When it comes to golf in America, not every city is created equal. Some spots just get it right, with perfect weather, beautiful courses, and enough 19th holes to keep your day going strong.
Whether you’re chasing birdies, sunshine, or that perfect Instagram photo of a tee box overlooking the ocean, these cities deliver. Pack your clubs, practice your swing, and get ready to fantasize about an extended golf trip you’ll probably tell yourself is “for the exercise.”
15. Houston, Texas
Houston brings the heat, literally and figuratively, with a ton of public and private courses. If you can handle the humidity, you’ll find some seriously good golf.
14. Salt Lake City, Utah
It’s not just a ski town—Salt Lake City has a sneaky good golf scene with mountain views that might mess with your concentration. The dry air helps the ball fly a little farther, too, which never hurts.
13. Minneapolis, Minnesota
You get about six months of playable weather, but the summer golf scene here is electric. Plus, the public courses are better than they have any right to be.
12. Denver, Colorado
Thin air, mountain backdrops, and a ton of variety make Denver a surprisingly elite golf city. Just be ready to blame your putting woes on the altitude.
11. Chicago, Illinois
If you can survive the winters, Chicago’s golf options will make it worth your while. The summer courses here are lush, lively, and packed with history.
10. Orlando, Florida
Orlando isn’t just theme parks—it’s basically golf Disneyland too. With a ton of tournament-level courses and perfect year-round weather, it’s a golfer’s dream if you don’t mind some afternoon rain.
9. San Diego, California
Perfect weather, iconic courses like Torrey Pines, and Pacific Ocean views put San Diego high on any golfer’s bucket list. Honestly, it’s almost unfair how good it is.
8. Austin, Texas
Austin brings laid-back vibes, barbecue, live music, and sneaky-good golf courses. Plus, you can finish your round and head straight for some of the best tacos of your life.
7. Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix is where golf snowbirds migrate for a reason. Sunshine, desert layouts, and endless golf resorts make it a playground for every level of golfer.
6. Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta’s golf scene is way more underrated than it should be. Whether you’re looking for traditional parkland courses or newer modern designs, Atlanta has it all—and a rich golfing history to boot.
5. Charleston, South Carolina
Southern charm, coastal breezes, and beautiful lowcountry courses define Charleston’s golf vibe. Bonus points for all the ridiculously good food waiting for you after your round.
4. Palm Springs, California
If you like your golf surrounded by palm trees, sunshine, and luxury, Palm Springs is the place. Just be ready for the heat and the endless temptation to book “one more round.”
3. Pinehurst, North Carolina
Pinehurst is basically sacred ground for golfers. With legendary courses and a town that feels like it was built entirely around the game, it’s a must-visit for any serious player.
Read More: Ranking the 15 Toughest Golf Courses in the World
2. Scottsdale, Arizona
Scottsdale basically built its entire personality around being the best golf city in America. It’s got sunshine, luxury resorts, desert courses, and a post-round party scene that’s tough to beat.
Read More: The 30 Greatest Golf Courses in the US
1. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Myrtle Beach is still the king for sheer volume, value, and variety. No place mixes casual fun, competitive courses, and classic golf trip energy quite like Myrtle.
Read More: Ranking the 20 Most Charismatic Golfers of All Time
