Golf in North America
Hello and welcome to Golf in North America!
If you have read Quick Pars, then you know we have a bucket list of almost 450 golf courses that we want to play. These courses are located on 6 continents and an amazing 43 countries! However, North America has the highest number of those courses on our list.
Golf in the USA
From towering red rocks to iconic greens, our golf journey across the United States was short—but unforgettable. We spent 9 months road-tripping across the country in our camper van, Mackenzie, and while we didn’t get to play as much golf as we had hoped (thanks to a stubborn shoulder injury), we still managed to tee it up in some spectacular places.
Golf in Oregon
Home Is Where the Fairways Are
For us, Oregon isn’t just a destination—it’s home. It’s where I (James) first held a golf club. It’s where my dad taught me how to swing, and where I learned the game by watching both my parents, each incredibly talented in their own way. My mom won her club championship more times than I can count, and my dad? He was simply a natural.
Back then, I didn’t really care about my swing path—I was much more interested in hitting daisies and chasing butterflies. I remember the little treehouse in the cherry tree behind the fourth tee of my parents’ course. I’d climb up with my Matchbox car, play quietly until they reached the seventh tee, then hop down and walk the rest of the round with them. Those simple memories laid the foundation for a lifetime of love for the game.
Today, golf in Oregon still holds that same magic, with a wider variety of courses and a deeper appreciation for everything this incredible state has to offer.
The Variety of Golf in Oregon
From rugged seaside links to lush parkland tracks, high desert layouts, and even a little bit of Portland-style weirdness, Oregon’s golf scene is as diverse as its landscape.
Golf Along the Oregon Coast
Agate Beach Golf Course
The Oregon Coast is as wild and powerful as it is beautiful, and Agate Beach Golf Course feels like a secret haven tucked between the pounding waves and towering evergreens. It’s the kind of course that feels like a quiet exhale—a gentle, old-school 9-hole reprieve for any wandering golfer.
Gearhart Golf Links
A little farther up the coast, we played at Gearhart Golf Links. This course doesn’t just have the word links in its name for fun—it is a true links, and some golf historians even recognize it as the oldest course west of the Mississippi. With sandy soil, coastal winds, and a layout shaped by time, Gearhart is a trip into the history of American golf.
Only in Oregon: Unique Golf Experiences
Urban Golf in Portland
“Have fun—but don’t break anything.” Those were the parting words from Portland’s finest as we grabbed our clubs and hit the sidewalks for a round of Urban Golf. It may sound unconventional—and it was—but without a doubt, this was the most fun we’ve ever had playing golf.. It was hilarious, ridiculous, and unforgettable.
Woodburn Golf Club
Let’s be honest—Woodburn probably doesn’t top many golf bucket lists. But for us, it was high priority. Why? Because Woodburn Golf Club has sand greens and an honesty box. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s golf in its purest, quirkiest form. We absolutely loved it.
Why Golf in Oregon Is So Special
Whether it’s nostalgia, natural beauty, or the sheer variety of golf experiences, Oregon hits every note for us. It’s the place where we fell in love with the game—and where we continue to rediscover just how fun and fascinating golf can be.
Golf in California
Golf in San Diego
Torrey Pines
We had to start our California golf adventure in San Diego—especially since James once worked at Torrey Pines many, many moons ago! We even timed our arrival perfectly with the Farmers Insurance Open, and the energy around the tournament was electric.
Goat Hill Park
But it wasn’t just the big-name courses that left a mark. It was the vibe. The laid-back, SoCal surf-town atmosphere that seems to soak into the fairways. Take Goat Hill Park, for example. What do you get when you combine 4,454 yards, a super chill beach town, and one of the greatest guitar riffs of all time? One of the coolest golf courses on the planet, that’s what. Goat Hill is a total vibe, and we loved every minute of it.
The Loma Club
And then there’s The Loma Club, a tiny track with a big heart and even bigger history. Located in Liberty Station, it’s one of the most fun courses we’ve ever played—simple, relaxed, and just a great time. It’s the kind of place that reminds you golf doesn’t have to be fancy to be memorable.
Golf in Utah
Our next tee shot came in Southern Utah, where we discovered some of the most visually stunning courses we’ve ever played. It all began at The Ledges of St. George, where the views were only matched by the layout. But it was Sand Hollow Resort that truly took our breath away.
Sand Hollow Championship Course
There’s no place on Earth quite like Sand Hollow. Teetering on red rock cliffs and glowing under the desert sun, the Championship Course felt like golfing inside a painting. The fairways wound through ancient rock formations and bright green grass that popped like neon against the red desert backdrop. And that five-hole stretch on the back nine? It’s the kind of jaw-dropping beauty you never forget. Watch our video of the course here.
Sand Hollow Links Course
After the dramatic vistas of the Championship Course, we teed it up at Sand Hollow’s 9-hole Links Course, which surprised us in all the best ways. Inspired by some of golf’s greatest design principles, this course may be the lesser-known sibling, but it’s every bit as brilliant. We’ve learned in our travels that these “sister” courses are often underrated gems, just like the Annesley Links at Royal County Down. You can check out our video of the Links Course here.
Watch us play the awesome Links Course at Sand Hollow on YouTube!
The Cradle at Pinehurst
At the home of American golf, Pinehurst, we couldn’t wait to experience The Cradle, a 9-hole short course that’s become legendary for its fun factor. Tucked beside the historic clubhouse, this course may be small in size, but it’s massive in spirit. Music plays while people cheer putts and share laughs over drinks—and that’s exactly the kind of golf we love. Casual, creative, and absolutely joyful. We soaked up the atmosphere of Pinehurst, wandered around the stately grounds, and even paused to watch players approach the iconic 18th on Pinehurst No. 2.
The Villages, Florida
We wrapped up our cross-country journey with a stay in The Villages, Florida—the world’s largest retirement village. And what a ride! We were charmed by the endless energy, tricked-out golf carts, and daily live music. We took yoga and Pilates classes, danced in the streets, and yes—played a bit of golf too. Whether you love it or find it a bit surreal, there’s no denying The Villages is an experience all its own. For us, it was a joyful, quirky, and unexpectedly fun way to finish our American golf chapter.
🇺🇸 Slow Travel & Sightseeing in the USA
The USA is massive, and our 9-month road trip across the country in Mackenzie was filled with unforgettable experiences beyond the golf course. We hiked in stunning National Parks like Zion, watched wild buffalo roam on Antelope Island, and cheered at a Cubs game in Chicago. We ate regional favorites in every state we passed through—from deep-dish pizza to vegan hot dogs—and marveled at the ever-changing landscapes: from desert canyons to snowcapped mountains and sun-drenched coasts. Traveling the US by camper van gave us the freedom to go slow, take detours, and truly enjoy the journey.
Read about our journey across the US!
Golf in the USA: Everything You Need to Know
Where is the USA?
The United States of America stretches across North America, bordered by Canada to the north and Mexico to the south. With 50 states and a mind-boggling range of landscapes, it’s a vast playground for golf and adventure.
How Do You Get to the USA?
- From Europe, major airlines like Lufthansa, British Airways, and Air France offer direct flights to cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago.
- From Australia, traveling golfers can fly with Qantas or United Airlines via Los Angeles or Dallas.
- And of course, domestic travel within the US is easily done via budget-friendly airlines, trains, or—our favorite—by camper van!
When Is the Best Time of Year to Play Golf in the USA?
Because of the USA’s size, golf can be played year-round, depending on the region.
- Spring & Fall are ideal for most areas, offering cooler temps and beautiful conditions.
- Summer is best for mountain and northern courses, like those in Oregon or Michigan.
- Winter is perfect for southern states like Arizona, Florida, and California.
What Are the Best Golf Courses in the USA?
Some of the most iconic golf courses in the world are in the USA. Here are just a few bucket-list picks:
- Pebble Beach (California)
- Pinehurst No. 2 (North Carolina)
- Augusta National (Georgia) – home of The Masters
- Bandon Dunes (Oregon)
- Pine Valley (New Jersey)
- Sand Hills (Nebraska)
- Chicago Golf Club (Illinois)
- Bethpage Black (New York)
- Sand Valley (Wisconsin)
- Torrey Pines (California)
How Much Does Golf Cost in the USA?
Prices vary widely based on region and prestige.
- Public courses can range from $30–$70 USD per round.
- High-end resorts and bucket-list courses like Pebble Beach can cost $500+ (often including a cart or mandatory caddie).
- Weekday rates are usually cheaper than weekends. Twilight and replay rates can help reduce costs.
How Easy Is It to Play Golf in the USA?
Golf in the USA is highly accessible, especially compared to many parts of the world. Many cities and small towns have public courses or “munis” that welcome all skill levels. Booking tee times is easy via apps like GolfNow or directly through course websites. Clubs are often available for rent, making it friendly for traveling golfers.
The most important shot in golf is the
Ben Hogan
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