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The toughest courses in the U.S. according to your ratings and reviews.

Top 50 toughest golf courses in the U.S. according to your reviews

Top 50 toughest golf courses in the U.S. according to your reviews

We looked at our golfer ratings and reviews to see which courses are considered the most difficult in the US. View the top 50 and see what golfers are saying about these challenging rounds.


Goat Hill Park in California.

Matt Ginella's ladder of value golf courses in the U.S.

Matt Ginella's ladder of value golf courses in the U.S.

In golf, "value" is a relative term. Matt Ginella selects his favorite value courses in the U.S., from $10 in Hawaii to $150 at a major championship venue in New York.


Golf Advisor's Top 50 golf courses were determined by member ratings throughout 2017.

Golf Advisor's Top 50 U.S. Courses in 2017

Golf Advisor's Top 50 U.S. Courses in 2017

Golf Advisor's Top 50 courses in the U.S. according to everyday golfers like you. View the full list here.



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  • Akron's Firestone Country Club has likely hosted its last PGA Tour event for the foreseeable future. Golf courses and events we wish were still on TV

    Jason Scott Deegan

    Aug 06, 2018

    Courses and tournaments come and go on the PGA Tour. Jason Scott Deegan looks at some tournament courses and now defunct pro events he wishes were on TV today. more »

  • A plateau green surrounded by bunkers highlights the 12th hole at Atlantic City Country Club in Northfield, New Jersey. The 10 best northeastern U.S. golf destinations

    Tim Gavrich

    Aug 06, 2018

    The northeastern U.S., from Maine down through New Jersey and west to Pennsylvania and New York, is a summer and fall golf hotbed. Here are our favorite places to tee it up. more »

  • Gateway National is just five miles from downtown St. Louis, which makes for a pretty nice backdrop to the course. Spotlight on St. Louis, gateway city to great golf

    Mike Bailey

    Aug 03, 2018

    There's a lot to offer in St. Louis. Combining golf with barbecue, blues and the Cardinals is a great way to spend some time in the Gateway City. more »

  • Illinois's Blackstone Golf Club opened in 2006. Power Rankings: Indiana's Covered Bridge tops for July 2018

    Golf Advisor Staff

    Aug 03, 2018

    View the top-rated golf courses in the U.S. according to your ratings and reviews for the month of July. more »

  • Players will have the chance to drive the 11th green at Bellerive Country Club during the 100th PGA Championship. PGA Championship preview: Get to know Bellerive Country Club

    Bradley S. Klein

    Aug 02, 2018

    Our architecture expert Bradley S. Klein breaks down the 2018 PGA Championship host, Bellerive Country Club in St. Louis. more »

  • The putting green at the municipal Sandridge Golf Club in Vero Beach, where the author has spent many an early evening practicing his putting...for free. On municipal golf course putting greens: the practically-free, easy way to get into the game

    Tim Gavrich

    Aug 01, 2018

    One of golf's big barriers to entry is its perceived cost. But putting and, to a lesser extent, chipping are essentially free for anyone. more »

  • The scenic par-3 third hole might be the best hole at Trump International Golf Links Scotland. More controversy finds Donald Trump's Trump International Golf Links Scotland

    Jason Scott Deegan

    Jul 31, 2018

    Donald Trump's Trump International Golf Links Scotland has always been a controversial project. The latest news that the links is damaging protected dunes could have wide-ranging implications for ... more »

  • The Atunyote Course at Turning Stone Resort is designer Tom Fazio at his finest. Turning Stone's impressive courses, gaming, dining and events theater are a major draw

    Golf Advisor Staff

    Jul 31, 2018

    Turning Stone Resort Casino is celebrating its 25th anniversary this summer. There's endless entertainment with golf, gaming, dining, a world-class spa, a concert venue, indoor sports facilities and ... more »

  • Officials survey the damage caused from fire intentionally set at International Links Melreese Country Club in Miami. Arson latest sertback for International Links Melreese Country Club in Miami

    Mike Bailey

    Jul 30, 2018

    Popular public course in Miami can't catch a break. After soccer group proposes takeover of the property, arsonist damages $500 worth of property. more »

  • The par-5 17th at Bellerive Country Club plays just over 600 yards from the back tee, but some players in the PGA Championship will undoubtedly be able to reach the green in two. Spectator's guide to the 100th PGA Championship

    Mike Bailey

    Jul 30, 2018

    Spectators information and viewers guide for the 100th PGA Championship, golf in St. Louis and Bellerive Country Club. more »

  • The elevated 14th tee on the Hankins course at The Retreat & Links at Silvies Valley Ranch. The Links at Silvies Valley Ranch and The Loop at Forest Dunes offer reversible routings

    Jason Scott Deegan

    Jul 27, 2018

    American's first two full-length reversible golf courses opened within a span of 18 months - The Loop at Forest Dunes in 2016 and the Retreat & Links at Silvies Valley Ranch in 2017. Jason Scott ... more »

  • The Creek Club at Reynolds Lake Oconee, designed by Jim Engh, features some extreme greenside gathering slopes that reward indirect play. The 'string theory' of golf course architecture

    Tim Gavrich

    Jul 27, 2018

    This key element of golf course architecture has made a huge comeback in recent years. Here's why. more »

  • Bunkers are true hazards at Carnoustie, as Xander Schauffele encountered numerous times in the final round, including this awkward stance on the par-5 6th hole. Klein: Learning from links golf at its finest at Carnoustie

    Bradley S. Klein

    Jul 23, 2018

    Carnoustie wasn't just good theatre, it provided a "teachable moment" for all of us. Brad Klein has his takeaways from what we saw out of the links at The 147th Open. more »

  • Hole 8 on the Quarry nine at Bay Harbor. Boyne's golf empire in northern Michigan has never looked better

    Jason Scott Deegan

    Jul 23, 2018

    Boyne Mountain, Boyne Highlands and Bay Harbor anchor the golf scene in northern Michigan. They continue to set the standard for one of the Midwest's best golf destinations. more »

  • What Carnoustie lacks in scenery, seaside Montrose nearby makes up it for in spades. Trip report: Carnoustie's neighbors go easy on the eyes, light on the wallet

    Brandon Tucker

    Jul 22, 2018

    Carnoustie has an infamous reputation but its surrounding links showcase a different blend, full of scenery and value. Brandon Tucker reports on the links around Angus. more »

  • WinStar World Casino Resort and Golf Club in Thackerville, Okla., is giving away a VIP package to the 2018 World Golf Golf Championship it hosts in September. WinStar giving Golf Advisor readers a chance to be a VIP

    Golf Advisor Staff

    Jul 20, 2018

    Do you like the long ball? Your knowledge could win you a VIP experience at the Volvik World Long Drive Championship. more »

  • Reading greens may be the hardest part of putting The ethics and fairness of using greens guides to read putts

    Mike Bailey

    Jul 20, 2018

    Green reading guides sure make putting easier, but are they fair and will they be legal in 2019. We will find out in the next few months. more »

  • Come play the Ocean Course as part of Golf Advisor's upcoming Buddy Trip Captains experience at Kiawah Island Buddy Trip Captains scouting trip to Kiawah Island

    Brandon Tucker

    Jul 20, 2018

    If you're a leader of a buddy trip, you're probably on the lookout for destinations to discover alongside your group. Here's an opportunity to scout Kiawah Island Golf Resort in coastal South ... more »

  • Hole 8 on the Quarry nine at Bay Harbor. Buddy Trip Captains scouting trip to Boyne Resorts

    Jason Scott Deegan

    Jul 20, 2018

    Boyne Resorts is one of Michigan's premier stay-and-play destinations. If you're a buddy trip captain, you're invited on an exclusive scouting trip for your group! more »

  • The author and his grandkids take to the first tee at Bolduc Park Par 3. Why golf courses for kids are important to the game

    Bradley S. Klein

    Jul 20, 2018

    Many life-long golfers take up the game later in life. Introducing more kids to the game starts with greater availability of kid-oriented golf courses. more »

  • Grandstands, ubiquitous in championship golf (seen here at the Open Championship at Royal Troon in 2016), help narrow players' focus at critical points in the round. Why pro golf is easier than regular golf

    Tim Gavrich

    Jul 18, 2018

    Pro golfers play the game at an almost unimaginably high level. But it's also true that they have some baked-in advantages that us regular golfers don't. more »

  • Scotland's Carnoustie, aka "Carnasty", will host the 2018 Open Championship. Nicknames given to certain golf courses can be cruel or kind

    Jason Scott Deegan

    Jul 18, 2018

    Carnoustie, the site of The Open this week, has one of the most famous nicknames in golf - Carnasty. We dive deep to find more courses given unique nicknames. more »

  • The 17th at Mohegan Sun is a great example of how architect Robert O'Neil improved on an already solid golf course. What to know about Connecticut's casino golf courses

    Tim Gavrich

    Jul 17, 2018

    Las Vegas and Atlantic City get plenty of attention, but Connecticut is home to a double-whammy of golf and gaming centered around two mega-resort hotels. more »

  • Tiger Woods during a practice round for The Open at Carnoustie Golf Links. Sunny summer browns out links courses

    Jason Scott Deegan

    Jul 17, 2018

    As evidenced by pictures from the Aberdeen Asset Managment Scottish Open and Open Championship, a dry summer overseas has resulted in browned out links, with driving rolling longer than ever. more »

  • The view of the clubhouse from the 16th green at Poppy Hills Golf Course. Poppy Hills to host its first USGA championship

    Jason Scott Deegan

    Jul 13, 2018

    Poppy Hills gets overshadowed by Pebble Beach on the Monterey Peninsula, but it's got its own storied tournament history. The home of the NCGA hosts its first USGA event, the U.S. Girls' Junior Am ... more »

  • St. Andrews doesn't have to be a once-in-a-lifetime golf trip. St. Andrews as a value destination with unlimited golf

    Brandon Tucker

    Jul 13, 2018

    St. Andrews is one of the most coveted golf destinations in the world, but it can be enjoyed on a budget, too. Brandon Tucker offers value tips to the Home of Golf. more »

  • Will infamous Carnoustie be as brutal as years past? Klein on 2018 Open Championship venue Carnoustie

    Bradley S. Klein

    Jul 11, 2018

    Nobody comes to Carnoustie for the views. Bradley S. Klein on what makes this infamous test, site of the 2018 Open Championship, so demanding to the game's best players. more »

  • Niagara-on-the-Lake dates back to 1875 and is a fun nine holes on Lake Ontario. Seek out one of North America's 19th century public courses

    Brandon Tucker

    Jul 11, 2018

    Most of the golf courses in North America established in the 19th century are private, but there are some publics worth being enjoyed. more »

  • The new par-5 7th hole on the Dunluce Links at Royal Portrush Golf Club is ready for The Open in 2019. Public golf courses dominate the revamped 2018-19 PGA Tour schedule

    Jason Scott Deegan

    Jul 11, 2018

    Significant changes highlight the 2018-19 wraparound schedule of the PGA Tour - notably the PGA Championship's move to May and the rare trifecta that three major championship venues are open to the ... more »

  • Ever wanted to write about golf in Scotland? Here is your chance. Here's your chance to be Scotland golf writer

    Jason Scott Deegan

    Jul 10, 2018

    Is your "Dream Job" to play 14 courses in Scotland in 14 days? Visit Scotland is offering that chance to one lucky winner. One caveat - you must product video and social media content during your ... more »

  • Edgewood Tahoe hosts the American Century Celebrity Golf Championship every year on the shores of Lake Tahoe. Lake Tahoe: The best summer mountain golf destination in America?

    Jason Scott Deegan

    Jul 10, 2018

    With apologies to Colorado, Lake Tahoe stakes a strong claim as America's best mountain golf destination in summer. Here's a photo gallery of some of the best 18-hole golf courses around Lake Tahoe. more »

  • Cruden Bay is regarded by many as one of the most exciting and interesting links in Scotland. Punch Shots: A dream Scotland golf itinerary

    Golf Advisor Staff

    Jul 09, 2018

    From St. Andrews to the Highlands, the Golf Advisor Staff shares their ideal weeklong itineraries in Scotland. more »

  • It was a successful first Golf Advisor Getaways trip to French Lick resort. Golf Advisor Getaway report: French Lick Resort

    Bradley S. Klein

    Jul 06, 2018

    Brad Klein looks back on a successful first Golf Advisor Getaways trip and looks forward to the upcoming schedule. more »

  • Gather your foursome for the World's Largest Golf Outing in August. The WLGO raises money for a charity that benefits military families

    Jason Scott Deegan

    Jul 06, 2018

    The World's Longest Golf Outing has grown into a major charity fundraiser for military causes. Registration for the Aug. 6 event is now open for golfers everywhere. more »

  • Jean Van de Velde's epic collapse at the 1999 Open Championship has been memorialized in a new Golf Channel documentary. Film review: Mr. Van de Velde’s unlucky meltdown

    Bradley S. Klein

    Jul 06, 2018

    "Go Down Swinging: The '99 Open at Carnoustie" delves into one of the must brutal and strange major championships of all time. It it worth your time to watch? more »

  • The "Old White" hotel at The Greenbrier dates back to the 18th century. The Greenbrier is big, beautiful and unforgettable

    Tim Gavrich

    Jul 06, 2018

    The Greenbrier styles itself "America's Resort." That's a bold claim. Is this grande-dame retreat worth your visit? more »

  • Versatile comfort and style is essential for summer travel, like Linksoul's Anza shirt and Boardwalker short. Stay cool on the golf course this summer with these products

    Golf Advisor Staff

    Jul 05, 2018

    The Golf Advisor Staff has selected an assortment of clothing and accessories for golfers this summer, from Linksoul to sunglasses and Yeti tumbers. more »

  • The Dunluce at Royal Portrush, host of the 2012 Irish Open and The Open in 2019. Some of the world's great links have hosted the Irish Open

    Jason Scott Deegan

    Jul 04, 2018

    The Irish Open doesn't get the same respect as a Scottish Open, let alone a U.S. Open. But ponder this question for a moment: Would you rather play the public courses that have hosted a U.S. Open or ... more »

  • Mistwood Golf Club Chef Dan Casey and his staff are going to awfully busy on the Fourth of July making hot dogs. In search of the best golf course hot dogs

    Mike Bailey

    Jul 03, 2018

    The perfect golf course lunch at the turn: From coast to coast, we've sampled some of the world's greatest hot dogs. more »

  • On the strength of impeccable course conditions, Royal Manchester tops Golf Advisor's Q2 2018 Power Rankings. Power Rankings: Top-rated courses in the 2nd quarter of 2018

    Tim Gavrich

    Jul 03, 2018

    Golf Advisor's Power Rankings for the second quarter of 2018 are available. Did your favorite course make the list? more »

  • National Golf Links is one of the most important golf courses in American history. 10 golf courses that shaped American golf course architecture history

    Bradley S. Klein

    Jul 02, 2018

    Golf wasn't invented in the United States, but we have had a profound effect on the history of the game and its courses. Here are a dozen that exemplify that impact. more »

  • The par-3 third hole at Gozzer Ranch Golf and Lake Club plays to a green overlooking Lake Couer d'Alene. Summer Swing: Idaho courses leave a lasting impression

    Brandon Tucker

    Jul 01, 2018

    Idaho is a lesser-known state compared to Colorado but has plenty of must-play courses. Brandon Tucker offers five favorites from Coeur D'Alene to the Tetons. more »

  • Playing a golf course prior to a PGA Tour event usually means thick rough and carts on paths. Times to avoid planning a golf trip

    Brandon Tucker

    Jun 29, 2018

    Timing is everything, and that goes for golf vacations, too. Brandon Tucker offers a view times to use caution when planning a buddies trip. more »

  • The American Club, and Whistling Straits in particular, have set the standard as a bucket-list golf destination in Wisconsin. Trip dispatch to Destination Kohler, Wisconsin

    Mike Bailey

    Jun 29, 2018

    Whistling Straits, Destination Kohler continues to set the standard for bucket list golf in Wisconsin. Mike Bailey reports on his trip that included Blackwolf Run and the American Club. more »

  • East Potomac Park is the most accessible option for public golf in Washington D.C. America's (underachieving public golf) capital

    Brandon Tucker

    Jun 27, 2018

    With the Quicken Loans National leaving D.C. in 2019, we look at some of the most underachieving public golf cities in the country. more »

  • There are more good options for prescription golf sunglasses than ever before, including the virtually unbreakable models from REKS. What you need to know about prescription sunglasses

    Mike Bailey

    Jun 27, 2018

    Looking for the right pair of prescription sunglasses to take on the golf course? Mike Bailey answers some frequently asked questions. more »

  • No. 10 on the South course at Corica Park. South course at Corica Park and Linksoul Lab debut near Oakland

    Jason Scott Deegan

    Jun 26, 2018

    At one time, there was talk of shrinking Corica Park to just one regulation course. With the reopening of the South course by Rees Jones and its Linksoul Lab pro shop, a brighter future is in store ... more »

  • Coul Links will play across 200 seaside acres. Coul Links project by Mike Keiser gets the green light in Scotland

    Jason Scott Deegan

    Jun 25, 2018

    What does Coul Links, the new development by Mike Keiser in Scotland's Highlands, mean for golfers? Jason Deegan examines the impact. more »

  • The shooting academy at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort. Take your best shot at these golf and gun destinations

    Jason Scott Deegan

    Jun 25, 2018

    Streamsong. Greenbrier. Primland. Reynolds. Sea Island. Many of America's top golf resorts also offer shooting experiences at gun clubs with first-class facilities. more »

  • Rolling hills, mountain views and excellent conditioning are all part of the package in Hot Springs Village, Arkansas and its top golf club, Granada. Summer Swing: Five great Arkansas golf courses

    Mike Bailey

    Jun 22, 2018

    Arkansas might not be the first place you think of when it comes to a golf destination, but it packs a pretty good punch, and it's a good value. more »

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