Golf isn’t just a game; it’s an unforgettable experience. While iconic spots like Pebble Beach and Augusta often take center stage, there are some truly stunning public courses scattered across the U.S. that perfectly blend challenge and breathtaking scenery. From cliffside fairways to island greens, here are 12 courses that will leave you speechless.

Top 12 Scenic Golf Courses in America You May Have Never Heard Of

Perched high above Lake Michigan, this headlands course treats you to sweeping views of the water, rolling dunes, and fairways adorned with fescue. Designed by Rick Smith, it captures that classic links-style vibe, featuring wide fairways and expansive greens that make the game enjoyable, even with the ever-present breezes from the lake.

12. Arcadia Bluffs (Bluffs), Arcadia, Mich.

Jack Nicklaus has truly outdone himself with this gem, where black lava formations meet the stunning backdrop of the Pacific Ocean. The highlight is the signature 12th hole, a 202-yard par three that plays over a crashing bay, 150 feet below. With Kiawe trees, archaeological sites, and some tricky blind shots, every round here is an adventure.

2. Manele Golf Course, Lanai

11. Manele Golf Course, Lanai, Hawaii

This 1992 creation by Jack Nicklaus hugs the shores of Lake Oconee, with the entire back nine winding along the water’s edge. The 414-yard par-four 9th and the dramatic 18th hole offer thrilling moments of risk and reward, all framed by towering pines and reflections on the lake.

10. Reynolds Lake Oconee (Great Waters), Greensboro, Ga.

Set in the rugged Arizona desert, this course truly lives up to its name, with ancient rock formations dominating the landscape. Giant saguaro cacti line the fairways, while holes like the par-four 1st and par-five 5th sit right at the base of towering six-story boulders.

9. Boulders Resort (South), Scottsdale, Ariz.

As the only championship course along Lake Tahoe, this George Fazio design perfectly balances alpine beauty with beachside excitement. The par-three 17th and par-five 18th flirt with the lake, while the 9th hole showcases its fairway against the stunning backdrop of the snow-capped Sierras.

8. Edgewood Tahoe, Stateline, Nev.

Since it opened in 1971, this stunning design by Robert Trent Jones Jr. has been captivating golfers with its breathtaking ocean views, lush jungle surroundings, and exciting risk-reward challenges. The drop-shot par-three 3rd and the cliffside 7th hole overlooking the Pacific create a truly unforgettable experience that belongs on every golfer's bucket list.

7. Princeville Makai, Kauai, Hawaii

Renowned for its unique floating island green on the par-three 14th hole, this course elevates lakeside golfing to new heights. With a delightful mix of parkland-style holes and gorgeous waterfront vistas, Lake Coeur d'Alene has earned its spot as one of National Geographic’s most beautiful lakes in the world.

6. Coeur d’Alene Resort, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

Crafted by Tom Fazio and Steve Wynn, this man-made paradise in the Nevada desert features rolling hills, serene creeks, cascading waterfalls, and lush pine trees. It’s an exclusive retreat that feels more like Augusta National than the bustling outskirts of Las Vegas.

Top 20 Golf Courses In Nevada That You Can't-Miss

5. Shadow Creek, North Las Vegas, Nevada.

Pete Dye’s windswept masterpiece showcases 10 holes right along the Atlantic, while the remaining holes offer stunning, unobstructed ocean views. With deep marsh carries, towering dunes, and wildly undulating greens, this course presents a relentless yet unforgettable challenge.

4. Ocean Course at Kiawah Island, Kiawah Island, S.C.

Known as the "Sea of Wisconsin," this Pete Dye course features eight holes that hug the shores of Lake Michigan, massive dunes, and a staggering 1,000 bunkers. Having hosted three PGA Championships and the 2021 Ryder Cup, it offers a visually stunning and incredibly tough test for golfers.

3. Whistling Straits (Straits), Sheboygan, Wisconsin.

Designed by Tom Doak in 2001, this course blends effortlessly into its natural coastal landscape. With towering dunes, windswept fairways, and breathtaking views of the Pacific, it stands out as one of the purest links golf experiences in America.

2. Pacific Dunes at Bandon Dunes, Bandon, Ore.

If you're looking for the ultimate in scenic golf, look no further than Pebble Beach Golf Links in California. This place is truly a gem, boasting breathtaking ocean views and a rich history of championship play. The stretch from holes 4 to 10 is simply enchanting, and the famous 18th hole, which wraps around Carmel Bay, offers one of the most unforgettable finishes in the game.