Golfers love rankings almost as much as they love arguing about them. So here’s another one.
This isn’t a ranking of the “best” golf courses. It’s definitely not based on my scores. Otherwise you’d be looking at a list of central Connecticut munis.
It’s a ranking of the public courses in the United States I’d be most excited to play again tomorrow. And that you should look into playing ASAP.
#9 French Lick – Dye
French Lick, Indiana
Previous host of multiple Champions Tour and Korn Ferry Tour events, the Pete Dye Course is one of the most demanding rounds I’ve ever played. Towering elevation changes, blind shots, and panoramic views make every hole feel like an event. Stretching to over 8,000 yards from the back tees, this is one course where moving up a couple tee boxes isn’t admitting defeat. It’s making sure you actually enjoy the day.
A forecaddie here can also be the difference between an enjoyable round and hitting the pro shop for more golf balls at the turn.
#8 Arcadia Bluffs – The South Course
Bear Lake, Michigan
The South Course has the unfortunate job of living next door to one of the most photographed courses in America. Somehow, it still manages to stand on its own.
It’s wide enough to encourage aggressive swings but clever enough to make you think your way around. If the Bluffs Course steals the Instagram posts, the South Course might steal your favorite round of the trip. And probably your better score too.
#7 Green Valley Ranch
Denver, Colorado
Green Valley Ranch has hosted everything from the Colorado Open to state amateur championships, and it plays the part. Every tee shot asks a different question, rewarding good decisions just as much as good swings.
There isn’t one signature hole that carries the round. Instead, it’s eighteen consistently strong holes that never let your attention drift. It’s one of the best values in destination golf and a course I’d gladly build into another Colorado trip.
#6 Blackwolf Run – River
Kohler, Wisconsin
Host of two US Women’s Opens, this Kohler course gets less recognition than its lakeside counterpart. But don’t let that fool you.
This entire property is incredible. The clubhouse is beautiful, with restaurant seating that overlooks the double 18th green shared by the River and Meadow Valley courses.
The course itself is fantastic. It winds around the Sheboygan River, with the water coming into play often. The River Course is demanding, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. It’s the kind of golf course that sticks with you long after the scorecard ends up in the trash with the last 4 holes left blank.
#5 Sand Valley
Nekoosa, Wisconsin
One of the best all-around golf experiences out there.
Bunkers seem to stretch forever, and the greens are big enough to have you pulling out your rangefinder for your lag putts.
Despite all of that, Sand Valley is surprisingly forgiving. You can swing freely off the tee, recover from the occasional mistake, and spend more time appreciating the golf course than looking for your golf ball.
As a bonus, they have some of the most reasonably priced food you’ll find at a golf destination. Breakfast sandwiches, tacos, and ice cream cookie sandwiches that somehow don’t cost as much as a sleeve of balls. Sign me up.
#4 Arcadia Bluffs – The Bluffs Course
Arcadia, Michigan
In my experience, a lot of courses on the water really coast on the backdrop that mother nature provides.
Arcadia Bluffs isn’t one of them.
This is the kind of place that makes you forget to keep score for a few holes. Every time you think you’ve found the best view on the property, the next tee box changes your mind.
The scenery gets your attention. The golf keeps you coming back.
#3 Whistling Straits
Kohler, Wisconsin
Ok, I like Lake Michigan.
Host of multiple PGA Championships and a Ryder Cup, Whistling Straits is truly a sight to behold. As you arrive, it seems unassuming. Range off to one side. Clubhouse and pro shop to the other.
Then you get to the other side of the clubhouse and are greeted by the iconic 18th green, with its fairway stretching toward Lake Michigan.
This is a walking-only course, and you wouldn’t want it any other way. Especially with a caddie. Hit a four iron into a green. Take a long walk with your putter. Repeat.
#2 Erin Hills
Hartford, Wisconsin
Host of the 2017 US Open and the 2025 US Women’s Open. When you pull up to Erin Hills, the first thing you see is the giant clubhouse perched on top of a hill overlooking the immaculate property. It feels like you left Wisconsin and entered Ireland.
The conditions are pristine. The fairways are like hitting off carpet. Greens are silky smooth and will test your flatstick. Even the sand is noticeably better. And trust me, you will be in the sand at some point.
The course is difficult. Leaving might be harder.
#1 Bethpage Black
Farmingdale, New York
The host of two US Opens, a PGA Championship, The old Barclays, and the abomination that was the 2025 Ryder Cup.
Bethpage Black holds a special place in my heart. It was the first US Open caliber course I ever teed it up on, and it thoroughly humbled me at a time when I may have been playing the best golf of my life.
The hardest part to explain is what actually makes it so difficult.
If you play the correct tees for your game, it’s tough. If you play the wrong tees, it’s almost impossible.
Most tee shots require a certain shape or you risk running through into the rough, where you will have approximately one percent chance of getting enough club on it to get to the green. The greens are relatively flat and easy to read. But they are well protected by deep rough and deeper bunkers, and many of them are elevated.
On top of that, it’s one of the most difficult walks I’ve ever made. When you put the pin in on 18 and look back down the hill, you will feel a sense of accomplishment no matter what your score was.
Take that in, but not for too long or you’ll get yelled at by the group behind you to move it along. It is New York, after all.
Missed The Cut On The Number
On another day, these could have cracked the lineup.
Hopefully in another year, this list looks different for me. That’s kind of the point.
What’s on your front 9?
