on the water in America that are highly rated Highly Rated Courses on the Water in America

America’s best courses on the water, ranked | Courses

An Introduction to America’s Best Courses on the Water

For golf lovers, there is nothing more appealing than a challenging course set against a captivating backdrop. The intrinsic beauty of nature significantly enhances the overall golfing experience, and for this reason, golf courses near water bodies continue to attract both professional players and novices alike. In fact, some of the most prominent tournaments in golf history were hosted by these kinds of courses that test skills while offering stunning views.

American golf courses near or surrounded by water have a reputation for being among the best worldwide. These offer an alluring blend of challenge and allure, with their features ranging from coastal cliffs to azure blue beaches, and serene lakes to roaring waterfalls. Furthermore, the design elements often utilize the surrounding water to create unforgettable holes and challenging plays.

In this blog, we’re taking a detailed look at America’s top-ranking golf courses on the water. As these courses are highly acclaimed for their combination of aesthetic appeal and the quality of golf they offer, this list provides an excellent starting point if you’re considering playing a round near the water anytime soon. Fancy upgrading your golf game amid breath-taking vistas? Read on to discover some of the wonderful courses that should be on every golfer’s must-visit list.

Let’s imagine a splendid Saturday afternoon. You’re at Pebble Beach Golf Links in Monterey, California—one of the most respected courses on our list. From your location on the seventh hole, the Pacific Ocean waves crash against the Cliffside below, distracting and charming in equal measures. There’s no better sight than striking the perfect shot against such an awe-inspiring backdrop.

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Pebble Beach Golf Links, California: Offering wide ocean panoramas with a side of famous holes.

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Harbor Town Golf Links, South Carolina: Known for its iconic red and white lighthouse behind the 18th green.

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Kapalua Resort (Plantation Course), Hawaii: Showcases oceanside fairways and beautiful par-3s.

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Kiawah Island Golf Resort (Ocean Course), South Carolina: Offers ten holes along the Atlantic coastline delivering invigorating view.

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Whistling Straits (Straits Course), Wisconsin: Provides vast Lake Michigan views on nearly every hole.

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Pacific Dunes, Oregon: Showcases a rugged Oregon coastline with rolling dunes.

Your Guide to Ranking Criteria

While creating this ranked list, several important aspects came into consideration. It wasn’t just about the fascinating scenery each course provided, but also about how the water influenced the course architecture and layout. A good course requires strategic shot-making and the ability to handle unique challenges presented by water hazards, wind, and other natural conditions.

Take the infamous 17th hole at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. “The Island Green” is a perilous Par 3 surrounded entirely by water demanding extreme accuracy from golfers. It’s not only significant due to the risk-reward concept but also because of its influence on modern course design.

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TPC Sawgrass (THE PLAYERS Stadium Course), Florida: Famous for its 17th hole, known as “The Island Green”

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Bandon Dunes Golf Resort (Bandon Dunes Course), Oregon: Winds off the Pacific Ocean significantly affect gameplay here.

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Ocean Forest Golf Club, Georgia: The coastal winds dramatically alter the course conditions throughout the day.

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Cypress Point Club, California: Incorporates not just the Pacific Ocean but also incorporates sand dunes and forests into its spectacular design.

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Mauna Kea Golf Course, Hawaii: Stretches along the coast, the undulating landscape influences how you approach each hole effectively.

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Maidstone Club, New York: Features stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and poses unique challenges such as the wind coming off the ocean.

Course Name	Location	Aesthetic Appeal	Golf Challenge
Pebble Beach Golf Links	California	High	High
Harbor Town Golf Links	South Carolina	High	Medium
Kapalua Resort (Plantation Course)	Hawaii	High	Medium
Kiawah Island Golf Resort (Ocean Course)	South Carolina	Very High	High
Whistling Straits (Straits Course)	Wisconsin	Very High	Very High
Pacific Dunes	Oregon	Very High	Very High