Not every great golf trip has to be to a household name. Some of the best experiences come from places you don’t hear about on TV. These hidden gems combine strong golf, character, and value. If you’re looking for something off the beaten path, here are a few destinations worth planning a trip around.
Alabama: Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail
The RTJ Trail is one of the most ambitious golf projects in the country. With over 25 courses across the state, you can build a trip that fits any group. The courses are big, bold, and affordable, making it a favorite for golfers who want a lot of variety.
Why It’s a Hidden Gem: Huge variety, great value, perfect for groups.
Nebraska: The Sandhills
It may not be easy to get to, but Nebraska is home to some of the purest golf in the country. Courses like Sand Hills Golf Club, The Prairie Club, and Wild Horse Golf Club offer a links feel in the middle of America. Rolling dunes and endless horizons make it unforgettable.
Why It’s a Hidden Gem: True links-style golf, remote setting, world-class layouts.
Michigan: Upper Peninsula
Most people think of Northern Michigan for golf, but the Upper Peninsula has its own gems. Greywalls in Marquette is the standout, set along rocky cliffs with Lake Superior as a backdrop. It’s as dramatic as it gets without the big resort price tag. Add in Sweetgrass, with its tournament pedigree, and TimberStone, carved through thick forests, and you’ve got a well-rounded UP itinerary.
Why It’s a Hidden Gem: Wild terrain, stunning scenery, underrated region.
Oregon: Central Coast and Beyond
Everyone knows Bandon Dunes, but a little north along the Oregon Coast you’ll find quieter courses with the same rugged beauty. Gearhart Golf Links is the oldest course west of the Mississippi and still a treat to play. If you want something more offbeat, head inland to Silvies Valley Ranch, where reversible courses and goat caddies make for an experience unlike anywhere else. Tokatee Golf Club in the Cascades is another gem, offering classic design and mountain views.
Why It’s a Hidden Gem: Historic courses, quirky options, coastal and mountain settings
Colorado: The Rockies
The ski towns in Colorado are known for winter, but in the summer and fall the golf is just as good. Places like Eagle Ranch, Pole Creek, and Red Sky Ranch offer mountain views, crisp air, and challenging layouts. Add Haymaker Golf Course in Steamboat Springs for a links-style twist, or Lakota Canyon Ranch near Glenwood Springs for wild elevation changes, and you’ve got a killer mountain golf loop.
Why It’s a Hidden Gem: Mountain views, laid-back vibe, plenty of variety.
Final Thoughts
Hidden gems may not always make the glossy magazine covers, but they can deliver trips that are every bit as memorable as the big names. If you want a mix of great golf and discovery, these spots should be high on your list.