Golf trips in the United States often start with a dreamy “wish list.” How ’bout 18 holes at Augusta National? Cypress Point? Shinnecock Hills or Oakmont perhaps? Sounds great. Just one small issue; they’re private—as in REALLY private—you either know a member or know someone who does or you don’t play.
OK, so what’s next on the list? Surely, there are some great courses open to the public. Absolutely. Pebble Beach, Pinehurst 2, Whistling Straits, and Bandon Dunes all come to mind. Perfect, looking forward to packing right? Guess again. All of the aforementioned feature triple-digit greens fees. And, in some instances, several hundred dollars is needed to get you to the first tee. Not to mention those pesky ‘must stay’ requirements since lodging is often required.
Thinking of canning the trip all together? Perish the thought. There’s a third alternative. Throughout America, there are golf courses equally outstanding on both fronts—first-rate designs with prices that won’t cost you your first born. The courses outlined below don’t have big time marketing campaigns to get noticed so it’s likely they fly considerably under the radar. The issue with “value” courses is that while they cost less—they often provide less. These dozen courses are the ultimate co-mingling—all in one package. Hurry now while the tee box is clear!
