Last modified on September 1st, 2020 at 6:39 pm

Which States Have the Best Golf Courses?

What Defines a Good Golf Course?

Apart from how you play and your company on the course, the golf course will determine whether you enjoy the game. A good course will offer scenic views, deliver an amazing golf experience, and help you improve your golf game. But what are the characteristics of a good golf course? Here are some factors to consider:

Intelligent Planning

Quality courses are usually well-planned, with different components placed strategically to ensure the game flows smoothly from start to finish. A good design should promote unity among the holes, strategically placed bunkers and water hazards, and properly-sized tee surfaces.

Course Variety

A great course is engaging and compelling, leaving no room for boredom. The best golf courses will offer a variety of holes so that players get a chance to play in all directions. In addition to different hole styles, other factors that will add to the enjoyment of a course include the length, par, and obstacles.

Reasonable Challenge

Good golf courses strike a balance between difficulty and playability. It should offer a reasonable challenge to encourage golfers to improve their skills without making it too difficult for average players to enjoy a game. The right level of challenge will get players to try new shots and explore various possibilities during play.

Natural Beauty

The design of a golf course should fit perfectly into the natural landscape. Artificial features such as bunkers and obstacles added to make the facility functional have to mesh with the native flora and terrain. This will not only make the course visually attractive but also give it a sense of belonging in the surroundings.

Exemplary Maintenance

For a golf facility to provide a great experience and last long, it has to be maintained regularly. Proper maintenance will help to make the playing surface firm and smooth. There should also be a flexible tee time schedule and set golf etiquette standards for all players.

States With the Best Public Golf Courses

If you do not play golf very often, a public course will allow you to enjoy a great experience without having to spend money on private membership. Below are some of the states with the best public golf courses.

Nevada

Nevada is one of the top destinations for golf, with several high-end courses that offer public access. The three main golfing regions in the state are Las Vegas, Mesquite, and Lake Tahoe. In Mesquite, Wolf Creek Golf Course, Oasis Golf Club-The Palmer, and Conestoga Golf Club are some of the best courses. Las Vegas has Wolf Course at Las Vegas Paiute, TPC Las Vegas, and Shadow Creek. These courses are rated highly largely due to their friendly staff.  

Colorado

Colorado is home to a number of refined and acclaimed public golf courses. Two destinations, Denver and Colorado Springs promise variety and value. Some of the facilities that will help you improve your skills and enjoy a great game are the 27-hole Pole Creek Golf Club, Omni Interlocken Golf Club set on mountainous terrain, and the scenic River Valley Ranch Golf Club nestled at the base of Mount Sopris.

Wisconsin

Over the past few years, Wisconsin has claimed its place as a national golf hotspot. Renowned courses like The Straits at Whistling Straits and Erin Hills feature legendary designs and majestic contours. Destinations such as Wisconsin Dells and Lake Geneva offer excellent conditions and beautiful layouts, providing golfers with a fun experience and a bit of challenge. Milwaukee boasts several quality but affordable facilities, ideal for players at all levels.

Minnesota

Minnesota offers golf enthusiasts a range of options to choose from in terms of public courses. Whether you prefer a resort course or a first-rate facility close to the Twin Cities, you will definitely find a quality place to play. The best public access golf courses in the state cover expansive landscapes and are as rugged as they are beautiful. Great options to consider include, the Jewel Golf Club, The Wilderness at Fortune Bay, and Stoneridge Golf Club.

Nebraska

Golf fans can find public courses that take advantage of the prairie landscape to provide a spectacular view, peaceful environment, and smooth flowing golf game for a memorable experience. Nebraska has made a name as one of the better value-golf destinations, with public courses that will take your game to the next level. Some of the courses you can try are Wild Horse Golf Course, Dunes Course, and Pines Course at Prairie Club.

States With the Best Private Golf Courses

Private golf courses are impeccably maintained and impressively structured, with attractive fairways and a host of other amenities. Here are some states with remarkable private golf courses.

New Jersey

One of the most populous and wealthiest states in the country, New Jersey is home to terrific private golf courses. The options range from old-school clubs that feature traditional golf course architecture to modern masterpieces that deliver more variety. Some of the top courses are Pine Valley, Bayonne Golf Club, Somerset Hills, and The Ridge at Back Brook.

Georgia

The top private golf courses in Georgia are set in areas with magnificent natural beauty and have firm but soft play surfaces. Examples of courses that offer great shot value include Augusta National Golf Club, Great Waters at Reynolds Lake Oconee, The Club at Osprey Cove, and The Governors Towne Club.

California

California enjoys sunny and warm weather for most of the year, making it a perfect getaway for anyone looking for lots of golf rounds. The number of tournaments hosted in the state has been rising, as the golf community grows in popularity. Among the beautiful and iconic courses in the state are The Preserve Golf Club, Bel-Air Country Club, The Quarry at La Quinta, and Cypress Point Club on Pebble Beach.

New York

In New York, golf fans have a number of landscape masterpieces to choose from. The private golf courses are tough but fun, featuring elite layouts, mature trees, strategically placed obstacles, and a unique collection of holes. If you are looking to enjoy your golf game in an exclusive environment, you can consider National Golf Links of America, Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, and Fishers Island Golf Club.

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has revered and highly-rated private clubs that offer some of the best layouts. Most of these courses feature generous fairways, undulating greens, and real natural hazards that spread over expansive areas. Oakmont Country Club, an extremely challenging course, has hosted major championships. Other private courses in the state are East at Merion Golf Club and Aronimink Golf Club.

Get all the Equipment You Need for Practice or Play 
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