Public access guide

The best public-access golf resorts

You don't need a member's invitation to play the best courses in America. These resorts are open to anyone willing to book the trip.

Sam WhittakerMarch 16, 20269 min read
PublicResortOpen access
The best public-access golf resorts

We focused on resorts where the marquee courses are fully public (or guest-of-resort), with quality lodging on-site. No hidden invite-only tracks; every course on this list you can book a tee time at today.

  1. Bandon Dunes#1

    OR, USA

    Bandon Dunes

    Five walking-only links on a Pacific bluff. The closest thing American golf has to a pilgrimage.

    Best season
    Jun – Oct
    From
    $2,900
    Luxury
    78/100
    Nightlife
    42/100
    Read the full guidePlan a trip
  2. Pinehurst#2

    NC, USA

    Pinehurst

    No. 2 still sets the standard. Pine straw, Donald Ross, and a clubhouse that smells like history.

    Best season
    Mar – Jun
    From
    $1,800
    Luxury
    88/100
    Nightlife
    55/100
    Read the full guidePlan a trip
  3. Streamsong#3

    FL, USA

    Streamsong

    Three minimalist masterpieces dropped into Florida phosphate mines. Closest thing to Pine Valley with a Marriott rate.

    Best season
    Oct – May
    From
    $1,300
    Luxury
    82/100
    Nightlife
    28/100
    Read the full guidePlan a trip
  4. Kohler / Whistling Straits#4

    WI, USA

    Kohler / Whistling Straits

    Whistling Straits and Blackwolf Run. Pete Dye at his most theatrical, on a freshwater coast that plays like the British Isles.

    Best season
    May – Oct
    From
    $1,890
    Luxury
    95/100
    Nightlife
    42/100
    Read the full guidePlan a trip
  5. Pebble Beach#5

    CA, USA

    Pebble Beach

    Cliffs, cypress, and the eighth hole — the most copied 100-yard shot in golf.

    Best season
    Apr – Oct
    From
    $4,200
    Luxury
    98/100
    Nightlife
    68/100
    Read the full guidePlan a trip
  6. Kiawah Island#6

    SC, USA

    Kiawah Island

    The Ocean Course breaks people. Then the Sanctuary serves you a Manhattan.

    Best season
    Apr – Oct
    From
    $2,200
    Luxury
    94/100
    Nightlife
    72/100
    Read the full guidePlan a trip
  7. Sand Valley#7

    WI, USA

    Sand Valley

    Old Tom on the prairie. Coore & Crenshaw, Doak, and the new Lido — sand-barren minimalism, walking only.

    Best season
    May – Oct
    From
    $1,300
    Luxury
    82/100
    Nightlife
    28/100
    Read the full guidePlan a trip
  8. Cabot Citrus Farms#8

    FL, USA

    Cabot Citrus Farms

    Mike Keiser's Florida bet. Streamsong-style minimalism, walking encouraged, with citrus groves still in the sightlines.

    Best season
    Oct – May
    From
    $1,910
    Luxury
    85/100
    Nightlife
    30/100
    Read the full guidePlan a trip
  9. Sea Island#9

    GA, USA

    Sea Island

    Forbes Five-Star, three private courses, and Davis Love III still walks the property. Old-money low country.

    Best season
    Apr – Jun, Sep – Nov
    From
    $1,460
    Luxury
    99/100
    Nightlife
    40/100
    Read the full guidePlan a trip
  10. Myrtle Beach#10

    SC, USA

    Myrtle Beach

    The original buddies-trip capital — 100+ tracks, oceanfront condos, and a Sunday tee sheet that takes an hour to read.

    Best season
    Mar – May, Sep – Nov
    From
    $900
    Luxury
    55/100
    Nightlife
    82/100
    Read the full guidePlan a trip

FAQs

What is the best public golf resort in America?

+

Bandon Dunes (Oregon) is consistently #1 — five Top-100 public courses on one campus. Pinehurst, Streamsong and Kohler are close runners-up.

Can anyone play these courses?

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Yes. Every resort on this list lets non-members book tee times, typically as part of a stay-and-play package.

Notable courses

Courses featured in this guide

Pacific Dunes

Bandon Dunes · Tom Doak

Par 71 · 6,633 yd

Bandon Dunes

Bandon Dunes · David McLay Kidd

Par 72 · 6,732 yd

Pinehurst No. 2

Pinehurst · Donald Ross

Par 72 · 7,588 yd

Pinehurst No. 4

Pinehurst · Gil Hanse (restoration)

Par 72 · 7,117 yd

Streamsong Black

Streamsong · Gil Hanse

Par 73 · 7,331 yd

Streamsong Red

Streamsong · Coore & Crenshaw

Par 72 · 7,148 yd

Whistling Straits (Straits Course)

Kohler / Whistling Straits

Whistling Straits (Irish Course)

Kohler / Whistling Straits

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Featured destinations

Explore the destinations in this guide

Bandon Dunes golf destination

OR, USA

Bandon Dunes

Pinehurst golf destination

NC, USA

Pinehurst

Streamsong golf destination

FL, USA

Streamsong

Kohler / Whistling Straits golf destination

WI, USA

Kohler / Whistling Straits

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