.
  • Course Description
  • Junior Golf
  • GolfDay Rating: 99.6
  • Location
Caledonia Golf & Fish Club
  1. Caledonia Golf & Fish Club/Pawleys Island, SC
    Hammock Coast Golf Trail
  • Holes: 18
  • Course Architects: Mike Strantz/Tyler Rae
  • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 71.4 Rating/144 Slope
  • Practice Facilities: Wedge Range, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunker (Full Grass Driving Range available at True Blue Course. Range Balls included with Greens Fee).
  • Course Description
  • Golf Academy
  • GolfDay Rating: 98.5
  • Location
Prestwick Country Club
  1. Prestwick Country Club/Myrtle Beach, SC
    Myrtle Beach Golf Trail
Tidewater Golf Club
  1. Tidewater Golf Club/North Myrtle Beach, SC
    Kemper Sports
True Blue Plantation
  1. True Blue Plantation/Pawleys Island, SC
    Hammock Coast Golf Trail
  • Holes: 18
  • Course Architects: Mike Strantz/Tyler Rae
  • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 74.1 Rating/143 Slope
  • Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Range with Targets, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunkers.
  • Course Description
  • Golf Academy
  • GolfDay Rating: 97.8
  • Location
Pawleys Plantation Golf & Country Club
  1. Pawleys Plantation Golf & Country Club/Pawleys Island, SC
    Hammock Coast Golf Trail
  • Holes: 18
  • Course Architects: Jack Nicklaus/Rick Jacobson/Troy Vincent
  • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 74.1 Rating/144 Slope
  • Practice Facilities: Driving Range with Targets (Mats Monday-Wednesday/Grass Thursday-Sunday), Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunker.
  • Course Description
  • Golf School
  • GolfDay Rating: 95.7
  • Location
Wild Wing Plantation
  1. Wild Wing Plantation/Conway, SC
  • Holes: 27 (Eighteen Hole and Nine Hole Courses)
  • Course Architects: William Byrd/Jeffrey Brauer/Larry Nelson
  • USGA Course/Slope Rating:
    Avocet:          74.5 Rating/147 Slope
    Hummingbird: 35.1 Rating/138 Slope
  • Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Range with Targets, Putting and Chipping Greens.
  • Course Description
  • Junior Golf
  • GolfDay Rating: 95.5
  • Location
Arcadian Shores Golf Club
  1. Arcadian Shores Golf Club/Myrtle Beach, SC
    Myrtle Beach Golf Trail
  • Holes: 18
  • Course Architect: Rees Jones/Ron Cutlip
  • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 73.1 Rating/146 Slope
  • Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Range, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunker
  • Course Description
  • Photos
  • GolfDay Rating: 95.3
  • Location
River Hills Golf & Country Club
  1. River Hills Golf & Country Club/Little River, SC
    Founders Group International
  • Holes: 18
  • Course Architects: Tom Jackson
  • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 73.2 Rating/142 Slope
  • Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Range with Targets, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunker.
  • Course Description
  • Photos
  • GolfDay Rating: 94.7
  • Location
Thistle Golf Club
  1. Thistle Golf Club/Sunset Beach, NC
  • Holes:27 (3-Nine Hole Courses)
  • Course Architect: Tim Cate
  • USGA Course/Slope Ratings
    Cameron:    37.0 Rating/142 Slope
    MacKay:    37.4 Rating/140 Slope
    Stewart:      36.6 Rating/140 Slope
  • Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Range with Targets, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunker.
  • Course Descriptions
  • GolfDay Rating: 94.5
  • Location
Wachesaw East
  1. Wachesaw East/Myrtle Beach, SC
    Myrtle Beach Golf Trail/Hammock Coast Golf Trail/East Coast Golf Management
  • Holes: 18
  • Course Architect: Clyde Johnson
  • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 74.0 Rating/146 Slope
  • Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Range with Targets, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunker
  • Course Description
  • Photos
  • GolfDay Rating: 94.1
  • Location
Brunswick Golf Club
  1. Brunswick Golf Club/Calabash, NC
    Heritage Golf Group
  • Holes: 27 (3 Nine Hole Courses)
  • Course Architects: Willard Byrd/Clyde Johnston
  • USGA Course/Slope Rating:
    Magnolia:        36.4 Rating/133 Slope
    Dogwood:       36.8 Rating/137 Slope
    Azalea:            36.7 Rating/131 Slope
  • Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Range, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunker.
  • Course Descriptions
  • Video Tour
  • GolfDay Rating: 93.9
  • Location
The Pearl Golf Links
  1. The Pearl Golf Links/Calabash, NC
    Myrtle Beach Golf Trail/East Coast Golf Management
  • Holes: 27 (3 Nine Hole Courses)
  • Course Architects: Dan Maples
  • USGA Course/Slope Rating:
    East:    36.2 Rating/135 Slope
    West:   37.0 Rating/141 Slope
    North   35.9 Rating/127 Slope
  • Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Range with Targets, Putting and Chipping Green.
  • Course Descriptions
  • Myrtle Beach Golf Trail
  • GolfDay Rating: 93.7
  • Location
Tradition Golf Club
  1. Tradition Golf Club/Pawleys Island, SC
    Hammock Coast Golf Trail/Founders Group International
  • Holes: 18
  • Course Architects: Ron Garl
  • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 73.5 Rating/147 Slope
  • Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Range with Targets, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunkers.
  • Photos
  • Layout
  • GolfDay Rating: 93.4
  • Location
TPC Myrtle Beach
  1. TPC Myrtle Beach/Myrtle Beach, SC
    Hammock Coast Golf Trail
  • Holes: 18
  • Course Architect: Tom Fazio
  • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 74.3 Rating/154 Slope
  • Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Range with Targets, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunker and Dustin Johnson Golf School.
  • Photos/Layout
  • Golf School
  • GolfDay Rating: 92.6
  • Location
Man O’ War Golf Club
  1. Man O’ War Golf Club/Myrtle Beach, SC
  • Holes: 18
  • Course Architect: Dan Maples
  • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 73.4 Rating/151 Slope
  • Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Range with Targets and Bunker, Putting and Chipping Green.
  • Course Description/Photos
  • GolfDay Rating: 92.2
  • Location
Pine Lakes Country Club
  1. Pine Lakes Country Club/Myrtle Beach, SC
    Founders Group International
  • Holes: 18
  • Course Architects: Robert White/Craig Schreiner/Rick Robbins
  • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 72.5 Rating/135 Slope
  • Practice Facilities: Putting and Chipping Greens (Myrtlewood Driving Range is available for Warm-up–2 miles away).
  • Course Description/Video Tour
  • GolfDay Rating: 92.1
  • Location
Sandpiper Bay Golf & Country Club
  1. Sandpiper Bay Golf & Country Club/Sunset Beach, NC
    Myrtle Beach Golf Trail
  • Holes: 27 (3 Nine Hole Courses)
  • Course Architect: Dan Maples
  • USGA Course/Slope Rating:
    Sand:    34.8 Rating/131 Slope
    Piper:   36.1 Rating/131 Slope
    Bay:     36.4 Rating/142 Slope                       
  • Practice Facilities: Three Level Grass Driving Range with Targe, Putting and Chipping Greens.
  • Course Description
  • Photos
  • GolfDay Rating: 92.0
  • Location
Eagle Nest Golf Club
  1. Eagle Nest Golf Club/Little River, SC
  • Holes: 18
  • Course Architects: Gene Hamm
  • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 78.2 Rating/147 Slope
  • Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Range with Target Greens, Putting and Chipping Green with Bunker.
  • Course Descriptions
  • Layout
  • GolfDay Rating: 91.6
  • Location
Myrtle Beach National Golf Club
  1. Myrtle Beach National Golf Club/Myrtle Beach, SC
  • Holes: 54 (3 Eighteen Hole Courses)
  • Course Architects: Francis Duane/Arnold Palmer/Michael Hurdzan/Victoria Martz/Brandon Johnson
  • USGA Course/Slope Rating:
    Kings North:   73.9 Rating/137 Slope
    South Creek:   70.9/Rating/128 Slope
    West:               72.6 Rating/125 Slope
  • Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Range with Targets, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunker.
  • Course Descriptions
  • Junior Golf
  • GolfDay Rating: 91.5
  • Location
Rivers Edge Golf Club
  1. Rivers Edge Golf Club/Shallotte, NC
    Myrtle Beach Golf Trail/East Coast Golf Management
  • Holes: 18
  • Course Architects: Arnold Palmer/Ed Seay
  • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 72.7 Rating/142 Slope
  • Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Range with Targets and Putting Green.
  • Layout
  • GolfDay Rating: 91.2
  • Location
Glen Dornoch Waterway Golf Links
  1. Glen Dornoch Waterway Golf Links/Little River, SC
    Myrtle Beach Golf Trail/The Glens Golf Group/East Coast Golf Management
Meadowlands Golf Club
  1. Meadowlands Golf Club/Calabash, NC
    Myrtle Beach Golf Trail/East Coast Golf Management
  • Holes: 18
  • Course Architects: Willard Byrd/David Johnson
  • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 74.0 Rating/132 Slope
  • Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Range with Bunker, Putting and Chipping Green.
  • Course Description
  • Photos
  • GolfDay Rating: 90.9
  • Location
Founders Club at Pawleys Island
  1. Founders Club at Pawleys Island/Pawleys Island, SC
    Hammock Coast Golf Trail/Founders Group International
  • Holes: 27 (3 Nine Hole Courses)
  • Course Architects: Gene Hamm/Thomas Walker
  • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 74.5 Rating/148 Slope
  • Practice Facilities: Warm Up Bays with Net, Expansive Putting and Chipping Green with Bunkers.
  • Course Description
  • Video Tour
  • GolfDay Rating: 90.9
  • Location
Heritage Club
  1. Heritage Club/Calabash, SC
    Legends Golf/Arnold Palmer Golf
Diamondback Golf Club
  1. Diamondback Golf Club/Loris, SC
    Myrtle Beach Golf Trail/East Coast Management
Lockwood Folly Country Club
  1. Lockwood Folly Country Club/Holden Beach, NC
    Myrtle Beach Golf Trail/East Coast Golf Management
Shaftesbury Glen Golf & Fish Club
  1. Shaftesbury Glen Golf & Fish Club/Conway, SC
    Myrtle Beach Golf Trail/The Glens Group
  • Holes: 18
  • Course Architects: Clyde Johnston
  • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 73.6 Rating/139 Slope
  • Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Range with Targets, Putting and Chipping Green with Bunker.
  • Course Description
  • Layout
  • GolfDay Rating: 90.1
  • Location
Arrowhead Country Club
  1. Arrowhead Country Club/Myrtle Beach, SC    
  • Holes: 27 (3 Nine Hole Courses)
  • Course Architects: Tom Jackson/Raymond Floyd
  • USGA Course/Slope Rating:
    Cypress:       36.2 Rating/152 Slope
    Lakes:           35.8 Rating/142 Slope
    Waterway:   36.2 Rating/140 Slope
  • Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Range with Targets, Putting and Chipping Green.
  • Course Descriptions
  • Photos
  • GolfDay Rating: 89.8
  • Location
Carolina National Golf Club
  1. Carolina National Golf Club/Calabash, NC
    GreatLife Golf
  • Holes: 27 (3 Nine Hole Courses)
  • Course Architects: Gene Bates/Fred Couples/Kipp Schulties
  • USGA Course/Slope Rating:
    Egret: 37.6 Rating/145 Slope
    Heron: 37.6 Rating/147 Slope
    Ibis:     37.0 Rating/144 Slope
  • Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Range with Targets and Bunker, Putting and Chipping Green.
  • Course Descriptions
  • Photos
  • GolfDay Rating: 89.7
  • Location

The GolfDay rating is based on a variety of criteria, including the stature of the architect(s) who did the original design(s), updates that have been done on the course(s), USGA Course and Slope Ratings, current local and national rankings by Golf Digest and Golfweek, the quality and diversity of practice facilities, general course conditioning and current reviews. The resort rating also includes a factor for the variety of courses located at the property as well as the quality of accommodations and level of service.

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Tom Fazio: Top 40 Public

Pelican Hill: Two Fantastic Tom Fazio Designs

Tom Fazio has no peer among modern-day golf course architects when you consider the number of his designs that have received national recognition over a 50 plus year career. Currently, 14 courses originally designed or remodeled by Tom are included in the Golf Digest Top 100 courses in the U.S, and 30 are among the Top 200—by far the most of any course designer.

Shadow Creek: Golf Digest Top 100 Public/#5

Golf was in his blood from an early age, with uncle George Fazio a successful PGA Tour pro in the 1940’s and 50’s. Tom grew up just outside of Philadelphia in Montgomery County, home to iconic Merion Golf Club (and where George finished 3rd in the 1950 U.S. Open behind Ben Hogan).

Tom Fazio: Most Highly Acclaimed Modern Architect

When George Fazio became the first tour pro to try his hand at golf course architecture in the early 60’s, Tom soon joined his firm and gathered hands-on experience as well as intimate knowledge of course construction and architecture. By the early 70’s, Tom had become a full partner in the firm and his career began its meteoric rise.

Pine Valley, NJ: Golf Digest #1—Renovations by Tom Fazio

In addition to his award-winning private club designs, 10 Tom Fazio courses are among the Golf Digest Public Top 100, and award-winning Fazio courses are found in just about every region of the country—from Red Sky Ranch in the mountains of Colorado to Pelican Hill on the Pacific coast and Sea Island Resort in Georgia.

Fazio Course at Sea Island Resort

Tom Fazio designed well over 200 courses throughout his illustrious career, and more than 50 of them are open to public play (Tom Fazio-Public). Below we have assembled the top public golf facilities where Tom Fazio’s amazing work can be enjoyed—and his designs always provide a test for the scratch player while also remaining playable and fun for golfers of every skill level.

If you are looking for great public golf, or planning a vacation, the GolfDay Search Engine makes it easy to find the best courses and a better bang for your buck. 

Pinehurst Resort, NC (No. 6)

1.  Pinehurst Resort/Pinehurst, NC

  • Holes: 180 (10 Eighteen Hole Courses)
  • Course Architects: Donald Ross/Walter Travis/Richard Tufts/Tom Fazio/Tom Marzolf/Ellis Maples/George Fazio/Rees Jones/Jack Nicklaus/Bill Coore/Ben Crenshaw/Tom Doak
  • USGA Course/Slope Rating (No. 6): 74.5/140
  • Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Range with Targets, Wedge Range and Multiple Chipping Greens with Bunkers, Thistle Dhu Putting Course.
  • Course Descriptions
  • Accommodations
  • GolfDay Rating: 100
  • Location
Kiawah Island Resort, NC (Osprey Point)

2. Kiawah Island Golf Resort/Kiawah Island, SC

  • Holes: 90 (5 Eighteen Hole Courses): Ocean/Cougar Point/Oak Point/Osprey Point/Turtle Point
  • Course Architects: Pete Dye/Alice Dye/Gary Player/Clyde Johnston/Tom Fazio/Jack Nicklaus
  • USGA Course/Slope Rating (Osprey Point): 73.6/140
  • Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Ranges with Targets, Chipping and Putting Greens at each course. Range Balls included with Greens Fee.
  • Course Descriptions
  • Accommodations
  • GolfDay Rating: 100
  • Location
Reynolds Lake Oconee, GA (The National)

3. Reynolds Lake Oconee/Greensboro, GA

    Ritz-Carton-Reynolds Lake Oconee

  • Holes: 99 (4 Eighteen Hole Courses (Great Waters/Oconee/Landing/Preserve) and Twenty-seven Hole Course (National)
  • Course Architects: Jack Nicklaus/Tom Fazio/Rees Jones/Bob Cupp/Fuzzy Zoeller/Hubert Green
  • USGA Course/Slope Rating        

National-Bluff:                              37.0/143

National-Cove:                             37.4/143

National-Ridge:                           37.2/143

Big Cedar Lodge, MO (Buffalo Ridge)

4. Big Cedar Lodge/Ridgedale, MO

     Top of the Rock Preserve

  • Holes: 76 Holes (3 Eighteen Hole Regulation Courses (Buffalo Ridge Springs/Ozarks National/Payne’s Valley), Thirteen Hole Executive Course (Mountain Top) and Nine Hole Par 3 Course (Top of the Rock). Buffalo Ridge Springs located at 1001 Branson Creek Blvd, Hollister MO 65672/Ozarks National and Payne’s Valley Mountain Top located at 1250 Golf Club Drive, Hollister MO 65672)
  • Course Architects: Grass Driving Range with Targets, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunker designed by Arnold Palmer.
  • USGA Course/Slope Rating (Buffalo Ridge Springs): 73.4/130
  • Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Range with Targets, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunker and TaylorMade Kingdom of Golf Academy.
  • Course Descriptions
  • Accommodations
  • GolfDay Rating: 100
  • Location
Barefoot Resort, SC (Fazio Course)

5. Barefoot Resort & Golf/North Myrtle Beach, SC

  • Holes: 72 (4 Eighteen Hole Courses: Norman/Love/Fazio/Dye)
  • Course Architects: Greg Norman/Tad Burnett/Davis Love III/Tom Fazio/Pete Dye
  • USGA Course/Slope Rating (Fazio): 73.4/144                           
  • Practice Facilities: Lighted and Covered Grass Driving Range with Targets, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunker. Dyer and Greg Norman Golf Academies.
  • Course Descriptions
  • Accommodations
  • GolfDay Rating: 100
  • Location
Turning Stone, NY (Atunyote Course)

6. Turning Stone/Verona, NY

  • Holes: 63 (3 Eighteen Hole Courses: Atunyote/Kaluhyat/Shenendoah, Nine Hole Regulation Course (Pleasant Knolls) and Nine Hole Par 3 (Sandstone Hollow)
  • Course Architects: Tom Fazio/Robert Trent Jones, Jr./Ty Butler/Edward Peters/Rick Smith
  • USGA Course/Slope Rating (Atunyote): 75.7/135                      
  • Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Range with Targets and Fairway Bunker (Atunyote/Shenendoah). Grass Driving Range with Targets (Kaluhyat). Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunker (Atunyote/Shanendoah and Kaluhyat). Domed Indoor facility with two-tiered hitting stations, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunker. Performance Center with Club Fitting and Golf Academy.
  • Course Descriptions
  • Accommodations
  • GolfDay Rating: 100
  • Location
Sea Island Resort, GA (Seaside Course)

7. Sea Island Resort/Sea Island, GA

    Georgia Golf Trail

  • Holes: 54 (3 Eighteen Hole Courses: Plantation/Seaside/Retreat)
  • Course Architects: Walter Travis/H. S. Colt/C. H. Alison/Robert Trent Jones, Sr./Dick Wilson/Joe Lee/Rocky Roquemore/Tom Fazio/Davis Love III/Mark Love/Rees Jones
  • USGA Course/Slope Rating (Seaside): 73.8/138                     
  • Practice Facilities: Expansive Grass Driving Range with Targets, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunkers and Performance Center with Club Fitting.
  • Course Descriptions
  • Accommodations
  • Georgia Golf Trail
  • GolfDay Rating: 100
  • Location
Shadow Creek Golf Club, NV

8. Shadow Creek Golf Club/North Las Vegas, NV

    MGM Resorts

  • Holes: 18 (Par 72/7,560 Yards from Championship Tees)
  • Course Architect: Tom Fazio
  • USGA Course/Slope Rating: Not Rated           
  • Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Range with Targets, Putting and Chipping Greens.
  • Course Description
  • Accommodations
  • GolfDay Rating: 100
  • Location
PGA Village, FL (Wanamaker Course)

9. PGA Village/Port St. Lucie, FL

  • Holes: 70 (3 Eighteen Hole Courses: Wanamaker/Dye/Ryder and 6 Hole Par 3 Course)
  • Course Architects: Tom Fazio/Pete Dye
  • USGA Course/Slope Rating (Wanamaker): 75.2/145                              
  • Practice Facilities: Extensive including Lighted Grass Range with Targets, Wedge Range, Putting Greens, Chipping Greens with Multiple Bunkers and PGA Golf School.
  • Course Descriptions
  • Accommodations
  • GolfDay Rating: 100
  • Location
Red Sky Ranch, CO (Fazio Course)

10. Red Sky Ranch & Golf Club/Wolcott, CO

  • Holes: 36 (2 Eighteen Hole Courses: Norman/Fazio)
  • Course Architects: Greg Norman/Matthew Dusenberry/Tom Fazio
  • USGA Course/Slope Rating (Fazio): 72.3/141         
  • Practice Facilities: Double Ended Grass Driving Range with Targets, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunker and Larry Rinker Golf Academy.
  • Course Descriptions
  • Accommodations
  • GolfDay Rating: 100
  • Location
Pronghorn, OR (Fazio Course)

11. Pronghorn/Bend, OR

      Juniper Preserve

  • Holes: 36 (2 Eighteen Hole Courses: Nicklaus/Fazio)
  • Course Architects: Jack Nicklaus/Tom Fazio
  • USGA Course/Slope Rating (Fazio): 74.8/141         
  • Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Range with Targets, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunker.
  • Course Descriptions
  • Accommodations
  • GolfDay Rating: 100
  • Location
Rams Hill Golf Club, CA

12. Rams Hill Golf Club/Borrego Springs, CA

  • Holes: 18
  • Course Architects: Ted Robinson, Sr./Tom Fazio/Tim Jackson
  • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 75.4/141
  • Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Range with Targets, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunker. ProV1 Range Balls included with Greens Fee. Public Play from October 18 through June 1.
  • Course Description
  • Accommodations
  • GolfDay Rating: 100
  • Location
Karsten Creek Golf Club, OK

13. Karsten Creek Golf Club/Stillwater, OK

      Oklahoma State University

  • Holes: 18
  • Course Architects: Tom Fazio/Andrew Green
  • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 77.2/152
  • Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Range with Targets, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunker. Range Balls Included with Greens Fee.
  • Course Description
  • Accommodations
  • GolfDay Rating: 100
  • Location
Firestone Country Club, OH (Fazio Course)

14. Firestone Country Club/Akron, OH

      Invited Club Management

  • Holes: 54 (3 Eighteen Hole Courses: North/South/Fazio)
  • Course Architects: Tom Fazio/Andrew Green
  • USGA Course/Slope Rating (Fazio): 73.1/132
  • Practice Facilities: Driving Range with Target Greens, Putting and Chipping Greens with Performance Center.
  • Course Description
  • Accommodations
  • GolfDay Rating: 99.2
  • Location
PGA National Resort, FL (Fazio Course)

15. PGA National Resort/Palm Beach Gardens, FL

  • Holes: 108 (6 Eighteen Hole Courses: Champion/Palmer/Fazio/Estate/Match/Staple)
  • Course Architects: Tom Fazio/Andrew Green
  • USGA Course/Slope Rating (Fazio): 74.4/138
  • Practice Facilities: Double Sided Grass Driving Range with Targets, Wedge Range, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunkers, Leadbetter Academy and Pelz Golf School.
  • Course Descriptions
  • Accommodations
  • GolfDay Rating: 98.6
  • Location
Barton Creek Resort (Canyon Course)

16. Barton Creek Resort/Austin, TX

      Omni

  • Holes: 72 (4 Eighteen Hole Courses: Canyons/Foothills/Cliffside (Coore & Crenshaw)/Lakeside)
  • Course Architects: Tom Fazio/Bill Coore/Ben Crenshaw/Arnold Palmer
  • USGA Course/Slope Rating (Canyons): 74.4/144
  • Grass Driving Range with Targets, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunker. Additional Grass Range with Targets and Short Game facility at Fazio Course.
  • Course Descriptions
  • Accommodations
  • GolfDay Rating: 98.6
  • Location
Ventana Canyon & Racquet Club, AZ

17. Ventana Canyon & Racquet Club/Tucson, AZ

      Ventana Canyon Club and Lodge

  • Holes: 36 (2 Eighteen Hole Courses: Canyon/Mountain)
  • Course Architect: Tom Fazio
  • USGA Course/Slope Rating

Canyon:                                          71.7/137

Mountain:                                      72.8/143

Treetops Resort, MI (Fazio Course)

18. Treetops Resort/Gaylord, MI

  • Holes: 81 (4 Eighteen Hole Courses: Masterpiece/Premier/Signature/Tradition and Nine Hole Par 3 Course (Threetops)
  • Course Architects: Robert Trent Jones, Sr./Tom Fazio/Rick Smith
  • USGA Course/Slope Rating (Premier/Fazio): 73.3/139
  • Practice Facilities: 2 Grass Driving Ranges with Targets (Masterpiece and Treetops North), Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunkers (both facilities). Range Balls included with Greens Fee.
  • Course Descriptions
  • Accommodations
  • GolfDay Rating: 97.0
  • Location
Fallen Oak Golf Club, MS

19. Fallen Oak Golf Club/North, Saucier, MS

      Mississippi Golf Trail/Beau Rivage

Independence Golf Club, VA

20. Independence Golf Club/Midlothian, VA

  • Holes: 27 (Eighteen Hole Regulation Course (Championship) and Nine Hole Par 3 Course (Bear)
  • Course Architects: Tom Fazio/Lester George
  • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 75.3/141
  • Practice Facilities: Expansive Double Ended Driving Ranges (Grass and Mats), Wedge Range, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunkers.
  • Course Description
  • GolfDay Rating: 96.0
  • Location
Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course, NV

21. Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course/Lake Tahoe, NV

      Edgewood Tahoe Resort

  • Holes: 18
  • Course Architects: George Fazio/Ronald Fream/Peter Thomson/Michael Wolveridge/Tom Fazio
  • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 75.5/145
  • Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Range with Targets, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunker. Range Balls included with Greens Fee.
  • Course Description
  • Accommodations
  • GolfDay Rating: 95.2
  • Location
The Resort at Pelican Hill, CA

22. The Resort at Pelican Hill/Newport Beach, CA

      Irvine Company Resort Properties

  • Holes: 36 (2 Eighteen Hole Courses: Ocean North/Ocean South)
  • Course Architect: Tom Fazio
  • USGA Course/Slope Rating:

Ocean North:                                 73.5/137

Ocean South:                                 72.0/133

The Grand Golf Club, CA

23. The Grand Golf Club/San Diego CA

      Fairmont Grand Del Mar

Finley Golf Club, NC

24. Finley Golf Club/Chapel Hill, NC

      University of North Carolina

  • Holes: 18
  • Course Architect: Tom Fazio
  • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 74.6/141
  • Practice Facilities: Driving Range with Targets (Grass/Friday-Sunday, Mats/Monday-Thursday), Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunker.
  • Course Description
  • GolfDay Rating: 94.2
  • Location
Grayhawk Golf Club, AZ

25. Grayhawk Golf Club/Scottsdale, AZ

  • Holes: 36 (2 Eighteen Hole Courses: Raptor/Talon)
  • Course Architect: Tom Fazio
  • USGA Course/Slope Rating:

Raptor:                                         74.2/140

Talon:                                            73.3/146

TPC Myrtle Beach, SC

26. TPC Myrtle Beach/Murrells Inlet, SC

      Hammock Coast Golf Trail/Founders Group International

The Golf Club at Hilton Head Lakes, SC

27. The Golf Club at Hilton Head Lakes/Hardeeville, SC

  • Holes: 24 (Eighteen Hole Championship Course and 6 Hole Par 3)
  • Course Architect: Tom Fazio
  • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 75.7/140
  • Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Range with Targets, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunker and Dustin Johnson Golf School.
  • Course Description
  • GolfDay Rating: 92.7
  • Location
Great River Golf Club, CT

28. Great River Golf Club/Milford, CT

      Sacred Heart University

  • Holes: 18
  • Course Architect: Tom Fazio
  • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 75.4/146
  • Practice Facilities: Driving Range with Targets (Mats-Monday/Tuesday, Grass Irons only-Wednesday/Thursday, Full Grass Friday-Sunday), Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunkers (3). Range Balls included with Greens Fee.
  • Course Description
  • GolfDay Rating: 92.1
  • Location
Ritz-Carlton Members Club, FL

29. Ritz-Carlton Members Club/Sarasota, FL

      Ritz-Carlton Sarasota

  • Holes: 18
  • Course Architect: Tom Fazio
  • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 75.5/140
  • Practice Facilities: Expansive Grass Driving Range with Targets and Fairway Bunkers, Multiple Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunkers.
  • Course Description
  • Accommodations
  • GolfDay Rating: 92
  • Location
Stonebriar Hotel & Golf Club, TX (Fazio Course)

30. Stonebriar Hotel & Golf Club/Frisco, TX

      Westin Resorts/Clubcorp

  • Holes: 36 (2 Eighteen Hole Courses: Country Club/Fazio)
  • Course Architect: Joe Finger/Ken Dye/Baxter Spann/Tom Fazio
  • USGA Course/Slope Rating (Fazio): 74.2/143
  • Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Range with Targets, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunker and Indoor Golf Simulator. Fazio Course available to Hotel Guests, Country Club Course is Members Only.
  • Course Description
  • Accommodations
  • GolfDay Rating: 91.6
  • Location
Wynn Golf Club, NV

31. Wynn Golf Club/Las Vegas, NV

      Wynn Las Vegas

Champions Club at Summerfield, FL

32. Champions Club at Summerfield/Stuart, FL

Wild Dunes Golf Links, SC

33. Wild Dunes Golf Links/Isle of Palms, SC

      Destination Hotel

  • Holes: 36 (2 Eighteen Hole Courses: Links/Harbor)
  • Course Architect: Tom Fazio
  • USGA Course/Slope Rating

Links:                               72.1/138

Harbor:                           71.1/139

Belterra Golf Course, IN

34. Belterra Golf Course/Florence, IN

Belterra Casino Resort

Dancing Rabbit Golf Club, MS

35. Dancing Rabbit Golf Club/Philadelphia, MS

      Mississippi Golf Trail/Pearl River REsort

  • Holes: 36 (2 Eighteen Hole Courses: Azaleas/Oaks)
  • Course Architects: Tom Fazio/Jerry Pate
  • USGA Course/Slope Rating

Azaleas:                              74.2/134

Oaks:                                  73.9/134

The Glen Club, Illinois

36. The Glen Club/Glenview, IL

      KemperSports

Amelia Island Plantation, FL (Fazio/Long Point)

37. Amelia Island Plantation/Amelia, FL

  • Holes: 46 (2 Eighteen Hole Courses: Long Point/Oak Marsh and Ten Hole Par 3 Course (Little Sandy)
  • Course Architects: Tom Fazio/Pete Dye/Bobby Weed/Beau Welling
  • USGA Course/Slope Rating (Long Point): 73.3/136
  • Practice Facilities: Driving Range, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunker and Golf Academy.
  • Course Descriptions
  • GolfDay Rating: 89.5
  • Location
Oak Creek Golf Club, CA

38. Oak Creek Golf Club/Irvine, CA

      Irvine Company Resort Properties

  • Holes: 18
  • Course Architect: Tom Fazio
  • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 72.5/133
  • Practice Facilities: Lighted Grass Driving Range with Targets, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunker.
  • Course Description
  • GolfDay Rating: 89.1
  • Location
High Hampton, NC

39. High Hampton/Cashiers, NC

  • Holes: 18
  • Course Architects: J. Victor East/George Cobb/John LaFoy/Tom Fazio
  • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 73.4/140
  • Practice Facilities: Double Ended Grass Driving Range with Targets, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunker.
  • Course Description
  • Accommodations
  • GolfDay Rating: 88.5
  • Location
The Plantation Course at Edisto, SC

40. The Plantation Course at Edisto/Edisto Beach, SC

  • Holes: 18
  • Course Architects: Tom Jackson/Tom Fazio
  • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 69.8/124
  • Practice Facilities: Warm Up Bays with Net, Putting and Chipping Green.
  • Course Description
  • GolfDay Rating: 88.1
  • Location

The GolfDay rating is based on a variety of criteria, including the stature of the architect(s) who did the original design(s), updates that have been done on the course(s), USGA Course and Slope Ratings, current local and national rankings by Golf Digest and Golfweek, the quality and diversity of practice facilities, general course conditioning and current reviews. The resort rating also includes a factor for the variety of courses located at the property as well as the quality of accommodations and level of service.

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U.S. Top 50 University Courses: 2024

Kampen Golf Course, Pete Dye Design: Birck Boilermaker Golf Complex at Purdue University

Many of the premier University courses in the U.S. are found at schools that are known for nationally ranked athletic teams, such as Indiana University (Pfau Course), Texas Tech (Rawls Course), Ohio State (OSU Golf Club) and Stanford (Stanford Golf Course), but quite a few colleges not commonly associated with big-time sports offer fantastic golf facilities as well. 

The Top 50 include classic designs by the eminent figures in golf course architecture, including Alister MacKenzie (University of Michigan Golf Course and Ohio State Golf Club), C. B. McDonald and Seth Raynor (Yale Golf Course), Donald Ross (Dennison University, Mark Bostick Course at Florida State and Orchards at Mount Holyoke college).

Also among the Top 50 are modern masterpieces by Tom Fazio (Karsten Creek at Kansas State and Great River at Sacred Heart University), Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw (Warren Course at Notre Dame), Michael Hurdzan (The Meadows at Grand Valley State), and Tom Doak (Rawls Course at Texas Tech).  

Tom Doak and Jim Urbina: The Rawls Course at Texas Tech

The first family of golf course architecture is present throughout the Top 50, with Robert Trent Jones original designs at the University of Georgia, Duke, Seven Oaks at Colgate University, Eisenhower Golf Club at The United States Air Force Academy, and Robert Trent Jones Golf Course at Cornell University, as well as updates to the Stanford Golf Course. Robert Trent Jones II designs include University Ridge (Wisconsen University) and The Blessings (University of Arkansas) while Rees Jones lent his celebrated skills to updating the wonderful RTJ design at Duke University.

Ohio State and The University of Florida turn to Jack

When Ohio State University decided to update their Alister MacKenzie championship course, it was fitting that Jack be the man to oversee every detail, and Nicklaus Design also remodeled the Seminole Legacy Course at The University of Florida to deliver a very stiff test of Division I golf.

Twenty-six states include at least one member of the Top 50, but Michigan (5) and North Carolina (4) boast the largest number. Illinois, Indiana, South Carolina and Texas follow closely with 3 each.

The Blessings at Arkansas State: Robert Trent Jones II

Ranked by GolfDay Rating, listings include the year a club was founded, course architect(s), current USGA course and slope ratings, a link for course description/photos, as well as current national rankings by Golf Digest. The Club website is also provided, as well as a link to Google Maps for each location. 

While we’ve included the Top 50 below, you can also find a more comprehensive list with GolfDay University Courses, or click “courses near me” just to find the best golf in your area—with GolfDay rating and the distance from your location.

The GolfDay University course rating is based on a variety of criteria, including the stature of the architect(s) who provided the original design(s), updates that have been done on the course(s), the variety of courses located at the property, USGA Course and Slope Ratings, as well as practice facilities and programs.

If you are looking for great public golf, or planning a vacation, the GolfDay Search Engine makes it easy to find the best courses and a better bang for your buck.

The Pfau Course

1. The Pfau Course/Bloomington, IN (Public)

     Indiana University

  • Holes: 18
  • Course Architects: Steve Smyers/Fuzzy Zoeller
  • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 80.2/155
  • Practice Facilities: Double Sided Grass Driving Range with Targets, Wedge Range with Targets, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunkers.
  • Course Description
  • Men’s Golf
  • Women’s Golf
  • GolfDay Rating: 100
Karsten Creek Golf Club

2. Karsten Creek Golf Club/Stillwater, OK (Public)

    Oklahoma State University

  • Holes: 18 (Course Closed For Renovation Through Spring 2025)
  • Course Architects: Tom Fazio/Andrew Green
  • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 77.2/152
  • Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Range with Targets, Wedge Range, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunkers. Range Balls Included with Greens Fee.
  • Course Description
  • Men’s Golf
  • Women’s Golf
  • Accommodations
  • GolfDay Rating: 100
Atkins Golf Club

3. Atkins Golf Club/Urbana, Ill (Public)

     University of Illinois

.  

University of George Golf Course

4. University of Georgia Golf Course/Athens, GA (Public)

     University of Georgia

. 

University Ridge

5. University Ridge/Madison WI (Public)

    University of Wisconsin

  • Holes: 18
  • Course Architect: Robert Trent Jones, Jr.
  • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 75.4/142
  • Practice Facilities: Expansive Grass Driving Range with Target Greens, Putting and Chipping Green (Short Game Facility with Bunker available to University Golf Teams Only).
  • Course Description
  • Men’s Golf
  • Women’s Golf
  • GolfDay Rating: 98.4

.                                              

Colbert Hills Golf Course

6. Colbert Hills Golf Course/Manhattan, KS (Public)

     Kansas State University

  • Holes: 27: Eighteen Hole Regulation Course and Nine Hole Par 3
  • Course Architects: Jeffrey Brauer/Jim Colbert
  • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 77.6/143
  • Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Range with Targets, Wedge Range with Fairway Bunker, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunker.
  • Course Description
  • Men’s Golf
  • Women’s Golf
  • GolfDay Rating: 98.0
Birck Boilermaker Golf Complex

7. Birck Boilermaker Golf Complex/West Lafayette, IN (Public)

     Purdue University

  • Holes: 36: 2-Eighteen Hole Courses (Ackerman-Allen/Kampen-Cosler)
  • Course Architects: William Diddel/Larry Packard/Pete Dye
  • USGA Course/Slope Rating

Ackerman-Allen: 76.5/141

Kampen-Cosler:  76.5/146

Duke University Golf Club

8. Duke University Golf Club/Durham, NC (Public)

     Duke University

  • Holes: 18
  • Course Architects: Robert Trent Jones, Sr./Rees Jones
  • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 75.2/145
  • Practice Facilities: Expansive Grass Driving Range with Targets, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunker (Unlimited Callaway Balls included with Greens Fee).
  • Course Description
  • Men’s Golf
  • Women’s Golf
  • GolfDay Rating: 96.7
The Meadows Golf Club

9. The Meadows Golf Club/Allendale, MI (Public)

     Grand Valley State University

The Rawls Course

10. The Rawls Course/Lubbock, TX (Public)

        Texas Tech University

  • Holes: 18
  • Course Architects: Tom Doak/Jim Urbina
  • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 74.2./138
  • Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Range with Targets, Wedge Range, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunkers (3).
  • Course Description
  • Men’s Golf
  • Women’s Golf
  • GolfDay Rating: 96.1

.          

Seven Oaks Golf Club

11. Seven Oaks Golf Club/Hamilton, NY (Public)

        Colgate University

  • Holes: 18 
  • Course Architects: Robert Trent Jones, Sr./Ron Forse
  • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 75.5/145
  • Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Range with Targets and Putting Green.
  • Course Description
  • Men’s Golf
  • GolfDay Rating: 95.7

.                                              

Oakland University Golf and Learning Center

12. Oakland University Golf and Learning Center/Rochester, MI (Students and Alumni Only)

      Oakland University

  • Holes: 36: 2-Eighteen Hole Courses (Katke-Cousins/R&S Sharf)
  • Course Architects: Robert Beard/William Newcomb/Warren Henderson/Rick Smith
  • USGA Course/Slope Ratings

Katke-Cousins:      76.7/148

R&S Sharf:                        75.2/145

Jimmie Austin Golf Club

13. Jimmie Austin Golf Club/Norman, OK (Public)

        University of Oklahoma

  • Holes: 36: 2-Eighteen Hole Courses (Katke-Cousins/R&S Sharf)
  • Course Architects: Robert Beard/William Newcomb/Warren Henderson/Rick Smith
  • USGA Course/Slope Ratings
  • Katke-Cousins:      76.7/148 R&S Sharf:                 75.2/145
  • Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Range with Targets, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunker. Range Balls included with Greens Fee.
  • Course Description
  • Men’s Golf
  • Women’s Golf
  • GolfDay Rating: 95.2
Pete Dye River Course of Virginia Tech

  14. Pete Dye River Course of Virginia Tech/Radford, VA (Public)

        Virginia Tech Foundation

. 

The Blessings Golf Club

15. The Blessings Golf Club/Fayetteville, AR (Students and Alumni Only)

        University of Arkansas

  • Holes: 18
  • Course Architects: Robert Trent Jones, Jr./Kyle Phillips
  • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 80.9/155
  • Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Range with Targets, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunkers and Indoor Dave Pelz Short Game Facility.
  • Photos
  • Men’s Golf
  • Women’s Golf
  • GolfDay Rating: 94.6

.                                              

Stanford Golf Course

16.  Stanford Golf Course/Stanford, CA (Students and Alumni Only)

         Stanford University

  • Holes: 18
  • Course Architects: George Thomas/William P. Bell/Robert Trent Jones, Sr./John Harbottle III
  • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 73.7/138
  • Practice Facilities: Expansive Lighted Grass Driving Range with Targets, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunker.
  • Course Description
  • Men’s Golf
  • Women’s Golf
  • GolfDay Rating: 94.5      
Ohio State University Golf Club

17. Ohio State University Golf Club/Columbus, OH (Students and Alumni Only)

       Ohio State University

  • Holes: 36: 2-Eighteen Hole Courses (Scarlet/Gray)
  • Course Architects: Alister MacKenzie/Jack Nicklaus
  • USGA Course/Slope Rating:

Scarlet: 75.6/139

Gray:    67.0/111

Forest Akers

18. Forest Akers/Lansing, MI (Public)

        Michigan State University

  • Holes: 36: 2-Eighteen Hole Courses (East/West)
  • Course Architects: Bruce Mathews/Arthur Hills
  • USGA Course/Slope Rating:

East:  70.5/127

West: 75.3/141

.                       `                      

Finley Golf Club

19. Finley Golf Club/Chapel Hill, NC (Public)

       University of North Carolina

  • Holes: 18
  • Course Architects: George Cobb/Tom Fazio/Tom Marzolf/Davis Love III
  • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 74.6/141
  • Practice Facilities: Driving Range with Targets (Grass/Friday-Sunday, Mats/Monday-Thursday), Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunker.
  • The Lab
  • Men’s Golf
  • Women’s Golf
  • GolfDay Rating: 94.2
Yale Golf Course

20. Yale Golf Course/New Haven, CT (Public)

        Yale University

University of Michigan Golf Course

21. University of Michigan Golf Course/Ann Arbor, MI (Public)

        University of Michigan

Palouse Ridge Golf Club

22. Palouse Ridge Golf Club/Pullman, WA (Public)

      Washington State University

  • Holes:18
  • Course Architects: Robert Muir Graves/John Harbottle III
  • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 75.4/140
  • Practice Facilities: Double Sided Grass Driving Range with Targets, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunkers.
  • Photos
  • Men’s Golf
  • Women’s Golf
  • GolfDay Rating: 93.8
Denison Golf Club Granville

23. Denison Golf Club at Granville/Granville, OH (Public)

        Denison University

Naval Academy Golf Course

24. Naval Academy Golf Course/Annapolis, MD (Students and Alumni Only)

        United States Naval Academy

. 

Seminole Legacy Golf Club

25. Seminole Legacy Golf Club/Tallahassee, FL (Public)

        Florida State University

  • Holes: 30 (18-Hole Regulation Course and 12-Hole Par 3)
  • Course Architects: William Amick/Robert Walker/Jack Nicklaus
  • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 77.3/143
  • Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Range with Targets, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunker.
  • Course Description
  • Men’s Golf
  • Women’s Golf
  • GolfDay Rating: 93.5
University of Texas Golf Club

26. University of Texas Golf Club/Austin, TX (Students and Alumni Only)

       University of Texas

  • Holes: 24: 18-Hole Regulation Course and 6-Hole Executive Couse (Spieth Lower 40) 
  • Course Architects: Roy Bechtol/Randy Russell
  • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 76.7/145
  • Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Range, Putting and Chipping Greens with Golf Academy.
  • Course Description
  • Men’s Golf
  • Women’s Golf
  • GolfDay Rating: 93.2
Vanderbilt Legends Club

27. Vanderbilt Legends Club/Franklin, TN (Students and Alumni Only)

       Vanderbilt University

  • Holes: 36: 2 Eighteen Hole Courses (North/South)
  • Course Architects: Bob Cupp/Tom Kite
  • USGA Course/Slope Rating:

North: 74.9/140

South:.74,3/135

. 

The Jayhawk Club

28. The Jayhawk Club/Lawrence, KS (Students and Alumni Only)

       University of Kansas

  • Holes: 18
  • Course Architects: Bob Dunning/Melvin Anderson/Ken Kavanaugh/Mike Gogel/Matt Gogel
  • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 75.7/138
  • Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Range with Target Greens, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunker.
  • Course Description
  • Men’s Golf
  • Women’s Golf
  • GolfDay Rating: 93.1
Mark Bostick Golf Course

29. Mark Bostick Golf Course/Gainesville, FL (Students and Alumni Only)

        University of Florida

  • Holes: 18
  • Course Architects: Donald Ross/Ron Garl/Bobby Weed/Scot Sherman
  • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 73.0/138
  • Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Range with Target Greens, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunker (Chris Kane Complex including Indoor Bays and Swing Analysis).
  • Course Description
  • Men’s Golf
  • Women’s Golf
  • GolfDay Rating: 92.8
Warren Golf Course

30. Warren Golf Course/Notre Dame, IN (Public)

        University of Notre Dame

Great River Golf Club

31. Great River Golf Club/Milford, CT (Public)

       Sacred Heart University  

  • Holes: 18
  • Course Architect: Tom Fazio
  • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 75.4/146
  • Practice Facilities: Driving Range with Targets (Mats-Monday/Tuesday, Grass Irons only-Wednesday/Thursday, Full Grass Friday-Sunday), Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunkers (3). Range Balls included with Greens Fee.
  • Course Description
  • Men’s Golf
  • Women’s Golf
  • GolfDay Rating: 92.1
Cobblestone Park Golf Club

32. Cobblestone Park Golf Club/Blythewood, SC (Public)

        University of South Carolina

  • Holes: 27: 3-Nine Hole Regulation Courses (Black/Garnet/Gold) 
  • Course Architect: P.B. Dye
  • USGA Course/Slope Rating:

Black:   36.5/142

Garnet: 35.9/131/

Gold:    35.0/126

.                                                 

Katke Golf Course

33. Katke Golf Course/Big Rapids, MI (Public)

        Ferris State University

Springdale Golf Club

34. Springdale Golf Club/Princeton, NJ (Students and Alumni Only)

       Princeton University

  • Holes: 18
  • Course Architects: George Lambert/William Flynn/Howard Toomey/Roger Rulewich/Ian Andrew
  • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 70.9/129
  • Practice Facilities: Driving Range with Targets (Grass/Friday-Sunday, Mats/Monday-Thursday), Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunker.
  • Course Description
  • Men’s Golf
  • Women’s Golf
  • GolfDay Rating: 91.9
Lonnie Poole Golf Course

35. Lonnie Poole Golf Course/Raleigh, NC (Public)

       N.C. State University

  • Holes: 18
  • Course Architects: Arnold Palmer/Eric Larson/Brandon Johnson
  • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 74.6/142
  • Practice Facilities: Driving Range (Grass: Friday-Sunday/Mats: Monday-Thursday) and Putting Green. Short Game Facility with Bunker–Members and Golf Team Only.
  • Course Description
  • Men’s Golf
  • Women’s Golf
  • GolfDay Rating: 91.6
Robert Trent Jones Golf Course

36. Robert Trent Jones Golf Course/Ithaca, NY (Students and Alumni Only)

        Cornell University

  • Holes: 18 
  • Course Architect: Robert Trent Jones, Sr.
  • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 74.2/138
  • Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Range with Targets, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunker.
  • Men’s Golf
  • GolfDay Rating: 91.4
Eisenhower Golf Club

37. Eisenhower Golf Club/Colorado Springs, CO (Students and Alumni Only)

        United States Air Force Academy

  • Holes: 36: 2 -Eighteen Hole Regulation Courses (Blue/Silver)
  • Course Architects: Robert Trent Jones, Sr./Frank Hummel
  • USGA Course/Slope Rating

Blue: 74.3/141

Silver: 70.2/130

Keith Hills Golf Club

38. Keith Hills Golf Club/Lillington, NC (Public)

       Campbell University

  • Holes: 27: 3 Nine-Hole Courses (Black/Orange/White)
  • Course Architects: Ellis Maples/Dan Maples
  • USGA Course/Slope Rating:

Black:   36.1/135

Orange: 36.3/132

White:   34.5/128

Auburn University Club

39. Auburn University Club/Auburn, AL (Students and Alumni Only)

       Auburn, University

Orchards Golf Club

40. Orchards Golf Club/South Hadley, MA (Students and Alumni Only)

       Mount Holyoke College

  • Holes: 18
  • Course Architects: Donald Ross/Ron Prichard
  • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 73.0/138
  • Practice Facilities: Driving Range with Targets, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunker.
  • Course Description
  • Women’s Golf
  • GolfDay Rating: 91.1
University of Louisville Golf Club

41. University of Louisville Golf Club/Simpsonville, KY (Students and Alumni Only)

       University of Louisville

Grand Canyon University Golf Course

42. Grand Canyon University Golf Course/Phoenix, AZ (Public)

       Grand Canyon University

Taconic Golf Club

43. Taconic Golf Club/Williamstown, MA (Public)

       Williams College  

  • Holes: 18
  • Course Architects: Wayne Stiles/John Van Kleek/Gil Hanse
  • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 73.5/134
  • Practice Facilities: Warm Up Net, Putting and Chipping Greens. Full Range available after May 15 at Cole Field (2 miles from course) with Range Balls included in Greens Fee.
  • Course Description
  • Men’s Golf
  • Women’s Golf
  • GolfDay Rating: 90.7

. 

Harry Mussatto Golf Course

44. Harry Mussatto Golf Course/Macomb, IL (Public)

        Western Illinois University

  • Holes: 18
  • Course Architects: Dick Nugent/Ken Killian
  • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 73.5/134
  • Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Range with Target Greens, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunkers (2) and Indoor Simulator with TrackMan Technology.
  • Video Tour
  • Men’s Golf
  • Women’s Golf
  • GolfDay Rating: 90.7
Eagle Trace Golf Course

45. Eagle Trace Golf Course/Morehead, KY (Public)

        Morehead State University

  • Holes: 18 
  • Course Architect: David Pfaff
  • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 73.8/139
  • Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Range with Targets, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunker.
  • Photos
  • Men’s Golf
  • Women’s Golf
  • GolfDay Rating: 90.4
Weibring Golf Club

46. Weibring Golf Club/Normal, IL Public)

       Illinois State University

  • Holes: 18
  • Course Architects: Robert Bruce Harris/D. A. Weibring/Steve Wolfard
  • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 72.6./130
  • Practice Facilities: Expansive Grass Driving Range with Targets, Wedge Range, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunkers and Mounier Training facility.
  • Course Description
  • Men’s Golf
  • Women’s Golf
  • GolfDay Rating: 90.4

. 

The Golf Club at Texas A&M

 47. The Golf Club at Texas A&M/College Station, TX  (Public)

         Texas A&M University

Birdwood Golf Course

48. Birdwood Golf Course/Charlottesville, VA (Public)

        University of Virginia

  • Holes: 24: 8-Hole Regulation Course and 6-Hole Par 3 (Nest)
  • Course Architects: Lindsay Irvin/Davis Love III
  • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 74.5/136
  • Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Range with Targets, Chipping Green with Bunker and Expansive Putting Green.
  • Course Description
  • Men’s Golf
  • Women’s Golf
  • GolfDay Rating: 90.3
The Walker Course

49. The Walker Course/Clemson, SC (Public)

       Clemson University

The Furman Golf Club

50. The Furman Golf Club/Greenville, SC (Public)

        Furman University

  • Holes: 18
  • Course Architects: R. K. Webel/Walter Cosby/John LaFoy/Kris Spence/Scot Sherman
  • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 74.4/136
  • Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Range with Targets, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunker.
  • Course Description
  • Men’s Golf
  • Women’s Golf
  • GolfDay Rating: 89.6
University of New Mexico Golf Course

50.  University of New Mexico Golf Course/Albuquerque, NM (Public)

        University of New Mexico

  • Holes: 30: 18 Hole Course (Championship), 9-Hole Course (North) and 3 Practice Holes         
  • Course Architects: Red Lawrence/William H. Tucker, Sr.
  • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 75.2/134
  • Practice Facilities: Driving Range, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunker and 3 Hole Practice Course.
  • Course Description
  • Men’s Golf
  • Women’s Golf
  • GolfDay Rating: 89.6
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Top 10 Golf Resorts: South Carolina 2023-2024

Harbour Town Golf Links, Sea Pines Resort, SC

Of all the states in the country, South Carolina has the highest percentage of public courses receiving a GolfDay Rating of 90 or higher (Excellent), and a very large number received a rating over 80 (very good), so it’s certainly no surprise that some of the best golf resorts in the country can be found in SC as well.

The Resorts below are listed by their GolfDay Rating, and we have included links for course description, accommodations and golf academy (if available). A link to the Resort website is also provided, as well as a link to Google Maps for each location.

Pete Dye, Jack Nicklaus and Tom Fazio dominate the landscape at the premier golf destinations in South Carolina. Dye and Nicklaus collaborated to create the iconic Harbour Town Links at Sea Island Resort, and each contributed their signature to the spectacular courses at Kiawah Island—Pete Dye with the Ocean Course and Jack with Turtle Point.  Nicklaus also laid out the wonderful track at Montage-Palmetto (May River.)

Tom Fazio contributed his architectural genius at Kiawah with Osprey Point, designed one of the terrific courses at Barefoot Resort, and both courses at Wild Dunes Golf Links.

Davis Love III has also continued to burnish his reputation among the top modern day course architects with his work at Sea Pines Resort (Atlantic Dunes), Barefoot Resort and Fripp Island Resort (Ocean Creek)  

The GolfDay Resort rating is based on a variety of criteria, including the stature of the architect(s) who did the original design(s), the variety of courses located at the property, updates that have been done on the course(s), USGA Course and Slope Ratings, current local and national rankings by Golf Digest and Golfweek, the quality and diversity of practice facilities, general course conditioning and current reviews, as well as the quality of accommodations and level of service.

Click Top 10 South Carolina Resorts for a map overview of the resort locations (hover over a flag and the resort name will come up, and click for details).                                            

Kiawah Island Golf Resort
  1. Kiawah Island Golf Resort/Kiawah Island, SC
    • Holes: 90 (5-Eighteen Hole Regulation Courses)
    • Course Architects: Pete Dye/Alice Dye/Gary Player/Clyde Johnston/Tom Fazio/Jack Nicklaus
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating
    • Ocean:                    79.1/155
    • Cougar Point:         72.7/134
    • Oak Point:              72.1/137
    • Osprey Point:         73.6/140
    • Turtle Point:           73.0/134
    • Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Ranges with Targets, Chipping and Putting Greens at each course. Range Balls included with Greens Fee.
    • Course Descriptions
    • Accommodations
    • Golf Academy
    • Rankings: Golf Digest Top 100, Golf Digest Top 100-Public, Golfweek Top 200 Resorts, Golf Digest SC Top 45, Golfweek SC Top 15-Public
    • GolfDay Rating: 100
    • Location
  •  
The Sea Pines Resort
  1. The Sea Pines Resort/Hilton Head Island, SC
    • Holes: 54 (3-Eighteen Hole Regulation Courses)
    • Course Architects: Pete Dye/Jack Nicklaus/George Cobb/Clyde Johnston/Davis Love III/Scot Sherman
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating
    • Harbour Town Links:            79.5/152
    • Heron Point:                        74.8/140
    • Atlantic Dunes:                    74.3/143
    • Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Ranges with Targets (Harbour Town and Heron Point/Ocean), Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunkers. Range Balls and Fore Caddie (Harbour Town) included with Greens Fee.
    • Course Descriptions
    • Accommodations
    • Golf Academy
    • Rankings: Golf Digest Top 200, Golf Digest Top 100-Public, Golfweek Top 200 Resorts, Golf Digest SC Top 45, Golfweek SC Top 15-Public
    • GolfDay Rating: 100
    • Location
Barefoot Resort & Golf
  1. Barefoot Resort & Golf/North Myrtle Beach, SC
    • Holes: 72 (4-Eighteen Hole Regulation Courses)
    • Course Architects: Greg Norman/Tad Burnett/Davis Love III/Tom Fazio/Pete Dye Moreau/David Gill/Mike DeVries
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating
    • Norman:     74.2/141
    • Love:          74.9/141
    • Fazio:         73.4/144
    • Dye:           76.0/143
    • Practice Facilities: Lighted and Covered Grass Driving Range with Targets, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunker. Dyer and Greg Norman Golf Academies.
    • Course Descriptions
    • Accommodations
    • Golf Academy
    • Rankings: Golfweek Top 200 Resorts, Golf Digest SC Top 45, Golfweek SC Top 15-Public
    • GolfDay Rating: 100
    • Location
Legends Resort
  1. Legends Resort/Myrtle Beach SC
    • Holes: 54
    • Course Architects: Tom Doak/P. B. Dye
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating
    • Parkland:               74.3/144
    • Moorland:              73.6/143
    • Heathland:              73.3/143
    • Practice Facilities: Lighted Grass Driving Range with Targets, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunker.
    • Accommodations
    • Golf Academy/Junior Golf
    • Golf Packages
    • Rankings: Golfweek Top 200 Resorts, Golfweek SC Top 15-Public
    • GolfDay Rating: 94.8
    • Location
May River Golf Club
  1. May River Golf Club/Bluffton, SC
  2. Montage-Palmetto Bluff
    • Holes: 18
    • Course Architects: Jack Nicklaus
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 74.8/141
    • Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Range with Targets, Wedge Range with Target Greens, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunkers (6). ProV1 Range Balls included with Greens Fee.
    • Course Description
    • Accommodations
    • Photos
    • Rankings: Golf Digest Top 100-Public, Golf Digest SC Top 45, Golfweek SC Top 15-Public
    • GolfDay Rating: 94.5
    • Location
Fripp Island Club
  1. Fripp Island Club/St. Helena Island, SC
  2. Fripp Island Golf & Beach resort/Seascape Hospitality
    • Holes: 36 (2 Eighteen Hole Courses)
    • Course Architect: George Cobb/John LaFoy/Davis Love III/Paul Cowley
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating:
    • Ocean Point:          74.0/140
    • Ocean Creek:         72.1/139
    • Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Range with Targets, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunker (Creek). Irons Only Grass Driving Range with Putting Green (Point).
    • Course Descriptions
    • Accommodations
    • Golf Packages
    • GolfDay Rating: 94.4
    • Location
Grande Dunes Resort Club
  1. Grande Dunes Resort Club/Myrtle Beach, SC
  2. Marina Inn
Wild Dunes Golf Links
  1. Wild Dunes Golf Links/Isle of Palms, SC
  2. Destination Hotels
    • Holes: 36 (2 Eighteen Hole Courses)
    • Course Architect: Tom Fazio
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating:
    • Links:         72.1/138
    • Harbor:       71.1/139
    • Practice Facilities: Driving Range (flight restricted balls), Putting and Chipping Greens (Links Course). Range Balls included with Greens Fee.
    • Course Descriptions
    • Accommodations
    • Golf Packages
    • GolfDay Rating: 90.7
    • Location
Wachesaw Plantation East
  1. Wachesaw Plantation East/Myrtle Beach, SC
  2. Patton Hospitality
Palmetto Dunes
  1. Palmetto Dunes/Hilton Head Island, SC
    • Holes: 54
    • Course Architects: Robert Trent Jones, Sr./Arthur Hills/George Fazio/Roger Rulewich/John Harvey
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating
    • Jones:                    74.8/141
    • Hills:                      73.5/139
    • Fazio:                     74.2/145
    • Practice Facilities: Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Range with Targets, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunker (Hills/Fazio)/Driving Range with Bunker and Toptracer Technology (Jones).
    • Course Descriptions
    • Accommodations
    • Golf Academy
    • GolfDay Rating: 88
    • Location
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Top 40 Public Courses-Florida 2023/2024


Regatta Bay Golf & Country Club, Destin FL

Most everyone has heard about great Florida golf resorts like Streamsong, TPC Sawgrass and PGA Village, but there are a whole lot of terrific public courses that are not part of a resort property.

If you’re looking for great Florida golf without breaking the bank account at a high-end resort, take a look at the Top 40 courses below, and start planning a get-away–keeping in mind that there are plenty of nice hotels and restaurants to choose from throughout Florida (and the GolfDay Course Page includes a link to Google map and directions for every course).

While each of the Top 40 has a GolfDay Rating above 90, Florida offers 136 independent public courses with a rating of 85 or higher (premium) and 238 with a rating of 80 or more (well above average).

Ron Garl leads the list for premier public course design in Florida with original design or updates at 7 of the top 40 public courses, including The Club at Eaglebrooke in Lakeland (No. 22) and University Park in Sarasota (No. 32).

Joe Lee is at the top as well with design at 4 of the leading public courses in Florida, including Deer Island Country Club in Taveres (No. 8) and Abacoa in Jupiter (No. 9).


Fox Hollow Golf Club, Trinity: Robert Trent Jones, Sr

The Florida Top 40 public also includes design by eminent architects such as Donald Ross (New Smyrna Golf Club/No. 29), Jack Nicklaus (Old Corkscrew/No. 2),  Robert Trent Jones, Sr. (Fox Hollow/No. 13), Tom Fazio (Champions Club at Summerfield/No. 33), Rees Jones (LPGA International/No. 15) and Robert Trent Jones II. (Celebration Golf Club/No. 10).

The GolfDay rating is based on a variety of criteria, including the stature of the architect(s) who did the original design(s), updates that have been done on the course(s), USGA Course and Slope Ratings, the quality and diversity of practice facilities, general course conditioning and current reviews.

Click Top 40 Florida Public Courses for a map view of locations (click a flag for course name and details).

If you are dead set on a resort vacation, take to look at the GolfDay Florida Top 25 Resorts.

And if you are want to browse for courses in a specific area, visit the GolfDay Search Page.


Southern Dunes Golf & Country Club
  1. Southern Dunes Golf & Country Club/Haines City
    • Holes: 18
    • Course Architects: Steve Smyers
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 75.0/140
    • Practice Facilities: Two-Tiered Grass Driving Range with Targets, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunker, Grass Wedge Range and TrackMan Technology.
    • Course Description
    • Toptracer
    • GolfDay Rating: 95.8
    • Location

Old Corkscrew Golf Club
  1. Old Corkscrew Golf Club/Estero

TPC Treviso Bay
  1. TPC Treviso Bay/Naples
    • Holes: 18 (Public Play May 1 through October 31)
    • Course Architects: Arthur Hills/Steve Forrest/Hal Sutton
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 77.3/153
    • Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Range with Targets, Grass Wedge Range, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunker, Indoor Golf Simulator with TrackMan Technology.
    • Course Description
    • Photos
    • GolfDay Rating: 95.6
    • Location

Regatta Bay Golf & Country Club
  1. Regatta Bay Golf & Country Club/Destin
    • Holes: 18
    • Course Architects: Robert Walker
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 74.2/147
    • Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Range, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunkers, Golf Academy and Indoor Golf with TrackMan Technology.
    • Photos
    • Golf Academy
    • GolfDay Rating: 95.5
    • Location

Kelly Plantation Golf Club
  1. Kelly Plantation Golf Club/Destin
  • Holes: 18
  • Course Architects: Gene Bates/Fred Couples
  • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 74.6/137
  • Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Range with Target Greens, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunkers. Range Balls included with Greens Fee.
  • Course Description
  • Photos
  • GolfDay Rating: 95.0
  • Location

North Palm Beach Country Club
  1. North Palm Beach Country Club/North Pam Beach
  2. Village of North Palm Beach
    • Holes: 18
    • Course Architects: Mark McCumber/Jack Nicklaus
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 74.2/135
    • Practice Facilities: Lighted Grass Driving Range with Targets, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunker.
    • Course History
    • Junior Golf
    • GolfDay Rating: 94.8
    • Location

Juliette Falls Golf Course
  1. Juliette Falls Golf Course/Dunnellon
    • Holes: 18
    • Course Architects: John Sanford
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 75.3/143
    • Practice Facilities: Double Sided Grass Driving Range with Targets, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunker.
    • Course Description
    • GolfDay Rating: 94.6
    • Location

Deer Island Country Club
  1. Deer Island Country Club/Taveres

Abacoa Golf Club
  1. Abacoa Golf Club/Jupiter

Celebration Golf Club
  1. Celebration Golf Club/Celebration

Windswept Dunes Golf Club
  1. Windswept Dunes Golf Club/Freeport

Royal St. Cloud Golf Links
  1. Royal St. Cloud Golf Links/St. Cloud
    • Holes: 27 (3 Nine Hole Regulation Courses)
    • Course Architects: Lewis Powell
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating:
    • Red:       37.2/132
    • White:   37.5/133
    • Blue:     37.6/136
    • Practice Facilities: Lighted Grass Driving Range with Targets, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunker.
    • GolfDay Rating: 93.7
    • Location
  •  

Fox Hollow Golf Club
  1. Fox Hollow Golf Club/Trinity
    • Holes: 18
    • Course Architects: Robert Trent Jones, Sr./Roger Rulewich
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 75.1/139
    • Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Range with Targets, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunker.
    • Photos/Layout
    • Junior Golf
    • GolfDay Rating: 93.6
    • Location

Emerald Bay Golf Club
  1. Emerald Bay Golf Club/Destin

LPGA International
  1. LPGA International/Daytona Beach
  2. Fore Golf Partners
    • Holes: 36 (2 Eighteen Hole Regulation Courses)
    • Course Architects: Rees Jones/Arthur Hills
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating:
    • Jones:  74.3/141
    • Hills:   75.4/150
    • Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Range with Targets, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunkers.
    • Jones Course
    • Hills Course
    • GolfDay Rating: 93.1
    • Location

Southwood Golf Club
  1. Southwood Golf Club/Tallahassee
  2. St. Joe Company
    • Holes: 18
    • Course Architects: Gene Bates/Fred Couples
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 73.7/135
    • Practice Facilities: Lighted Grass Driving Range with Toptracer Technology, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunker.
    • Course Description
    • GolfDay Rating: 92.9
    • Location

Waterlefe Golf & River Club
  1. Waterlefe Golf & River Club/Bradenton
    • Holes: 18
    • Course Architects: Ted McAnlis
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 73.9/146
    • Practice Facilities: Driving Range and Putting Green.
    • Photos/Layout
    • GolfDay Rating: 92.9
    • Location

Lake Jovita Golf & Country Club
  1. Lake Jovita Golf & Country Club/Dade City
    • Holes: 36 (2 Eighteen Hole Regulation Courses)
    • Course Architects: Kurt Sandness/Tom Lehman
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating:
    • North:  74.7/139
    • South:  74.0/141
    • Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Range, Expansive Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunkers.
    • GolfDay Rating: 92.7
    • Location

St. Johns Golf Club
  1. St. Johns Golf Club/Elkton
  2. St. Johns County
    • Holes: 18
    • Course Architects: Clyde Johnston/Robert Walker
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 73.4/135
    • Practice Facilities: Expansive Grass Driving Range with Targets, Putting and Chipping Greens with Operation 36 Program.
    • Course Description
    • Junior Golf
    • GolfDay Rating: 92.6
    • Location

Duran Golf Club
  1. Duran Golf Club/Viera
    • Holes: 27 (Eighteen Hole Regulation Course and Nine Hole Lighted Par 3)
    • Course Architects: Lewis Powell
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 73.8/130
    • Practice Facilities: Lighted Grass Driving Range with Targets and Trackman Technology, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunker.
    • Course Description
    • Junior Golf
    • GolfDay Rating: 92.6
    • Location

Heron Creek Golf & Country Club
  1. Heron Creek Golf & Country Club/North Port
    • Holes: 27 (3 Nine Hole Regulation Courses)
    • Course Architects: Arthur Hills/Steve Forrest
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating:
    • Creek: 36.3/144
    • Marsh: 36.2/142
    • Oaks:   36.2/141
    • Practice Facilities Expansive including Grass Driving Range with Targets, Grass Wedge Range, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunkers.
    • Photos
    • Golf Academy
    • GolfDay Rating: 92.5
    • Location

The Club at Eaglebrooke
  1. The Club at Eaglebrooke/Lakeland
  2. Indigo Sports
    • Holes: 18
    • Course Architects: Ron Garl
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 73.7/138
    • Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Range with Targets, Putting and Chipping Greens and Bunker.
    • Course Description
    • GolfDay Rating: 92.5
    • Location

The Club at Emerald Hills
  1. The Club at Emerald Hills/Hollywood
    • Holes: 18
    • Course Architects: Robert von Hagge/Bruce Devlin/Charles Ankrom/Jack Nicklaus
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 78.6/148
    • Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Range, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunker.
    • Course Description
    • Photos
    • GolfDay Rating: 92.5
    • Location

Black Bear Golf Club
  1. Black Bear Golf Club/Eustis
    • Holes: 18
    • Course Architects: B. Dye
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 74.1/140
    • Practice Facilities: Double Sided Grass Driving Range, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunker.
    • Scorecard/Video Tour
    • GolfDay Rating: 92.5
    • Location

Riverwood Golf Club
  1. Riverwood Golf Club/Port Charlotte
    • Holes: 18  
    • Course Architects: Gege Bates
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 74.8/139
    • Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Range with Targets, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunker.
    • Course Description
    • Video Tour
    • GolfDay Rating: 92.4
    • Location

Boca Raton Golf & Racquet Club
  1. Boca Raton Golf & Racquet Club/Boca Raton
  2. City of Boca Raton
    • Holes: 18
    • Course Architects: Joe Lee/Kipp Schulties
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 73.5/148
    • Practice Facilities: Driving Range, Putting and Chipping Greens.
    • Junior Golf
    • GolfDay Rating: 92.2
    • Location

Stonebrook Golf Course
  1. Stonebrook Golf Course/Pace
    • Holes: 18
    • Course Architects: Charles Daniels
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 73.2/135
    • Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Range, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunker and CF Golf Academy (TrackMan and Operation 36 Program).
    • Photos
    • Junior Golf
    • GolfDay Rating: 92.3
    • Location

The Eagles Golf Club
  1. The Eagles Golf Club/Odessa

New Smyrna Golf Club
  1. New Smyrna Golf Club/New Smyrna
  2. City of New Smyrna

Eagle Creek Golf Club
  1. Eagle Creek Golf Club/Orlando
    • Holes: 18
    • Course Architects: Ron Garl/Howard Swan
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 74.1/132
    • Practice Facilities: Double Sided Grass Driving Range, Putting Green and Practice Hole with Bunker.
    • Photos
    • Junior Golf
    • GolfDay Rating: 91.8
    • Location

Skyview at Terra Vista
  1. Skyview at Terra Vista/Hernando
  2. Villages of Citrus Hills
    • Holes: 18
    • Course Architects: Terrill LaGree
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 73.6/133
    • Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Range with Targets, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunkers.
    • Course Description
    • Photos
    • GolfDay Rating: 91.3
    • Location

University Park Country Club
  1. University Park Country Club/Sarasota
    • Holes: 27 (Three Nine Hole Courses)
    • Course Architects: Ron Garl
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating:
    • First Nine:       37.2/139
    • Second Nine:  36.8/137
    • Third Nine:     37.8/136
    • Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Range with Targets, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunker.
    • Course Description
    • Golf Academy
    • GolfDay Rating: 91.3
    • Location

Champions Club at Summerfield
  1. Champions Club at Summerfield/Stuart

Forest Lake Golf Club
  1. Forest Lake Golf Club/Apopka
    • Holes: 18
    • Course Architects: Lloyd Clifton/Ken Ezell/George Clifton
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 74.9/138
    • Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Range with Targets, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunker.
    • Course Description/Photos
    • GolfDay Rating: 91.0
    • Location

Sun ‘n Lake Golf Club
  1. Sun ‘n Lake Golf Club/Sebring
    • Holes: 36 (Two Eighteen Hole Regulation Courses)
    • Course Architects: Don Dyer/Charles Ankrom/Ron Garl
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating:
    • Deer Run:        74.1/132
    • Turtle Run:     71.6/126
    • Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Range, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunker.
    • Course Descriptions
    • Junior Golf
    • GolfDay Rating: 91.0
    • Location

Woodmont Country Club
  1. Woodmont Country Club/Tamarac
    • Holes: 27 (Eighteen Hole Cypress and Nine Hole Pines)
    • Course Architects: Robert von Hagge/Bruce Devlin/Joe Jemsek
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating:
    • Cypress: 73.6/138
    • Pines:    34.7/127
    • Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Range with Targets, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunker.
    • Course Description
    • GolfDay Rating: 90.9
    • Location

Palm Beach National
  1. Palm Beach National/Lake Worth
    • Holes: 18
    • Course Architects: Porter Gibson/Joe Lee
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 73.1/133
    • Practice Facilities: Expansive Lighted Driving Range with Targets and Toptracer Technology, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunker.
    • Course Description
    • Toptracer Range
    • GolfDay Rating: 90.9
    • Location

Sandridge Golf Club
  1. Sandridge Golf Club/Vero Beach
  2. Indian River County
    • Holes: 36 (Two Eighteen Hole Regulation Courses)
    • Course Architects: Ron Garl
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating:
    • Dunes: 74.1/141
    • Lakes: 70.9/134
    • Practice Facilities: Driving Range, Putting and Chipping Greens.
    • Course Description
    • Junior Golf
    • GolfDay Rating: 90.7
    • Location

Sailfish Sands Golf Course
  1. Sailfish Sands Golf Course/Stuart
  2. Martin County
    • Holes: 27 (Eighteen Hole and Nine Hole Regulation Courses)
    • Course Architects: William Langford/Ernest Smith/Ron Garl/John Sanford/David Ferris
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating:
    • Eighteen Hole: 74.1/130
    • Nine Hole:         35.7/122
    • Practice Facilities: Expansive Grass Driving Range with Targets, Putting and Chipping Greens with Operation 36 Program.
    • Course Description
    • Junior Golf
    • Toptracer Range
    • GolfDay Rating: 90.6
    • Location 

Highlands Ridge Golf Club
  1. Highlands Ridge Golf Club/Avon Park
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Top 35 Private Clubs – Florida 2023


Jupiter Hills, Tequesta FL

While there are a great many fantastic public golf courses in Florida, membership at a top echelon private club assures that you’ll have a quality golf experience every time you tee it up. Limited play at private clubs pretty much guarantees that course conditions will always be great, and you can also say goodbye to the 5-hour round.

The state of Florida boasts 54 private clubs receiving a GolfDay rating of 90 or higher (Premium), by far the highest of any state in the country.

Florida also includes over 160 clubs with a GolfDay rating above 80 (high quality), again the most of any state, so chances are pretty good that you won’t have to look far to find a great club to call home.

We’ve included our Top 35 below, or you can spin through our file of all private courses in Florida, listed by GolfDay Rating. The GolfDay search engine is available as well to find the best courses by proximity to your location.

Clubs are ranked on the basis of GolfDay Rating, and listings include the year a club was founded, course architect(s), current USGA course and slope ratings, a link for the course website, and a notation if currently ranked by Golf Digest (locally or nationally). A link to the GolfDay course page is also included along with a link to Google Maps for each location. 


Mountain Lake Country Club

Our Top 35 private clubs in Florida include designs by the towering figures in golf course architecture, including Donald Ross, Jack Nicklaus, Seth Raynor, Tom Fazio, Robert Trent Jones, Sr., Pete Dye and William Flynn.   

Tom Fazio, with 8 original designs as well as updates to an additional 4, has contributed the highest number to our list of elite private tracks in Florida.

Donald Ross and Jack Nicklaus are close behind with 6 original designs each, and Pete Dye’s long list of fabulous courses includes 3 private clubs in Florida.

The GolfDay private club rating is based on a variety of criteria, including the stature of the architect(s) who did the original design(s), updates that have been done on the course(s), the variety of courses located at the property, USGA Course and Slope Ratings, as well as club longevity and prestige. 


Seminole Golf Club
USGA Museum
  1. Seminole Golf Club/Juno Beach
    • Founded: 1929
    • Holes: 18
    • Course Architects: Donald Ross/Dick Wilson/Ed Connor/Bill Coore/Ben Crenshaw
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 75.4/144
    • Rankings: Golf Digest Top 100, Golf Digest FL Top 60
    • GolfDay Rating: 100
    • Location

Black Diamond Ranch Golf and Country Club
  1. Black Diamond Ranch Golf & Country Club/Lecanto
    Escalante Golf
    • Founded:1987
    • Holes: 45 (2 Eighteen Hole Courses: Quarry/Ranch and Nine Hole Highlands Course)
    • Course Architects: Tom Fazio/David Whelchel
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating:
    • Quarry:            77.9 Rating/146 Slope
    • Ranch:              75.8 Rating/141 Slope
    • Highlands:       37.2 Rating/140 Slope
    • Description
    • Rankings: Golf Digest Top 200, Golf Digest FL Top 60
    • GolfDay Rating: 100
    • Location

Mountain Lake Country Club
  1. Mountain Lake Country Club/Lake Wales
    • Founded: 1915
    • Holes: 18
    • Course Architects: Seth Raynor/William Diddel/Ron Prichard/Tyler Rae
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 73.1 Rating/136 Slope
    • Description
    • Rankings: Golf Digest Top 200, Golf Digest FL Top 60
    • GolfDay Rating: 98.6
    • Location

The Concession Golf Club
  1. The Concession Golf Club/Bradenton
    • Founded: 2006
    • Holes: 27 (Eighteen Hole Championship Course and Nine Hole Par 3 Course)
    • Course Architects: Jack Nicklaus/Tony Jacklin
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 76.7 Rating/153 Slope
    • Description
    • Rankings: Golf Digest Top 200, Golf Digest FL Top 60
    • GolfDay Rating: 98.2
    • Location

Jupiter Hills Club
  1. Jupiter Hills Club/Tequesta
    • Founded: 1969
    • Holes: 36 (2 Eighteen Hole Courses: Hills/Village)
    • Course Architects: George Fazio/Tom Fazio/Jan Bel Jan
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating:
    • Hills:     76.9 Rating/148 Slope
    • Village: 73.9 Rating/147 Slope
    • Rankings: Golf Digest Top 200, Golf Digest FL Top 60
    • GolfDay Rating: 97.6
    • Location

Calusa Pines Golf Club
  1. Calusa Pines Golf Club/Naples
    • Founded: 2001
    • Holes: 18
    • Course Architects: Michael Hurdzan/Dana Fry
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 75.2 Rating/143 Slope
    • Rankings: Golf Digest Top 100, Golf Digest FL Top 60
    • Description
    • GolfDay Rating: 97.0
    • Location

San Jose Country Club
  1. San Jose Country Club/Jacksonville

Watersound Club
  1. Watersound Club/Watersound
    St. Joe Hospitality

Belleair Country Club
  1. Belleair Country Club/Belleair
    • Founded: 1925
    • Holes: 36 (2 Eighteen Hole Courses: East/West)
    • Course Architects: Donald Ross/John Duncan Dunn/Hal Purdy/Malcolm Purdy/Stephen Kay/Gene Bates/Jason Straka
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating:
    • East:    70.8 Rating/133 Slope
    • West:   74.3 Rating/144 Slope  
    • Description
    • GolfDay Rating: 96.1
    • Location
  •  

Coral Ridge Country Club
  1. Coral Ridge Country Club/Fort Lauderdale
    • Founded: 1955
    • Holes: 27 (Eighteen Hole Championship Course and Nine Hole Par 3)
    • Course Architects: Robert Trent Jones, Sr./Rees Jones
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 75.4 Rating/137 Slope
    • Description
    • GolfDay Rating: 95.8
    • Location

The Everglades Club
  1. The Everglades Club/Palm Beach
    • Founded: 1919
    • Holes: 18
    • Course Architects: Seth Raynor/William Langford/Theodore Moreau/George Fazio/Tom Fazio/Ron Kirby/Denis Griffiths/Brian Silva
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 71.0 Rating/140 Slope
    • Description
    • GolfDay Rating: 94.0
    • Location

Broken Sound Club
  1. Broken Sound Club/Boca Raton
    • Founded: 1978
    • Holes: 36 (2 Eighteen Hole Courses: Club Course/Old Course)
    • Course Architects: Joe Lee/Gene Bates/Rees Jones
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating:
    • Club Course: 74.9 Rating/147 Slope
    • Old Course:   75.4 Rating/146 Slope
    • Description
    • GolfDay Rating: 94.8
    • Location

Medalist Golf Club
  1. Medalist Golf Club/Hobe Sound
    • Founded: 1995
    • Holes: 30 (Eighteen Hole Regulation Course and Twelve Hole Medalist Village Par 3
    • Course Architects: Pete Dye/Greg Norman/Matthew Dusenberry
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 77.0 Rating/149 Slope
    • Rankings: Golf Digest Top 200, Golf Digest FL Top 60
    • GolfDay Rating: 94.6
    • Location

Indian Creek Country Club
  1. Indian Creek Country Club/Indian Creek Village
    • Founded: 1926
    • Holes: 18
    • Course Architects: William Flynn/Howard Toomey/Dick Wilson/Ron Forse/Andrew Green
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 73.7 Rating/132 Slope
    • Rankings: Golf Digest FL Top 60
    • GolfDay Rating: 94.5
    • Location

Hammock Dunes Club
  1. Hammock Dunes Club/Palm Coast
    • Founded: 1989
    • Holes: 36 (2 Eighteen Hole Courses: Creek/Links)
    • Course Architects: Tom Fazio/Rees Jones
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating:
    • Creek: 76.6 Rating/152 Slope
    • Links: 73.6 Rating/138 Slope
    • Description
    • Rankings: Golf Digest FL Top 60
    • GolfDay Rating: 94.2
    • Location

Boca West Country Club
  1. Boca West Country Club/Boca Raton
    • Founded: 1969
    • Holes: 72 (4 Eighteen Hole Courses: Palmer I/Fazio II/Palmer III/Dye IV)
    • Course Architects: Arnold Palmer/Jim Fazio/Pete Dye/Dana Fry/Jason Straka
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating:
    • Palmer I:          75.2 Rating/142 Slope
    • Fazio II:            73.5 Rating/146 Slope
    • Palmer III:       72.4 Rating/139 Slope
    • Dye IV:              72.7 Rating/128 Slope
    • Description
    • GolfDay Rating: 94.1
    • Location

Gulf Stream Golf Club
  1. Gulf Stream Golf Club/Gulf Stream
    • Founded: 1924
    • Holes: 36 (2 Eighteen Hole Courses: Left/Right)
    • Course Architects: Donald Ross/Dick Wilson/Mark Mahannah/Pete Dye/Alice Dye
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating:
    • Left:   73.7 Rating/138 Slope
    • Right: 73.9 Rating/137 Slope
    • Description
    • GolfDay Rating: 94.0
    • Location

Floridian National Golf Club
  1. Floridian National Golf Club/Palm City
    • Founded: 2011
    • Holes: 27 (Eighteen Hole Championship Course and Nine Hole Butch Harmon Par 3
    • Course Architects: Tom Fazio/Kevin Norby
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 74.7 Rating/145 Slope
    • Description
    • Rankings: Golf Digest FL Top 60
    • GolfDay Rating: 93.8
    • Location

Bonita Bay Club
  1. Bonita Bay Club/Naples
    • Founded: 1998
    • Holes: 36 (2 Eighteen Hole Courses: Cypress/Sabal)
    • Course Architects: Tom Fazio/Tom Marzolf
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating:
    • Cypress: 76.9 Rating/145 Slope
    • Sabal:     73.3 Rating/139 Slope
    • Description
    • GolfDay Rating: 93.8
    • Location

Ballenisles Country Club
  1. Ballenisles Country Club/Palm Beach Gardens
    • Founded: 1964
    • Holes: 54 (3 Eighteen Hole Courses: North/East/South)
    • Course Architects: Dick Wilson/Joe Lee/Gene Bates/Rees Jones/Jack Nicklaus
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating:
    • East:     76.5 Rating/145 Slope
    • North:  73.7 Rating/137 Slope
    • South:  74.4 Rating/138 Slope
    • Description
    • GolfDay Rating: 93.7
    • Location

The Club at Ibis
  1. The Club at Ibis/West Palm Beach
    • Founded: 1992
    • Holes: 54 (3 Eighteen Hole Courses: Legend/Heritage/Tradition)
    • Course Architects: Jack Nicklaus/Jack Nicklaus II/Steve Nicklaus
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating:
    • Legend:           75.7 Rating/142 Slope
    • Heritage:         74.7 Rating/140 Slope
    • Tradition:        74.8Rating/139 Slope
    • Description
    • Rankings: Golf Digest FL Top 60
    • GolfDay Rating: 93.5
    • Location

Old Marsh Golf Club
  1. Old Marsh Golf Club/Palm Beach Gardens
    • Founded: 1988
    • Holes: 18
    • Course Architects: Pete Dye/Chris Lutzke
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 75.8 Rating/152 Slope
    • Description
    • Rankings: Golf Digest FL Top 60
    • GolfDay Rating: 93.4
    • Location

The Loxahatchee Club
  1. The Loxahatchee Club/Jupiter
    • Founded: 1984
    • Holes: 18
    • Course Architect: Jack Nicklaus
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 75.9 Rating/153 Slope
    • Rankings: Golf Digest FL Top 60
    • GolfDay Rating: 93.3
    • Location

Timuquana Country Club
  1. Timuquana Country Club/Jacksonville
    • Founded: 1923
    • Holes: 18
    • Course Architects: Donald Ross/George Cobb/David W. Gordon/Bobby Weed/Bruce Hepner
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 74.1 Rating/137 Slope
    • Description
    • GolfDay Rating: 92.9
    • Location

The Country Club at Mirasol
  1. The Country Club at Mirasol/Palm Beach Gardens
    • Founded: 2001
    • Holes: 36 (2 Eighteen Hole Courses: Sunrise/Sunset)
    • Course Architects: Arthur Hills/Steve Forrest/Tom Fazio/J. Drew Rogers
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating:
    • Sunrise:           76.2 Rating/147 Slope
    • Sunset:            75.2 Rating/153 Slope
    • Description
    • GolfDay Rating: 92.7
    • Location

Heathrow Legacy Club
  1. Heathrow Legacy Club/Heathrow
    Concert Golf Partners
    • Founded: 1985
    • Holes: 36 (2 Eighteen Hole Courses: Heathrow/Legacy)
    • Course Architects: Ron Garl/Tom Fazio
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating:
    • Heathrow Country Club: 72.5 Rating/131 Slope
    • Legacy Club:                      75.4 Rating/141 Slope
    • Description
    • GolfDay Rating: 92.6
    • Location

John’s Island Club
  1. John’s Island Club/Vero Beach
    • Founded: 1969
    • Holes: 54 (3 Eighteen Hole Courses: North/South/West)
    • Course Architects: Pete Dye/Jack Nicklaus/Tom Fazio
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating:
    • North: 74.3 Rating/138 Slope
    • South: 70.9 Rating/131 Slope
    • West:   73.0 Rating/137 Slope
    • Description
    • Rankings: Golf Digest FL Top 60
    • GolfDay Rating: 92.6
    • Location

Sara Bay Golf and Country Club
  1. Sara Bay Country Club/Sarasota
    • Founded: 1926
    • Holes: 18
    • Course Architects: Donald Ross/Joe lee/Kris Spence
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 75.3 Rating/137 Slope
    • Description
    • Rankings: Golf Digest FL Top 60
    • GolfDay Rating: 92.4
    • Location

Pine Tree Golf Club
  1. Pine Tree Golf Club/Boynton Beach
    • Founded: 1960
    • Holes: 18
    • Course Architects: Dick Wilson/Joe Lee/Ed Connor/Ron Forse/Bobby Weed/Scot Sherman
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 75.1 Rating/143 Slope
    • Description
    • Rankings: Golf Digest FL Top 60
    • GolfDay Rating: 92.4
    • Location

Lost City Golf Club
  1. Lost City Golf Club/Atlantis
    • Founded: 1960
    • Holes: 27 (3 Nine Hole Courses: North/South/East)
    • Course Architects: William Mitchell/Bob Simmons/Ted McAnlis/Tom Fazio
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating:
    • North: 37.0 Rating/133 Slope
    • South: 37.3 Rating/132 Slope
    • East:    36.9 Rating/137 Slope
    • Description
    • GolfDay Rating: 92.3
    • Location

Sailfish Point Golf Club
  1. Sailfish Point Golf Club/Stuart

The Bear’s Club
  1. The Bear’s Club/Jupiter
    • Founded: 1999
    • Holes: 18
    • Course Architect: Jack Nicklaus
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 76.2 Rating/151 Slope
    • Description
    • Rankings: Golf Digest Top 200, Golf Digest FL Top 60
    • GolfDay Rating: 91.9
    • Location

Trump International Golf Club
  1. Trump International Golf Club/West Palm Beach
    • Founded: 1999
    • Holes: 27 (Eighteen Hole Championship Course and Trump Nine)
    • Course Architects: Jim Fazio
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating:
    • Championship: 76.3 Rating/155 Slope
    • Trump Nine:     37.7 Rating/147 Slope
    • Description
    • Rankings: Golf Digest Top 200, Golf Digest FL Top 60
    • GolfDay Rating: 91.9
    • Location

Sawgrass Country Club
  1. Sawgrass Country Club/Ponte Vedra Beach
    • Founded: 1973
    • Holes: 27 (3 Nine Hole Courses: East/West/South)
    • Course Architects: Ed Seay/William Amick/Gardner Dickenson/Edmund Ault/Tom Clark//Robert Walker
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating:
    • East:    37.5 Rating/146 Slope
    • West:   37.4 Rating/146 Slope
    • South: 37.4 Rating/142 Slope
    • Description
    • GolfDay Rating: 91.8
    • Location

TwinEagles
  1. TwinEagles/Naples
    • Founded: 1999
    • Holes: 36 (2 Eighteen Hole Courses: Talon/Eagle)
    • Course Architects: Jack Nicklaus/Jack Nicklaus II/Steve Smyers
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating:
    • Talon: 75.2 Rating/139 Slope
    • Eagle: 77.5 Rating/150 Slope
    • Description
    • Rankings: Golf Digest FL Top 60
    • GolfDay Rating: 91.7
    • Location
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Top Golf Resorts and Public Courses: Myrtle Beach

Barefoot Resort

It’s time to start planning your spring golf trip, and Myrtle Beach is the #1 destination in the U.S. offering more than eighty courses, great food, terrific nightlife, and gorgeous beaches for when you need some down time. It’s still a bit cool through February, but temps climb through the 60’s in March, the 70’s in April, and it’s total perfection in May with temperatures in the low to mid 80’s.

Many of the great modern architects are on display among the wide variety of courses in the Myrtle Beach area, including Tom Fazio (Barefoot Resort and TPC Myrtle Beach), Pete Dye (Barefoot and Prestwick), Rees Jones (The Dunes Golf & Beach Club and Arcadian Shores), Tom Doak (Legends Resort) and Jack Nicklaus (Pawleys Plantation).

Roger Rulewich, who collaborated with Robert Trent Jones, Sr. to sculpt the wonderful courses along the RTJ Golf Trail in Alabama, shared his architectural mastery at The Dunes Golf & Beach Club as well as Grande Dunes Resort Club.

And then there are the two masterpieces left to us by Mike Strantz at Caledonia and True Blue.

If you are looking for deals and packages, check out Myrtle Beach Golf and Myrtle Beach Golf Trips.

The GolfDay rating is based on a variety of criteria, including the stature of the architect(s) who did the original design(s), updates that have been done on the course(s), USGA Course and Slope Ratings, current local and national rankings by Golf Digest and Golfweek, the quality and diversity of practice facilities, general course conditioning and current reviews. The resort rating also includes a factor for the variety of courses located at the property as well as the quality of accommodations and level of service.

If you have yet to mark Myrtle Beach from your bucket list, now is the time. And even if you’ve made the trip many times before, MB never disappoints—so start getting a plan in motion.

Resorts

Barefoot Resort, North myrtle Beach SC
  1. Barefoot Resort & Golf/North Myrtle Beach, SC
    • Holes: 72 (4 Eighteen Hole Courses)
    • Course Architects: Greg Norman/Tad Burnett/Davis Love III/Tom Fazio/Pete Dye
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating:
    • Norman:         74.2 Rating/141 Slope
    • Love:                74.9 Rating/141 Slope
    • Fazio:               73.4 Rating/144 Slope
    • Dye:                  76.0 Rating/143 Slope
    • Practice Facilities: Lighted and Covered Grass Driving Range with Targets, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunker. Dyer and Greg Norman Golf Academies.
    • Course Descriptions
    • Golf Academy
    • Accommodations
    • Golf Packages
    • Rankings: Golfweek Top 200 Resorts, Golf Digest SC Top 35, Golfweek SC Top 15-Public, GolfDay Top 100 Resorts
    • GolfDay Rating: 100.0
    • Location
Legends Resort, Myrtle Beach SC
  1. Legends Resort/Myrtle Beach, SC
    • Holes: 54 (3 Eighteen Hole Courses)
    • Course Architects: Tom Doak/P.B. Dye
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating:
    • Parkland:        74.3 Rating/144 Slope
    • Moorland:       73.6 Rating/143 Slope
    • Heathland:     73.3 Rating/143 Slope
    • Practice Facilities: Lighted Grass Driving Range with Targets, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunker.
    • Golf Academy
    • Accommodations
    • Golf Packages
    • Rankings: Golfweek Top 200 Resorts, Golfweek SC Top 15-Public, GolfDay Top 100 Resorts
    • GolfDay Rating: 92.8
    • Location
Grande Dunes, Myrtle Beach SC
  1. Grande Dunes Resort Club/Myrtle Beach, SC
  2. Marina Inn
Myrtle Beach National, Myrtle Beach SC
  1. Myrtle Beach National Golf Club/Myrtle Beach, SC
    • Holes: 54 (3 Eighteen Hole Courses)
    • Course Architects: Francis Duane/Arnold Palmer/Victoria Martz
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating:
    • Kings North:                73.9 Rating/137 Slope
    • South Creek:               70.9 Rating/128 Slope
    • West:                              72.6 Rating/125 Slope
    • Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Range with Targets, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunker.
    • Course Descriptions
    • Photos
    • Video Tour
    • Rankings: Golfweek Top 200 Resorts, Golfweek SC Top 15-Public,
    • GolfDay Rating: 91.1
    • Location
Wachesaw Plantation East, Myrtle Beach SC
  1. Wachesaw Plantation East/Myrtle Beach, SC
  2. Myrtle Beach Golf Trail/Waccamaw Golf Trail
Sea Trail Golf Club, Sunset Beach NC
  1. Sea Trail Golf Club/Sunset Beach, NC
  2. Myrtle Beach Golf Trail
    • Holes: 54 (3 Eighteen Hole Courses)
    • Course Architects: Francis Duane/Arnold Palmer/Victoria Martz
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating:
    • Jones:             73.2 Rating/138 Slope
    • Maples:           72.0 Rating/138 Slope
    • Byrd:                72.6 Rating/129 Slope
    • Course Descriptions
    • Accommodations
    • Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Range, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunker.
    • GolfDay Rating: 88.9
    • Location

Public Courses

The Dunes, Myrtle Beach SC
  1. The Dunes Golf & Beach Club/Myrtle Beach, SC
Caledonia, Pawleys Island SC
  1. Caledonia Golf & Fish Club/Pawleys Island, SC
  2. Waccama Golf Trail
True Blue, Pawleys Island SC
  1. True Blue Plantation/Pawleys Island, SC
  2. Waccamaw Golf Trail
Thistle Golf Club, Sunset Beach NC
  1. Thistle Golf Club/Sunset Beach, NC
  2. Myrtle Beach Golf Trail    
Wild Wing, Conway SC
  1. Wild Wing Plantation/Conway, SC
    • Holes: 27 (Eighteen Hole Regulation Course and Nine Hole Executive Course)
    • Course Architects: William Byrd/Jeffrey Brauer/Larry Nelson
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 74.8/135
    • Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Range with Targets, Putting and Chipping Greens.
    • Photos
    • Golf Packages
    • Rankings: GolfDay Top 100 Public
    • GolfDay Rating: 95.1
    • Location
Pawleys Plantation, Pawleys island SC
  1. Pawleys Plantation Golf & Country Club/Pawleys Island, SC
  2. Waccamaw Golf Trail
Myrtlewood, Myrtle Beach SC
  1. Myrtlewood Golf Club/Myrtle Beach, SC
    • Holes: 36 (2 Eighteen Hole Courses)
    • Course Architects: Edmund Ault/Tom Clark/Arthur Hills
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating:
    • Palmetto:    73.6 Rating/137 Slope
    • Pinehills:     72.1 Rating/134 Slope
    • Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Range with Targets, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunker.
    • Photos
    • Accommodations
    • Rankings: GolfDay Top 100 Public
    • GolfDay Rating: 94.9
    • Location
Arcadian Shores, Myrtle Beach SC
  1. Arcadian Shores Golf Club/Myrtle Beach, SC
  2. Myrtle Beach Golf Trail
Prestwick Country Club, Myrtle beach SC
  1. Prestwick Country Club/Myrtle Beach, SC
  2. Myrtle Beach Golf Trail
The Pearl, Calabash NC
  1. The Pearl Golf Links/Calabash, NC
  2. Myrtle Beach Golf Trail
Carolina National, Bolivia NC
  1. Carolina National Golf Club/Bolivia, NC
    • Holes: 27 (3 Nine Hole Courses)
    • Course Architects: Gene Bates/Fred Couples/Kipp Schulties
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating:
    • Egret:          37.6 Rating/145 Slope
    • Heron:        37.6 Rating/147 Slope
    • North          37.0 Rating/144 Slope
    • Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Range with Targets and Bunker, Putting and Chipping Green.
    • Course Descriptions
    • Photos
    • Rankings: GolfDay Top 500 Public
    • GolfDay Rating: 93.7
    • Location
World Tour Golf Links, Myrtle Beach SC
  1. World Tour Golf Links/Myrtle Beach, SC
Heritage Club, Pawleys Island SC
  1. Heritage Club/Pawleys Island, SC
  2. Waccamaw Golf Trail
Sandpiper Bay Golf & Country Club, Sunset Beach NC
  1. Sandpiper Bay Golf & Country Club/Sunset Beach, NC
  2. Myrtle Beach Golf Trail
    • Holes: 27 (3 Nine Hole Courses)
    • Course Architect: Dan Maples
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating:
    • Sand:     35.1 Rating/128 Slope
    • Piper:    36.1 Rating/125 Slope
    • Bay:       36.5 Rating/141 Slope           
    • Practice Facilities: Three Level Grass Driving Range with Target, Putting and Chipping Greens.
    • Photos
    • Myrtle Beach Golf Trail
    • Rankings: GolfDay Top 500 Public
    • GolfDay Rating: 91.3
    • Location
TPC Myrtle Beach, Myrtle Beach SC
  1. TPC Myrtle Beach/Myrtle Beach, SC
  2. Waccamaw Golf Trail
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Top 12 Resorts and Public Courses: Las Vegas–Southern Nevada

Coyote Springs

While it’s still a bit cool in Vegas right now (low to mid-50’s through the end of January), perfect golf weather is right around the corner. Temps begin a steady climb into the 60’s through February, and March will generally deliver some perfect days that push into the 70’s.

April and May are prime time golf weather in Las Vegas (75-85 degrees), so if you enjoy great food and perhaps a few games of chance in the evening, it’s time to start your planning.

Many of the great modern course designers have brought their talent to the Las Vegas golf landscape, including Tom Fazio (Shadow Creek and Wynn Golf Club), Pete Dye (Paiute), Rees Jones (Cascata and Rio Secco) and Jack Nicklaus (Coyote Springs and Bear’s Best).

The GolfDay rating is based on a variety of criteria, including the stature of the architect(s) who did the original design(s), updates that have been done on the course(s), USGA Course and Slope Ratings, current local and national rankings by Golf Digest and Golfweek, the quality and diversity of practice facilities, general course conditioning and current reviews. The resort rating also includes a factor for the variety of courses located at the property as well as the quality of accommodations and level of service.

If you haven’t yet experienced golf in Vegas, this is the perfect time to finally pull the trigger!

Resorts

Shadow Creek/MGM, North Las Vegas NV
  1. Shadow Creek Golf Club/North Las Vegas, NV
  2. MGM Resorts
Cascata/Caesars, Boulder City NV
  1. Cascata/Boulder City, NV
    Casers Palace Las Vegas
    • Holes: 18
    • Course Architect: Rees Jones
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 74.4 Rating/151 Slope
    • Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Range with Targets, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunker and Butch Harmon Golf School. Range Balls included with Greens Fee.
    • Course Description/Photos
    • Accommodations
    • Rankings: Golf Digest Top 100 Public, Golfweek Top 200 Resorts, Locally Ranked Nevada top 15 Public, Golf Digest Nevada Top 15, GolfDay Top 100 Public
    • GolfDay Rating: 100.0
    • Location
Paiute/MGM, Las Vegas NV
  1. Paiute Golf Resort/Las Vegas, NV
  2. MGM Resorts
    • Holes: 54 (3 Eighteen Hole Courses)
    • Course Architect: Pete Dye
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating:
    • Wolf:                              75.5 Rating/145 Slope
    • Snow Mountain:       73.1 Rating/130 Slope
    • Sun Mountain:           73.0 Rating/135 Slope
    • Practice Facilities: Extensive, including 2 Grass Driving Ranges with Targets, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunkers
    • Golf Academy
    • Accommodations
    • Golf Packages
    • Rankings: Golfweek Top 200 Resorts, Golf Digest NV Nevada Top 15, Golfweek Nevada Top 15-Public  GolfDay Top 100 Resorts
    • GolfDay Rating: 97.8
    • Location
Rio Secco/Caesars, Henderson NV
  1. Rio Secco Golf Club/Henderson, NV
  2. Caesars Palace Las Vegas
Wolf Creek/Eureka Resort, Mesquite NV
  1. Wolf Creek Golf Club/Mesquite, NV
  2. Eureka Casino Resort
    • Holes: 18
    • Course Architect: Dennis Rider
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 74.8 Rating/149 Slope
    • Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Range with Targets (Irons Only/200 Yard Max), Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunker. Range Balls included with Greens Fee.
    • Photos
    • Accommodations
    • Rankings: Golf Digest Top 100 Public, Golfweek Top 200 Resorts, Golf Digest NV Top 15, Golfweek NV Top 15-Public, GolfDay Top 100 Resorts
    • GolfDay Rating: 93.6
    • Location
Wynn Las Vegas, Las Vegas NV
  1. Wynn Golf Club/Las Vegas, NV
  2. Wynn Las Vegas

Public Courses

Coyote Springs Golf Club, Coyote Springs NV
  1. Coyote Springs Golf Club/Coyote Springs, NV
  2. Red Hawk/Troon Golf
Revere Golf Club, Henderson NV
  1. Revere Golf Club/Henderson, NV
    • Holes: 36 (2 Eighteen Hole Courses)
    • Course Architects: Billy Casper/Greg Nash
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating:
    • Lexington:      74.7 Rating/145 Slope
    • Concord:         73.5 Rating/140 Slope
    • Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Range with Targets, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunker
    • Golf Academy
    • Rankings: GolfDay Top 100 Public
    • GolfDay Rating: 94.7
    • Location
Bear’s Best, Las Vegas NV
  1. Bear’s Best Last Vegas/Las Vegas, NV
TPC Las Vegas
  1. TPC Las Vegas/Las Vegas, NV
    • Holes: 18
    • Course Architects: Edmund Ault/Tom Clark/Bobby Weed/Raymond Floyd
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 73.9 Rating/146 Slope
    • Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Range with Targets, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunker. Range Balls included with Greens Fee.
    • Accommodations
    • Rankings: Golfweek Nevada Top 15-Public, GolfDay Top 500 Public
    • GolfDay Rating: 91.2
    • Location
Reflection Bay, Henderson NV
  1. Reflection Bay Golf Club/Henderson, NV
Oasis Golf Club, Mesquite NV
  1. Oasis Golf Club/Mesquite, NV
    • Holes: 36
    • Course Architects: Arnold Palmer/Ed Seay/David Druzisky
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 

                    Canyons:   71.0 Rating/137 Slope

                    Palmer:      71.5 Rating/138 Slope

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Top 20 Golf Resorts and Public Courses: Southern California

PGA West

Southern California public golf includes work by many of the great modern course architects. Tom Fazio designs include Pelican Hill, The Grand, Rams Hill, and Oak Creek. Pete Dye sculped The Stadium Course at PGA West, both courses at La Quinta, as well as and Trump National Los Angeles. Jack Nicklaus laid out two courses at PGA West and Escena in Palm Desert.

Wonderful courses by the talented architectural team of Lee Schmidt and Brian Curley can also be found in southern California (Shadow Ridge, Shadow Hills and Tierra Lago).

Arnie left us with a terrific layout at PGA West, along with a stiff test of golf at the The Classic Club in Palm Desert.

The GolfDay rating is based on a variety of criteria, including the stature of the architect(s) who did the original design(s), updates that have been done on the course(s), USGA Course and Slope Ratings, current local and national rankings by Golf Digest and Golfweek, the quality and diversity of practice facilities, general course conditioning and current reviews. The resort rating also includes a factor for the variety of courses located at the property as well as the quality of accommodations and level of service.

If you are considering a place to enjoy some great golf this winter, southern California is hard to beat.

Resorts

PGA West, La Quinta CA
  1. PGA West/La Quinta, California
  2. Hilton Honors
    • Holes: 108 (Six Eighteen Hole Courses)
    • Course Architect: Arnold Palmer/Greg Norma/Matthew Dusenberry/Tad Burnett/Jack Nicklaus/Tom Weiskopf/Pete Dye
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating:
    • Palmer:                        73.9 Rating/141 Slope
    • Norman:                      74.6 Rating/136 Slope
    • Nicklaus Private:      74.3 Rating/136 Slope
    • Nicklaus Resort:       75.3 Rating/143 Slope
    • Weiskopf:                    74.2 Rating/130 Slope
    • TPC Stadium:            75.8 Rating/148 Slope
    • Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Range with Targets, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunkers and Golf Academy.
    • Golf Academy
    • Accommodations
    • Golf Packages
    • Rankings: Golf Digest Top 100 Public, Golfweek Top 200 Resorts, Golf Digest CA Top 45, Golfweek CA Top 30 Public, GolfDay Top 100 Resorts
    • GolfDay Resort Rating: 100
    • Location
Pelican Hill, Newport Beach CA
  1. Pelican Hill Golf Club/Newport Beach, CA
  2. The Resort at Pelican Hill
    • Holes: 36 Holes (2 Eighteen Hole Courses)
    • Course Architect: Tom Fazio
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating:
    • Ocean North: 73.5 Rating/137 Slope
    • Ocean South: 72.0 Rating/133 Slope
    • Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Range with Targets and Putting Green.
    • Golf Academy
    • Accommodations
    • Rankings: Golfweek Top 200 Resorts, Golf Digest CA Top 45, Golfweek CA Top 30-Public, GolfDay Top 100 Resorts
    • GolfDay Resort Rating: 94.8
    • Location
La Quinta Resort, La Quinta CA
  1. La Quinta Resort & Club/La Quinta, CA
  2. Hilton Honors
    • Holes: 90
    • Course Architect: Pete Dye
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating:
    • Mountain:       72.8 Rating/135 Slope
    • Dunes:              72.3 Rating/134 Slope
    • Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Range, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunkers.
    • Golf Academy
    • Accommodations
    • Rankings: Golfweek Top 200 Resorts, Golfweek CA Top 30-Public, GolfDay Top 100 Resorts
    • GolfDay Resort Rating: 93.3
    • Location
The Grand Club, San Diego CA
  1. The Grand Golf Club/San Diego, CA
  2. Fairmont Grand Del Mar
Desert Willow, Palm Desert CA
  1. Desert Willow Golf Resort/Palm Desert, CA
  2. JW Marriott
    • Holes: 36 (2 Eighteen Hole Courses)
    • Course Architects: Michael Hurdzan/Dana Dry
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating:
    • Firecliff:                    74.1 Rating/141 Slope
    • Mountain View:     73.0 Rating/132 Slope
    • Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Range, Putting and Chipping Greens
    • Golf Academy
    • Junior Golf
    • Accommodations
    • Rankings: Golfweek Top 200 Resorts, Golfweek California Top 30 Public, GolfDay Top 100 Resorts
    • GolfDay Resort Rating: 92.4
    • Location
Eagle Falls, Indio CA
  1. Eagle Falls Golf Course/Indio CA
  2. Fantasy Springs Resort Casino
    • Holes: 18
    • Course Architect: Clive Clark
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 72.8 Rating/133 Slope
    • Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Range with Targets, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunker
    • Accommodations
    • Golf Packages
    • Rankings: Golfweek Top 200 Resorts, Golfweek California Top 30 Public
    • GolfDay Resort Rating: 91.7
    • Location
Shadow Ridge, Palm Desert CA
  1. Shadow Ridge Golf Club/Palm Desert, CA
  2. JW Marriot
    • Holes: 18
    • Course Architects: Lee Schmidt/Brian Curley/Nick Faldo
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 73.7 Rating/135 Slope
    • Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Range with Targets, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunkers
    • Accommodations
    • Rankings: Golfweek Top 200 Resorts
    • GolfDay Resort Rating: 91.7
    • Location
Journey at Pechenga, Temecula CA
  1. Journey at Pechanga/Temecula, CA
  2. Pechanga Resort Casino

Public Courses

Rams Hill, Borrego Springs, CA
  1. Rams Hill Golf Club/Borrego Springs, CA
    • Holes: 18
    • Course Architects: Ted Robinson, Sr./Tom Fazio
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 74.5 Rating/141 Slope
    • Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Range with Targets, Putting and chipping Greens with Bunker. ProV1 Range balls included with Greens Fee.
    • Golf Academy
    • Accommodations/Packages
    • Rankings: Golf Digest Top 100 Public, Golfweek Top 200 Resorts, Golf Digest CA Top 45, Golfweek CA Top 30-Public, GolfDay Top 100 Public
    • GolfDay Rating: 100
    • Locations
Torey Pines, San Diego CA
  1. Torrey Pines Golf Course/San Diego California
  2. City of San Diego
    • Holes: 36 (2 Eighteen Hole Courses)
    • Course Architects: William F. Bell/David Rainville/Stephen Halsey/Jack Daray, Jr./Rees Jones
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating:
    • North:  75.8 Rating/138 Slope
    • South: 78.2 Rating/144 Slope
    • Practice Facilities: Driving Range, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunker
    • Rankings: Golf Digest Top 100 Public, Golf Digest Top 200, Golf Digest CA Top 45, Golfweek CA Top 30-Public, GolfDay Top 100 Public, GolfDay Top 25 Municipal
    • GolfDay Rating: 100
    • Location
Shadow Hills, Indio CA
  1. Shadow Hills Golf Club/Indio, CA
    • Holes: 36 Holes (Eighteen Hole Regulation Course (South) and Eighteen Hole Par 3 Course (North)
    • Course Architects: Lee Schmidt/Brian Curley/Brian Costello/Mark Hollinger/Bob Moore
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating:
    • South: 73 Rating/134 Slope
    • North: 54.1 Rating/84 Slope
    • Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Range, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunker.
    • Rankings: GolfDay Top 100 Public
    • GolfDay Rating: 95.8
    • Location
Oak Creek, Irvine CA
  1. Oak Creek Golf Club/Irvine, CA
Classic Club, Palm Desert CA
  1. Classic Club/Palm Desert, CA
    • Holes: 18
    • Course Architect: Arnold Palmer
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 75.4 Rating/142 Slope
    • Practice Facilities: Double Sided Grass Driving Range, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunker.
    • Golf Academy
    • Rankings: Golfweek CA Top 30-Public, GolfDay Top 500 Public
    • GolfDay Rating: 94.7
    • Location
Trump National Los Angeles, Rancho Pales Verdes CA
  1. Trump National Los Angeles/Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
    • Holes: 18
    • Course Architects: Pete Dye/Perry Dye
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 74.6 Rating/144 Slope
    • Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Range with Targets and Putting Green (Chipping Green with Bunker–Instruction Only).
    • Golf Academy
    • Rankings: Golfweek CA Top 30-Public, GolfDay Top 500 Public
    • GolfDay Rating: 93.5
    • Location
The Golf Club at Tierra Lago, Palm Springs CA
  1. The Golf Club at Terra Lago/Indio, CA
    • Holes: 36 (Two Eighteen Hole Courses)
    • Course Architects: Lee Schmidt/Brian Curley
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating:
    • North:  74.1 Rating/138 Slope
    • South: 73.9 Rating/137 Slope
    • Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Range with Targets, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunker.
    • Rankings: GolfDay Top 500 Public
    • GolfDay Rating: 92.4
    • Location
Steele Canyon, Jamul CA
https://www.ocregister.com/
  1. Steele Canyon Golf Club/Jamul, CA
    • Holes: 27 Holes (3 Nine Hole Courses)
    • Course Architect: Gary Player
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating:
    • Canyon:          35.8 Rating/134 Slope
    • Ranch:             37.7 Rating/141 Slope
    • Vineyard:       36.5 Rating/137 Slope
    • Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Range with Targets, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunkers (2).
    • Rankings: GolfDay Top 500 Public
    • GolfDay Rating: 91.3
    • Location
Mission Hills, Ranch Mirage CA
  1. Mission Hills North/Rancho Mirage, CA
    • Holes: 18
    • Course Architect: Gary Player
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 73.6 Rating/131 Slope
    • Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Range with Targets, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunkers.
    • Rankings: GolfDay Top 500 Public
    • GolfDay Rating: 91.1
    • Location
Arrowood, Oceanside CA
https://www.golftroop.com/
  1. Arrowood Golf Course/Oceanside, CA
    • Holes: 18
    • Course Architect: Ted Robinson, Jr.
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 72.4 Rating/135 Slope
    • Practice Facilities: Driving Range with Targets (Grass-Weekends/Mats-Weekdays), Putting and Chipping Greens.
    • Golf Academy
    • Rankings: GolfDay Top 500 Public
    • GolfDay Rating: 90.9
    • Location
The Golf Club of California, Fallbrook CA
  1. The Golf Club of California/Fallbrook, CA
Escena Golf Club, Palm Springs CA
  1. Escena Golf Club/Palm Springs, CA
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Top 15 Resorts-Arizona 2022/2023

Troon North

If you’ve missed the opportunity to experience desert golf, Arizona offers some of the best courses in the country—particularly as the winter chill starts to set in. The Resorts below are listed by their GolfDay Rating, and we have also included links for Accommodations, Golf Packages and Golf Academies (if available). A link to the Resort website is also provided, as well as a link to Google Maps for each location.

The best Arizona resorts include designs by Tom Fazio (Ventana Canyon), Jack Nicklaus (Dove Mountain and La Paloma), Coore & Crenshaw (Wi-Ko-Pa), Tom Weiskopf (Troon North) and Jay Morish (The Boulders and Troon North).

The GolfDay Resort rating is based on a variety of criteria, including the stature of the architect(s) who did the original design(s), the variety of courses located at the property, updates that have been done on the course(s), USGA Course and Slope Ratings, current local and national rankings by Golf Digest and Golfweek, the quality and diversity of practice facilities, general course conditioning and current reviews, as well as the quality of accommodations and level of service.

Click Top 15 Arizona Resorts for a map overview of the resort locations (hover over a flag and the resort name will come up, and click for details).

Ventana Canyon, Tucson AZ
  1. Ventana Canyon Golf & Club/Tucson, Arizona
  2. Ventana Canyon Club and Lodge
    • Holes: 36 (2 Eighteen Hole Courses)
    • Course Architect: Tom Fazio
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating:
    • Canyon:          71.7 Rating/137 Slope
    • Mountain:      72.8 Rating/143 Slope
    • Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Range with Targets, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunkers. Range Balls included with Green Fees.
    • Golf Academy
    • Accommodations
    • Golf Packages
    • Rankings: Golfweek Top 200 Resorts, Golf Digest Arizona Top 35, Golfweek Arizona Top 30-Public, GolfDay Top 100 Resorts
    • GolfDay Rating: 97.7
    • Location
We-Ko-Pa, Fort McDowell AZ
  1. We-Ko-Pa Golf Club/Fort McDowell, AZ
  2. We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort
    • Holes: 36 (2 Eighteen Hole Courses)
    • Course Architects: Scott Miller/Bill Coore/Ben Crenshaw
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating:
    • Cholla:            73.4 Rating/138 Slope
    • Saguaro:        72.0 Rating/137 Slope
    • Practice Facilities: Expansive Grass Driving Range with Targets, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunker.
    • Accommodations
    • RV Park
    • Golf Packages
    • Rankings: Golfweek Top 200 Resorts, Golfweek Arizona Top 30 Public, GolfDay Top 100 Resorts
    • GolfDay Rating: 97.1
    • Location
Troon North, Scottsdale AZ
  1. Troon North Golf Club/Scottsdale, AZ
  2. Four Seasons
    • Holes: 36 (2 Eighteen Hole Courses)
    • Course Architects: Tom Weiskopf/Jay Morrish/Phil Smith
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating:
    • Monument:                73.3 Rating/148 Slope
    • Pinnacle:                     73.2 Rating/147 Slope
    • Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Range with Targets, Putting and Chipping Greens.
    • Accommodations
    • Golf Academy
    • Rankings: Golfweek Top 200 Resorts, Golf Digest Arizona Top 35, Golfweek Arizona Top 30-Public, GolfDay Top 100 Resorts
    • GolfDay Rating: 95.4
    • Location
Dove Mountain, Marana AZ
  1. The Golf Club at Dove Mountain/Marana, AZ
  2. Ritz-Carlton
    • Holes: 27 (3 Nine Hole Courses)
    • Course Architect: Jack Nicklaus
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating:
    • Saguaro:          36.9 Rating/147 Slope
    • Tortolita:         38.8 Rating/145 Slope
    • Wild Burro:     37.0 Rating/143 Slope
    • Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Range with Targets, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunker. Range Balls included with Green Fee.
    • Golf Academy
    • Accommodations
    • Golf Packages
    • Rankings: Golfweek Top 200 Resorts, Golf Digest Arizona Top 35, Golfweek Arizona Top 30-Public, GolfDay Top 100 Resorts
    • GolfDay Rating: 94.3
    • Location
AK-Chin, Maricopa AZ
  1. AK-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club/Maricopa, AZ
  2. Harrah’s AK-Chin Casino & Resort
    • Holes: 18
    • Course Architects: Lee Schmidt/Brian Curley/Fred Couples
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 76.5 Rating/142 Slope
    • Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Range with Targets, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunker and “Mini Dunes” Nine Hole Par 3 Practice Course (Open Dec. 15-April 1). Range Balls included with Green Fee.
    • Junior Golf
    • Accommodations/Golf Packages
    • Rankings: Golfweek Top 200 Resorts, Golf Digest Arizona Top 35, Golfweek Arizona Top 30-Public, GolfDay Top 100 Resorts
    • GolfDay Rating: 93.3
    • Location
Wildfire, Phoenix AZ
  1. Wildfire Golf Club/Phoenix, AZ
  2. JW Marriot Desert Ridge
    • Holes: 36 (2 Eighteen Hole Courses)
    • Course Architects: Arnold Palmer/Ed Seay/Nick Faldo
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating:
    • Palmer:           72.7 Rating/142 Slope
    • Faldo:              72.3 Rating/132 Slope
    • Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Range with Targets, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunkers and Golf School.
    • Golf Academy
    • Junior Golf
    • Accommodations
    • Rankings: Golfweek Arizona Top 30-Public, GolfDay Top 100 Resorts
    • GolfDay Rating: 92.7
    • Location
La Paloma, Tucson AZ
  1. La Paloma Country Club/Tucson, AZ
  2. The Westin
    • Holes: 27 (3 Nine Hole Courses)
    • Course Architect: Jack Nicklaus
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating:
    • Canyon:         36.5 Rating/150 Slope
    • Ridge:             36.0 Rating/149 Slope
    • Hill:                  35.9 Rating/139 Slope
    • Practice Facilities: Covered Grass Driving Range with Targets, Wedge Range, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunkers (2). Range Balls included with Greens Fee.
    • Junior Golf
    • Accommodations
    • Junior Golf
    • Rankings: Golfweek Arizona Top 30-Public
    • GolfDay Rating: 92.6
    • Location
Starr Pass, Tucson AZ
  1. Starr Pass Golf Club/Tucson AZ
  2. JW Marriot
    • Holes: 27 (3 Nine Hole Courses)
    • Course Architects: Bob Cupp/Arnold Palmer/Ed Seay/B
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating:
    • Rattler:               36.7 Rating/141 Slope
    • Coyote:              36.6 Rating/139 Slope
    • Roadrunner:    35.3 Rating/139 Slope
    • Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Range with Targets, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunker.
    • Accommodations
    • Rankings: Golfweek Arizona Top-30 Public
    • GolfDay Rating: 91.2
    • Location
Camelback, Scottsdale AZ
  1. Camelback Golf Club/Scottsdale, AZ 
  2. JW Marriott Scottsdale
    • Holes: 36 (2 Eighteen Hole Courses)
    • Course Architects: Red Lawrence/Arthur Jack Snyder/Michael Hurdzan/Dana Dry/Jason Straka/Arthur Hills
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating:
    • Padre:              72.2 Rating/130 Slope
    • Amiente:         74.2 Rating/138 Slope
    • Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Range with Targets, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunker.
    • Accommodations
    • Rankings: Golfweek Arizona Top 30-Public
    • GolfDay Rating: 91.0
    • Location
Tucson National, Tucson AZ
  1. Tucson National/Tucson, AZ
  2. Omni Resorts
    • Holes 36 (2 Eighteen Hole Courses)
    • Course Architects: Robert Von Hagge/Bruce Devlin/Tom Lehman
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating:
    • Catalina:         74.3 Rating/133 Slope
    • Sonoran:         70.7 Rating/129 Slope
    • Practice Facilities: Double Sided Grass Driving Range with Targets and Fairway Bunker, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunkers. Range Balls included with Green Fee.
    • Junior Golf.
    • Golf School
    • Accommodations
    • Golf Packages
    • Rankings: Golfweek Arizona Top 30-Public
    • GolfDay Rating: 90.9
    • Location
Los Caballeros, Wickenburg AZ
  1. Los Caballeros Golf Club/Wickenburg, AZ
  2. Rancho de los Caballeros
    • Holes: 18
    • Course Architects: Greg Nash/Jeff Hardin
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 73.5 Rating/138 Slope
    • Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Range, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunkers.
    • Accommodations
    • Rankings: Golfweek Arizona Top 30-Public
    • GolfDay Rating: 90.4
    • Location
Gold Canyon Resort, Gold Canyon AZ
  1. Gold Canyon Golf Resort/Gold Canyon, AZ
    • Holes: 36 (2 Eighteen Hole Courses)
    • Course Architects: Ken Kavanaugh/Greg Nash/Jeff Hardin
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating:
    • Dinosaur Mountain:   71.5 Rating/144 Slope
    • Sidewinder:                  71.4 Rating/133 Slope
    • Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Range with Targets, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunker and Golf School.
    • Golf Academy
    • Accommodations
    • Golf Packages
    • Rankings: Golfweek Arizona Top 30 Public
    • GolfDay Rating: 90.2
    • Location
The Boulders, Carefree AZ
  1. The Boulders/Carefree, AZ
    • Holes: 36
    • Course Architect: Jay Morrish
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating:
    • North:              73.3 Rating/140 Slope
    • South:              72.6 Rating/144 Slope
    • Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Range with Targets, Putting and Chipping Greens with Bunkers and Golf Academy.
    • Golf Academy/Junior Golf
    • Accommodations
    • Rankings: Golfweek Top 200 Resorts, Golfweek Arizona Top 30-Public
    • GolfDay Rating: 89.5
    • Location
Sewailo, Tucson AZ
  1. Sewailo Golf Club/Tucson, AZ
  2. Casino Del Sol
    • Holes: 18
    • Course Architects: Notah Begay/Ty Butler
    • USGA Course/Slope Rating: 73.7 Rating/138 Slope
    • Practice Facilities: Grass Driving Range with Targets, Putting and Chipping Greens.
    • Accommodations
    • RV Park
    • Rankings: Golfweek Arizona Top 30-Public
    • GolfDay Rating: 89.2
    • Location
Lookout Mountain, Phoenix AZ
  1. Lookout Mountain Golf Club/Phoenix, AZ
  2. Pointe Hilton

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