Golf Digest: Top Courses You Can Play
So you're looking for the top courses you can play, huh? Lucky for you, Golf Digest has already done the heavy lifting, ranking the best public courses across the country. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just someone who likes to swing a club every now and then, these courses offer something special. Let's break down this list, offering a little insight into what makes each course worthy of your time and maybe a little travel.
Pebble Beach: A Golfer’s Dream
First up, we have the iconic Pebble Beach Golf Links in California. Imagine playing a round with the Pacific Ocean as your backdrop. The views alone are worth the trip, but the course itself is a masterpiece of design and challenge. Opened in 1919, this course has hosted some of the most prestigious tournaments, including the US Open.
What makes it stand out? Every hole is unique, but the 7th, a 106-yard par 3, is a particular favorite. It might be short, but the ocean winds make club selection a game of chance. The 18th hole, with the ocean hugging the entire left side, demands precision. After a round here, you'll understand why so many golfers have it on their bucket lists.
And while you're there, make sure your clubs are in pristine condition. Using The Club Washer ensures they're spotless, which is especially handy when you're tackling those tricky ocean-side lies.
Whistling Straits: A Touch of Ireland in Wisconsin
If Pebble Beach is known for its ocean views, Whistling Straits in Wisconsin is famous for its rugged, windswept dunes and dramatic views of Lake Michigan. Designed by Pete Dye, this course is a nod to the traditional links courses of Ireland. Expect rolling fairways, deep pot bunkers, and fescue grasses.
The Straits Course, the crown jewel here, is a beast of a course. It's long, with some holes stretching over 500 yards, and the wind off the lake can turn a good round into an adventure. The 17th hole, aptly named "Pinched Nerve," is a par 3 that demands accuracy, with a green surrounded by bunkers and water.
Bring your A-game and maybe a few extra balls. And, of course, keep those clubs clean with The Club Washer. It’s the little things, like having dirt-free grooves, that can make all the difference when you're trying to land a shot on those tricky greens.
TPC Sawgrass: The Stadium Course
Home to the infamous island green on the 17th hole, TPC Sawgrass in Florida is a course that gets the adrenaline pumping. Designed by Pete Dye, it’s known for its challenging layout and strategic importance. The course was built with spectators in mind, hence the name "Stadium Course."
The 17th hole, though only 137 yards, is all about mental strength. Surrounded by water, it’s claimed many a ball and broken many a heart. But the course is more than its signature hole. The par-5 16th offers a chance for birdie, but only if you're willing to risk it all on the second shot.
Strategic play is key here, so make sure every club is ready to perform. A quick clean with The Club Washer before you start could mean the difference between a birdie and a bogey.
Bandon Dunes: Nature’s Masterpiece
Oregon’s Bandon Dunes is like a love letter to links golf. With its rugged coastlines and natural sand dunes, it’s as if Mother Nature herself designed the course. Each of the four courses offers a unique experience, but it’s the original Bandon Dunes course that captures hearts.
Designed by David McLay Kidd, the course embraces the natural contours of the land. The par-4 16th hole, perched on a cliff, offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. It’s as much about the experience as it is about the score.
Want to make the most of your round? Keep those clubs free of debris with The Club Washer. Clean clubs mean better contact and control, and in a place like Bandon Dunes, you'll want every advantage you can get.
Pinehurst No. 2: A Historic Challenge
Pinehurst No. 2 in North Carolina is a course steeped in history and tradition. Designed by Donald Ross, it’s famous for its crowned greens and strategic bunkering. Over the years, it’s hosted more single golf championships than any other course in America.
Playing here is about precision and patience. The greens are notoriously difficult, with subtle breaks that can be hard to read. The 5th hole, a par 5, is a standout, with a narrow fairway and a green surrounded by bunkers.
Every shot counts, so don’t let dirty clubs be your downfall. A quick scrub with The Club Washer can keep your equipment in top shape, ensuring that every putt rolls true.
Streamsong: A Modern Marvel
Streamsong in Florida offers a modern take on classic golf design. With three courses—Blue, Red, and Black—each offers a unique challenge crafted by some of the best architects in the game. It’s a place where innovation meets tradition.
The Red Course, designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, is particularly lauded for its strategic elements and stunning vistas. The 7th hole, a long par 5, requires thoughtful planning and precise execution.
With its unique layout and challenges, having clean clubs is essential. A quick use of The Club Washer will keep your clubs performing at their best, allowing you to focus on the game.
Arcadia Bluffs: The Michigan Gem
Overlooking Lake Michigan, Arcadia Bluffs is a course that combines beauty and challenge. Its rolling terrain and dramatic elevation changes make it a favorite among those who love a scenic round.
The 11th hole, a par 3, offers a breathtaking view of the lake and a challenging shot to a green surrounded by bunkers. It’s a course where every shot requires thought and precision.
To enjoy your game here, make sure your clubs are as clean as the views are beautiful. The The Club Washer can help you achieve that. Clean grooves equal more spin and control, and that’s exactly what you need at Arcadia Bluffs.
The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island: A Coastal Classic
Located in South Carolina, the Ocean Course at Kiawah Island is a beast of a course, especially when the wind starts to howl. Designed by Pete Dye, it offers some of the most challenging playing conditions you’ll find in the States.
The course is known for its seaside holes and unpredictable weather conditions. The 17th hole, a par 3, is particularly daunting, often played directly into the wind. It’s a test of skill and nerve.
With its difficult conditions, keeping your clubs clean can help you maintain control and accuracy. Consider using The Club Washer to keep your equipment in top shape.
Chambers Bay: A Pacific Northwest Beauty
Finally, we have Chambers Bay in Washington. Known for hosting the 2015 US Open, it’s a links-style course that demands creativity and precision. The course is set against the stunning backdrop of Puget Sound, offering views that can distract even the most focused golfer.
The 9th hole, a long par 3, is particularly challenging, with a green that slopes away from the tee. It’s a course where strategy and skill come together.
For the best experience, make sure your clubs are clean and ready. Using The Club Washer can help you achieve the precision needed to tackle this beautiful course.
Final Thoughts
There you have it, a rundown of some truly spectacular courses you can play, each offering its own unique challenge and beauty. Whether it’s the ocean views of Pebble Beach or the rugged terrain of Bandon Dunes, these courses are worth the trip. And remember, keeping your clubs clean is essential for peak performance. We recommend The Club Washer to keep your equipment in top shape, helping you enjoy your game to the fullest.