Top 100 Golf Courses You Can Play

Playing a golf course ranked among the best in the nation is a goal for nearly every serious golfer. These aren't just patches of grass, they are legendary layouts that have tested the best players and created unforgettable memories. This guide will walk you through what these Top 100 You Can Play lists really mean and, more importantly, provide a clear, step-by-step plan for how you can book a tee time, prepare for the round, and truly enjoy your own bucket-list golf experience.

What Makes a "Top 100 You Can Play" Course?

You’ve probably seen the big, glossy magazine features on the "Top 100 Courses in America." The problem? Most of those lists are dominated by ultra-exclusive private clubs like Augusta National, Pine Valley, and Cypress Point - places you can't play without a member escort. That's where the "Top 100 You Can Play" lists, published by outlets like GOLF Magazine and Golf Digest, become your best friend.

These rankings focus exclusively on courses with public access. This doesn't mean they're all your standard daily-fee muni, though some spectacular munis do make the cut. "Public access" generally falls into three categories:

• Daily-Fee Courses: You book a tee time, you pay your green fee, you play. It’s that simple. Bethpage Black is a prime example.
• Resort Courses: These courses are part of a larger resort. To secure a coveted tee time, you often need to book a stay-and-play package. Iconic destinations like Pebble Beach, Bandon Dunes, and Pinehurst fall into this category.
• Municipal Courses: Owned and operated by a city, county, or state, these courses are often the most affordable way to play a world-class track. Torrey Pines in San Diego is a famous example.

The beauty of these lists is that they level the playing field. They prove that you don't need a high-powered connection to walk the same fairways as the legends of the game. You just need a good plan.

A Glimpse into the Elite: Regional Highlights

A list of 100 courses can be overwhelming. To give you a feel for the experiences waiting for you, let's look at some of the standouts from different regions of the country. These aren't just golf courses, they are destinations.

The Pacific Coast Pilgrimage: Bandon, Pebble, and More

The West Coast offers some of the most dramatic coastal golf on the planet. The experience is often defined by firm, fast links-style conditions, breathtaking ocean views, and an emphasis on walking.

• Bandon Dunes Golf Resort (Bandon, OR): Many consider this the single greatest pure golf destination in the world. With six incredible courses (Bandon Dunes, Pacific Dunes, Bandon Trails, Old Macdonald, Sheep Ranch, and the par-3 Preserve), it’s a paradise for the walking golfer. Expect wind, firm fescue fairways, and endless strategic choices.
• Pebble Beach Golf Links (Pebble Beach, CA): Perhaps the most famous public course in America. Walking up the 18th fairway with the Pacific Ocean crashing to your left is a moment no golfer ever forgets. It’s an iconic, unforgettable, and expensive round of golf. Its neighbors, Spyglass Hill and The Links at Spanish Bay, are also Top 100 caliber.
• Torrey Pines (South Course) (La Jolla, CA): A U.S. Open host perched on the cliffs above the Pacific. As a municipal course, it’s one of the more accessible courses of this quality, especially for residents. It’s a long, stout test that demands powerful driving and precise approach play.

Midwest Marvels: Wisconsin's Public Golf Mecca

The Midwest might not have oceans, but it has Lake Michigan and some of the most creative and challenging modern designs in golf, largely thanks to architects like Pete Dye.

• Whistling Straits (Straits Course) (Sheboygan, WI): A Pete Dye masterpiece that looks like it was teleported from the coast of Ireland. With over 1,000 bunkers and constant wind off Lake Michigan, this three-time PGA Championship and Ryder Cup host is a beautiful beast of a golf course.
• Erin Hills (Erin, WI): Another U.S. Open venue, Erin Hills offers a completely different, yet equally compelling, Wisconsin experience. It’s a brawny, walking-only course that sprawls across a vast, rolling landscape shaped by glaciers. The fescue fairways and penal rough demand your full attention.

The Pinehurst Experience: The Cradle of American Golf

If you love golf history, a trip to the North Carolina Sandhills is a must. Pinehurst is a charming village that lives and breathes golf, and its centerpiece resort is a national treasure.

• Pinehurst Resort (No. 2) (Pinehurst, NC): The genius of Donald Ross is on full display here. No two holes are alike, but the defining feature is the greens. The domed, "turtleback" greens repel anything but the most perfectly struck approach shots, making short-game creativity paramount. It's a subtle, strategic test that's hosted more major championships than any other course in America. With other fantastic courses on property (like No. 4 and the new No. 10), it's a complete golf getaway.

The Southeast Swing: TPC Sawgrass and Kiawah Island

Some of the most recognizable holes in professional golf are found in the Southeast, offering you the chance to see how you stack up on courses glorified on television.

• TPC Sawgrass (THE PLAYERS Stadium Course) (Ponte Vedra Beach, FL): Home to "the fifth major," this Pete Dye creation is designed to test every facet of your game while creating maximum drama. It culminates in holes 16, 17, and 18, one of the most famous finishing stretches in golf, highlighted by the island green 17th.
• Kiawah Island Golf Resort (The Ocean Course) (Kiawah Island, SC): Another daunting Pete Dye design famous for hosting the "War by the Shore" Ryder Cup and multiple PGA Championships. It’s one of the toughest courses you can play, with relentless winds sweeping across the exposed, seaside layout. Every shot feels like a major moment.

Your Game Plan: How to Actually Play These Courses

Seeing the pictures is one thing, getting a tee time is another. Here’s a practical, step-by-step approach to turn your dream round into a reality.

Step 1: Booking Your Dream Tee Time

Booking a tee time at a Top 100 course isn't like calling your local muni on a Thursday for a Saturday morning spot. It requires planning. Here are the most common methods:

• Stay-and-Play Packages: For resort destinations like Bandon, Pebble, and Pinehurst, this is the most reliable way to get on. Resorts prioritize guests who are staying on the property. While it's a bigger financial commitment, it guarantees you’ll play and immerses you in the full experience.
• Advance Booking Windows: For courses that aren't tied exclusively to a resort, like Bethpage Black, you'll need to know their specific booking policies. This might mean getting on a website or phone line at a very specific time, sometimes months in advance. Do your research!
• The Single Golfer Strategy: Courses almost always have room for a single to join a twosome or threesome. If you're flexible and traveling solo, you have a much higher chance of snagging a last-minute spot. Call the pro shop a day or two in advance and see what’s available.
• Shoulder Season Savings: Peak season (summer) at these places comes with peak prices. Consider traveling in the "shoulder season" - late spring or early fall. The weather can still be fantastic, the courses are in great shape, and you can often find better rates on both lodging and golf.

Step 2: Preparing for the Challenge

Once your time is booked, the real prep begins. A little forethought will a make your day significantly more enjoyable.

• Physical Preparation: Many of the world’s best courses are walking-only (Bandon, Erin Hills). If you're not used to walking 18 holes, start now! A month before your trip, try walking your rounds at home. You don't want physical fatigue to be the reason you play poorly on the back nine of a round you've been dreaming about for years. Invest in comfortable, broken-in golf shoes.
• Mental Preparation: This is a big one. Accept that you are going to hit bad shots. This is a Top 100 course for a reason - it’s supposed to be hard! Don't let your score dictate your enjoyment. Your goal is to savor the experience: the views, the walk, the strategy, the history. Think of it as a fun test, not a judgement on your game.
• Equipment Check: Pack for the location. Heading to Bandon or Scotland? You need high-quality rain gear, even if the forecast is clear. Playing a course with deep bunkers? Make sure your sand wedge has the right bounce for your swing. Bring extra balls - you’ll likely need them.

Step 3: A Coach's Advice for Tackling a Bucket-List Course

Alright, you're standing on the first tee. You're prepared. How do you give yourself the best chance to play well and have fum?

• Play the Right Tees: Check your ego at the door. There’s no glory in shooting 110 from the championship tees. Look at the total yardage and choose a set of tees that match what you normally play at home. You'll hit better shots, have more fun, and see the course the way the architect intended for your skill level.
• Take a Caddie: If a caddie program is offered, use it. A good caddie is worth their weight in gold. They'll give you proper putting lines, offer strategic advice on where to miss, and share stories about the course that deepen the experience. It’s an investment in your enjoyment.
• Have a Simple Game Plan: Before each shot, identify the one place you absolutely cannot hit it. The big water hazard, the impossibly deep bunker, the out-of-bounds stakes. Then, just aim away from it. This simple "one-miss" strategy helps you avoid the blow-up holes that can ruin a round.

Final Thoughts

Playing a world-renowned golf course is one of the great experiences the game offers. It's an opportunity to walk in the footsteps of legends, test your skills against masterful design, and create memories that will last a lifetime. With thoughtful planning and the right mindset, this aspirational goal is well within your reach.

Once you’re out there on a legendary track like Kiawah or Whistling Straits, a solid strategy is what separates a great experience from a frustrating one. This is exactly where our app, Caddie AI, becomes your trusted partner. Instead of feeling lost or intimidated by a hole, you can give me the details, and I’ll provide a clear, simple shot plan - helping you avoid the major trouble and think your way around the course like a pro. With expert advice in your pocket, I can help remove the uncertainty, allowing you to play with more confidence and fully enjoy every moment of your bucket-list round.