The best golf courses in the USA feature unique designs, challenging layouts, and breathtaking scenery. Many have rich histories and have hosted prestigious tournaments like the U.S. Open and the Masters. Others are known for their exclusivity and private memberships. Each course offers a distinct experience, blending the love of the game with nature’s beauty.

Whether you’re a local aiming to improve your game or a traveller seeking a top-notch golfing experience, these top-rated courses are both exciting and rewarding. This guide will highlight some of the finest golf courses in the country, focusing on their unique features and histories. Get ready to explore the best golfing destinations in the USA. Here are some of the best golf courses in the USA:

Pine Valley Golf Club (New Jersey)

Pine Valley Golf Club is one of the most exclusive and difficult golf courses in the world. George Arthur Crump and others created it, and because of its unique layout, golfers must be precise and skilled. Golf Digest, Golf Magazine, and other publications have ranked the course as the best golf course in the United States regularly. 

Membership is by invitation only, and guests are only permitted to play in the company of a member. The club is well-known for its strict guest access regulations and its recent improvements in gender inclusivity. It has hosted respected tournaments such as the Walker Cup.

Augusta National Golf Club (Georgia)

Augusta National, home of the prestigious Masters Tournament, is well-known for its spectacular azaleas and iconic Amen Corner. Bobby Jones and Alister MacKenzie created the layout of the course, which blends scenic natural features with thought-provoking strategic obstacles. 

One of the most well-known golf courses in the world, it is renowned for its exclusivity and customs, such as the green jacket given to Masters winners. To keep its reputation as one of the best places to play golf, the course has undergone some improvements.

Cypress Point Club (California)

Cypress Point is known for its wonderful oceanside vistas splattered across a pristinely crafted Alister MacKenzie layout. Many of the holes play right along the edge, next to the Pacific Ocean – creating a stunning backdrop for your round. 

One of the most beautiful courses in the world, membership is extremely exclusive. The golf course is a firm favorite with top players due to its unique design and natural beauty, but it faces intense scrutiny given the water supply problems in California.

Shinnecock Hills Golf Club (New York)

Shinnecock Hills, one of the oldest golf clubs in existence and a multiple-time U.S. Open host site It is known as a very difficult course with tough green complexes that are placed on naturally rolling terrain. Several remodels since have helped keep it in line with its championship status and is celebrated for being the epicenter of American golf tradition.

Oakmont Country Club (Pennsylvania)

Oakmont is known for its notorious greens and has staged the U.S. Open more times than any other venue. Henry Fownes’ design has deep bunkers and a layout that taxes even the game’s top golfers. With the accompanying reputation of some of the strictest maintenance and conditioning for any course in a major championship, it has now become one.

Merion Golf Club (Pennsylvania)

Merion Golf Club is known for its historic significance and has hosted several U.S. Opens. The course is characterized by its narrow fairways and small greens, requiring precision and accuracy. Its rich history and unique layout make it a beloved destination for golfers.

National Golf Links of America (New York)

Designed by Charles Blair Macdonald, National Golf Links is known for its strategic design and beautiful setting. The course features a variety of hole types inspired by famous courses around the world. Its exclusivity and historical significance make it a top choice among elite golfers.

Pebble Beach Golf Links (California)

Pebble Beach is one of the most famous public courses in the world, known for its stunning coastal views and challenging layout. It has hosted numerous major championships, including the U.S. Open. The course is accessible to the public, making it a popular destination for golf enthusiasts.

Pinehurst No. 2 (North Carolina)

Pinehurst No. 2 is famous for its unique design by Donald Ross, featuring crowned greens and a layout that emphasizes strategy over length. The course has hosted several U.S. Opens and is known for its challenging conditions. 

Friar’s Head (New York)

Designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, Friar’s Head is known for its stunning natural beauty and challenging layout. The course features dramatic elevation changes and coastal views, making it a favorite among members.