You may or may not know, but golf is as much about the scenery as it is about the swing. The game is strong, but the inclusion of rugged coastlines and lush mountain valleys (minimum requirement) is an absolute necessity. These 15 courses offer some of the most stunning landscapes in the country, and of course, world-class golfing. Grip it and rip it.
Pebble Beach Golf Links, California
Iconic and legendary, Pebble Beach lies dramatically on the Pacific Ocean’s edge. Every hole offers jaw-dropping views of crashing waves and rugged cliffs. The course is as challenging as it is beautiful, but that’s all part of the fun. Apparently. A must-play for any serious golfer craving the coastal experience.
Pinehurst No. 2, North Carolina
Known as the ‘Cradle of American Golf,’ Pinehurst No. 2 is a masterpiece of design and pretty famous at the same time. Picture rolling fairways and strategic bunkers, and you’re almost there. The course has natural beauty but a nice touch of history. It’s serene, challenging, and suitably traditional for golf enthusiasts.
Bandon Dunes, Oregon
Set on the windswept Oregon coast, Bandon Dunes offers links-style golf like you’d find in Scotland. It has a rugged terrain, towering dunes, and ocean views, so every round has its own breathtaking view and piece of adventure. It’s pure golf in nature’s rawest form, so it boils down to personal taste. Luxury or rugged? You decide.
Whistling Straits, Wisconsin
Whistling Straits channels the spirit of Ireland’s coastal courses. Think dramatic dunes and rough terrain, it’s perfectly rugged. Located on Lake Michigan, the course has stunning water views and a championship challenge that has hosted multiple PGA events and the Ryder Cup. Plus, the course is popular for being challenging. Pretty, prestigious, and tough.
Kapalua Plantation Course, Hawaii
On the stunning island of Maui, Kapalua has tropical beauty with ocean vistas and volcanic landscapes. The Plantation Course is lush and sprawling, with a mix of challenging holes and picture-perfect scenery you won’t forget. The downside is that the scenery is beautiful enough to distract you. But maybe that’s the point.
Pine Valley Golf Club, New Jersey
Set in the middle of Florida’s wilderness, the Red Course at Streamsong surprises many players with its dramatic dunes and rolling hills, much like stepping into a different world. It’s a visually stunning course that plays differently from Florida’s typical flat courses, making it an unexpected gem. There’s also a 10-hole short course that preps you for the 18-hole.
Chambers Bay, Washington
Overlooking Puget Sound, Chambers Bay is a links-style course with breathtaking views of water and mountains. Standard? Not really. Look at that view! It offers wide fairways, strategic bunkers, and a challenging layout that rewards smart play and isn’t too harsh on the eyes, either. It hosted the U.S. Open in 2015, too.
Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, New York
Old-school prestige meets windswept beauty at Shinnecock Hills, one of America’s oldest and most iconic golf clubs. It’s got serious history, major U.S. Open cred, and views that’ll distract you mid-swing. Tough? Absolutely. Worth it? Every damn hole. If you’re lucky enough to play here, you’re stepping into golfing royalty.
The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island, South Carolina
Famous for hosting major tournaments, this course hugs the Atlantic coastline with stunning ocean views and serious winds. That doesn’t put the hardcore golfer off, though. Absolutely not. The dramatic landscape does create a fierce challenge, and it’s a feast for the eyes in the meantime. Note: It can be very windy, so be prepared.
Augusta National Golf Club
Set against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains (just, wow!) Bighorn offers majestic views of rugged peaks and pristine wilderness. It rarely gets more impressive than this. The course blends natural beauty with championship-level play, perfect for golfers who crave mountain air and epic scenery. It’s a favorite for Condoleezza Rice and Warren Buffett, so it must be special.
Medinah Country Club, Medinah, Illinois
Medinah Country Club in Illinois is legendary for a reason. With three world-class courses (one of which has hosted the Ryder Cup and multiple PGA Championships), this private club combines elite history with lush, tree-lined fairways and impeccable greens. Add in its grand clubhouse and exclusivity, and Medinah is living the dream for serious golf lovers.
Cabot Cliffs, Nova Scotia (close to the US border)
Though technically in Canada, Cabot Cliffs deserves mention for its breathtaking cliffs and ocean views, just a short trip from the US. Dramatic seaside holes make it a bucket-list destination for serious golfers in the region, even attracting the likes of Hollywood elite. It’s considered one of the top courses in the world.
Teton Pines Golf Club, Wyoming
Tucked away near the Teton Mountains, this course is nothing short of alpine beauty with sweeping mountain views, crystal-clear streams, and serene forests. Could it get any better? It’s a peaceful yet challenging course that combines wilderness with relaxing play. Some of the holes are built around water features for an extra challenge.
Pacific Dunes at Bandon Dunes, Oregon
With natural dunes, rugged coastline, and minimal disturbance, Pacific Dunes feels like a golf course in the middle of nowhere. That’s probably because it is. Stunning views, wild terrain, and an immaculate design make it a golfer’s paradise. It is considered a true links-style course to emphasize the beauty of the area. We’re in.
Trump National Golf Club, California
Who can forget the famous Trump course? Love him or loathe him, Trump knows how to do luxury, and his golf clubs are no exception. Immaculate fairways, ocean views, and over-the-top clubhouses make it feel more like a resort than a course. It’s bold, dramatic, and designed to impress. Bring your A-game, and maybe your best polo. Subtle? Nope. Memorable? Definitely.
