Voters Say This North Dakota Green is The Best Public Golf Course in America

With over 16,000 golf courses in America, finding one that is accessible, affordable, and stellar is like finding a needle in a haystack. Look no further than these 10 greens across the country that were voted the best public golf courses in the United States.

How Were These Courses Chosen?

The USA TODAY 10 BEST public golf courses were created from a larger curated group of courses by a panel of subject matter experts and USA TODAY editors before being voted on by the public.

These 10 courses are also impeccably maintained, set amongst gorgeous scenery, and most importantly, are well-designed with challenging layouts and unique features that make for a rewarding round.

1. Bully Pulpit Golf Course (North Dakota)

Twenty years ago, a golf course was created in North Dakota’s Badlands. It quickly was recognized as one of the best new courses in America. Fast forward to 2025, and after a multi-year reconstruction and refurbishment, this affordable gem shines even brighter.

They Put The Guest Experience First

“This recognition means the world to us, not only because of the title itself but because it reflects the passion and support of the people who truly care about this place,” Jesse Ward, PGA Head Golf Professional at Bully Pulpit. “This win is a testament to the pride we take in continually improving the golfer experience. Over the past few years, we’ve invested in significant upgrades, from brand-new cart paths and redesigned greens to exciting new holes and clubhouse renovations, all to create a premium, welcoming experience for every guest who walks through our doors. This course isn’t just a layout, it’s a destination. It’s a place where families make memories, beginners fall in love with the game, and passionate players return again and again.”

The following nine U.S. courses received the highest number of votes to make it onto USA Today’s 10 Best List.

2. Leatherstocking Golf Course (New York)

While many people know Cooperstown for another sport, this quintessential American village town is also the home to one of the East Coast’s most scenic courses. Part of Otesaga Resort Hotel this Devereux Emmet design Par 72 will challenge even the seasoned player. The only respite from its tranquil atmosphere and lake vistas.

The course also received accolades as the #1 Public Golf Course in New York State in 2025 by GolfPass’s everyday players and was named the #2 Best Public Golf Course in New York State in 2024 by Golfweek.

3. Payne’s Valley at Big Cedar Lodge (Missouri)

Payne’s Valley, Tiger Woods’ first public access course in the U.S., is part of Big Cedar Lodge, named the best golf resort in America by USA Today 10 BEST voters. A walkable 19-hole, award-winning course that tests and inspires players of all skill levels, from professional golfers to amateurs and juniors. The course features a set of “Tiger Tees” specifically designed to accommodate TOUR pros, golf professionals, and the best amateur players.

The 19th hole, also known as “The Big Rock at Payne’s Valley,” is a bet-settling hole, the striking par-3
plays into a 200 ft cliff-side green surrounded by a flowing stream running down exposed
limestone.

4. Caledonia Golf and Fish Club (South Carolina)

Thirty minutes from Myrtle Beach, set along the scenic Waccamaw Neck and framed by centuries-old live oaks, the design has long been celebrated for its blend of Lowcountry charm and stunning architecture. It’s unforgettable finishing hole is a par-4 18th. The approach on 18, over water to a green in the shadow of the clubhouse, provides a fitting end to a bucket list round.

“It’s incredibly gratifying to be ranked among America’s top five public courses when the golfing public is doing the voting,” said Bart Romano, director of operations for Caledonia and its sister course, True Blue Golf Club. “Caledonia features stunning views and the genius of Mike Strantz, and our staff works tirelessly to exceed the expectations golfers bring with them. This honor validates that hard work.”

Grizzly Ranch Golf Club (California)

Stretching over 7,400 yards from the tips, Grizzly Ranch’s New course weaves its way through a forest and provides visitors with peaceful, getaway golf. After the round, you will feel as though you just played a beautiful golf course, but you’ll also feel refreshed and reconnected with nature.

Grizzly Ranch does well not to overdo the design with a canvas full of natural beauty and serenity. As a player, you’ll naturally enjoy the trees, creeks, ravines, and boulder outcroppings, perhaps more than your round of golf.

The Cardinal Course at Saint John’s Resort (Michigan)

Saint John’s Resort in Plymouth, Michigan, is a unique destination that combines historic charm, modern comforts, and one of America’s best public golf courses. Originally built as a seminary in 1948, the property has been transformed into a 200-acre retreat.

The Cardinal has an 18-hole championship layout, a unique 7-hole par-3 course, and a 2-acre natural grass putting course. It will host the 2025 LIV Golf Team Championship this year, challenging some of the world’s best players.

Black Lake Golf Club (Michigan)

Beloved for its affordability and Rees Jones environmentally-responsible design, it has racked up awards since its debut in 2000. One thousand one hundred acres of slanted views, winding lakes, marshes, and ravines surrounded by majestic maple and birch forests means you won’t see players on the other holes while teeing off.

Arrowhead Pointe Golf Course at Richard B. Russell State Park (Georgia)

This Bob Walker-designed golf course is serene. There are no distractions, and 10 of the 18 holes follow the lake shoreline. The par-72 course offers 6,800 yards and has a four-hour average pace to play.

Ranked 2nd in the state in The GolfPass Golfers’ Choice lists, which are created by recreational golfers’ 275,000-course reviews on GolfNow, reflect playing experiences across ages, handicaps, and budgets.

Oakcreek Country Club (Arizona)

As Sedona’s first golf course, Oakcreek holds a special place in Arizona golf history. Its scenic design and exceptional playability have made it a sought-after destination, hosting prestigious tournaments like the Sedona Open. Designed by the legendary father-and-son duo of Robert Trent Jones Sr. and Robert Trent Jones Jr., this course is one of their masterpieces. Nestled among Sedona’s iconic red rocks, the par-72, 18-hole layout offers breathtaking views and a design that is as challenging as it is beautiful.

Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course (Nevada)

Nestled on the shores of Lake Tahoe, Edgewood Tahoe Resort offers a luxurious retreat with stunning
lake views. Initially opened in 1968 as a premier golf retreat, it has since evolved into a world-class resort with a Forbes 4-Star and AAA 4-Diamond rating.

Everyday players rarely have access to the same greens that celebrities and top players do. Edgewood has welcomed some of the biggest names in the game. Players like Tiger Woods, Arnold Palmer, Phil Mickelson, John Daly, and Lee Trevino teed up here, adding their masterful strokes to this mighty legend on the lake. Every July, it’s filled with A-list celebrities competing in the American Century Championship.

NEXT: The Top Public Golf Courses in Each State According to Everyday Players

Finding a course one that is accessible, affordable, and stellar is like finding a needle in a haystack. However, Golfer’s Choice lists do all the work spotlighting the game’s best playgrounds for everyday players. Created by recreational golfers, for recreational golfers, find out which greens in your state have been deemed the best by players like you.

The Top Public Golf Courses in Each State According to Everyday Players

The Votes Are In. These Are America’s Top Golf Resorts

In 2024, more than 12 million Americans took a trip to play golf. However, narrowing down a spot for the next one can be difficult with nearly 1,200 golf facilities tied to resorts or resort/real estate properties in the United States. Take a planning shortcut and book your next golf getaway to one of these 10 resorts across America, voted the best in the country.

The Votes Are In. These Are America’s Top Golf Resorts

Called America’s Best Golf Value: A Guide to The 22 Courses in Alabama’s Robert Trent Jones Trail

When it comes to public golf courses, only a handful stand out from the rest. Torrey Pines and Bethpage Black are some stellar ones worthy of pros, but it’s hard to find more than a couple in the same place. Yet, with how hard it is to find great public golf courses, legendary golf course architect Robert Trent Jones somehow managed to create 26 of them in 11 locations in Alabama, called the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail.

Debuted in 1992 to increase tourism to Alabama, The Trail has slowly but steadily gained recognition, with Golf Digest recently naming it as the best value in the USA for golf and recognizing two of its courses as some of the best in the country.

Called America’s Best Golf Value: A Guide to The 22 Courses in Alabama’s Robert Trent Jones Trail