Planning a bucket-list golf trip and want a state with nearly endless public options? The simple answer is Florida, which boasts the most public golf courses in the United States by a wide margin. But the full story of public golf in America is much richer than that. This article breaks down the top states for public golf - not just by sheer number, but by value, experience, and accessibility, giving you the expert insight you need to plan your next great golfing adventure.
While one state wears the crown for total number of courses, several others offer an incredible density and variety of public golf. Here’s a breakdown of the top contenders based on data from the National Golf Foundation and a coach's perspective on what makes each destination special.
Approximate Public Courses: Over 1,100
It's no surprise that the Sunshine State is at the top of the list. With more than 1,100 public-access courses, Florida offers a staggering level of choice for golfers. The primary driver is, of course, the weather. The ability to play 365 days a year makes it an ideal location for golf course development and a magnet for golfers escaping northern winters.
The beauty of Florida’s golf scene is its incredible variety. You can find everything from affordable, friendly municipal courses perfect for a casual round to world-famous, tour-level resort tracks. The "Florida Swing" on the PGA TOUR gives public golfers the chance to walk in the footsteps of the pros.
Approximate Public Courses: Just under 750
What California lacks in total volume compared to Florida, it more than makes up for with sheer star power and breathtaking beauty. The state is home to some of the most famous and visually stunning public courses on Earth. From the coastal cliffs of the Monterey Peninsula to the desert oases of the Coachella Valley, California offers a golfing experience for every taste.
The term "public golf" gets a workout here, as some of its most famous courses carry a hefty price tag. But the experience of playing a track like Pebble Beach is, for many, a once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage worth every penny.
Approximate Public Courses: Around 650
This one often surprises golfers who think great golf is limited to warmer climates. During its picture-perfect golf season (roughly May to October), Michigan is arguably one of the best public golf destinations in the country. It combines a huge inventory of courses with outstanding value and diverse, beautiful terrain.
Michigan's courses aren't built on flat, boring land. You'll find layouts carved through dense northern forests, around pristine lakes, and over dramatic, glacially-carved hills. This gives the state's golf courses a unique and memorable character.
Approximate Public Courses: Nearly 600
New York’s public golf scene has two distinct but equally impressive personalities. There’s incredible depth throughout the state, but the conversation will always begin with one five-course facility on Long Island: Bethpage State Park. Home of the infamous "Warning" sign, Bethpage Black is a two-time U.S. Open host and a testament to the power and quality of public, state-run golf. Accessing fame like this for a sub-$100 greens fee (for residents) is nearly unheard of elsewhere.
Beyond Bethpage, the state park system offers a collection of other high-quality, afordable layouts design by masters like Robert Trent Jones and A.W. Tillinghast.
The state with the most courses isn't automatically the best choice for every golfer. As a coach, I encourage players to think about what they value most in a golf experience. Is it budget? Scenery? A championship challenge?
When it comes to pure bang-for-your-buck, the upper Midwest is tough to beat. Michigan and its neighbor, Wisconsin, lead the pack. These states offer world-class course designs at prices that are significantly lower than what you'd find in coastal destinations. The ultimate example of high-value, high-quality public golf is in Alabama. The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail is a collection of 26 amazing courses at 11 sites across the state. It was designed from the ground up to offer unbelievably good golf at an accessible price point, making it the perfect destination for a first-class golf trip on a coach-class budget.
If your dream is to walk the same fairways as your heroes, then certain states rise above the rest. California lets you play U.S. Open venues like Pebble Beach and Torrey Pines. New York has Bethpage Black. Wisconsin's Whistling Straits has hosted multiple PGA Championships and a Ryder Cup. And you can't have this conversation without North Carolina, home to the cradle of American golf, Pinehurst, where the legendary No. 2 course has hosted more single golf championships than any other site in America.
Another way to look at golf accessibility is how many courses there are relative to the population. This is where smaller states truly shine. States like North Dakota, South Dakota, and Iowa often lead the nation in golf courses per capita. While they might not be top-of-mind travel destinations, it means their residents have unmatched access to tee times and wide-open spaces. It's a reminder that great, accessible golf can be found in every corner of the country.
Some of the most memorable public golf experiences are in states that don’t top the raw-number charts but offer unbelievable quality.
While Florida is the clear winner for the most public golf courses, the best place for your next golf trip depends on what you value. California delivers celebrity courses and epic scenery, Michigan provides outstanding summer golf at a great price, and states like Alabama and Wisconsin offer some of the most enjoyable and rewarding public golf experiences anywhere.
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