Widely considered the greatest public course in America, Pebble Beach hugs the rugged coastline of Carmel Bay, featuring iconic holes like the par-3 7th and the dramatic 18th along the Pacific. To play here, you generally need to be a guest of the resort, so stay at The Lodge at Pebble Beach, where you can wake up to views of the 18th green and enjoy a post-round drink at the famous Tap Room.

Located on the remote, windswept coast of Southern Oregon, Pacific Dunes is a Tom Doak design that feels like a trip to the moon—or the wildest parts of Scotland. It features massive natural blow-out bunkers and 60-foot dunes. For the full “golf immersion” experience, stay on-property at the The Lodge at Bandon Dunes, which overlooks the 18th green of the original course and focuses entirely on the camaraderie of the game.

Host of the 1991 Ryder Cup (the “War on the Shore”), this Pete Dye creation is legendary for its difficulty and the unpredictable Atlantic winds that sweep across every hole. Ten holes run directly along the ocean. To recover from the challenge, stay at The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, a five-star oceanfront hotel designed to feel like a grand Southern seaside mansion.

Once the most exclusive and expensive course in the world, Shadow Creek is a miracle of engineering—a lush, pine-filled forest built in the middle of the Nevada desert. It is a private oasis with a “limitless” feel. To secure a tee time, you must stay at an MGM property, and the Skylofts at MGM Grand provide the ultimate high-roller experience, including a private limousine to take you to the course.

The annual home of the PGA Tour’s season opener, the Plantation Course is built on a massive scale with wide fairways and huge elevation changes overlooking the Pacific and the island of Molokai. It is famous for its long, downhill par-5s. Stay on-site at The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, which offers a secluded, tropical luxury experience and a shuttle that whisks you straight to the first tee.

The “Cradle of American Golf,” No. 2 is Donald Ross’s masterpiece, famous for its diabolical “inverted saucer” greens that repel anything but a perfect approach. It is a pure test of nerves and short-game creativity. The quintessential place to stay is The Carolina Hotel, known as the “Queen of the South,” which offers grand Southern hospitality and a short shuttle ride to the historic clubhouse.

Home to “The Players Championship,” this Pete Dye design is famous for the 17th-hole island green, which has sunk more professional dreams than perhaps any other hole in golf. It is a technical, strategic, and often punishing layout. You should stay at the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa, which provides exclusive access to the course and a massive pool complex to help you cool off after tackling the “Island Green.”

Built on a former military airfield along two miles of Lake Michigan, The Straits features over 1,000 bunkers and a rugged, walking-only terrain that mimics the Irish coast. It was the site of the 2021 Ryder Cup. For a world-class luxury experience, stay at The American Club in nearby Kohler, a Tudor-style historic hotel that is the only Forbes Five-Star resort in the Midwest.

Famous for the sign at the first tee warning that it is “an extremely difficult course recommended only for highly skilled golfers,” the Black is a brutal, hilly, and beautifully conditioned public masterpiece. Since it is located on Long Island, the best nearby luxury stay is The Garden City Hotel, a historic landmark that has hosted world leaders and offers a refined escape from the grueling fairways.

Known for its narrow fairways, small greens, and the iconic red-and-white lighthouse on the 18th hole, Harbour Town is a Pete Dye/Jack Nicklaus collaboration that rewards precision over power. It is a favorite among PGA Tour pros. The ideal stay is The Inn & Club at Harbour Town, a boutique 5-star hotel located right in the heart of Sea Pines Resort, offering 24-hour butler service and views of the first tee.

Yes, you’ll definitely want a hire car for American golf holidays outside of all-inclusive resort stays. The distances between courses, hotels and restaurants make driving essential, and public transport doesn’t serve golf destinations effectively. American roads are straightforward to navigate, with clear signage and generally relaxed driving compared to British motorways. Automatic transmission is standard, which most find easier. Petrol costs remain relatively low compared to the UK.

Florida delivers its best golf weather from mid-November through April, when you’ll enjoy temperatures between 22 and 28 degrees Celsius with low humidity and minimal rain. January through March represents peak season with the most reliable conditions but higher prices. November and April offer excellent value with only marginally less perfect weather. Arizona and Palm Springs peak from January to April, providing mid-20s temperatures and clear skies that are virtually guaranteed.

Absolutely, and this is one of America’s strengths as a golf destination. Florida resorts typically sit near beaches, theme parks and shopping centres that provide endless entertainment for non-golfers. Arizona offers spa facilities that rank among the world’s best, plus hiking and cultural experiences in Scottsdale and Sedona. California combines golf with wine tasting, coastal exploration and city experiences in San Diego or Los Angeles.

For bucket list experiences, Pinehurst No. 2 in North Carolina remains essential, offering a classic American design that’s surprisingly walkable. TPC Sawgrass in Florida lets you play the famous 17th island green, whilst Torrey Pines in California provides stunning Pacific views and a US Open pedigree. In Arizona, Troon North‘s Monument Course delivers dramatic desert golf that photographs brilliantly. Streamsong in central Florida offers modern designs that rival anything globally.