Tee Up at the Best Golf Destinations in the U.S.

Once considered a “rich man’s sport,” golf has become a popular, affordable and accessible American pastime. According to the National Golf Foundation, nearly 50 percent of the world’s courses are located in the United States—and more than two-thirds of those courses are open to the public. This makes it easy to find golf trip ideas, but challenging to pinpoint which destinations are worthy of your bucket list! If you’re planning a golf vacation, consider these 11 cities that are perfect for playing a few rounds.

Ann Arbor may be best known as home to the University of Michigan, but this quaint college town near Detroit is a golf paradise with rolling hills and some of the greenest greens. Book your Ann Arbor area hotel and check on tee times at some of the privately owned fairways or top-rated municipal courses like Leslie Park Golf Course. After a day on the links, head to Main Street to enjoy award-winning fine dining and nightly live jazz at The Earle.

Home of the world-famous Augusta National Golf Club, Augusta has been the site of the Masters Tournament since its inception in 1934. While private courses dominate this town, you’ll find some of the best public golfing at Forest Hills Golf Club, a Donald Ross-designed course with a rich history. After play, you’ll find a lot of fellow golfers at Finch & 5th enjoying appetizers and cleverly crafted cocktails. For some late-night mingling, visit Whiskey Bar Kitchen, one of the top 50 whiskey bars in America.

Boston and history go hand-in-hand, and there’s no exception when it comes to golf. Book your Boston area hotel and discover this city of golfing-firsts. The first ever U.S. Amateur, U.S. Open and Ryder Cup were all played in Beantown. With dozens of courses to choose from, and a lot of history to play through, you’ll find Boston is prime for play. For the best in public courses, take a swing at the Granite Links Golf Club and grab a bite afterward at the Tavern Restaurant on-site.

This small, friendly town northwest of Memphis is quickly rising in popularity with golfers. Mirimichi Golf Course, a hidden gem saved from demolition and revitalized by superstar Justin Timberlake (he grew up in the town), offers a world-class golfing experience with hilly fairways and challenging greens. After tackling the back nine, see what else there is to do in Memphis and sample signature barbecue dishes at Jim Neely’s Interstate BBQ.

Golfers from all over the world know they can expect the best at Myrtle Beach golf courses. The coastal city is known as the “Golf Capital of the World,” after all. And with more than 100 beautiful courses and plenty of convenient Myrtle Beach area hotels, it’s easy to see why golfers of every skill set flock to this vacation hot spot. After a day on the course, head over to Pine Lakes Tavern to join other golfers for a bite and brew. Or, skip the links for a day and explore all the fun things to do along the Grand Strand.

Rivaled only by Houston and its nearly 200 area courses, the best in Texas golf can be found just outside Dallas. Plan your stay in Plano and lace up your golfing shoes, this bustling tech-town welcomes golfers from all over the world to enjoy some of the best golfing weather in the country. The best Plano golf courses include both private and public offerings—including the family-friendly (and intensely popular) Pecan Hollow Golf Course. Have some early play and then visit Sixty Vines for a tasty brunch.

Portland’s misty weather and mild climate mean that almost any season can be golf season in the City of Roses! Over the past several years, Portland has positioned itself as one of the best places to travel (and to live) if you’re an avid golfer. You’ll find lush greens at six public golf courses, including Eastmoreland Golf Course, which dates back to 1915. It was the city’s first municipal golf course, as well as second oldest course in the state. Looking for places to go when you’re done on the fairways? Check out these Portland recommendations.

A popular stop on the “New York Golf Trail,” this historic and innovative city in upstate New York is arguably the best place in the U.S. for golf-enthusiasts. Book your Rochester hotel and find yourself deep in golf history at Oak Hill Country Club, the only club to have played host to the U.S. Open, PGA Championship, Ryder Cup, U.S. Amateur, Senior U.S. Open and Senior PGA Championship. While in the area, play your rounds along the Finger Lakes Golf Trail, where you’ll find four of the most challenging public golf courses in country.

Temperate weather makes this California coastal town one of the best places in the U.S. for year-round golfing. It’s also just a quick drive to iconic Pebble Beach. Book your San Jose hotel and book a tee time at Cinnabar Hills Golf Club for the “best golf in the Silicon Valley.” While here, take a break from the fairways and visit the Brandenburg Historical Golf Museum, free of admission. Once it’s time to pack it in, take a quick drive to the historic La Foret just outside of town, for impeccable service and elevated French dishes.

This Phoenix suburb has the most golfing days of any city in the U.S., where many of the courses combine an oasis-like setting among the arid desert landscapes. Book a Scottsdale hotel in late January for the Waste Management Phoenix Open, or “the greatest show on grass.” Go for par at any of the area’s public and private courses. And after working up a sweat on the full 18 at the spectacular Grayhawk Golf Club, make your way to the Old Town area for wood-fired pizza and a local brew at Craft 64.

Florida is famous for golf, and the last city on our list should be the first yours if you’re looking for a true golf-centric vacation. You’ll find no end to golfing fun near any of our St. Augustine hotels. Whether you take a swing at the World Golf Village courses, or try the back nine at the gorgeous and very popular Marsh Creek Country Club, this beautiful coastal town makes for one of the best golfing vacations in the U.S.