Golf Destinations

Golfing in the U.S has a home in a wide range of landscapes and climates, and, like most things, golf is less about the 'best' than it is about finding the 'best for you'; that's why we've compiled a pretty diverse collection of courses in settings all around the country.

The beach and golf just go so well together—it's the only time sand is welcomed in the sport and names like Pebble Beach and TPC Sawgrass are definitely among the country's most known golf destinations in coastal areas, but what about places like Kiawah Island in Johns Island, SC and Kapalua Plantantion in Hawai'i? These are also perennial favorites among avid golfers.

If the beach isn't quite your thing, there are also great golf destinations with a more picturesque setting such as Arcadia Bluffs in Arcadia, MI and Blackwolf Run in Kohler, WI. Places such as Whistling Straits in Sheboygan, WI and Brandon Dunes in Brandon, OR, are also great options for those in search of new golf destinations in less than well- known locations.

Some of the country's best golf courses feature desert locations with amazing vistas at every hole. Desert Willow, in Palm Desert, CA boasts it's two award-winning championship courses, Firecliff and Mountain View, as some of the best golf courses to be found in the country. If you swing best in front of a rugged desert or mountain backdrop, there are plenty of courses in the southwest that may have just the thing you're looking for.

We're sure you've seen plenty of lists floating around the web that can tell you about some of the world's most elite courses, but that's not exactly useful if you're in Stillwater, Oklahoma, where information on a course like Karsten Creek, might be more relevant. There are countless of golf destinations throughout the U.S that don't receive much publicity, and with so many possibilities it's hard to sort through the "average-joes", and find the best golf courses for your playing style, schedule or budget.
If you're an avid golfer and travel addict who wants to try a bit of everything, or know exactly what you like and want to stick to it—GolfSmash has a line on some great golf destinations. Whether you're in the mood for the beach, the dunes or the bluffs, look below for some of the 'best' golf courses in the country as well as a few new names to keep in mind for your next golf destination.