Top 10 Golf Courses in the US Ranked by Experts

For golf enthusiasts, the allure of stepping onto a perfectly manicured fairway at one of the best golf courses in the US is an experience like no other. The United States is home to some of the most iconic golf destinations in the world, such as bucket-list rounds, marveling at stunning landscapes, or appreciating impeccable course designs. 

But with hundreds of exceptional courses across the country, where should a golfer start? Enter the US golf course rankings compiled by experts who live and breathe the game.

One has to be fortunate to have the means and, in some cases, the connections to access these iconic, often private, courses. Still, we can all dream, right?

Golf courses aren’t just places to play; they are works of art crafted by master architects and shaped by the natural beauty around them. Each course tells a story, from historic gems steeped in tradition to modern marvels pushing the boundaries of design. These rankings celebrate that diversity and guide players to discover the most famous golf courses in the USA.

Golf Course Ranking: Why is it Important?

Why rank golf courses at all? Rankings serve as more than just a topic for 19th-hole debates. They set design, architecture, and playability benchmarks, encouraging course developers and architects to innovate. Rankings also foster community among golfers, with players swapping stories about their favorite challenges and must-play courses.

Experts compiling these rankings often visit hundreds, if not thousands, of courses across their lifetime. They assess various factors, including design strategy, aesthetic value, conditioning, and memorability. The result is a list that appeals to everyone, from casual golfers looking for their next destination to lifelong players searching for the best golf in the United States.

Dig into some masterpieces that dominate the rankings and what makes them extraordinary.

1. Pine Valley Golf Club (Pine Valley, New Jersey)

Repeatedly landing the #1 spot in US golf course rankings, Pine Valley Golf Club is legendary. This exclusive course is revered for its clever architectural design by George Crump and Harry S. Colt, which requires players to think strategically with every stroke. The course weaves perfectly into its natural surroundings, offering beautiful, tree-lined fairways and challenging hazards. The blend of difficulty and beauty ensures that Pine Valley offers an unforgettable golfing experience.

While access is limited to members and guests, Pine Valley remains the gold standard, sparking awe even among those who can only admire it from afar.

2. Augusta National Golf Club (Augusta, Georgia)

Recognized as one of the most famous golf courses in the USA, Augusta National is synonymous with the Masters Tournament, one of golf's four major championships. Designed by Alister MacKenzie and Bobby Jones, Augusta’s lush fairways, blooming azaleas, and lightning-fast greens have cemented its reputation among golf's elite.

For players lucky enough to experience it, Augusta National offers a combination of history and challenge. It's famous Amen Corner (holes 11, 12, and 13) has tested even the best golfers in the world, producing iconic Masters moments that transcend the sport.

3. Pebble Beach Golf Links (Pebble Beach, California)

Few courses can rival the sheer beauty of Pebble Beach Golf Links. Positioned along California’s rugged coastline, this public course is a bucket-list destination for countless golfers. Pebble Beach offers sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean from almost every hole, with standout moments like the iconic par-3 seventh and the breathtaking 18th hole, which hugs the bluffs.

Ranked consistently among the best golf courses in the US, Pebble Beach combines stunning scenery with a challenging layout that rewards smart gameplay. No wonder it’s hosted multiple U.S. Opens and remains one of the best golf courses in the United States.

4. Shinnecock Hills Golf Club (Southampton, New York)

Dating back to 1891, Shinnecock Hills is America’s oldest golf club, and it enjoys a rich history intertwined with impeccable course design. This links-style course in the Hamptons blends seaside views with rolling fairways and challenging bunkers. Its championship pedigree is well established, having hosted five U.S. Opens, with more on the horizon. Shinnecock’s timeless beauty and strategic challenge continue to attract players and experts' admiration.

5. Cypress Point Club (Pebble Beach, California)

If Pebble Beach highlights California's raw coastal beauty, Cypress Point Club elevates it to a spiritual experience. Designed by Alister MacKenzie, Cypress Point is considered one of the finest examples of course artistry. Its fairways wind through dunes, forest, and cliffs, culminating in one of the most memorable settings in golf. The dramatic par-3 16th, which requires a long carry over the Pacific, is often regarded as one of the sport’s finest holes. Although access is extremely exclusive, Cypress Point’s reputation ensures its place among the most famous golf courses in the USA.

6. Sand Hills Golf Club (Mullen, Nebraska)

Sand Hills Golf Club proves that exceptional golf courses can exist even in the heartland of Nebraska. This minimalist masterpiece by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw uses the natural “sandhills” landscape for a pure, undisturbed golfing experience. Its design strips away unnecessary bells and whistles, focusing on strategic shot-making.

Quiet and unassuming, Sand Hills is regularly listed in US golf course rankings as one of the finest testaments to golf’s roots.

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7. TPC Sawgrass (Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida)

Designed by Pete Dye, TPC Sawgrass is home to the PGA TOUR’s flagship event, The Players Championship. Its most famous feature, the par-3 17th hole with an island green, tests even the best golfers’ nerves. With immaculate conditioning and strategic challenges throughout, it’s a bucket-list course for anyone who loves the game.

8. Whistling Straits (Sheboygan, Wisconsin)

Carved along the shoreline of Lake Michigan, Whistling Straits delivers a dramatic, windswept links-style experience rarely found in the U.S. Designed by Pete Dye, it’s hosted multiple major championships, including the PGA Championship and the Ryder Cup. With its fescue grasses, pot bunkers, and sweeping vistas, it’s as visually stunning as it is demanding.

9. Bandon Dunes (Bandon, Oregon)

Bandon Dunes offers world-class links courses nestled along Oregon’s rugged coastline. The original course, designed by David McLay Kidd, set the tone with its natural terrain, firm fairways, and ocean views. Each course blends harmoniously into the landscape, delivering an authentic Scottish-style experience without leaving the U.S.

10. Chambers Bay (University Place, Washington)

Set on the shores of Puget Sound, Chambers Bay offers a raw and dramatic golf experience, highlighted by massive dunes, wide fairways, and panoramic water views. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., it famously hosted the 2015 U.S. Open and continues to attract attention for its bold design and minimalist aesthetic. It's a true test of creativity and shot-making.

Wrapping-Up

Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or planning your first tee time, exploring the best golf courses in the US is an adventure. From the storied fairways of Augusta National to the windswept links of Bandon Dunes, each course offers a unique slice of golfing heaven.

Thanks to expert-driven US golf course rankings, we have a roadmap to the most exceptional designs in the game. And with so many diverse layouts to explore, the only question remains: Which course will you play next?

Discover more hidden gems, expert insights, and must-play courses on Golfer Journeys!