While courses like Pebble Beach and Augusta National steal the spotlight, there are many incredible golf courses across the United States that quietly offer breathtaking views, excellent layouts, and memorable rounds. These hidden gems deserve more recognition, whether for their design, challenge, or setting. Let’s dive into 10 of the most underrated golf courses in the U.S.
1. Sweetens Cove Golf Club – South Pittsburg, Tennessee
- Why It’s Underrated: A 9-hole course might not sound remarkable, but Sweetens Cove’s creative layout, impeccable conditions, and cult-like following make it one of the most unique golfing experiences in the country.
- What Stands Out: A focus on strategy, bold green complexes, and a relaxed vibe that welcomes players of all skill levels.
2. Sand Hollow Resort – Hurricane, Utah
- Why It’s Underrated: With stunning red rock backdrops and dramatic elevation changes, Sand Hollow combines beauty and challenge, yet it flies under the radar compared to other desert courses.
- What Stands Out: The back nine of the Championship Course, perched along cliffs, is a visual and strategic masterpiece.
3. Wailua Golf Course – Lihue, Hawaii
- Why It’s Underrated: As a municipal course, Wailua offers an affordable way to experience golf in paradise, with oceanfront holes and tropical scenery that rival private clubs.
- What Stands Out: Holes 17 and 18 run right along the Pacific Ocean, creating a postcard-perfect finish.
4. Arcadia Bluffs (South Course) – Arcadia, Michigan
- Why It’s Underrated: While the original Arcadia Bluffs gets plenty of attention, the newer South Course offers a contrasting style, inspired by the great heathland courses of England.
- What Stands Out: Wide fairways and fast greens, with a minimalist design that encourages creativity.
5. Lawsonia Links – Green Lake, Wisconsin
- Why It’s Underrated: A classic Golden Age course with bold features, Lawsonia Links is often overlooked in favor of Wisconsin’s more famous tracks like Whistling Straits and Erin Hills.
- What Stands Out: Its bold bunkering and strategic design are a throwback to the golden era of course architecture.
7. The Golf Club at Redlands Mesa – Grand Junction, Colorado
- Why It’s Underrated: Tucked away in western Colorado, this course offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mesas and a thrilling mix of holes.
- What Stands Out: The elevation changes and dramatic vistas make every hole memorable.
8. Rustic Canyon Golf Course – Moorpark, California
- Why It’s Underrated: This minimalist course in Southern California offers excellent conditions and strategic design without the hefty price tag of nearby big-name courses.
- What Stands Out: A focus on natural terrain and shot-making, making it a favorite for purists.
9. Edgewood Tahoe – Stateline, Nevada
- Why It’s Underrated: Best known for hosting the American Century Celebrity Golf Championship, Edgewood offers a challenging layout with stunning views of Lake Tahoe.
- What Stands Out: The lakeside holes are as beautiful as they are challenging, creating a round to remember.
10. The Dunes Golf & Beach Club – Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
- Why It’s Underrated: Myrtle Beach has plenty of golf courses, but The Dunes stands out as a classic design that doesn’t get as much attention as it deserves.
- What Stands Out: Its routing and challenging greens make it one of the best courses in the Southeast.
Conclusion
These underrated courses prove that you don’t have to play the most famous tracks to enjoy world-class golf. From the cliffs of Utah to the beaches of Hawaii, these hidden gems offer incredible experiences without the long waits or hefty price tags of marquee courses.