Golf Courses
America's 100 Greatest Golf Courses: The Top 10 Most Beautiful
October 09, 2011
Cypress Point
There's a reason why there have been very few changes to all that is Cypress Point. It's perfect. If Alister Mackenzie is arguably the greatest American course architect, then exhibit A of the defense team is the 16th hole, the best par 3 in the world. -- Matt Ginella, Golf Digest Senior Editor/Travel
Augusta National
"Not to get all gooey, but after a long winter, a walk around Augusta National during Masters week hits for the cycle when it comes to the senses:--Sight. Cue the cliches about the azales, dogwoods, magnolias, pines, etc. (or just get thee to the 13th hole).--Hearing. Nothing like the roars rolling up the hills after an eagle 3. And when I say hills, I mean HILLS.--Touch. The feel of soft pine straw under your feet? Nice.--Smell. As Dan Jenkins would say, the aroma of biscuits and gravy on the veranda isn't a bad way to start a crisp spring morning.--Taste. Two words: peach cobbler. And so help me, the pimento-cheese sandwiches." -- Mike O'Malley, Golf Digest Executive Editor
Pebble Beach Golf Links
"There is no setting for golf that is more dramatic -- or distracting -- than Pebble Beach. Imagine trying to concentrate on the shot at hand while the sound of crashing waves is ringing in your ears and the image of spray against rock is invading your peripheral vision." -- Roger Schiffman, Golf Digest Managing Editor
Pine Valley
Much of Pine Valley's beauty is in what it's not. It's not overly manicured. In fact, in some places it's quite scruffy. It's not ostentatious. In fact, it's rather unassuming. But as it winds through scrub and wasteland, Pine Valley lulls you in, making every shot you hit feel like the most important shot of your life. -- Sam Weinman, GolfDigest.com Web Editor
Fishers Island
"What stands out is that it is routed on a peninsula, so that darn near every hole has some view of Long Island Sound. The geometric shapes of the Seth Raynor golf holes harmonize with the horizontal nature of the ocean vistas in a way few seaside courses can." -- Ron Whitten, Golf Digest Senior Editor/Architecture
Pacific Dunes (Bandon, Ore.)
"Pacific Dunes is as close to true links golf as you'll find anywhere in the U.S. Jaw-dropping ocean views from atop tall cliffs that jut into the Pacific Ocean, rolling sand dunes that morph into lightning-fast greens, and miles of tall fescue grass lining the fairways combine to make it an almost religious experience. It's as if nature has carved out the layout herself, without any interruption by man." -- Stina Sternberg, Golf Digest Senior Editor
The Alotian Club
Set on 1,300 steep, wooded acres overlooking Lake Maumelle, the Alotian is as beautiful as it is, well, surprising. Observes Golf Digest contributing writer David Owen: "If you were transported blindfolded to the middle of the course and asked to place yourself on the map, you would use up your allotted guesses (Vermont? West Virginia? Lake Tahoe?) long before hitting on central Arkansas." -- Peter Finch, Golf Digest Senior Editor/Special Projects
Shinnecock Hills
Shinnecock's gently rumpled landscape, its proximity to the Sound, along with the breezes that seem to bring the water even closer, make it a beautiful place to walk, much less to play golf. Add 18 holes with distinctly different personalities and you've taken full advantage of the land and sea to make a great, great golf course. -- Bob Carney, Golf Digest Brand Editor
National Golf Links Of America
C.B. Macdonald was an irascible old cuss, but he might have been the best course designer America's ever produced. This Long Island layout, with its tumbling fairways, old-style bunkering, punchbowl green and breathtaking ocean views, is exhibit A. -- Geoff Russell, Golf World Editor-In-Chief
Wade Hampton G.C.
Some consider this Tom Fazio's most picturesque design, and if you know anything at all about Fazio, you know that is saying something. Nearly 3,500 feet above sea level, Wade Hampton combines an Augusta National-like attention to conditioning with rugged rock outcroppings, corridors of giant hardwoods and pines, and spectacular views of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. -- Peter Finch, Golf Digest Senior Editor/Special Projects