Scotland’s winds and scenic mountains. The seaside views in Monterey. Las Vegas nightlife. Desserts in Arizona. If you’re planning a golf excursion, you might have a tough decision narrowing down just one course. Some golfers pick courses based on proximity to other activities, budget, accommodations and area attractions. While others pick course select courses for degree of difficulty.
Here are a few of the top golf destinations around the world:
Top Golf Course Destinations
Kohler, Wisconsin – (Close Proximity to Other Courses, Affordable)
Kohler has 6 courses that are about 1-hour apart. Most of the golf courses are public courses.
Courses include:
- Black Wolf Run Golf Course: 18-holes on 6,991 yards par 72 (Public)
- Whistling Straits Golf Course: 19-holes on 7,201 yards, par 72 (Public)
- Pound Ridge Golf Club: 18-holes on 7,171 yards, par 72 (Public)
- Erin Hills Golf Course: 18-holes on 7,945 yards, par 72 (Public)
- The Bull at Pinehurst Farms Golf Course: 18-holes on 7,338 yards, par 72 (Public)
Scottsdale, AZ – (Well-Known, Great After-Hours Scene)
Scottsdale is visited by both golf and baseball pros. And, with several high-end golf courses the pros enjoy, it doesn’t disappoint. There’s a lively after-hours scene for those that want to get out. Note: During the day, summer temperatures can exceed 100-degrees. Some courses offer discounted golf.
Courses include:
- AK-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club: 18-holes on 7,243 yards, par 72 (Public)
- The Boulders Resort Golf Club: 18-holes on 6,291 yards, par 72 (Public)
- TPC Scottsdale Champions Golf Course: 18-holes on 7,235 yards, par 71 (Public)
- Troon North Golf Club: 18-holes on 7,025 yards, par 72 (Public)
- We-Ko-Pa (Cholla) Golf Club: 18-holes on 7.225 yards, par 72 (Public)
- We-Ko-Pa (Saguaro) Golf Club: 18-holes on 6,912 yards, par 71 (Public)
Monterey, California – (Seaside, Pebble Beach)
Known for the popular Pebble Beach Golf Course, Monterey is scenic with a picturesque seaside backdrop. It’s located along the Big Sur coastline and is one of the most iconic locations in the world. With towering dunes and white sandy beaches, the area doesn’t disappoint. You’ll find about 20 professional golf courses here including the renowned Pebble Beach which has been in Golf Magazine’s Top 100 Courses in the World. the U.S.. Courses are all in close proximity to one another.
Playing the course is an experience like none other, but if you can’t swing the green fee, Pacific Grove Golf Links is an affordable option that will still give you stunning coastal scenery. The layout mimics the seaside courses of the British Isles as closely as any course you’ll find in the U.S.
Courses include:
- Bayonet/Black Horse Golf Course: 18-holes on 7,158 yards, par 72 (Municipal)
- Cypress Point Club: 18-holes on 6,536 yards, par 72 (Private)
- Monterey Peninsula Country Club: 18-holes on 6,361 yards, par 71 (Private)
- Pacific Grove Golf Course: 18-holes on 5,732 yards, par 70 (Municipal)
- Pebble Beach Golf Course: 18-holes on 6,828 yards, par 72 (Public)
- Spanish Bay Golf Course: 18-holes on 6,820 yards, par 72 (Public)
- Spyglass Hill Golf Course: 18-holes on 6,862 yards, par 72 (Public)
Robert Trent Jones Trail, Alabama – (Affordable Rates)
If you’re a golfer that want to enjoy a leisurely day playing 36 holes or 54, you’ll enjoy the famous RTJ trail. Courses are affordable at about $60 and there are several travel package deals you can explore. With 26 different courses in 11 locations, you might not have time for all of them. Note: It’s about 1-2 hours between courses.
Course include:
- Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Grand National – The Lake Golf Course: 18-holes on 6,488 yards, par 72 (Public)
- Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at the Capitol Hill, The Judge Golf Course: 18-holes on 7,794 yards, par 72 (Public)
- Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Ross Bridge: 18-holes on 8,191 yards, par 72 (Public)
Las Vegas, Nevada – (Casinos, Caters to High-Rollers, Nightlife)
Las Vegas is a popular destination with golfers. Aside from golf, there are plenty of attractions like shows, casinos, nightlife, dining and spas. You’ll also find a variety of course types that can range in price from $40 to $400 or higher.
Courses include:
- Cascata: 18-holes on 7,137 yards, par 72 (Public)
- Chimera Golf Club: 18-holes on 6,906 yards, par 72 (Public)
- Shadow Creek:Golf Club: 18-holes on 7,560 yards, par 72 (Public)
- TPC Las Vegas: 18-holes on 7,243 yards, par 72 (Private)
- Wolf Creek Golf Club: 18-holes on 7,018 yards, par 72 (Public)
Coeur D’Alene, Idaho – (Family Oriented, Floating Green)
Coeur D’Alene is a quaint town with a lot of fun activities. It’s a family-oriented area and there are plenty of activities like water sports, boats and seaside restaurants. Coeur D’Alene Resort Course has a movable green that floats. The course provides golfers with a certificate verifying their scores.
Private courses include:
- Black Rock Golf Club: 18-holes on 7,130 yards, par 72 (Private)
- Circling Raven Golf Club: 18-holes on 7,189 yards, par 72 (Public)
- Coeur D’Alene Golf Club: 18-holes on 6,309 yards, par 71 (Public)
- Gozzer Ranch Golf and Lake Club: 18-holes on 7,143 yards, par 72 (Private)
- The Club at Rock Creek: 18-holes on 7,300 yards, par 72 (Private)
Pinehurst, North Carolina
“There’s something about Pinehurst that tops even the position which it naturally occupies as the St. Andrews of American golf. And that is the people you find there, play golf with, and exchange reminiscences with…who always make you feel happily at home.” Bobby Jones
Pinehurst is well-known and beloved by golfers. Courses also rank high on the Top 100 Golf Courses. With rolling hills and an abundance of full pine trees, it offers spectacular views and amazing sunrises and sunsets. Courses include a unique North Carolina appeal but you’ll also find Bent and Bermuda greens here.
Pinehurst has 19 different courses and a total of 21 courses nearby that are about 20-miles from Pinehurst.
Courses include:
- 7 Lakes Golf Club: 18-holes on 6,927 yards, par 72 (Public)
- Anderson Creek: 18-holes on 7,180 yards, par 72 (Public)
- Country Club of Whispering Pines: 18-holes on 7,138 yards, par 72 (Public)
- Foxfire Golf Course and Resort: 18-holes on 6,834 yards, par 72 (Public)
- Hyland Golf Club: 18-holes on 6,834 yards, par 72 (Public)
- Legacy Golf Links: 18-holes on 7,019 yards, par 72 (Public)
- Little River Golf Resort: 18-holes on 6,901 yards, par 72 (Public)
- Longleaf Golf and Country Club: 18-holes on 6,600 yards, par 71 (Public)
- Mid-South Golf Course: 18-holes on 6,577 yards, par 72 (Public)
- Pinehurst Resorts: 18-holes on 6,128 yards, par 70 (Public)
- Pinehurst Resorts #2: 18-holes on 7,588 yards, par 70 (Public)
- Pinehurst Resorts #3: 18-holes on 5,662 yards, par 70 (Public)
- Pinehurst Resorts #4: 18-holes on 6,287 yards, par 72 (Public)
- Pinehurst Resorts #5: 18-holes on 6,827 yards, par 72 (Public)
- Pinehurst Resorts Cradle Course: 9-holes, par 27 (Public)
- Pinehurst Resorts #7: 18-holes on 7,125 yards, par 72 (Public)
- Pinewild Country Club: 9-holes on 1,376 yards, par 27 (Public)
- Southern Pines Golf Club: 18-holes on 5,701 yards, par 71 (Public)
- Talamore Golf Club: 18-holes on 6,840 yards, par 71 (Public)
Courses a bit further away:
- Dormie Club: 18-holes on 6,998 yards, par 71 (Public)
- Mid Pines Inn and Golf Club: 18-holes on 6,515 yards, par 72 (Public)
- Pine Needles Lodge and Golf Club: 18-holes on 7,015 yards, par 71 (Public)
- Tobacco Road Golf Course: 18-holes on 6,554 yards, par 71 (Public)
Tip: If you want to play Pinehurst No. 2 golf course, buy a stay and play package through the Pinehurst Resort.
Bandon Dunes, Oregon
The Bandon Dunes Golf Resort is a favorite with golfers. There are 4 championship level courses here. There are also 15 of the top courses open to the public here. Note: Bandon has several deals to look out for. The 2nd golf game is usually 50% off while the third is free and the course pays you $100 to play a fourth game. The putting green is 100,000-square feet.
Courses include:
- Bandon Dunes Golf Resort: 18-holes on 6,788 yards, par 71 (Public)
- Bandon Trails: 18-holes on 6,765 yards, par 71 (Public)
- Old MacDonald Golf Course: 18-holes on 6,994 yards, par 71 (Public)
- Pacific Dunes Golf Course: 18-holes on 6,633 yards, par 71 (Public)
- The Preserve Golf Club: 18-holes on 7,000 yards, par 72 (Public)
- The Sheep Ranch Golf Course: 18-holes on 7,000 yards, par 71 (Public)
Enter the Swing King $100,000 “Hole in One” Golf Contest
Ready to sign up for your chance at $100,000? If you’ve heard about the HIO Contest or saw an ad for the Swing King Contest, here’s all you need to know. Maybe you’ve got what it takes to become the next Swing King. Well, now’s your chance.
The “Hole in One” contest is an ongoing contest that’s powered by the “Swing King” system. See the Official Terms and Conditions here.
You Can Enter Now for Your Chance at Up to $100,000
Your entry into the Hole in One contest makes you eligible for the following prizes:
- A $5 entry fee for up to a $10,000 prize
- A $10 entry fee for up to a $20,000 prize
- A $20 entry fee for up to a $50,000 prize
- A $40 entry fee for up to a $100,000 prize
There have been 90 winners already. See videos of winners and their winning shots here.
How to Sign Up for the Swing King Contest
The contest is offered at Chimera Golf Course and the rules are simple. Once you book a tee time through the Chimera Golf Course website, you will be redirected to a link for Swing Kings where you can enter the contest.
Good luck!
About Chimera Golf Course
Chimera Golf Course is located in Henderson, Nevada. Designed by Ted Robinson, Jr. in 2003, it sits on 6,906 yards. With forgiving fairways in a playable desert landscape, it offers challenges from any tee. Players can enjoy other activities that include foot golf, golfboards and a bite to eat at Slice 19. With unparalleled views of the Las Vegas Strip, book your next tee time at Chimera Golf Club today!
