10 Best Public Golf Courses In America

Wondering what are the 10 best public golf courses in America? Choosing the correct golf course can be the difference between having an average golf experience and an unforgettable golf experience. This list of the 10 best public golf courses in America can help you decide which course is best for you. Factors to consider when looking for a golf course include your ability to play, the difficulty of the course, the cost of playing, the surroundings and helpfulness of the staff.

1. Pacific Dunes. This 6,633 yard golf course was designed by Tom Doak. The 18-hole, par 71 golf course opened in 2001 and makes for an exciting golf experience. Holes can be found on top of dune hills and amongst heaving green. There is also a driving range and training facility on the premises. Green fees range from $75 to $275. Pacific Dunes: 57744 Round Lake Drive, Bandon, OR 97411.
2. Pebble Beach Golf Links. Jack Neville and Douglas Grant designed the layout for this 10-hole, par 72 golf course which has established quite a history since its opening in 1919. The Monterey Peninsula coastline provides the pleasant surroundings of the golf course which is famous for its oceanfront holes. There is a driving range and training facility and even though the green fees of $495 (including cart) seem high, it is said to be worth every penny. Pebble Beach Golf Links: 1700 17 Mile Drive, Pebble Beach, CA 93953.
3. Whistling Straits. The architect of this golf course was Pete Dye. Dye designed the 18-hole par 72 golf course according to founder Herb Kohler's instructions. The golf course is located on the shores of Lake Michigan and has hosted the 2004 PGA Championship and the 2007 U.S. Senior Open. Whistling Straits: N 8501 County LS, Sheboygan, WI 53083.
4. Kiawah Island Ocean Course. Pete Dye designed this 7,356 yard, Bermuda Grass, 18-hole golf course in 1991 and made some architectural changes to it during 2002 and 2003. In 2012 the PGA Championship will be hosted at this golf course. Kiawah Island Ocean Resort: One Sanctuary Beach Drive, Kiawah Island, SC 29455.
5. Pinehurst no 2. Designed by Donald Russ in 1907, this golf course is said to be one of the toughest courses around. The 18-hole golf course is one of the 8 golf courses that make up the Pinehurst Resort. Pinehurst: 80 Carolina Vista Drive, Pinehurst, NC 28374.
6. Bandon Dunes. David McLay Kidd designed the layout of this 18-hole, par 72, Bent Grass golf course located along the Pacific Ocean. The golf course opened in 1999. Green fees range from $72 to $275. Bandon Dunes: 57744 Round Lake Drive, Bandon, OR 97411.
7. Bethpage Black. This top 10 golf course is located in Bethpage State Park and hosted the 2002 and 2009 U.S. Open. The course is made of rolling hills and has trees and huge bunkers. Joseph H. Burbeck and A.W. Tillinghast designed the 1936 course. There are putting greens training facilities and green fees range from $65 to $150. Bethpage Black: Bethpage State Park, Farmingdale, NY 11735.
8. Chambers Bay Golf Course. This 18-hole golf course is located an hour from Seattle, Washington and is located on top of a gravel mine. This new 2007 golf course was designed by Robert Trent Jones II and is made of Fescue Grass and is said to be challenging right from the first hole. Chambers Bay Golf Course: 6320 Grandview Drive West, University Place, WA 98467.
9. Spyglass Hill. This course was designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. in 1966 and is made of Poa Annua Grass. The first six holes of this 18-hole golf course are said to be the ''most dramatic'' in the world. The ocean setting along this golf course is beautiful and the course is open all year round. Spyglass Hill: Spyglass Hill Rd & Stevenson Drive, Pebble Beach, CA 93953.
10. TPC at Sawgrass. This 18-hole, par 72, golf course is a stadium style course which makes for easy viewing by spectators. Aside from the large variety of holes, this golf course is best known for its par-3, 17th hole. Green fees range from $275 to $375. TPC at Sawgrass: 110 Championship Way, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082.