Where to Find the Best Golf Courses in the U.S.

Almost every golfer has their favorite local course. It’s the place where you perfect your swing — then hit the 19th hole with your buddies. But at some point, you might be tempted to stray from your home course and try someplace new.

Ready to be a golf tourist? Check out these cities for some of the best golf courses in the country. You might end up finding a new fave!

• Las Vegas, NV

  Las Vegas may be known as a gambler’s paradise, but Sin City is a hot spot for golf, too. With over 50 courses within a 40-minute drive of the Strip, you and your golf compatriots will have plenty of links to choose from.

  Top Pick: The legendary Angel Park Golf Course has been a Vegas icon for 30 years, with two courses designed by Arnold Palmer. And it’s located at almost 3,000 feet in elevation, with spectacular views of Red Rock Canyon and the Las Vegas Valley. It’s also one of the best golf courses after dark, with 9-Holes open for “golf under the lights.”

• Mesa, AZ

  No doubt, Mesa stands out as one of the premier golf locales in the Southwest. Think blue skies and year-round warm weather. And as for the game itself? You’ll find only the best courses designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr., Jack Nicklaus, and Pete Dye. Bonus: they’re all just a short drive from downtown Mesa.

  Top Pick: Want to test your golf game? The PGA tour-qualifying Superstition Springs Golf Course is one of Arizona’s most challenging courses. The par-72 course was designed by renowned golf architect Greg Nash. Even better, it’s just 25 minutes from Scottsdale, another of Arizona’s golf meccas. Two cities in one, maybe?

  Pro Tip: Arizona doesn’t “do” daylight savings so it gets light early. Schedule an early game, and you might be able to get in 36 holes before the day warms up.

• Myrtle Beach, SC

  Southern hospitality extends to the best golf courses in S.C. With almost 90 courses to choose from, you’re sure to find something that’s the right level… and price. Whether you want an elite experience or a budget game (or something in between), you’ll find it on the Grand Strand. And when you’re done with your clubs for the day, you still have the ocean, restaurants, shopping, and a laid-back nightlife.

  Top Pick: Grand Strand golfers are big fans of TPC Myrtle Beach. The deceptively challenging course has hosted everything from NCAA Division I championships to the Senior PGA Tour, and holds a 5-star rating from Golf Digest. And it’s also home to South Carolina’s wildlife – watch out for the native gators!

• New York, NY

  Golf in the Big Apple? NYC really does have something for everyone! There are some pretty outstanding open courses that you can get to via public transportation, a huge plus for anyone visiting the city. And whether you’re traveling solo or with a group, there’s no end to the post-golf activities.

  Top Pick: Van Cortlandt Park, affectionately known as “Vanny,” is the oldest public golf course in America. Its most recent remodels include new greens, new tee boxes, and spiffed-up bunkers. Holes 15-18 might leave you a little breathless – they were built on a former ski run. And c’mon, how cool is it to say you’ve golfed in the Bronx?

• San Diego, CA

  Some of the best golf courses in the country are located in warm, sunny SoCal. Local players and golf tourists alike hit the links 365 days a year. And if the prime golfing weather isn’t enough to lure you, check this out: San Diego has 72 golf courses in every setting from desert to mountain to ocean.

  Top Pick: It’s kinda pricey, but not many courses can beat Torrey Pines when it comes to golf history – it’s where Tiger won the U.S. Open on a broken leg. And the location is simply stunning, on cliffs overlooking the Pacific. Challenging greens, mild weather, ocean views… what’s not to love?

Choosing just one golf destination is challenging, but not as challenging as lugging your clubs all over the airport. But we’ve got you covered. LugLess will ship your golf clubs to your Airbnb, hotel, or even straight to the course. They’ll be waiting when you’re ready to tee off!