Playing a course from Golf Digest's The Best Courses You Can Play by State list isn't just a round of golf, it's an event. These are the layouts that inspire us, challenge us, and leave us with stories to tell for years. This guide is built to help you move beyond just admiring the list. We'll walk through how to choose the right destination, prepare your game for the unique test ahead, and apply smart on-course strategies to truly enjoy every moment of the experience.
First, let's look at why these courses earn their spot. Golf Digest's panelists don't just find the hardest courses, they're looking for something much more profound. Each of these public-access gems excels in several categories, which is what separates a good local track from a world-class destination.
The "you can play" part is what makes this list so exciting. It separates these fantastic public courses from the ultra-private clubs on their ultimate "100 Greatest" list. This is our list, for every golfer who dreams of walking the same fairways that have challenged so many.
Turning a name on a list into a real-life golf adventure takes a bit of planning. Getting ahead of the game here will make a huge difference in your overall experience.
Don't just blindly pick the #1 course in the nearest state. Think about what kind of golf gets you excited. The number on the list is less important than finding a fit for your a) budget, b) skill level, and c) personal taste.
You can't just show up a week before at most of these destinations. Popular courses often book out months, or even a full year, in advance.
Pro Tip: Check their website for the booking policy and get a reminder on your calendar for the day tee times open. Don't be afraid to call the pro shop directly. The staff is often your best source of information, and they might know of cancellations or less-busy windows that aren't visible online.
Playing a great course "blind" can be fun, but a little prep work gives you a massive advantage. You don't need to create a full yardage book, but having a general game plan takes away a lot of on-course stress.
This little bit of homework will help you stand on each tee with a smart plan instead of a question mark.
This is where the inner golf coach in me speaks up. You do not need a perfect swing to play and enjoy a top-tier golf course. What you do need is to prepare the parts of your game that a championship design will test the most.
The greens at top courses are often much larger and have more internal contouring than your local course. Three-putting from 50 feet isn't a failure here, it's a common occurrence. The goal isn't making long putts, it's eliminating three-putts. Dedicate your pre-round practice to lagging. Drop three balls at 30, 40, and 50 feet. Your entire objective is to get your first putt inside a 3-foot "friend zone" circle around the hole. This single skill will save you more strokes than any other.
These layouts will force you into half-swing wedge shots. You’ll have more awkward approach yardages than you're used to. Head to the range or practice area and work on dialing in your distances with less-than-full swings. How far does a knee-high half-swing with your sand wedge go? What about a three-quarter swing with your gap wedge? Knowing your numbers for these "feel" shots breeds incredible confidence when you're standing over one on the course.
This is my favorite piece of advice. What's the most valuable club for tackling a tough course? It's not the driver, it’s the club you use to get back into play after a mistake. Everyone hits a bad shot. The difference between a bogey and a triple-bogey is often the recovery. Spend 15 minutes practicing a low, running 7-iron punch shot that can escape lurking tree branches. Knowing you have a reliable escape plan removes so much pressure and stops one mistake from snowballing.
You've planned the trip and sharpened your skills. Now it's time to tee it up. A smart mental approach is essential to make the most of your day.
Be kind to yourself. You are not there to attack the course and shoot a record low score. You are there to enjoy legendary architecture and a memorable experience. Bogey is your friend. On some of these designs, bogey feels like a par. Redefine what a "good day" means. It might be playing the signature par-3 under double-bogey or just enjoying the walk and the company. The sooner you let go of scoring pressure, the more fun you will have.
This is the single most important decision you'll make all day. Swallow your ego and move up. A top course listed at 6,500 yards will play much, much longer and harder than your 6,500-yard home course due to design features like hazards, forced carries, and complex greens. Playing from a manageable yardage allows you to hit mid-irons into greens instead of stretching to reach with fairway woods. You'll hit more greens, have more fun, and probably post a better score.
Here’s a touring pro’s secret: On a tough hole, don't automatically grab your driver and swing away. Start by looking at the hole from the green back to the tee.
Now, stand on the tee and select the club that gives you the best chance of leaving yourself 125 yards to the fairway's safe side. It might be a 3-wood or even a hybrid. This strategic approach keeps you out of major trouble and sets up easier approach shots.
Seriously. When you get to the 17th tee at TPC Sawgrass or the 18th at Pebble Beach, put the club down for a moment. Look around. Take a picture. Congratulate yourself for being there. This is why you came. Don't let your focus on a score prevent you from soaking in the incredible moment.
Using the Golf Digest "Best Courses You Can Play" list is your ticket to some of the most inspiring golf on the planet. By planning your trip with care, preparing the right parts of your game, and using sound course strategy, you can turn any of these dream rounds into an outstanding reality - no matter what you write down on the scorecard.
Having a smart, simple game plan is the best way to walk onto these challenging courses with confidence. That’s why we created Caddie AI. Our goal is to give you that same kind of tour-level strategy right in your pocket. It can help you make a smart decision on a confusing tee shot or even analyze a picture of a difficult lie to tell you the best way to play it. With the guesswork gone, you're free to relax, trust your plan, and focus on enjoying an unforgettable round on an amazing course.
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