Here’s a list of the Top 10 Must-Visit Golf Destinations in the USA to consider for your bucket list, starting in 2025. We focused on destinations known for their exceptional golf courses, scenic beauty, and unique golfing experiences:
1. Pinehurst, North Carolina
- Why Visit: Home to Pinehurst No. 2, one of the world’s most iconic golf courses, designed by Donald Ross. The area offers multiple championship courses, a rich golfing history, and the Pinehurst Resort experience.
- Highlight: Pinehurst No. 2 has hosted numerous US Opens and the Ryder Cup.
- Website: Pinehurst.com
No. 2's First Light. pic.twitter.com/wZ2kFe6vt2
— Pinehurst Resort (@PinehurstResort) August 28, 2024
2. Pebble Beach, California
- Why Visit: Features the legendary Pebble Beach Golf Links, offering breathtaking coastal views along with challenging play. The area also includes Spyglass Hill and The Links at Spanish Bay.
- Highlight: The iconic 18th hole at Pebble Beach, with the Pacific Ocean as a backdrop.
- Website: PebbleBeach.com
Good morning from No. 7 @attproam ???? pic.twitter.com/aFT8nk3NTI
— Golf on CBS ⛳ (@GolfonCBS) January 30, 2024
3. Bandon, Oregon
- Why Visit: Known as the “St. Andrews of the US” with its links-style courses like Bandon Dunes, Pacific Dunes, and Old Macdonald. It’s all about the pure golf experience here.
- Highlight: Pure links golf with rugged coastal landscapes.
- Website: BandonDunesGolf.com
Bandon Dunes No. 12 with the Pacific Ocean as a backdrop.
It was the very first hole built during the construction of Bandon Dunes, and with this view, it's easy to see why they started here. ???? pic.twitter.com/Aq8Xtbl131
— Bandon Dunes (@BandonDunesGolf) November 12, 2024
4. Kapalua, Maui, Hawaii
- Why Visit: Offers two PGA Tour host courses, The Plantation Course and The Bay Course, with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and lush tropical surroundings.
- Highlight: The Plantation Course, famous for its challenging 18th hole with panoramic views.
- Website: Kapalua.com
As good as it gets.
Tickets available to start 2025 in paradise!
????️: https://t.co/9SwODniE6j pic.twitter.com/6yzfqemPjO
— The Sentry (@TheSentry) November 6, 2024
5. Kiawah Island, South Carolina
- Why Visit: Known for The Ocean Course, which has hosted the PGA Championship and the Ryder Cup. Offers a mix of ocean and marshland courses.
- Highlight: The Ocean Course’s dramatic holes along the Atlantic Ocean.
- Website: KiawahResort.com
A golfer's paradise…
⛳: The Ocean Course
????: Katie D. pic.twitter.com/WTbrPOuVzD— Kiawah Island Golf Resort (@kiawahresort) October 31, 2023
6. Scottsdale, Arizona
- Why Visit: A desert golf paradise with numerous high-quality courses like TPC Scottsdale (home of the WM Phoenix Open) and its Stadium Course. The weather allows for year-round play.
- Highlight: The Stadium Course at TPC Scottsdale, particularly the 16th “The Coliseum” hole.
- Website: TPC.com/Scottsdale
It’s glowing out here at TPC Scottsdale! Who’s out golfing on this beautiful Thursday? ????⛳️????️♂️ pic.twitter.com/FSwQep3mog
— TPC Scottsdale (@tpcscottsdale) December 1, 2022
7. Palm Springs, California
- Why Visit: A hub for golf with courses like PGA West and the Stadium Course at PGA West, known for the American Express tournament. The desert landscape provides a unique golfing experience.
- Highlight: The Pete Dye-designed Stadium Course, especially the island green 17th.
- Website: PGAWest.com
.@PGAWESTGOLF wraps up a three-year restoration project focused on the bringing back Pete Dye’s original designs on the Stadium, Mountain and Dunes courses: https://t.co/2lkB1roBhc pic.twitter.com/2we4udGJ69
— GOLF COURSE INDUSTRY (@GCImagazine) December 5, 2024
8. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
- Why Visit: Referred to as the “Golf Capital of the World,” with over 90 courses offering something for every skill level. Known for affordability and variety.
- Highlight: The Dunes Golf and Beach Club, an original classic course.
- Website: VisitMyrtleBeach.com
Sharing some of our favorite views from the Club to commemorate #worldoceanday!!
.#dunesgolfandbeachclub pic.twitter.com/Yx2eGzQ7Im— The Dunes Golf and Beach Club (@thedunesclub_MB) June 8, 2024
9. Whistling Straits, Wisconsin
- Why Visit: Home to the Straits Course, which has hosted multiple PGA Championships and a Ryder Cup. The Irish links-style course along Lake Michigan is visually and strategically impressive.
- Highlight: The rugged, natural beauty of the Straits Course.
- Website: KohlerWisconsin.com
Straits Course Highlight: Hole #7 – Shipwreck
Hugging the shoreline of Lake Michigan, this par 3 is protected by a series of sand bunkers on the right and short. #GolfKohler #WhistlingStraits #GolfPhotography #BeautifulGolfCourses
????: @Evan_Schiller pic.twitter.com/uB8Fq5Xo4t
— Golf Kohler (@GolfKohler) October 18, 2023
10. Sand Valley, Wisconsin
- Why Visit: A newer addition to the golf scene with courses like Sand Valley and Mammoth Dunes, focusing on fun, walkable golf with an emphasis on community and experience.
- Highlight: The innovative design of Mammoth Dunes, encouraging a fun, strategic play.
- Website: SandValley.com
We’re only two days away from the start of the 2024 golf season! Let us know which course you’re most excited to play in the comments below????
.#sandvalley #sandbox #mammothdunes #thelido #sedgevalley #dreamgolf pic.twitter.com/ezrWqUba03— Sand Valley Golf (@Sand_Valley) April 24, 2024
Credit: X, Grok 2.0
