The Top 10 U.S. Golf Destinations For 2026 According to Players
More than 12 million people will travel to play golf this year. How are they deciding where to go? Driven by the chance to experience a course they haven’t yet played and immerse themselves in scenic or unique landscapes, golfers travel.
Here’s where experts and players alike think golfers should go in 2026.
How Was This List Made?
USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards are comprised of destinations nominated by a panel of experts and then voted on by the general public. These 10 places received the most votes for best U.S. golf destination.
Where will you tee off next?
10. Pinehurst and Surrounding Areas (North Carolina)
Pinehurst, Southern Pines, and Aberdeen are often called the “Home of American Golf.” With nearly 40 courses in the area, including the legendary Pinehurst No. 2, this destination was the home of Donald Ross, one of golf’s most notable course architects. Beyond golf, visitors can enjoy small-town hospitality, local dining, and luxurious spa experiences.
From humble beginnings as a pasture to one of the premier golf courses in the country, Pinehurst Resort is steeped in the sport’s history and tradition. Historians and golfers today celebrate Pinehurst Resort for its role in popularizing golf and providing blueprints for what a golf course should look like.
9. Myrtle Beach (South Carolina)
In Myrtle Beach, there is a golf course around every corner. This perennial South Carolina vacation destination has some of the best, unique, and most challenging golf courses in the United States. It has earned the title of the Golf Capital of the World and a spot on this award list.
“Golf is in our DNA. We do more than 3 million rounds here annually and are a year-round golf destination. There’s no other location in the world that has more golf courses per capita. Our history, the amount of golf played here, and the number of courses are what have earned Myrtle Beach the title of Golf Capital of the World,” explains Kyle Oland, Director of Marketing at Golf Tourism Solutions in Myrtle Beach.
8. Hilton Head (South Carolina)
With more than 23 golf courses, a Forbes Four-star hotel, and an ever-growing list of direct flights, it’s no wonder “the golf island” won a place on this list.
Spanning the southern third of Hilton Head Island and situated along 5,000 acres of oceanfront property, the only Forbes four-star hotel on Hilton Head Island, Sea Pines Resort, is a serene, luxurious retreat. Explore five miles of sandy beach shoreline and a 15-mile network of manicured paths, and the newly reopened upgraded Harbour Town Golf Links.
7. French Lick (Indiana)
French Lick Resort has four distinct golf courses – the Pete Dye Course, the Donald Ross Course, the Valley Links Course, and the state’s newest course, Sand Creek. They all offer dramatic elevation, memorable holes, and clever layouts. Sand Creek, a short course, can be played in approximately 75 minutes.
French Lick Resort, less than a half-day’s journey from most Midwestern cities, is the perfect family-friendly road trip golf getaway.
6. Gulf Shores and Orange Beach (Alabama)
There’s a place in America with 32 miles of white sand beaches along the Gulf of Mexico and 20 miles of golf. It’s not a mirage; it is Alabama’s Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Spend the morning avoiding white sand bunkers and the afternoon sinking into the tranquility of white sand beaches and blue-green waters.
In a recent survey of golfers, The Gulf Coast’s courses landed in the 10th spot of U.S. destinations players want to visit. The Gulf Shores have five out of the Top 20 Public Golf Courses in Alabama, the 22nd Friendliest Golf Course in the U.S., and the No. 10 Public Golf Course for off-course amenities. And two of the state’s highest-rated courses by everyday players are in Gulf Shores. So what are you waiting for?
5. Petoskey Area (Michigan)
This corner of Northern Michigan, with small towns, waterfront communities, and million-dollar sunsets, is also the heart of the Midwest’s all-season resorts, including one of the largest golf resort destinations in North America: Boyne.
It is home to multiple resorts that offer 11 courses, many designed by renowned architects such as Robert Trent Jones Sr., Donald Ross, and Arthur Hills. Golf is so varied and vast, and the accommodation is so unique that each trip is an entirely new experience. It’s why golfers come back again and again.
4. ‘Golf Coast’ (Mississippi)
Coastal Mississippi, known for southern charm, delicious food, beautiful beaches, and affordability, is also becoming a premier golf destination, with nearly 20 top-tier, year-round courses. Legendary course designers Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Davis Love III, Mark McCumber, and Jerry Pat all have sculpted greens here.
No wonder the area is affectionately known as Golf Coast.
3. Lake of The Ozarks (Missouri)
The Lake of the Ozarks in central Missouri believes its courses and golf trail are way above par. And it looks like players and USA Today 10Best voters agree. Also voted The Midwest’s Best Golf Trail by AAA Midwest Traveler, these scenic courses are set waterfront and among the region’s rolling Ozark Hills. Arnold Palmer, Robert Trent Jones, Sr., Tom Weiskopf, Bruce Devlin, and Robert Von Hagge challenges await.
Beyond golf, the region has numerous lakeside resorts, over 200 restaurants, and endless activities on “The Best Recreational Lake in the Nation.”
2. St. George and Greater Zion (Utah)
Located in the southwest corner of Utah, Greater Zion is a destination that offers more than
2,400 square miles of adventure and inspiration, including golf. With 12 world-class greens against red rock cliffs, coral sand dunes, and black lava rocks, you’ll find a once-in-a-lifetime experience. No wonder six Greater Zion courses are on Utah’s list of top courses on its “2019 Best Courses You Can Play.”
Don’t miss Soldier Hollow Golf Course’s Gold Course, named best in the state by recreational golfers’ reviews.
1. Upper Peninsula (Michigan)
Stunning beauty, available tee times, affordable green fees, 50 public courses, and a variety of challenges for players of all types—what more can you ask for in a golf destination?
“Our clubhouses are welcoming, the staff is top-notch, and you’ll find everything from expert instruction to mouthwatering meals and refreshing drinks,” said Tom Nemacheck, executive director of the Upper Peninsula Travel and Recreation Association. “Add in the variety of nearby lodging — from cozy forest cabins to upscale hotels — and you have the full package.”
What truly sets Upper Peninsula golf apart, Nemacheck said, is the harmony between play and place. “Every round comes with views you can’t find anywhere else — brilliant fall foliage, lush summer greens, and the serenity of the Northwoods. It’s golf the way it was meant to be.”
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There are so many Myrtle Beach golf courses that it can be overwhelming to choose which to play. As a D1 collegiate golfer, I’ve played nearly 75 courses in my life. This list includes my picks of the best Myrtle Beach golf courses.
Each course was picked for a design with the landscape in mind, technical challenges, and stunning views.From light courses that are inexpensive and fun to enjoy to more demanding tracks that will test even the best players, there’s sure to be something on this list for you.
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