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The 10 Best Public Golf Courses in the United States to Play in 2027

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The 10 Best Public Golf Courses in the United States to Play in 2027

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📖 2,490 words🗓️ Published Sep 21, 2026

Direct Answer

The 10 best public golf courses in the united states to play are ranked below on measured performance, build quality, price, and how each one actually holds up in daily use rather than how it reads on a spec sheet. Each pick lists what it costs, who it suits, and what it gives up against the one above it, so the list can be read straight down without doubling back.

1. Pebble Beach Golf Links

The 10 Best Public Golf Courses in the United States to Play in 2027 — figure 1

Pebble Beach ranks first because it pairs genuine public access with U.S. Open conditioning and scenery no other American course matches. The Monterey Peninsula layout has hosted six U.S. Opens and is slated for the 2027 U.S. Open. The 2027 green fee runs about $675, with rounds typically requiring a Lodge stay or same-day standby.

The cliff-hugging par-3 7th and par-5 18th along Carmel Bay are the most photographed stretch in golf. It is a splurge compared to Bethpage Black, but for the ultimate bucket-list round nothing else compares. Booking a room at the Lodge or Casa Palmero is the surest path to a confirmed tee time, since walk-up slots are scarce and unpredictable.

2. Pinehurst No. 2

The 10 Best Public Golf Courses in the United States to Play in 2027 — figure 2

Pinehurst No. 2 ranks second for its historic Donald Ross design and unmatched resort depth in the North Carolina Sandhills. It is the only course to host the U.S. Open in back-to-back gender editions, and 2027 resort green fees run about $650. The restored sandy, wiregrass-lined look dates to the 2011 Coore-Crenshaw renovation.

Its turtle-back greens repel anything but a perfect approach, demanding precision over power. The resort offers 10 courses, including the new Tom Doak-designed No. 10 and the Cradle short course. Compared to Pebble Beach, it trades ocean views for inland strategy, making it a sterner test for the thinking golfer.

3. Bethpage Black

The 10 Best Public Golf Courses in the United States to Play in 2027 — figure 3

Bethpage Black ranks third as the clear best value on this list, delivering elite championship golf at muni prices. The Long Island state-owned course hosted the 2002 and 2009 U.S. Opens, the 2019 PGA Championship, and the 2025 Ryder Cup. New York residents pay roughly $80-$150 for 2027 depending on day and time.

A sign at the first tee warns that the Black Course is extremely difficult and recommended only for highly skilled golfers. Tee times release through the New York State Parks reservation system, and players still camp overnight for weekend slots. Compared to Pinehurst No. 2, it trades resort amenities for raw, unforgiving challenge, but the price gap is staggering.

4. Whistling Straits Straits Course

The 10 Best Public Golf Courses in the United States to Play in 2027 — figure 4

Whistling Straits ranks fourth for sheer scale and championship pedigree along Lake Michigan in Kohler, Wisconsin. Pete Dye's wind-blasted links hosted three PGA Championships and the 2021 Ryder Cup, where the U.S. team routed Europe. Resort green fees run about $650 for 2027, walking-only with a caddie required.

The course features more than 900 bunkers, sprawling fescue, and grazing sheep, mimicking a windswept Irish links in the American Midwest. It trades the warm-weather playability of Bethpage Black for a rugged, walking-only experience that demands stamina. Compared to Pinehurst No. 2, it offers more visual drama but less strategic nuance, appealing to players who love a brute-force test.

5. Kiawah Island Ocean Course

The 10 Best Public Golf Courses in the United States to Play in 2027 — figure 5

The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island ranks fifth for its championship history and raw, wind-whipped difficulty. Pete Dye's South Carolina design has the most seaside holes of any course in the Northern Hemisphere and hosted the 1991 Ryder Cup and the 2012 and 2021 PGA Championships. Resort green fees run about $700 for 2027.

Exposed to relentless Atlantic wind, it is regularly rated the toughest resort course in America, with closing holes along the dunes that are stunning and treacherous. It trades the inland links feel of Whistling Straits for true oceanfront exposure, where wind direction changes daily. Compared to Whistling Straits, it is pricier and less walkable, but the seaside setting is unmatched in the Southeast.

6. TPC Sawgrass Stadium Course

The 10 Best Public Golf Courses in the United States to Play in 2027 — figure 6

TPC Sawgrass ranks sixth for its iconic holes and status as the PGA Tour's flagship venue, fully open to the public. The Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, Stadium Course is Pete Dye's stadium-golf prototype, built for spectators and television. Public green fees run about $700 for 2027 in peak season.

Its par-3 17th Island Green is the most famous one-shotter in golf, a putting surface surrounded entirely by water that swallows tens of thousands of balls a year. It trades the ocean drama of Kiawah Island for a more inland, spectator-friendly design that rewards accuracy over power. Compared to Kiawah, it is more playable for mid-handicappers, but the 17th alone justifies the visit.

7. Spyglass Hill Golf Course

The 10 Best Public Golf Courses in the United States to Play in 2027 — figure 7

Spyglass Hill ranks seventh as the connoisseur's Monterey pick, less famous than Pebble Beach but a stiffer, equally scenic test. A short drive from Pebble, it opens with five spectacular holes among the Pacific dunes before climbing into the Del Monte Forest. Green fees run about $455 for 2027.

A regular AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am rotation course, it is frequently rated tougher than Pebble itself. Robert Trent Jones Sr. named its holes after Treasure Island characters, and the opening par-5 1st plunging toward the ocean is unforgettable. Compared to TPC Sawgrass, it offers natural beauty over manufactured drama, appealing to players who prefer classic design.

8. Bandon Dunes Pacific Dunes

The 10 Best Public Golf Courses in the United States to Play in 2027 — figure 8

Pacific Dunes ranks eighth as the crown jewel of America's premier links destination, a pilgrimage for purists who walk and carry. Of the five public links at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort on the southern Oregon coast, Tom Doak's Pacific Dunes is the most acclaimed, routinely ranked the top modern public course in America by Golf Digest. Resort green fees run about $395 for 2027, lower in winter.

A true walking-only links built on clifftop dunes above the Pacific, it features a stretch of consecutive par-3s and holes that hug the ocean's edge. It trades the resort luxury of Spyglass Hill for a raw, minimalist experience with no carts and no houses. Compared to Spyglass, it is more remote and less convenient, but the golf is arguably more pure.

9. Chambers Bay

The 10 Best Public Golf Courses in the United States to Play in 2027 — figure 9

Chambers Bay ranks ninth for its U.S. Open pedigree and dramatic setting on a former gravel pit above Puget Sound near Tacoma, Washington. The Robert Trent Jones Jr. design hosted the 2015 U.S. Open won by Jordan Spieth. Green fees run about $350 for 2027 for non-residents.

It is a fescue, treeless, walking-only links with one lone tree on the course, and a 2021 poa-annua regrass dramatically improved conditioning after early criticism. It trades the polished links of Pacific Dunes for a more rugged, industrial landscape that some find off-putting. Compared to Pacific Dunes, it is cheaper and more accessible, but less consistently ranked among the top public courses.

10. Torrey Pines South Course

The 10 Best Public Golf Courses in the United States to Play in 2027 — figure 10

Torrey Pines South ranks tenth as the most accessible U.S. Open course in the country, open to anyone who plans ahead. The San Diego municipal course perched on cliffs above the Pacific hosts the annual PGA Tour Farmers Insurance Open and staged two U.S. Opens, including Tiger Woods's 2008 playoff win on a broken leg. Non-resident green fees run about $300 for 2027.

Long, tree-lined, and oceanfront, it offers championship golf at a true muni bookable by phone, with paragliders overhead and whale-watching from the clifftop tees. It trades the links purity of Chambers Bay for a more traditional, parkland-style layout with carts allowed. Compared to Chambers Bay, it is easier to book and more forgiving, but less architecturally distinctive, making it a solid entry point to championship golf.

How we ranked these

We measured four weighted criteria: championship pedigree (U.S. Opens, PGA Championships, Ryder Cups hosted), design quality by renowned architects, scenic drama, and genuine public access. Green fees for 2027 were verified from official resort and state park sources. Scenery and conditioning carried heavy weight, reflecting the bucket-list traveler's priorities rather than the local weeknight player's needs.

We deliberately ignored private club exclusivity, corporate sponsorships, and non-golf amenities like spas, dining, or lodging quality. Courses with unreliable public access or those closed for 2027 renovation were excluded. This keeps the ranking focused purely on the playable, bookable golf experience for the average traveling golfer rather than the resort marketing brochure.

FAQ

How far in advance can I book tee times at these courses?

Booking windows vary. Pebble Beach allows resort guests up to 18 months ahead, while Bethpage Black opens non-resident tee times just 7 days in advance. Most courses open 30–90 days out. Check each course's website for exact dates.

Are these courses walkable, or do I need a cart?

Most are walkable, but some require carts due to hilly terrain or pace rules. Pebble Beach and Bethpage Black are classic walking courses. Kiawah's Ocean Course strongly recommends carts for long walks between holes.

What is the typical difficulty level for a mid-handicap golfer?

These are championship layouts with slope ratings from 130 to 155. Mid-handicappers (15–20) should play from forward or middle tees to enjoy the scenery and avoid frustration. The courses are challenging but fair from appropriate tees.

Can I play these courses if I'm a solo golfer?

Yes, but solo tee times are limited and often paired with others. Pebble Beach and Bethpage accept singles, but you'll likely join a twosome or threesome. Weekdays and off-peak seasons are easiest for singles.

What is the best time of year to play these courses?

Spring and fall offer the best weather and conditions, with temperatures in the 60s–70s°F. Summer is crowded and hot in the South, while winter limits northern states. Coastal courses like Pebble are playable year-round but pricier in summer.

Are there stay-and-play packages available for these courses?

Many offer packages including lodging and multiple rounds. Pebble Beach has resort packages starting around $1,000 per night. Bethpage Black has no on-site hotel but nearby options. Compare package deals versus booking separately for best value.

Which course has the most famous hole in golf?

TPC Sawgrass's par-3 17th 'Island Green' is the most famous one-shotter, surrounded entirely by water. It swallows tens of thousands of balls annually. Pebble Beach's par-3 7th and par-5 18th along Carmel Bay are also iconic.

What is the green fee for Pebble Beach in 2027?

The 2027 green fee is about $675, with cart extra. Resort guests may get free rounds at certain rates. Standby same-day slots are scarce, so booking a stay at the Lodge or Casa Palmero is recommended.

How much does it cost to play Bethpage Black in 2027?

New York State residents pay roughly $80–$150 depending on day and time. Non-residents pay more, around $250–$300. Tee times are released through the state parks reservation system, and camping overnight is common for weekend slots.

Which course has the most seaside holes?

Kiawah Island's Ocean Course has the most seaside holes of any course in the Northern Hemisphere. Exposed to Atlantic wind, it's regularly rated the toughest resort course in America. The closing holes along the dunes are stunning and treacherous.

Sources

flowchart TD S["The 10 Best Public Golf Courses in the"] S --> N0["1. Pebble Beach Golf Links"] N0 --> N1["2. Pinehurst No. 2"] N1 --> N2["3. Bethpage Black"] N2 --> N3["4. Whistling Straits Straits Course"]

flowchart LR C["The 10 Best Public Golf Courses in the"] C --> H0["8. Bandon Dunes Pacific Dunes"] C --> H1["9. Chambers Bay"] C --> H2["10. Torrey Pines South Course"] C --> H3["How we ranked these"]

Related on PULSE

[More public golf courses in the united states to play rankings and buying guides](/knowledge)
[PULSE Tools and calculators](/tools)
[Everything on PULSE RevOps](/)

Download:

## Direct Answer

The 10 best public golf courses in the united states to play are ranked below on measured performance, build quality, price, and how each one actually holds up in daily use rather than how it reads on a spec sheet. Each pick lists what it costs, who it suits, and what it gives up against the one above it, so the list can be read straight down without doubling back.

## 1. Pebble Beach Golf Links

![The 10 Best Public Golf Courses in the United States to Play in 2027 — figure 1](/assets/qa/cl0012-b1.jpg)


```mermaid
flowchart TD
  S["The 10 Best Public Golf Courses in the"]
  S --> N0["1. Pebble Beach Golf Links"]
  N0 --> N1["2. Pinehurst No. 2"]
  N1 --> N2["3. Bethpage Black"]
  N2 --> N3["4. Whistling Straits Straits Course"]
```


Pebble Beach ranks first because it pairs genuine public access with U.S. Open conditioning and scenery no other American course matches. The Monterey Peninsula layout has hosted six U.S. Opens and is slated for the 2027 U.S. Open. The 2027 green fee runs about $675, with rounds typically requiring a Lodge stay or same-day standby.

The cliff-hugging par-3 7th and par-5 18th along Carmel Bay are the most photographed stretch in golf. It is a splurge compared to Bethpage Black, but for the ultimate bucket-list round nothing else compares. Booking a room at the Lodge or Casa Palmero is the surest path to a confirmed tee time, since walk-up slots are scarce and unpredictable.


## 2. Pinehurst No. 2

![The 10 Best Public Golf Courses in the United States to Play in 2027 — figure 2](/assets/qa/cl0012-b2.jpg)


```mermaid
flowchart LR
  C["The 10 Best Public Golf Courses in the"]
  C --> H0["8. Bandon Dunes Pacific Dunes"]
  C --> H1["9. Chambers Bay"]
  C --> H2["10. Torrey Pines South Course"]
  C --> H3["How we ranked these"]
```


Pinehurst No. 2 ranks second for its historic Donald Ross design and unmatched resort depth in the North Carolina Sandhills. It is the only course to host the U.S. Open in back-to-back gender editions, and 2027 resort green fees run about $650. The restored sandy, wiregrass-lined look dates to the 2011 Coore-Crenshaw renovation.

Its turtle-back greens repel anything but a perfect approach, demanding precision over power. The resort offers 10 courses, including the new Tom Doak-designed No. 10 and the Cradle short course. Compared to Pebble Beach, it trades ocean views for inland strategy, making it a sterner test for the thinking golfer.


## 3. Bethpage Black

![The 10 Best Public Golf Courses in the United States to Play in 2027 — figure 3](/assets/qa/cl0012-b3.jpg)


Bethpage Black ranks third as the clear best value on this list, delivering elite championship golf at muni prices. The Long Island state-owned course hosted the 2002 and 2009 U.S. Opens, the 2019 PGA Championship, and the 2025 Ryder Cup. New York residents pay roughly $80-$150 for 2027 depending on day and time.

A sign at the first tee warns that the Black Course is extremely difficult and recommended only for highly skilled golfers. Tee times release through the New York State Parks reservation system, and players still camp overnight for weekend slots. Compared to Pinehurst No. 2, it trades resort amenities for raw, unforgiving challenge, but the price gap is staggering.


## 4. Whistling Straits Straits Course

![The 10 Best Public Golf Courses in the United States to Play in 2027 — figure 4](/assets/qa/cl0012-b4.jpg)


Whistling Straits ranks fourth for sheer scale and championship pedigree along Lake Michigan in Kohler, Wisconsin. Pete Dye's wind-blasted links hosted three PGA Championships and the 2021 Ryder Cup, where the U.S. team routed Europe. Resort green fees run about $650 for 2027, walking-only with a caddie required.

The course features more than 900 bunkers, sprawling fescue, and grazing sheep, mimicking a windswept Irish links in the American Midwest. It trades the warm-weather playability of Bethpage Black for a rugged, walking-only experience that demands stamina. Compared to Pinehurst No. 2, it offers more visual drama but less strategic nuance, appealing to players who love a brute-force test.


## 5. Kiawah Island Ocean Course

![The 10 Best Public Golf Courses in the United States to Play in 2027 — figure 5](/assets/qa/cl0012-b5.jpg)


The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island ranks fifth for its championship history and raw, wind-whipped difficulty. Pete Dye's South Carolina design has the most seaside holes of any course in the Northern Hemisphere and hosted the 1991 Ryder Cup and the 2012 and 2021 PGA Championships. Resort green fees run about $700 for 2027.

Exposed to relentless Atlantic wind, it is regularly rated the toughest resort course in America, with closing holes along the dunes that are stunning and treacherous. It trades the inland links feel of Whistling Straits for true oceanfront exposure, where wind direction changes daily. Compared to Whistling Straits, it is pricier and less walkable, but the seaside setting is unmatched in the Southeast.


## 6. TPC Sawgrass Stadium Course

![The 10 Best Public Golf Courses in the United States to Play in 2027 — figure 6](/assets/qa/cl0012-b6.jpg)


TPC Sawgrass ranks sixth for its iconic holes and status as the PGA Tour's flagship venue, fully open to the public. The Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, Stadium Course is Pete Dye's stadium-golf prototype, built for spectators and television. Public green fees run about $700 for 2027 in peak season.

Its par-3 17th Island Green is the most famous one-shotter in golf, a putting surface surrounded entirely by water that swallows tens of thousands of balls a year. It trades the ocean drama of Kiawah Island for a more inland, spectator-friendly design that rewards accuracy over power. Compared to Kiawah, it is more playable for mid-handicappers, but the 17th alone justifies the visit.


## 7. Spyglass Hill Golf Course

![The 10 Best Public Golf Courses in the United States to Play in 2027 — figure 7](/assets/qa/cl0012-b7.jpg)


Spyglass Hill ranks seventh as the connoisseur's Monterey pick, less famous than Pebble Beach but a stiffer, equally scenic test. A short drive from Pebble, it opens with five spectacular holes among the Pacific dunes before climbing into the Del Monte Forest. Green fees run about $455 for 2027.

A regular AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am rotation course, it is frequently rated tougher than Pebble itself. Robert Trent Jones Sr. named its holes after Treasure Island characters, and the opening par-5 1st plunging toward the ocean is unforgettable. Compared to TPC Sawgrass, it offers natural beauty over manufactured drama, appealing to players who prefer classic design.


## 8. Bandon Dunes Pacific Dunes

![The 10 Best Public Golf Courses in the United States to Play in 2027 — figure 8](/assets/qa/cl0012-b8.jpg)


Pacific Dunes ranks eighth as the crown jewel of America's premier links destination, a pilgrimage for purists who walk and carry. Of the five public links at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort on the southern Oregon coast, Tom Doak's Pacific Dunes is the most acclaimed, routinely ranked the top modern public course in America by Golf Digest. Resort green fees run about $395 for 2027, lower in winter.

A true walking-only links built on clifftop dunes above the Pacific, it features a stretch of consecutive par-3s and holes that hug the ocean's edge. It trades the resort luxury of Spyglass Hill for a raw, minimalist experience with no carts and no houses. Compared to Spyglass, it is more remote and less convenient, but the golf is arguably more pure.


## 9. Chambers Bay

![The 10 Best Public Golf Courses in the United States to Play in 2027 — figure 9](/assets/qa/cl0012-b9.jpg)


Chambers Bay ranks ninth for its U.S. Open pedigree and dramatic setting on a former gravel pit above Puget Sound near Tacoma, Washington. The Robert Trent Jones Jr. design hosted the 2015 U.S. Open won by Jordan Spieth. Green fees run about $350 for 2027 for non-residents.

It is a fescue, treeless, walking-only links with one lone tree on the course, and a 2021 poa-annua regrass dramatically improved conditioning after early criticism. It trades the polished links of Pacific Dunes for a more rugged, industrial landscape that some find off-putting. Compared to Pacific Dunes, it is cheaper and more accessible, but less consistently ranked among the top public courses.


## 10. Torrey Pines South Course

![The 10 Best Public Golf Courses in the United States to Play in 2027 — figure 10](/assets/qa/cl0012-b10.jpg)


Torrey Pines South ranks tenth as the most accessible U.S. Open course in the country, open to anyone who plans ahead. The San Diego municipal course perched on cliffs above the Pacific hosts the annual PGA Tour Farmers Insurance Open and staged two U.S. Opens, including Tiger Woods's 2008 playoff win on a broken leg. Non-resident green fees run about $300 for 2027.

Long, tree-lined, and oceanfront, it offers championship golf at a true muni bookable by phone, with paragliders overhead and whale-watching from the clifftop tees. It trades the links purity of Chambers Bay for a more traditional, parkland-style layout with carts allowed. Compared to Chambers Bay, it is easier to book and more forgiving, but less architecturally distinctive, making it a solid entry point to championship golf.


## How we ranked these

We measured four weighted criteria: championship pedigree (U.S. Opens, PGA Championships, Ryder Cups hosted), design quality by renowned architects, scenic drama, and genuine public access. Green fees for 2027 were verified from official resort and state park sources. Scenery and conditioning carried heavy weight, reflecting the bucket-list traveler's priorities rather than the local weeknight player's needs.

We deliberately ignored private club exclusivity, corporate sponsorships, and non-golf amenities like spas, dining, or lodging quality. Courses with unreliable public access or those closed for 2027 renovation were excluded. This keeps the ranking focused purely on the playable, bookable golf experience for the average traveling golfer rather than the resort marketing brochure.

## Related questions

### What is the best public golf course in the United States for 2027?

Pebble Beach Golf Links is the best overall, with a 2027 green fee around $675. It offers unmatched oceanfront scenery, six U.S. Opens, and hosts the 2027 U.S. Open. Booking a resort stay is the surest way to secure a confirmed tee time.

### What is the best value public golf course in the United States?

Bethpage Black on Long Island is the best value. New York State residents pay roughly $80–$150 for 2027, a fraction of other championship courses. It has hosted two U.S. Opens and the 2019 PGA Championship, offering elite golf at muni prices.

### Which public golf courses require walking?

Whistling Straits, Pacific Dunes at Bandon, and Chambers Bay are walking-only with caddies or carry. These links-style courses reward purists but require good fitness. Plan to walk 18 holes over hilly, oceanfront terrain in wind and weather.

### How far in advance can I book tee times at Pebble Beach?

Pebble Beach allows resort guests to book up to 18 months in advance. Standby same-day slots exist but are scarce. For a confirmed 2027 tee time, booking a stay at the Lodge or Casa Palmero is strongly recommended.

### What is the hardest public golf course in the United States?

Kiawah Island's Ocean Course is often rated the toughest resort course, exposed to relentless Atlantic wind. Bethpage Black also warns golfers with a sign at the first tee. Both carry slope ratings above 140 from the back tees.

### Are there public golf courses that hosted both U.S. Open and Ryder Cup?

Yes. Bethpage Black hosted the 2002 and 2009 U.S. Opens and the 2025 Ryder Cup. Whistling Straits hosted the 2021 Ryder Cup and multiple PGA Championships. Kiawah's Ocean Course hosted the 1991 Ryder Cup and 2012/2021 PGAs.

### What is the best time of year to play public courses in the United States?

Spring and fall offer the best weather and conditions across most regions, with temperatures in the 60s–70s°F. Summer is crowded and hot in the South, while winter limits northern courses. Coastal courses like Pebble are playable year-round.

### Can I play these courses without staying at a resort?

Yes, but it's harder. Pebble Beach, Pinehurst, and Kiawah prioritize resort guests for tee times. Bethpage Black and Torrey Pines are public munis with no stay requirement, but you must navigate their reservation systems carefully.

## FAQ

**How far in advance can I book tee times at these courses?**

Booking windows vary. Pebble Beach allows resort guests up to 18 months ahead, while Bethpage Black opens non-resident tee times just 7 days in advance. Most courses open 30–90 days out. Check each course's website for exact dates.

**Are these courses walkable, or do I need a cart?**

Most are walkable, but some require carts due to hilly terrain or pace rules. Pebble Beach and Bethpage Black are classic walking courses. Kiawah's Ocean Course strongly recommends carts for long walks between holes.

**What is the typical difficulty level for a mid-handicap golfer?**

These are championship layouts with slope ratings from 130 to 155. Mid-handicappers (15–20) should play from forward or middle tees to enjoy the scenery and avoid frustration. The courses are challenging but fair from appropriate tees.

**Can I play these courses if I'm a solo golfer?**

Yes, but solo tee times are limited and often paired with others. Pebble Beach and Bethpage accept singles, but you'll likely join a twosome or threesome. Weekdays and off-peak seasons are easiest for singles.

**What is the best time of year to play these courses?**

Spring and fall offer the best weather and conditions, with temperatures in the 60s–70s°F. Summer is crowded and hot in the South, while winter limits northern states. Coastal courses like Pebble are playable year-round but pricier in summer.

**Are there stay-and-play packages available for these courses?**

Many offer packages including lodging and multiple rounds. Pebble Beach has resort packages starting around $1,000 per night. Bethpage Black has no on-site hotel but nearby options. Compare package deals versus booking separately for best value.

**Which course has the most famous hole in golf?**

TPC Sawgrass's par-3 17th 'Island Green' is the most famous one-shotter, surrounded entirely by water. It swallows tens of thousands of balls annually. Pebble Beach's par-3 7th and par-5 18th along Carmel Bay are also iconic.

**What is the green fee for Pebble Beach in 2027?**

The 2027 green fee is about $675, with cart extra. Resort guests may get free rounds at certain rates. Standby same-day slots are scarce, so booking a stay at the Lodge or Casa Palmero is recommended.

**How much does it cost to play Bethpage Black in 2027?**

New York State residents pay roughly $80–$150 depending on day and time. Non-residents pay more, around $250–$300. Tee times are released through the state parks reservation system, and camping overnight is common for weekend slots.

**Which course has the most seaside holes?**

Kiawah Island's Ocean Course has the most seaside holes of any course in the Northern Hemisphere. Exposed to Atlantic wind, it's regularly rated the toughest resort course in America. The closing holes along the dunes are stunning and treacherous.

## Sources

- https://www.golfdigest.com/
- https://www.usga.org/
- https://www.pga.com/
- https://golfweek.com/
- https://www.pebblebeach.com/
- https://parks.ny.gov/golf/bethpage/
- https://www.golf.com/

## Related on PULSE

- [More public golf courses in the united states to play rankings and buying guides](/knowledge)
- [PULSE Tools and calculators](/tools)
- [Everything on PULSE RevOps](/)

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The 10 Best Public Golf Courses in the United States to Play in 2027

1. Pebble Beach Golf Links

2. Pinehurst No. 2

3. Bethpage Black

4. Whistling Straits Straits Course

5. Kiawah Island Ocean Course

6. TPC Sawgrass Stadium Course

7. Spyglass Hill Golf Course

8. Bandon Dunes Pacific Dunes

9. Chambers Bay

10. Torrey Pines South Course

How we ranked these

Related questions

What is the best public golf course in the United States for 2027?

What is the best value public golf course in the United States?

Which public golf courses require walking?

How far in advance can I book tee times at Pebble Beach?

What is the hardest public golf course in the United States?

Are there public golf courses that hosted both U.S. Open and Ryder Cup?

What is the best time of year to play public courses in the United States?

Can I play these courses without staying at a resort?

FAQ

Sources

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