According to the study “Golf Around The World”, there are over 34,000 god courses in the world, more than 45% of which are located in the United States. Therefore, if you are in the US and you search “golf course near me“, you will probably find at least a few within easy driving distance. However, not all golf courses are of the same quality. In order to determine the best, there are certain aspects you should consider.
What Aspects of a Golf Course are Considered When Choosing a Favorite?
Table of Contents
Accessibility
The golf course you choose should not be too far from the place you live or the hotel you are staying in. Ideally, it should be located no more than 2 miles away from your place of accommodation.
Layout
There are certain characteristics that attribute to a good golf game. They are lush greens, water hazards, and narrow fairways. These features make a game more challenging and interesting – both for amateur and professional golfers.
Affordability
A good golf course should be affordable. Moreover, there are many golf courses that offer special discounts for those who book the course well in advance. Make sure also that you invested for a quality sunday golf bags for better storage of your golf equipment.
Site amenities and conditions
There are numerous factors that contribute to the essential features of a golf course, including such physical factors as topography, vegetation, availability of a drainage system and water, the surface area of the land, soils, and others.
Recreational activities
A good golf course should have a considerable amount of recreational activities and amenities, including a clubhouse, restaurants, shops, spa, and others for both adults and children. This is especially important for those who come to play golf with their families.
What are the Best Public Golf Courses in America?
A public golf course is the one open to the general public, which means that any golfer, including professionals, enthusiasts, and occasional players, is welcome at a public course. Here are the top 5 public golf courses in the United States:
1. Pebble Beach, California
It is one of the most famous and extensive public golf courses in the United States located on California’s Monterey Peninsula. It boasts a great combination of history, scenery, playability, and challenge. The course was built in 1919 and then remodeled in 1929. Today, thanks to its spectacular setting on the Monterey coast, it is one of the most recognizable courses in the world. It is also one of the most expensive – the current green fee for golf fans staying at the resort is $550.
2. Pacific Dunes, Oregon
Pacific Dunes is a unique public golf course opened in Brandon, OR in 2001. However, compared to many other golf courses it feels rather discovered than built. It boasts breathtaking ocean views and is considered one of the most photogenic golf courses in the United States. Moreover, it is also well known and appreciated for its unique features, including dramatic bunkering. The green fees at the four big golf courses at Pacific Dunes range from $75 to $250 depending on the season.
3. Pinehurst Resort, North Carolina
It is one of the oldest golf courses in the US that opened in 1907. The resort includes 9 golf courses located among pine trees, including the famous course Pinehurst No. 2 that was designed by Donald Ross and hosted many championships, including several U.S. Opens. The resort also features other amenities provided at Manor Inn, Holiday Inn, Carolina Hotel, and condos, which makes this destination perfect for a family vacation. The green fees range from $95 to $390.
4. Bethpage State Park, New York
This destination has been a mecca among both professional and amateur golfers since it opened. It features five 18-hole regulation courses, one of which is the world-renowned “Black Course”. Other courses include Yellow, Green. Blue, and Red. Each course has its own unique attributes that challenge golfers of different levels. This golf destination was opened in 1958 and since then it has been one of the most popular golf places in the state of New York. Green fees for non-residents are $130 during the week and $150 – on weekends.
5. Kiawah Island Resort, South Carolina
This golf course is located at the luxury Kiawah Island Resort and is believed to be the most affected by wind. Depending on wind conditions, golfers can experience up to an 8-club difference on holes. Moreover, this golf course has more seaside holes than any other golf course in the United States. An average green fee at the Kiawah Island Resort is between $290 and $400.
What are the Best Private Courses in America?
A private golf course is a golf course owned by an organization or a golf club, where the access is restricted to only members or guests of this organization or club. Here is the list of the best private golf courses in the US:
1. Augusta National Golf Club, Georgia
This club located in Augusta, Georgia has only 300 members, including Warren Buffet, Bill Gates, Darla Moore, and others. It is known as one of the most exclusive and famous private clubs in the United States with initiation fees ranging from $250,000 to $500,000.
2. Pine Valley Golf Club, New Jersey
This golf club was voted as one of the top 5 golf clubs in the United States and is considered one of the best clubs in the world. It is not open to application, and the board of directors contacts potential members themselves. It is also a men’s club only, and its members are allowed to bring their wives only on Sundays. The initiation fee is between $250,000 and $500,000.
3. Merion Golf Club, Pennsylvania
This private club is located in Haverford Township, Pennsylvania, and is famous for its locker rooms and legendary showers. Since the club is private, you can apply only by member referral. The initiation fee at the club starts at $70,000 and goes up every year.
4. Cypress Point Club, California
This private club has only 250 members, most of whom are well-known politicians. This makes Cypress Point Club one of the most desired private clubs in the world. The major selling point of the club is its stunning location along the Pacific Ocean. The initiation fees are divided between the club’s members regardless of how often they play at the club.
5. Congressional Country Club, Maryland
This club was originally created as a place where the Members of Congress cab meet businessmen. Moreover, it also boasts a vast history of American Presidents as its members. Today, the initiation fee is $120,000 with a 10-year waiting list.
Regardless of the type of golf club, you decide to join, golf balls and practice golf mats are one of the first things you need. If you want to save money, reduce waste, and receive quality balls and mats, Rawhide Golf Ball Co. is your best choice. It is the one largest golf ball and practice golf mat recycling company that has been in business since 1975.
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