Best Golf Courses in the US
10 bucket-list courses. Green fees, ratings, and insider tips.
10 courses
Pebble Beach Golf Links
📍 Pebble Beach, CA
Rating
★★★★★
Green Fee
$625
Type
Resort
Highlights
Iconic 7th hole ocean cliff, US Open host
Pinehurst No. 2
📍 Pinehurst, NC
Rating
★★★★★
Green Fee
$495
Type
Resort
Highlights
Cradle of American Golf, Donald Ross masterpiece
Bandon Dunes
📍 Bandon, OR
Rating
★★★★★
Green Fee
$395
Type
Resort
Highlights
True links golf, 5 courses on Oregon coast
Kiawah Island Ocean Course
📍 Kiawah Island, SC
Rating
★★★★★
Green Fee
$449
Type
Resort
Highlights
PGA Championship host, 10 holes along Atlantic
Whistling Straits
📍 Kohler, WI
Rating
★★★★★
Green Fee
$425
Type
Resort
Highlights
Ryder Cup 2021 host, Links-style on Lake Michigan
TPC Sawgrass (Stadium)
📍 Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
Rating
★★★★★
Green Fee
$575
Type
Resort
Highlights
Iconic island green 17th hole, THE PLAYERS Championship home
Bethpage Black
📍 Farmingdale, NY
Rating
★★★★★
Green Fee
$150
Type
Public
Highlights
Best public course in America, US Open host
Torrey Pines South
📍 La Jolla, CA
Rating
★★★★★
Green Fee
$202
Type
Municipal
Highlights
Municipal course hosting US Open, Ocean cliffs overlooking Pacific
Streamsong Red
📍 Streamsong, FL
Rating
★★★★★
Green Fee
$295
Type
Resort
Highlights
Unique Florida inland links, Former phosphate mine site
Sand Valley
📍 Nekoosa, WI
Rating
★★★★★
Green Fee
$275
Type
Resort
Highlights
Sand barrens links-style, Bill Coore / Ben Crenshaw design
Golf Travel in America: Legendary Courses and Points Strategies
The United States is the world's premier golf destination, home to iconic courses like Pebble Beach, Augusta National, Pinehurst No. 2, and TPC Sawgrass. From the windswept links of Bandon Dunes to the desert beauty of Scottsdale, American golfers have access to an extraordinary range of courses across diverse landscapes. Combining a golf trip with smart credit card strategy can significantly reduce the cost of these bucket-list experiences.
America's Must-Play Golf Destinations
Pebble Beach (California) tops most golfers' bucket lists, with its dramatic ocean-cliff setting and major championship history. Pinehurst (North Carolina) offers nine courses including the legendary No. 2, host of multiple US Opens. Bandon Dunes (Oregon) delivers true links-style golf on the Pacific Coast. Kiawah Island (South Carolina), Streamsong (Florida), and Cabot Saint Lucia represent newer additions to the must-play list.
International Golf Worth the Journey
Scotland's Old Course at St Andrews remains the spiritual home of golf, while Ireland's links courses (Royal County Down, Ballybunion) offer unforgettable experiences. Australia's Sand Belt courses (Royal Melbourne, Kingston Heath) and New Zealand's Cape Kidnappers provide Southern Hemisphere options. Flights from JFK, LAX, or ORD to Edinburgh, Dublin, or Melbourne are regularly available using airline miles.
Maximizing Golf Trips with Points
The Chase Sapphire Reserve earns 3x on travel, covering flights to golf destinations. Many premium golf resorts are part of Marriott Bonvoy (Pebble Beach, Streamsong), Hilton (Kiawah), or Hyatt (planned properties), making point redemptions possible. The Amex Platinum's Fine Hotels + Resorts program includes several golf resort properties with complimentary upgrades and credits.
Golf Trip Planning Tips
Book tee times 60-90 days in advance for popular courses. Consider stay-and-play packages that bundle accommodation with rounds for better value. Shoulder seasons (early spring and late fall) offer lower rates and pleasant weather at most US courses. Ship your clubs ahead using luggage shipping services to avoid airline baggage hassles.
Frequently Asked Questions About Golf Travel
1How much does it cost to play at Pebble Beach?
The green fee at Pebble Beach Golf Links is approximately $625 for resort guests and $575 for non-resort players. Stay-and-play packages at The Lodge or The Inn at Spanish Bay can offer better value. The experience includes a caddie (fee plus tip), and the spectacular ocean views make it one of golf's most unforgettable rounds.
2Can I use hotel points at golf resort properties?
Yes. Pebble Beach Resorts and Streamsong Resort are in the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio. Kiawah Island has Hilton properties. Use Chase Ultimate Rewards transferred to Hyatt or Marriott, or Amex Membership Rewards transferred to Hilton, to offset accommodation costs at premium golf destinations.
3What is the best credit card for golf travel?
The Chase Sapphire Reserve earns 3x on travel and dining, provides trip delay insurance, and offers excellent transfer partners for flights and hotels. The Amex Platinum provides lounge access for comfortable travel days and Fine Hotels + Resorts benefits at luxury golf resorts.
4When is the best time for a golf trip in the US?
Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer the best combination of weather and value at most US destinations. Arizona and Florida are ideal in winter. Summer works well for northern destinations like Bandon Dunes and courses in the Midwest and Northeast. Avoid peak summer in southern states due to heat.
5Should I ship my golf clubs or check them as luggage?
Shipping clubs via services like Ship Sticks costs $50-$100 each way but eliminates airport hassle and damage risk. Checking clubs as luggage is cheaper ($35-$75 per bag on most airlines) but involves more effort. The Chase Sapphire Reserve and Amex Platinum offer baggage delay insurance that covers golf clubs.