Finding the perfect golf course as a beginner isn’t always easy. You want a place that feels welcoming, but still offers a great experience for everyone, from newbies to seasoned players. It’s all about finding the right balance—somewhere you can relax, have fun, and work on your swing.
This list is packed with some of the best beginner-friendly golf courses in the US. From the sunny greens of Florida and California to the historic fairways of New York, these courses are perfect for anyone looking to tee off with confidence.
16. Bay Point Marriott, Nicklaus Course – Florida
Bay Point Marriott’s Nicklaus Course in Panama City, Florida, offers a beginner-friendly experience despite its former reputation as one of the toughest layouts in the Florida Panhandle. Renovated by Nicklaus Design in 2004, the course now combines challenging aspects with playability for all skill levels. It features generous fairways, large undulating greens, and stunning views of St. Andrew’s Bay. The course has Tif-Eagle Bermuda-grass greens and is well-maintained, making it an enjoyable outing for beginners and experienced golfers alike.
15. Ponte Vedra Inn and Club, Lagoon Course – Florida
The Lagoon Course at Ponte Vedra Inn and Club is a beginner-friendly gem in Florida. Measuring just over 5,933 yards from the blue tees, it emphasizes accuracy and thoughtful approaches over long drives. The course features a mosaic of lakes and lagoons on 11 holes, with narrow fairways and small, fast greens. Its tropical scenery and well-maintained conditions make it an ideal choice for those looking to enjoy a relaxing round of golf.
14. Kelly Plantation – Florida
Kelly Plantation in Destin, Florida, offers a beginner-friendly golf experience with its well-manicured fairways and large, contoured greens. The course features 18 holes along the picturesque Choctawhatchee Bay, providing stunning views and a tranquil setting. With multiple tee boxes, including the Palmetto and Sterling tees, novice golfers can enjoy a fun and encouraging round.
13. Mission Inn, Las Colinas – Florida
Mission Inn’s Las Colinas course in Florida offers a beginner-friendly experience with its inland links layout, featuring wide-open fairways and large, receptive greens. The course has a variety of risk/reward opportunities and forced carries, but its classic architecture emphasizes accuracy, particularly on its signature “Alligator Alley” par-5 12th hole.
12. Falcon’s Fire – Florida
Falcon’s Fire Golf Club in Kissimmee, Florida, offers a challenging yet playable course for beginners. Designed by Rees Jones and Greg Muirhead, it features 18 holes, four sets of tees, and year-round playing conditions. The course includes a driving range, pitching/chipping area, and putting green for practice. Despite mixed reviews on course condition, it remains a popular choice for its layout and amenities.
11. Woodley Lakes Golf Course – California
Woodley Lakes Golf Course in Van Nuys, California, is an ideal destination for beginners. This 18-hole course features wide, inviting fairways and generous greens, making it perfect for learning the game. With a par of 72 and a length of 6,805 yards, it offers a challenging yet enjoyable experience for novices and experienced golfers alike. The course includes a driving range, pitching/chipping area, and putting green, providing ample opportunities for practice and improvement.
10. Los Feliz Golf Club – California
The Los Feliz Golf Club in California is a 9-hole par 3 course perfect for beginners. With a total yardage of 989 yards and a par of 27, it offers a casual and fun golfing experience. Featured in the movie “Swingers,” it’s a local favorite with affordable rates starting at $9 for 9 holes on weekdays.
9. The Executive Course – California
The Executive Course (formerly known as St. Mark Executive) in San Marcos, California, is a par-58 gem perfect for beginners. At 2,700 yards, it offers a fun and relaxed setting, fostering learning and quick play. The course features both men’s and women’s clubs, providing a supportive environment for players to grow their skills.
8. Alhambra Golf Course – California
Alhambra Golf Course in California is a beginner-friendly course with a par-71 layout at 5,478 yards. It features a mix of flat parkland holes on the front nine and rolling terrain with elevation changes on the back nine. The course includes four par 5s and five par 3s, offering variety and challenge for all skill levels.
7. Penmar Golf Club – California
Penmar Golf Club in Venice, California, is an ideal course for beginners. This 9-hole executive course focuses on short game skills with six par 4s and three par 3s. With a total yardage of 2,582 and a par of 33, it offers a relaxed and fun setting for learning golf. The course features practice putting greens and rental clubs, making it accessible for new players.
6. Goat Hill Park – California
Goat Hill Park in Oceanside, California, offers a unique and inclusive golfing experience perfect for beginners. This par 65 short course features narrow holes, small greens, and a relaxed atmosphere. With a 3-hole kids course called the Playground and a variety of tee boxes, including “baby goat” tees for young golfers, it caters to all skill levels and ages. The course is dog-friendly and has a laid-back vibe, making it an ideal spot for beginners to learn and enjoy golf.
5. Presidio Golf Course – California
The Presidio Golf Course in San Francisco, California, offers a beginner-friendly experience with its well-groomed fairways and greens. This par 72 course features 18 holes and a variety of tee options to accommodate different skill levels. The course also provides a driving range, pitching/chipping area, and putting green for practice. Additionally, Presidio Golf Course offers various clinics and lessons taught by PGA professionals, making it an ideal choice for beginners looking to improve their skills.
4. Van Cortlandt Park Golf Course – New York
Van Cortlandt Park Golf Course, located in the Bronx, is the oldest public golf course in the US. It features 18 holes with a total length of 6,096 yards and a par of 70. The course is suitable for beginners due to its few hazards and generous greens. It also offers a practice putting green and a driving range for skill development.
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3. Sydney R. Marovitz Golf Course – Illinois
Sydney R. Marovitz Golf Course in Chicago, Illinois, offers a beginner-friendly 9-hole experience with stunning views of Lake Michigan. The course features well-groomed fairways and greens, making it challenging yet accessible for all skill levels. With a par of 36 and a length of 3240 yards, it’s perfect for a quick round.
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2. Rancho Park Golf Course – California
Rancho Park Golf Course in Los Angeles, California, is a par 71, 18-hole championship course that offers a challenging yet beginner-friendly experience. Designed by William Johnson and William P. Bell, it features tree-lined fairways, small greens, and a variety of lies that require strategic thinking. The course includes a driving range, practice putting greens, and lessons for those looking to improve their skills. With five sets of tees, it caters to golfers of all levels, making it an ideal choice for beginners.
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1. Monarch Dunes Challenge Course – California
The Monarch Dunes Challenge Course in Nipomo, CA, offers a unique 12-hole par-three experience perfect for beginners. With holes ranging from 65 to 205 yards, players can practice various shots and strategies. The course features five lakes, natural dunes, and multiple tee sets for varying difficulty levels. Rates start at $30 to walk and $50 to ride, with special programs and equipment available for new golfers.