For many Americans, golf is more than just a game; it’s a passion, a lifestyle, and a significant factor in deciding where to vacation or even settle down.
According to the National Golf Foundation, over 26 million Americans played at a golf course in 2023, highlighting the sport’s widespread appeal.
For these golf enthusiasts, the availability of plentiful, high-quality golf courses is an important consideration.
This guide explores the top states for golfing, highlighting the number of courses, noteworthy aspects, and the best-rated courses in each state, offering a comprehensive look at what makes them ideal destinations for golf lovers.
1. Florida
The Golf Capital of the World Florida rightfully earns its title as the “Golf Capital of the World” with an impressive 1,262 golf courses.
This is 31% more than the state with the second-highest number of courses. Beyond the sheer quantity, Florida also leads in the most rounds played and the most new courses under construction, indicating a thriving golf scene.
Golf Digest’s Best-Rated Course
Seminole Golf Club in Juno Beach offers stunning ocean views, with its rectangular shape tracing the coastline.
2. California
A Golfer’s Road Trip Dream California, with its diverse landscapes and sunny weather, comes in second with 961 golf courses.
This makes it an excellent destination for golfers looking to combine their love for the sport with a scenic road trip.
Golf Digest’s Best-Rated Course
Cypress Point Club, located in Pebble Beach, is renowned for hosting several prestigious tournaments. However, it was dropped from the PGA Tour in 1990 due to its failure to comply with the PGA’s anti-discriminatory guidelines.
3. Michigan
Great Lakes Golfing Despite its seasonal golfing weather, Michigan ranks third with 859 courses. The Great Lake State offers a unique golfing experience, particularly during the warmer months.
Golf Digest’s Best-Rated Course
Crystal Downs Country Club is described as short yet challenging, characterized by its zigzagging fairways.
4. New York
Northern Golfing Charm New York offers plentiful golf course opportunities for golf enthusiasts with 833 courses.
Interestingly, New York’s neighbor, New Jersey, has the lowest proportion of public golf courses; therefore, New York State is a better option for golfers seeking public courses.
Golf Digest’s Best-Rated Course
Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton is set to host the U.S. Open in 2026.
5. Texas
Golfing in the Lone Star State Texas ranks among the top five states with 821 courses. The Lone Star State provides ample opportunities for golfers across its vast terrain.
Golf Digest’s Best-Rated Course
Whispering Pines Golf Club, founded in the early 1990s, offers a more modern golfing experience.
6. Pennsylvania
A State of Avid Golfers Pennsylvania is home to 658 golf courses and boasts a high number of golfers, with over one million residents participating in the sport. Its large population contributes to the demand for golf courses.
Golf Digest’s Best-Rated Course:
Oakmont Country Club, known for its challenging bunkers, has hosted the most U.S. Opens of any course. Due to its difficulty, Oakmont is not recommended for novice golfers.
7. Ohio
Golfing Heartland Similar to Pennsylvania, Ohio has over one million golfer residents and 648 golf courses. This ensures that players have a variety of options to choose from.
Golf Digest’s Best-Rated Course
Muirfield Village Golf Club, designed by Jack Nicklaus, underwent a complete renovation in 2020, including the rebuilding of every hole.
8. Illinois
Midwest Golfing Destination Illinois closely follows Ohio with 646 golf courses. The state also has a village named “Golf” in Cook County.
Golf Digest’s Best-Rated Course
Chicago Golf Club, despite its name, is located in Wheaton, just outside of Chicago.
9. Wisconsin
Beyond the Dairy Farms Wisconsin offers 528 golf courses. The Badger State caters to its golf-loving residents.
Golf Digest’s Best-Rated Course
Whistling Straits: Straits Course is a public course, making it accessible to a wider range of golfers.
10. North Carolina
Public Golfing Paradise North Carolina is nearly tied with Wisconsin, providing 521 golf courses. It is a sought-after destination for public golf course seekers.
Golf Digest’s Best-Rated Course
Pinehurst No. 2 is a highly regarded public course scheduled to host the U.S. Open multiple times in the coming years (2024, 2029, 2035, 2041, and 2047).
11. Minnesota
A Public Golfing Haven Minnesota stands out as an ideal destination for out-of-state golfers, with 90% of its 477 golf courses being public. This is significantly higher than the national average of 73%.
Golf Digest’s Best-Rated Course
Interlachen Country Club, a private course, is known for hosting women’s professional golf events and its restoration efforts.
12. Georgia
Southern Golfing Charm Georgia offers golfers 403 courses and the advantage of year-round play.
Golf Digest’s Best-Rated Course
Augusta National Golf Club, famous for the Masters Tournament, consistently makes changes to its course, including adding 35 yards to the par-5 13th hole in 2023.
13. Arizona
Desert Golfing Experience Arizona features 373 golf courses. The state provides stunning desert landscapes and challenging play.
Golf Digest’s Best-Rated Course
The Estancia Club offers a challenging experience with uphill and downhill shots set in a desert environment.
14. Massachusetts
Historical Golfing Grounds Massachusetts offers 365 golf courses.
Golf Digest’s Best-Rated Course:
The Country Club: The Main Course in Brookline, where Matthew Fitzpatrick won the U.S. Open in 2022.
Alicia Richards