Whether you’re an avid golfer with dreams of teeing it up at legendary venues or just appreciate the beauty of world-class course design, the United States is home to some of the most iconic and awe-inspiring golf courses on the planet. From windswept coastal fairways to historic major championship sites, here are the top 10 golf courses in the USA that every golfer should know about (and hopefully, play someday).
1. Pine Valley Golf Club – Pine Valley, New Jersey
Widely regarded as the pinnacle of golf course architecture, Pine Valley is a true masterpiece. Blending penal, heroic, and strategic elements, every hole offers a unique test. It’s exclusive and notoriously hard to access, but those lucky enough to play it call it the ultimate golf experience.
2. Augusta National Golf Club – Augusta, Georgia
The most recognizable course in the world, thanks to The Masters. Augusta National is as pristine as it is private. From the blooming azaleas to the lightning-fast greens and legendary Amen Corner, it’s a bucket-list dream for nearly every golfer.
3. Cypress Point Club – Pebble Beach, California
Famous for its stunning Pacific Ocean views, Cypress Point may be the most scenic course in the world. Designed by Alister MacKenzie, the par-3 16th hole over crashing surf is one of golf’s most photographed and revered holes.
4. Shinnecock Hills Golf Club – Southampton, New York
A founding member of the USGA, Shinnecock blends the feel of a Scottish links course with American championship pedigree. The wind, rolling fairways, and strategic bunkering make it one of the toughest tests in golf.
5. Oakmont Country Club – Oakmont, Pennsylvania
No course strikes fear into professionals like Oakmont. Home to more U.S. Opens than any other venue, its slick greens, deep bunkers, and no-nonsense layout are legendary for their difficulty.
6. Pebble Beach Golf Links – Pebble Beach, California
One of the few public-access courses on this list, Pebble Beach delivers an unforgettable coastal golf experience. The 7th and 18th holes are world-famous, and the scenery alone is worth the green fee.
7. National Golf Links of America – Southampton, New York
An homage to classic British courses, this C.B. Macdonald creation helped define American golf course design. With its “template” holes and emphasis on strategy, it’s as cerebral as it is beautiful.
8. Sand Hills Golf Club – Mullen, Nebraska
This remote Nebraska gem brought minimalist, natural design into the spotlight. Built into the rolling sand dunes, it flows seamlessly with the land and offers a pure, unspoiled golf experience.
9. Merion Golf Club (East Course) – Ardmore, Pennsylvania
Don’t let the short yardage fool you—Merion is a masterclass in shot-making and strategy. It’s steeped in golf history and has hosted some of the most dramatic major finishes ever.
10. Fishers Island Club – Fishers Island, New York
Accessible only by ferry, this Seth Raynor design is as exclusive as it is spectacular. Set along the Long Island Sound, it offers a blend of seaside views, Golden Age architecture, and subtle challenges.
From East Coast legends to West Coast wonders and a few hidden gems in between, the U.S. is a golfer’s paradise. Whether you’re dreaming of Augusta’s azaleas or Pine Valley’s precision, each of these top 10 courses tells a story—and playing any of them would be a story of a lifetime.
RECEIVE 10 WITH TOM in your email each time I publish. Sign up here.
10withtom.com 