Augusta National might be the crown jewel of American golf, but it’s far from the only course that inspires awe, reverence, and a bit of jealousy from those who’ve never stepped foot on its fairways. Across the country, there are iconic layouts that blend history, challenge, and beauty so well that they belong in the same conversation as the Masters’ famed stage.
From windswept coasts to tree-lined classics, these courses are more than just destinations — they’re legends in their own right. Whether hosting majors or simply serving as bucket-list material for weekend warriors, each one carries a mystique that elevates it to elite status.
14. Medinah Country Club (Course No. 3) – Illinois
This Chicago-area gem has hosted everything from the U.S. Open to the Ryder Cup, and its iconic clubhouse is one of the most recognizable in golf. The mix of classic architecture and championship drama gives it Augusta-level prestige.
13. Winged Foot Golf Club – New York
Known for its brutal difficulty and rich history, Winged Foot doesn’t care about your feelings. The West Course, in particular, has humbled even the best, earning it deep respect from the golf world.
12. Whistling Straits – Wisconsin
If Augusta is a southern belle, Whistling Straits is a wild Midwestern rebel with windswept dunes and a links-style layout unlike anything else in America. It looks like Scotland, plays like chaos, and delivers drama every time.
11. Baltusrol Golf Club – New Jersey
Steeped in tradition, Baltusrol has hosted major moments for over a century. With Donald Ross roots and big-time events in its past, it’s long been a course players speak about with a certain reverence.
10. Seminole Golf Club – Florida
Exclusive, quiet, and dripping with old-school charm, Seminole is where the elite sneak off to play. Its Donald Ross design and oceanside location give it a mystique that rivals Augusta’s.
9. Oak Hill Country Club – New York
Oak Hill combines brutal difficulty with a serene upstate New York setting, and it’s hosted every major you can think of. The course commands respect from pros and purists alike.
8. Shinnecock Hills Golf Club – New York
One of the oldest clubs in the U.S., Shinnecock is a throwback masterpiece that’s kept its edge. Wind, fast greens, and a true test of golf — it’s got Augusta’s vibe, just with more breeze.
7. Pinehurst No. 2 – North Carolina
Donald Ross’ crown jewel, Pinehurst No. 2, is a cerebral test that demands touch over power. It’s the soul of American golf architecture and every bit as sacred as Augusta’s holy turf.
6. Riviera Country Club – California
With its famous par-3 sixth and LA glamour, Riviera oozes cool. The best players love it, and it’s place on the PGA Tour calendar keeps it top of mind all season long.
5. Bethpage Black – New York
Public golf’s answer to Augusta, Bethpage Black is a beast that doesn’t pull punches. The sign warning players at the first tee is legendary — and so is the respect it commands.
4. Pebble Beach Golf Links – California
Few courses can match Augusta’s visuals, but Pebble Beach might top it with ocean views and coastal cliffs. The aura here is undeniable, and the price to play reflects it.
3. Oakmont Country Club – Pennsylvania
Unapologetically tough and ridiculously fast, Oakmont is a major test every single time it’s used. Its reputation for cruelty is part of what makes it so beloved by golf’s hardcore crowd.
Read More: The 15 Most Intimidating Courses on the PGA Tour
2. Cypress Point Club – California
If Augusta is sacred ground, Cypress Point is holy. It’s as exclusive as it gets, with postcard-perfect holes hugging the Pacific — pure golf paradise.
Read More: 5 Brutal Golf Courses That’ll Eat Your Handicap for Breakfast
1. Pine Valley Golf Club – New Jersey
Consistently ranked the best course in the world, Pine Valley is both feared and adored. It’s Augusta without the cameras — remote, elite, and impossibly good.
Read More: The 15 Most Exclusive Golf Clubs in the World
