Introduction
Golf is a sport that blends challenge, strategy, and enjoyment, making it one of the most popular recreational activities around the world. For many golfers, playing on top-rated courses is a dream come true. Golf Digest’s “Top 100 Public Courses” list has been a benchmark for golfers seeking the best public-access golf courses in the United States. Whether you are a seasoned pro or a casual player, these courses offer unique experiences that highlight exceptional design, challenging play, and beautiful landscapes.
In this article, we will take an in-depth look at the Golf Digest Top 100 Public Courses ranking, highlighting some of the standout courses, their features, and what makes them special. Additionally, we will discuss what it takes to make the list, why these rankings matter, and how to plan your golfing adventure to one of these elite courses.
What Are the Golf Digest Top 100 Public Courses?
Every year, Golf Digest releases a ranking of the Top 100 Public Courses in the United States. These rankings are based on extensive evaluations by a panel of over 1,000 golf raters across the country. The panel assesses a wide range of factors, including course design, maintenance, playability, and the overall experience of the golf course. Unlike private courses, public courses are open to everyone, making them more accessible to a larger number of golfers.
Golf Digest’s rankings are considered authoritative because of the rigorous standards they apply. Each course is evaluated on a 10-point scale across various criteria, with the overall score determining its position on the list. This ranking helps golfers choose the best courses to visit and provides valuable information on where to play the best golf across the country.
How Golf Digest Ranks Public Courses
The process of ranking the Top 100 Public Courses involves comprehensive criteria to ensure fairness and accuracy in the assessment. Here are the key factors that go into the rankings:
1. Course Design and Layout
A course’s design and layout are critical in determining its ranking. Golf Digest evaluates the course’s layout in terms of creativity, strategic challenges, and how it tests a golfer’s skills. The best courses often feature unique elements such as challenging bunkers, water hazards, and elevation changes.
2. Condition and Maintenance
The quality of the course’s upkeep is another essential factor. This includes the state of the fairways, greens, tees, and bunkers. Well-maintained courses that offer consistent playing conditions throughout the year tend to rank higher.
3. Playability and Challenge
The right balance of playability and challenge is what makes a course enjoyable for golfers of all skill levels. Courses that offer a variety of tees and give players of different abilities a chance to enjoy themselves often score well.
4. Scenic Beauty and Setting
Golf is often played in beautiful, natural surroundings, and the best public courses are no exception. A stunning setting with breathtaking views, whether it’s coastal cliffs, lakeside fairways, or mountain backdrops, enhances the golfing experience.
5. Value for Money
Golf Digest also evaluates the overall experience relative to the cost of play. While some courses may be more expensive, the value they provide in terms of the experience and conditions is a key factor in their ranking.
The Top 10 Golf Digest Public Courses (2025-2026)
The 2025-2026 Golf Digest Top 100 Public Courses list features a mix of well-known courses and hidden gems. Here are the top 10 public courses that stand out:
1. Pebble Beach Golf Links (Monterey Peninsula, California)
Often regarded as one of the most iconic courses in the world, Pebble Beach tops the list due to its stunning coastal location, rich history, and challenging layout. The course features breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and is known for its role in major golf tournaments like the U.S. Open.
2. Pacific Dunes (Bandon, Oregon)
Located at the famous Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, Pacific Dunes is celebrated for its natural beauty and challenging design. The course winds through sand dunes and coastal winds, offering a truly unique golfing experience.
3. Whistling Straits (Straits Course, Kohler, Wisconsin)
Whistling Straits is a must-play for golfers who love links-style courses. This course is known for its rugged terrain, dramatic elevation changes, and scenic views of Lake Michigan. It has hosted multiple major championships, including the PGA Championship.
4. The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island (Kiawah Island, South Carolina)
As one of the most scenic courses in the United States, The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island offers spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean. The strong winds and strategically placed hazards make it a challenging course for all levels.
5. Shadow Creek (North Las Vegas, Nevada)
Known for its luxury and exclusivity, Shadow Creek is a course that provides a memorable experience with its lush fairways and striking desert landscape. Despite being located in the heart of the Nevada desert, the course feels like an oasis, offering an unforgettable golfing challenge.
6. Pinehurst No. 2 (Pinehurst, North Carolina)
Famous for hosting several U.S. Open tournaments, Pinehurst No. 2 is one of the most respected courses in America. The design, created by Donald Ross, is considered a masterpiece, with large, undulating greens and strategic bunkering.
7. Bandon Dunes (Bandon, Oregon)
Another gem at the Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, Bandon Dunes is known for its links-style design, wide fairways, and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. The course’s natural beauty and challenging layout make it a favorite among golfers.
8. Bethpage State Park (Black Course, Farmingdale, New York)
This course is not for the faint of heart. Bethpage Black has earned its reputation for being one of the toughest public courses in America. With narrow fairways, thick rough, and demanding greens, it offers a true test of skill.
9. Erin Hills Golf Course (Hartford, Wisconsin)
Host of the 2017 U.S. Open, Erin Hills is a stunning championship layout surrounded by natural beauty. The course is known for its rolling hills and expansive views of the Wisconsin countryside.
10. Spyglass Hill (Monterey Peninsula, California)
Located just next door to Pebble Beach, Spyglass Hill offers a similarly scenic experience with the added challenge of dense forests and narrow fairways. The course provides a more private feel, making it a standout in the region.
Regional Breakdown: Best Public Courses by Region
West Coast Courses
The West Coast is home to some of the most spectacular courses on the Golf Digest list. The stunning landscapes of California and Oregon provide golfers with breathtaking views while challenging them with coastal winds and dramatic terrain.
- Spyglass Hill and Pebble Beach are among the best courses in California, offering players a combination of stunning scenery and tough challenges.
- In Oregon, Pacific Dunes and Bandon Dunes are legendary courses that test golfers with their unpredictable coastal weather and tight fairways.
Midwest Courses
The Midwest region is known for its beautiful, varied terrain and top-notch public courses. Whether you are playing in the Great Lakes region or the plains of the Midwest, you’ll find excellent golf here.
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Arcadia Bluffs in Michigan offers stunning lake views and rolling fairways, while Forest Dunes Golf Club is known for its unique reversible course design.
East Coast Courses
The East Coast offers a blend of history, prestige, and variety in its public golf courses. From the beaches of the Carolinas to the urban sprawl of New York, these courses are famous for their beauty and challenge.
- Bethpage State Park is known for its challenge and history, having hosted multiple U.S. Open tournaments.
- The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island offers golfers a truly unforgettable experience with its seaside holes and ever-changing winds.
Southern Courses
Southern courses tend to feature lush, green fairways and picturesque settings, often framed by towering trees and dramatic water features.
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Harbour Town Golf Links in Hilton Head, South Carolina, is famous for its narrow fairways and beautiful setting, making it a favorite among golf enthusiasts.
How to Plan Your Visit to a Top 100 Public Course
Planning a trip to one of these top-ranked courses involves more than just booking a tee time. Here are some tips to ensure you have the best possible experience:
1. Book Early
Due to their popularity, many of the courses in the Top 100 Public Courses require advanced reservations. Some courses have long waitlists, especially during peak seasons, so it’s crucial to book as early as possible.
2. Check for Stay-and-Play Packages
Many of the top courses, especially those at resort properties, offer stay-and-play packages that include lodging and discounted tee times. These packages can be a great way to experience a course in its entirety, along with luxury accommodations.
3. Understand the Costs
Top-rated courses can be expensive, with greens fees often reaching several hundred dollars. However, the experience is often worth the cost. Make sure you understand all costs associated with your round, including caddy fees, cart rentals, and other services.
4. Consider the Weather
Weather can play a significant role in your golfing experience, especially on courses located in coastal or mountain regions. Be sure to check the forecast and plan accordingly, especially for courses that are known for high winds or rain.
Conclusion
Golf Digest’s Top 100 Public Courses list is an essential guide for golfers seeking to play on some of the most exceptional courses in the United States. These courses are more than just places to play; they represent the pinnacle of public golf and offer experiences that are both challenging and unforgettable. Whether you’re planning a golf trip across the country or just exploring the best courses near you, this list will help you find the perfect destination for your next round.
By understanding the ranking criteria, reviewing the top courses, and properly planning your visit, you can ensure that your golfing adventure will be one for the books.
