20 Great Golf Courses

WORDS BY KEVIN SNOW

TEE TIME

Fall is the perfect time to explore the nation’s many fantastic golf courses.  Here are 20 essential stops on your quest to find the ultimate golfing experience.

01 BETHPAGE BLACK COURSE
www.BLACKCOURSE.COM

After gaining notoriety for becoming the first municipal and daily-fee course to host the US Open in 2002, the Black Course at Long Island’s Bethpage State Park (30 miles from LaGuardia Airport) is still the premier public golf course in New York State. Black is the most popular of the park’s five 18-hole regulation courses, part of the largest government-owned golf facility in the country. Bethpage Black is golf on a grand scale—bunkers are huge and the course is completely surrounded by trees, but the holes are wide open. From the championship tees, the Black Course can play at 7,295 yards—with no carts allowed. But be forewarned: a sign on the first tee sets the mood for your entire round: “The Black Course is an extremely difficult course which we recommend only for highly skilled golfers.” FARMINGDALE, NY

02 HILTON HEAD NATIONAL GOLF
www.GOLFHILTONHEADNATIONAL.COM

This course is designed by legendary golfer Gary Player and incorporates many of his ideas on golf-course layout: minimal hazards in the line of play; slightly undulating, rather than difficult greens; multiple tees for variety; and bunkers that allow both professionals and amateurs equal opportunities. Player believes that while golf courses should be challenging, they should not punish unduly. The course plays 6,779 yards from the black (Gary Player) tees, and its signature feature is the huge double green shared by the ninth and 18th holes. BLUFTON, SC

03 THE RIDGE AT CA PINES NORTH
www.THERIDGECPN.COM

The Ridge is a par-71 challenge, playing from four sets of tees ranging from 5,000 yards to over 7,000 yards. This Tom Weiskopf-designed course has received national recognition since opening in July 1997. Each year, The Ridge has been voted Colorado’s number-one upscale public facility by the state’s two leading golf publications. It is also ranked on Golf Magazine’s national “Top 100 s You Can Play” list and on Golf Digest’s national “Top 200 to Play” list—one of s only two courses in Colorado to gain that honor. CASTLE ROCK, CO

04 ANGEL PARK GOLF CLUB
www.ANGELPARK.COM

At almost 3,000 feet in elevation and just 15 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip, Angel Park offers spectacular views of Red Rock Canyon and the Las Vegas Valley. It is home to two championship courses (Palm and Mountain) designed by Arnold Palmer, as well as a lighted par-three course, natural grass putting course and driving range. Angel Park has been the recipient of several awards, including being nominated “Favorite Golf Course” in Las Vegas by visiting golfers in What’s On magazine. LAS VEGAS

05 KINGSMILL RESORT
www.KINGSMILL.COM

This magnificent resort features three regulation 18-hole courses (Plantation, River and Woods) and a nine-hole par-three course. River is home to the LPGA’s Michelob Ultra Open and features the signature 17th hole on the edge of the James River. The Plantation Course is fun, challenging and meticulously maintained, with historical landmarks from a 1736 plantation woven into the landscape. Woods, the newest of the three courses, is a parkland-style course designed by two-time US Open champion Curtis Strange and golf course architect Tom Clark. WILLIAMSBURG, VA

06 HIGHLANDS RESERVE GOLF CLUB
www.HIGHLANDSRESERVE-GOLF.COM

This championship layout features an uncommon design that highlights the unique features of the natural site. You get pine tree-lined fairways reminiscent of the Carolinas; spacious open fairways likened to the great Scottish courses; and a bit of old Florida, with citrus trees along the countryside. Playing at approximately 6,700 yards, Highlands Reserve will not overpower or intimidate anyone, but the course will keep you engaged for the entire round. Highlands Reserve is located just 10 minutes southwest of Disney World. ORLANDO

07 MANAKIKI GOLF COURSE
www.CLEMETPARKS.COM

Fifteen minutes east of downtown Cleveland is Manakiki Golf Course, one of Ohio’s most elegant public courses. The classic Donald Ross design offers a variety of challenges, including doglegs, water hazards, up-and-down shots, back-to-back par-fives and two canyon holes. The mirror-image canyon holes on 10 and 18 are among the finest start and finishes to nine holes in the country. Back in the ’50s, Manakiki, which means “many maplesV,” was a regular stop on the PGA Tour. WILLOUGHBY HILLS, OH

08 LOS SERRANOS GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB
www.LOSSERRANOSCOUNTRYCLUB.COM

Nestled in the heart of the Chino Hills countryside, there’s no mistaking the magic that awaits you on the two courses of Los Serranos. Recent changes to the courses have opened up the incredible views available to the golfer, but it has not changed the fact that the South Course remains the longest course in California when played from the infamous “Jack’s Black’s” tees. Los Serranos currently serves as the host club for qualifying for the Los Angeles Open, US Amateur and US Amateur Public Links Championships. CHINO HILLS, CA

09 KING & BEAR
www.KINGANDBEAR.COM

Opened in 2000 and located 20 minutes south of Jacksonville, King & Bear has already become legendary. The 7,279-yard course was designed by and named for two of golf’s greatest players, Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus, and is the only design collaboration between the two superstars. The result is an enjoyable and memorable playing experience, with loblolly pines and open meadows defining the front nine, while 200-year-old oaks give character to the back nine. Indigenous coquina rock adds a decorative touch to waste bunkers, lake bulkheads and cart paths. ST AUGUSTINE, FL

10 MYRTLEWOOD GOLF CLUB
www.MYRTLEWOODGOLF.COM

Set along the beautiful Intracoastal Waterway in the heart of Myrtle Beach, Myrtlewood’s two meticulously groomed championship courses—PineHills and The Palmetto—have been favorites of visitors to the Grand Strand for almost 40 years. PineHills features rolling fairways and slight elevation changes, while Palmetto is known for its generous pine tree-lined fairways and large greens. Both courses offer significant challenges to low handicappers or casual golfers. MYRTLE BEACH, SC

11 EMERALD DUNE
One of Emerald Dunes’ most exciting and unique features is the SuperDune, a peak from which the panoramic views will command your attention. Three tees, three greens and a cascading waterfall are all built into this magnificent centerpiece that serves as the landmark for this outstanding golf course.

But try to stay dry, because water is in play virtually from first shot to last. Emerald Dunes is located in the heart of West Palm Beach, less than 10 minutes from Palm Beach International Airport. WEST PALM BEACH, FL

12 CHEROKEE RUN GOLF CLUB
www.CHEROKEERUN.COM

Located in a peaceful wooded setting within the Georgia International Horse Park, Cherokee Run features substantial elevation changes and unique granite outcroppings on a number of holes. The tree-lined fairways, rising and falling with the natural terrain, lead to gently sloping, slick greens. Careful shot-control is a must to avoid the dangers of the wetland and thickly wooded areas. This Palmer-designed course provides a beautiful setting and a layout all golfers will enjoy. Cherokee Run is 30 minutes east of downtown Atlanta. CONYERS, GA

13 ROBERT TRENT JONES AT PALMETTO DUNES
www.PALMETTODUNES.COM

One of Hilton Head’s most popular courses, the Robert Trent Jones Oceanfront Course recently reopened after an extensive and successful renovation. Completely resurfaced greens, subtle elevation changes, a new lake, and reshaped and restored bunkers complement the layout. Known for its wide fairways and expansive greens, the course is a fair test for golfers of all levels. Its natural beauty and challenge are highlighted by the unique, winding seven-mile lagoon system that comes into play on 11 of the 18 holes. The memorable par-five 10th hole—the signature hole at Palmetto—is one of only two oceanfront holes on Hilton Head Island. The green, raised slightly during the renovation, provides stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean that shouldn’t be missed. HILTON HEAD, SC

14 COG HILL
www.COGHILLGOLF.COM

Nestled in the Des Plaines River Valley, Cog Hill has been luring avid golfers since 1927. This privately-owned golf complex is located in a lovely rural setting just southwest of Chicago. The public is invited to play on one of four 18-hole regulation golf courses, including the world-famous “Dubsdread” Course. Ranked nationally since it opened in 1964, it is known for its demands on shot-making. Tight landing areas combined with large, heavily bunkered greens make the course a test for the best. The PGA’s Western Open takes place here every year. LEMONT, IL

15 THUNDERING WATERS
www.THUNDERINGWATERS.COM

Just a short drive over the Canadian border from the Buffalo Niagara International Airport, you’ll find Thundering Waters Golf Club, John Daly’s first signature golf course in Canada, located within the Fallsview Tourist District and a mere 1,500 yards from the Horseshoe Falls. Thundering Waters reflects John’s risk-forreward style of play, on a course that combines the parkland tranquillity of Augusta National with the links-style treachery of British Open Championship golf. Fourteen of the holes wind through a forest of mature maple, oak and hickory trees. The remaining holes are links-style: rugged hills covered with long grasses, cavernous bunkers, windswept fairways and undulated greens framed by a winding burn. But don’t be fooled by its beauty—at 7,208 yards from the championship tee, this course is a match for players of any caliber. NIAGARA FALLS, ON

16 TPC AT THE WOODLANDS
www.WOODLANDSRESORT.COM

Set among the tall pines of southeast Texas, the Tournament Players Course at The Woodlands is rated one of the top resort courses in the state. Stretching just over 7,000 yards from the championship tees, it is a challenging yet fun place to play. There are a wide variety of par-fives here, including the lengthy dogleg sixth hole, and the island green at the 13th. And don’t overlook the two strong finishing holes that have provided many unpredictable and memorable moments in golfing history. Most notably, the TPC was the former home of the PGA’s Shell Houston Open. HOUSTON

y17 DYE COURSE AT PGA GOLD CLUB
www.PGAVILLAGE.COM

Located just an hour north of West Palm Beach, this fantastic award-winning links-style course was designed by the legendary Pete Dye. With a 100-acre wetland called the Big Mamu (and five smaller wetlands scattered around the course), pine straw roughs, vast coquina waste bunkers and grass-based bunkers, the public course really makes great use of the natural ecosystem. The best aspect of the Dye Course is its ability to thrill players of all skill levels, with five sets of tees and recently expanded landing areas. When you have finished your round here, be sure to try the PGA Golf Club’s two other amazing courses, the North Course and South Course. PORT ST LUCIE, FL

y18 TPC OF TAMPA BAY
www.TPC.COM
A relatively flat course, this 6,898-yard, par-71 layout has traditional features and natural hazards that demand accuracy and finesse more than power. The TPC of Tampa Bay is a pure test of golfing mastery for the low handicapper, and yet offers enough room for players of lesser skills to navigate. It asks a player to formulate a strategy and then carry it out with sound and accurate ball-striking. The course is home to the PGA Champions Tours Outback Steakhouse Pro-Am in February. LUTZ, FL

y19 LINCOLN PARK GOLF COURSE
415-221-9911

With its proximity to the Legion of Honor, Golden Gate Bridge and the Presidio, Lincoln Park offers some of the most beautiful views of any public golf course in the country. This par-68 course is on the short and hilly side—giving a taste of Scotland, perhaps, with fresh ocean breezes and sometimes challenging greens. The course is moderately forested with mature cypress and pine trees and native landscaping on rolling, sometimes steep hills. Lincoln Park is one of the courses used for the annual San Francisco City Golf Championships. SAN FRANCISCO

20 THE CROSSINGS GOLF CLUB
www.VIRGINIACROSSINGSRESORT.COM

Located in the midst of American Civil War battlefields, The Crossings is considered a “must-play” for golfers in the central Virginia area. The Joe Lee design makes optimal use of the natural landscape in what was once known as the “Halfe Sink” area, and features rolling fairways bordered by dense forest and strategically placed bunkers. In addition, the front nine offers several holes that begin with an elevated tee shot to the landing area below. RICHMOND, VA

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