I ranked the top 20 golf destinations in the US by tier (2026)
Nothing is better than going on a golf trip with your friends. I love to research destinations and plan a great trip. I’ve ranked the top 20 golf destinations in the US.
I broke them into 5 tiers: Bucket List, Modern Classics, Best Value, Resort/Lifestyle, Underrated Gem, and a few honorable mentions.
TIER 1: BUCKET LIST
- Bandon Dunes, Oregon
- Pebble Beach, California
- Pinehurst, North Carolina
- Kohler, Wisconsin
- Kiawah Island, South Carolina
TIER 2: MODERN CLASSICS
Streamsong, Florida
Sand Valley, Wisconsin
Arcadia Bluffs, Michigan
Palm Springs / Coachella Valley, California
TIER 3: BEST VALUE
Robert Trent Jones (RTJ) Golf Trail, Alabama
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
St. George, Utah
Bend, Oregon
TIER 4: RESORT/LIFESTYLE DESTINATIONS
Scottsdale, Arizona
Sea Island, Georgia
Las Vegas, Nevada
Cabot Citrus Farms, Florida
Lake Tahoe, Nevada / CA Stateline
Amelia Island, Florida
TIER 5: UNDERRATED GEM
- Forest Dunes, Michigan
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Branson, Missouri | Hilton Head, South Carolina | Williamsburg, Virginia | French Lick, Indiana | Woodlands/Houston, Texas | Whitefish, Montana | Traverse City, Michigan
Quick Comparisons:
BEST FOR SERIOUS GOLFERS: Bandon, Pinehurst, Streamsong
BEST VALUE: RTJ Trail, Myrtle Beach, St. George
BEST FOR BACHELOR PARTIES: Scottsdale, Vegas, Myrtle
BEST FOR FAMILIES: Sea Island, Hilton Head, Amelia Island
MOST SLEPT ON: Forest Dunes, Bend, Cabot Citrus Farms
MOST UNIQUE EXPERIENCE: Cabot Citrus Farms
How’d I do? Where's your favorite destination?