Brand USA Invites Global Travelers to Discover the Ultimate U.S. Golf Experience, Beyond the Greens

Published on April 2, 2025

The U.S. golf season kicks off in April, marking the beginning of two months of exhilarating major championship events for top male and female golfers on some of the most iconic courses across the country.

“The U.S. is a premier golfing destination, not just for seasoned veterans and budding amateurs, but also for those looking for activities surrounding a trip to the links — whether that’s enjoying local wine and culinary offerings, exploring nearby parks and natural wonders after a round of 18 holes, or simply fitting in some much-needed R&R at one of many golf resort spas around the country,” said Fred Dixon, president and CEO of Brand USA, the nation’s destination marketing organization.

As tradition dictates, the Masters Tournament will lead the charge in its 89th edition at Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia from April 10-13. It will be followed by the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow Golf Club in Charlotte, North Carolina, set for May 12-18. Rounding off the men’s major golf events in the U.S. is the U.S. Open Championship at Oakmont Country Club in Oakmont, Pennsylvania, taking place June 12-15.

For women’s golf, the major tournaments kick off with the Chevron Classic at the Club at Charlton Woods in The Woodlands, Texas, from April 24-27. Next up is the U.S. Women’s Open at Erin Hills Golf Course in Erin, Wisconsin, from May 29 to June 1, followed by the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship at Fields Ranch East at PGA Frisco in Texas, scheduled for June 19-22. After that, the tournaments will head overseas.

Although many of these prestigious events are hosted on private, members-only courses, there are plenty of public courses across the U.S. where golf enthusiasts can play and immerse themselves in the excitement of the season. Whether you’re seeking the timeless charm of historic courses or the luxury of family-friendly, all-inclusive golf resorts in diverse destinations, planning a golf getaway in the U.S. this year could be the perfect hole-in-one for your vacation.

Unforgettable Golf Courses to Visit Across the U.S.

Wherever your next golf getaway takes you in the U.S., chances are there’s a must-play course in the area that will enhance your trip.

Northeast

In the Northeast, Bethpage State Park Golf Course stands as one of the most iconic and challenging courses in the nation. Situated in Farmingdale on Long Island, this public course is home to five regulation 18-hole layouts, including the world-famous Black Course. Bethpage has hosted prestigious events such as the U.S. Open, the Barclays, and the PGA Championship, and it’s set to welcome the 2025 Ryder Cup from September 25-28. Known for its formidable design and rich history, Bethpage also offers great value, with an 18-hole round priced at under $100.

For golf enthusiasts near Philadelphia, a visit to Morgan Hill Golf Course in Easton, Pennsylvania, is highly recommended. Alternatively, head west to Skytop Lodge Golf Resort in the Pocono Mountains, where you can enjoy stunning lakeside views and explore hiking trails. If you’re in New England, don’t miss the opportunity to play at the picturesque Sunday River Golf Club in Newry, Maine, nestled in the Appalachian Mountains. Other notable courses include George Wright Golf Course in Boston and the Omni Mount Washington Hotel & Resort in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire.

Among the region’s top private clubs are Sleepy Hollow Country Club in Briarcliff Manor, Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, and Oak Hill Country Club in Rochester, New York. New Jersey is home to the Trump National Golf Courses in Bedminster and Colts Neck, as well as the renowned Pine Valley Golf Club. Connecticut boasts premier courses like the Stanwich Club in Greenwich, Yale Golf Course in New Haven, and the Country Club of Fairfield, while Vermont’s Ekwanok Country Club in Manchester and Eastward Ho! Club in Chatham, Massachusetts, are also exceptional private options.

Southeast

Florida, often hailed as the “Golf Capital of the World,” is an essential stop on any golf tour across the U.S. With over 1,200 golf courses, the Sunshine State has the largest collection of courses in the country. Some top public courses include TPC Sawgrass: Stadium in Ponte Vedra Beach, known for its iconic 17th hole, the “Island Green,” Streamsong Resort with its Red, Blue, and Black courses in Bowling Green, the Blue Monster Course at Trump National Doral Miami, and Old Corkscrew Golf Club in Estero.

In North Carolina, Tobacco Road Golf Club in Lee County, designed by Mike Stranz, offers an exciting course with sandy vistas and blind shots on what was once a tobacco farm. Georgia’s Jekyll Island Golf Club boasts three 18-hole courses and the historic Great Dunes, which dates back to 1910. Mossy Oak Golf Club in West Point, Mississippi, is celebrated for its minimalist design by Gil Hanse that blends seamlessly with the natural landscape. In Texas, the Rawls Course in Lubbock, home to the Texas Tech golf teams, is a challenging NCAA championship course.

Among the region’s prestigious private clubs are Florida’s Calusa Pines in Naples and Trump National Golf Course in Jupiter; South Carolina’s Kiawah Island and Yeaman’s Hall in Hanahan; Tennessee’s Honors Course in Ooltewah and Holston Hills in Knoxville; and Alotian Golf Club in Roland, Arkansas.

Midwest

Wisconsin stands out as a prime golfing destination in the Midwest, home to world-class courses like Whistling Straits and Erin Hills, both former major championship venues. Sand Valley Golf Resort, set in central Wisconsin’s rolling hills, and Blackwolf Run in Kohler, with its strategic holes along the Sheboygan River, are also must-play spots. SentryWorld Golf Club, known for incorporating vibrant flower beds as hazards, adds to the state’s appeal.

In Minnesota, Giants Ridge Golf & Ski Resort, located three hours from Minneapolis in Biwabik, features the Quarry and Legend courses. Illinois offers TPC Deere Run, an award-winning course between the Mississippi and Rock Rivers in the Quad Cities. Indiana’s French Lick Resort offers three distinct courses: the Pete Dye Course, the Donald Ross Course, and the Valley Links Course, each featuring dramatic elevations and memorable layouts.

Top private clubs in the Midwest include TPC Twin Cities in Blaine, Minnesota, Muirfield Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio (home to the Memorial Tournament), and Olympia Fields Country Club in suburban Chicago.

Western U.S.

California is home to some of the most renowned golf courses, set against stunning backdrops. Pebble Beach, located on the Monterey Bay Peninsula near Carmel, offers some of the most scenic and iconic courses in the world. Public courses in and around Pebble Beach include Pebble Beach Golf Links, Links at Spanish Bay, Spyglass Hill, Peter Hay Golf Course, and Poppy Hills. Notable private clubs in the area include Cypress Point Club and Monterey Peninsula Country Club’s Dunes and Shore courses, along with Del Monte Golf Course.

Other top public courses in California include Torrey Pines Golf Course in La Jolla, Rams Hill Golf Club in Borrego Springs, and Singing Hills Golf Resort at Sycuan in El Cajon. For a unique experience, Napa Valley’s Silverado Resort & Spa also offers exceptional golfing opportunities.

In the Pacific Northwest, Oregon’s Bandon Dunes Golf Resort is renowned for its five 18-hole courses and two par-3 layouts, all set along the rugged coastline. Washington’s Gamble Sands, located in Brewster, is another standout, offering breathtaking views of the coastline and surrounding high desert.

In the Southwest, Arizona’s Sedona Golf Resort and Ventana Canyon Golf and Racquet Club in Tucson are top-tier championship courses, while Nevada’s Rio Secco Golf Club in Henderson, near Las Vegas, rounds out the region’s finest golfing destinations.

U.S. Territories

Puerto Rico offers some of the best golf experiences in the Caribbean, featuring highly rated courses like Bahia Beach Resort & Golf Club, the River and Ocean courses at Wyndham Rio Mar Beach Resort, the Royal Isabela, and the Championship course at Grand Reserve Island. Golf enthusiasts can also explore Dorado Beach East Golf Club, part of the TPC network, along with El Conquistador and the Flamboyan course at Palmas del Mar Golf Club.

In the U.S. Virgin Islands, golfers can enjoy notable courses such as the Carambola Golf Course, the Reef Golf Course, and the Buccaneer Golf Course, all located on St. Croix.

New Golf Courses in 2025

A number of exciting new golf courses are opening across the U.S. in 2025, offering fresh challenges and beautiful fairways for players to explore.

Cabot Citrus Farms in Brooksville, Florida, unveiled two new 18-hole courses, Karoo and Roost, in January, bringing the resort’s total to four courses.

Northern Michigan will debut The Dozen at Arcadia Bluffs on July 1. This 12-hole course will feature two 6-hole loops, The North and The South, each consisting of three par 3’s and three par 4’s. The course will also include guest cottages, a practice facility, and a clubhouse.

In the summer, Cliffhangers at Big Cedar Lodge will add a new 18-hole, par-3 course to the five-course property. This unique course, designed by Tiger Woods’ team, will feature holes ranging from 60 to 165 yards and offer breathtaking views of the Ozark Mountains and waterfalls.

Scarecrow at Gamble Sands in Washington, set to open in August, will be the third course at the property, joining the Sands course and QuickSands, a par-3, 14-hole layout. Scarecrow will provide an additional 18 holes designed as a “sibling” to the original Sands course.

Launching on September 8, The Keep at McLemore Resort in northwest Georgia will offer dramatic cliffside holes with sweeping valley views. This 18-hole course will cater to guests staying at the new Cloudland hotel, part of the Curio Collection by Hilton.

In Colorado, the Bella Ridge Golf course will open later this summer on what was once a family dairy farm. Designed by Art Schaupeter, this new 18-hole course will be the first new golf course in Colorado in three years and aims to become a lively social hub for locals and visitors alike.

Golf-Adjacent Experiences

A golf vacation is not just about the game—it’s also about enjoying the other attractions and experiences that the destination has to offer.

Wine Country

Whether you’re enjoying a round at Pebble Beach on the California coast or taking a weekend trip to Oregon’s Willamette Valley after a round at Bandon Dunes, many golf destinations are located near some of the country’s best wine regions.

In Northern California, golfers in Pebble Beach or Lake Tahoe can easily venture to nearby wine regions like Napa Valley, Sonoma County, and Mendocino. A drive south along the Pacific Coast Highway offers access to the Central Coast wine region, stretching from San Francisco to Santa Barbara, including San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles, and Santa Cruz counties, where varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Zinfandel thrive.

In Washington State, golfers visiting Gamble Sands can explore the Yakima Valley, Tri-Cities, and Walla Walla Valley—regions known for producing Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah. Oregon’s Willamette Valley, often dubbed the “Burgundy of the U.S.,” is famous for Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Riesling, and Chardonnay, along with Southern Oregon’s wine regions and Columbia Gorge.

New York’s Finger Lakes region is celebrated for Riesling, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Franc, while the Hudson River Valley also produces Pinot Noir and similar varietals. Long Island is known for Bordeaux-style blends and Sauvignon Blanc. The state features multiple wine trails, including the Upper Hudson Wine Trail, Lake Erie Wine Country, Niagara Wine Trail, and Long Island Wine Country.

In Virginia, regions like the Blue Ridge, Chesapeake Bay, and Hampton Roads are known for producing Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Vidal Blanc, and Viognier. And in Texas, the rapidly growing Texas Hill Country wine region has become a notable destination, especially near Austin and San Antonio, contributing to Texas’ rise as the fifth-largest wine-producing state.

Bourbon & Whiskey Trails

For those looking to add a spirited adventure to their golf trip, consider exploring the Bourbon and Whiskey trails across the U.S. States like Kentucky, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia offer rich histories in distilleries, bars, and museums dedicated to these iconic beverages.

The Kentucky Bourbon Trail is a must for any connoisseur, highlighting 46 distilleries across the state where visitors can enjoy tastings and tours. Similarly, the American Whiskey Trail celebrates the history and cultural significance of whiskey in the U.S., with a focus on Tennessee and Kentucky. Other states, including Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Utah, also boast significant ties to whiskey production and are well worth exploring.

Spa & Wellness

Many golf resorts offer spa and wellness services tailored to helping guests relax and rejuvenate. Some resorts go a step further by specializing in wellness experiences designed for golfers and their guests.

In California, the Pebble Beach Resorts stand out as some of the best-known spa-oriented golf resorts, with properties like the Inn at Spanish Bay and Spyglass Hill offering luxurious treatments. Hawaii’s stunning landscapes make it an ideal destination for combining golf with wellness, and the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai on the Big Island is an excellent choice for those looking to unwind. Other notable golf and spa resorts include Big Cedar Lodge in Ridgewood, Missouri, Torrey Pines in La Jolla, and Kiawah Island Golf Resort in South Carolina.

Adventure & Relaxation

Many golf courses are located near national and state parks, offering the perfect balance of golf and outdoor adventure. Some courses are even nestled within these parks, like Bethpage State Park in New York and Torrey Pines in California, making it easy to explore the surrounding natural beauty.

For a true adventure, Sand Hollow Resort in Utah is located next to Sand Hollow State Park, where guests can ride off-road vehicles across stunning sand dunes. Nearby Zion National Park offers incredible hiking opportunities with breathtaking views of The Narrows and the famous Angels Landing trail.

Coastal golf resorts in California, South Carolina, and Florida provide beachside relaxation, while courses in Colorado offer unparalleled hiking experiences with the Rocky Mountains as a dramatic backdrop. For those who enjoy water activities, lakeside golf destinations like Arcadia Bluffs in Michigan, Whistling Straits in Wisconsin, and Edgewood Tahoe in California offer boating, fishing, and kayaking along with world-class golf.

Ways to Save

Golf trips can quickly become expensive, especially when traveling with friends and family. However, there are several ways to save money while still enjoying an exceptional experience.

Traveling during the shoulder season—typically April or May, and September or October—can help reduce costs, as prices tend to drop outside of peak season. These months also offer favorable weather and ideal playing conditions.

Choosing the right tee time is another way to save. Many courses offer varying rates depending on the time of day, the day of the week, and the season. Twilight rates, which are typically later in the afternoon or evening, are often less expensive than playing during peak hours. Midweek tee times are also usually cheaper compared to weekends, which are in higher demand, and avoiding holidays can help you avoid inflated prices.

Look for courses that offer discounts for booking multiple rounds or providing free replays after your first round. Some resorts also offer unlimited golf during certain periods, providing a great way to maximize your value.

Booking your golf trip in advance can often lead to better prices on flights, hotels, and other activities. Additionally, consider staying outside of busy city centers to find more affordable accommodation options, as rates can be significantly lower compared to staying in high-demand areas.