Ranked: GOLF’s Top 20 Courses In America

02.11.2023 - 10:07 / forbes.com

GOLF Magazine is the leading industry publication as the ultimate destination for everything golf. Each year, the publication reveals its Top 100 Golf Courses in the World, and this year, the Top 20 in America are what I am focusing on. According to GOLF, “Historically, an average of 54 U.S. courses make the list. This year, that number dips to 49. Still, the best of American golf remains difficult to beat, holding down 10 of the list’s top 15 spots and 29 of the top 50.”

GOLF’s 119-person panel and its Architecture Editor Ran Morrissett compiled the exhaustive list, and he explained how the top courses remain steadfast. “Of the Top 20 American courses in the 2023 world rank, there was very little movement from the 2021 world rank. Indeed, the top six didn’t budge a single spot. Essentially, a general consensus seems to have been formed that these elite courses are the perfect blend of strategy, course presentation, and aesthetics. Most impressive is the diversity found within them, from the cliffs of California to the prairie in America’s heartland to some of our parkland gems, it is indeed America the Beautiful.”

*Number one course in the world and in America.

The ultra-exclusive Pine Valley Golf Club is known as one of the most difficult in the world. The New Jersey club only allowed men as members until 2021; previously, women were only allowed on Sunday afternoons. The board of directors reaches out to potential members for the private club and is closed to application.

*Number 2 course in the world and in America

With only a few hundred members, many of whom are prominent political figures, this is one of the world’s most desired clubs. The stunning location is a major selling point as players golf along the Pacific Ocean. Fees are determined by yearly running costs, which are divided up between the members regardless of how often you use the club.

*Number 4 course in the world

Shinnecock has hosted the US Open multiple times. The only way you can play at Southampton, New York’s Shinnecock Hills, is if a member accompanies you, and good luck getting a tee time, which can be months in advance. The green fee is $350 per round, and you must hire a caddy since walking is mandatory.

*Number 5 course in the world

A popular club for Wall Street tycoons, the invitation-only club is located on 285 acres of shoreline along Southampton, New York’s Peconic Bay. Developed by famed architect Charles Blair Macdonald, this course is known as one of the most perfect courses in the world. Initiation is $150,000 plus $10,000 dues, and guests can only play with members.

*Number 8 course in the world

Oakmont Country Club is one of the oldest golf clubs in the country and has hosted more combined USGA and PGA