Ethos
Phelps-Hatheway House & Garden Connecticut Foliage Forecast 169 towns, seven state driving routes

Phelps-Hatheway House & Garden — CTLandmarks (Defining Studios), CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A Public Course, State by State

One course per state that you can actually book, chosen by a rule rather than by taste: the highest-ranked entry on that state's Golf Digest Best in State list, 2025-'26, that carries Golf Digest's own Public label. In most states that means walking down past the private clubs above it — and in Iowa, Rhode Island and others there is exactly one public entry on the whole list. Where no entry on a state's list is public at all, the course is taken on competitive record instead, which is how New Hampshire, New Jersey and Tennessee are here. None of these pages claims its course is the best in its state; the ranking does not say that, so neither do they. Forty-nine states are below. Vermont is missing, and its own record says why: every course on its ranking is private, and the fallback needs a count that has not been soundly derived yet.

  1. The Judge: Golf in Prattville, Alabama

    Prattville, Alabama

    The Judge in Prattville, Alabama — rank 7 on Golf Digest Best in State, 2025-'26, and the highest-ranked entry on that list carrying its Public label.

  2. Anchorage Golf Course: Golf in Anchorage, Alaska

    Anchorage, Alaska

    Anchorage Golf Course in Anchorage, Alaska — rank 1 on Golf Digest Best in State, 2025-'26, and the highest-ranked entry on that list carrying its Public label.

  3. Quintero Golf Club: Golf in Peoria, Arizona

    Peoria, Arizona

    Quintero Golf Club in Peoria, Arizona — rank 16 on Golf Digest Best in State, 2025-'26, and the highest-ranked entry on that list carrying its Public label.

  4. Mystic Creek Golf Club: Golf in El Dorado, Arkansas

    El Dorado, Arkansas

    Mystic Creek Golf Club in El Dorado, Arkansas — rank 3 on Golf Digest Best in State, 2025-'26, and the highest-ranked entry on that list carrying its Public label.

  5. Pebble Beach Golf Links: Golf in Pebble Beach, California

    Pebble Beach, California

    Pebble Beach Golf Links in Pebble Beach, California — rank 2 on Golf Digest Best in State, 2025-'26, and the highest-ranked entry on that list carrying its Public label.

  6. TPC Colorado: Golf in Berthoud, Colorado

    Loveland, Colorado

    TPC Colorado in Berthoud, Colorado — rank 14 on Golf Digest Best in State, 2025-'26, and the highest-ranked entry on that list carrying its Public label.

  7. Yale Golf Course: Golf in New Haven, Connecticut

    New Haven, Connecticut

    Yale Golf Course in New Haven, Connecticut — rank 2 on Golf Digest Best in State, 2025-'26, and the highest-ranked entry on that list carrying its Public label.

  8. Baywood Greens: Golf in Long Neck, Delaware

    Long Neck, Delaware

    Baywood Greens: Woodside/Waterside in Long Neck, Delaware — rank 3 on Golf Digest Best in State, 2025-'26, and the highest-ranked entry on that list carrying its Public label.

  9. THE PLAYERS Stadium Course: Golf in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida

    Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida

    THE PLAYERS Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida — rank 2 on Golf Digest Best in State, 2025-'26, and the highest-ranked entry on that list carrying its Public label.

  10. Old Toccoa Farm: Golf in Mineral Bluff, Georgia

    Mineral Bluff, Georgia

    Old Toccoa Farm in Mineral Bluff, Georgia — rank 37 on Golf Digest Best in State, 2025-'26, and the highest-ranked entry on that list carrying its Public label.

  11. Manele Golf Course: Golf on Lānaʻi, Hawaii

    Lānaʻi, Hawaii

    Manele Golf Course in Lānaʻi, Hawaii — rank 2 on Golf Digest Best in State, 2025-'26, and the highest-ranked entry on that list carrying its Public label.

  12. Circling Raven: Golf in Worley, Idaho

    Worley, Idaho

    Circling Raven Golf Club in Worley, Idaho — rank 6 on Golf Digest Best in State, 2025-'26, and the highest-ranked entry on that list carrying its Public label.

  13. Dubsdread: Golf at Cog Hill in Lemont, Illinois

    Bolingbrook, Illinois

    Cog Hill Golf & Country Club: Course No. 4 – Dubsdread in Lemont, Illinois — rank 14 on Golf Digest Best in State, 2025-'26, and the highest-ranked entry on that list carrying its Public label.

  14. The Pete Dye Course: Golf in French Lick, Indiana

    French Lick, Indiana

    The Pete Dye Course at French Lick Resort in French Lick, Indiana — rank 3 on Golf Digest Best in State, 2025-'26, and the highest-ranked entry on that list carrying its Public label.

  15. Spirit Hollow: Golf in Burlington, Iowa

    Burlington, Iowa

    Spirit Hollow in Burlington, Iowa — rank 7 on Golf Digest Best in State, 2025-'26, and the highest-ranked entry on that list carrying its Public label.

  16. Colbert Hills: Golf in Manhattan, Kansas

    Manhattan, Kansas

    Colbert Hills in Manhattan, Kansas — rank 8 on Golf Digest Best in State, 2025-'26, and the highest-ranked entry on that list carrying its Public label.

  17. Park Mammoth: Golf in Park City, Kentucky

    Mammoth Cave, Kentucky

    Park Mammoth Golf Club: Park Mammoth in Park City, Kentucky — rank 10 on Golf Digest Best in State, 2025-'26, and the highest-ranked entry on that list carrying its Public label.

  18. TPC Louisiana: Golf in Avondale, Jefferson Parish

    New Orleans, Louisiana

    TPC Louisiana in Avondale, Louisiana — rank 4 on Golf Digest Best in State, 2025-'26, and the highest-ranked entry on that list carrying its Public label.

  19. Cape Arundel Golf Club: Golf in Kennebunkport, Maine

    Kennebunkport, Maine

    Cape Arundel Golf Club in Kennebunkport, Maine — rank 2 on Golf Digest Best in State, 2025-'26, and the highest-ranked entry on that list carrying its Public label.

  20. Bulle Rock: Golf in Havre de Grace, Maryland

    Havre de Grace, Maryland

    Bulle Rock Golf Course in Havre de Grace, Maryland — rank 9 on Golf Digest Best in State, 2025-'26, and the highest-ranked entry on that list carrying its Public label.

  21. Taconic Golf Club: Golf in Williamstown, Massachusetts

    Williamstown, Massachusetts

    Taconic Golf Club in Williamstown, Massachusetts — rank 13 on Golf Digest Best in State, 2025-'26, and the highest-ranked entry on that list carrying its Public label.

  22. The Bluffs Course: Golf in Arcadia, Michigan

    Arcadia, Michigan

    Arcadia Bluffs Golf Club: The Bluffs Course in Arcadia, Michigan — rank 3 on Golf Digest Best in State, 2025-'26, and the highest-ranked entry on that list carrying its Public label.

  23. The Quarry at Giants Ridge: Golf in Biwabik, Minnesota

    Biwabik, Minnesota

    The Quarry at Giants Ridge in Biwabik, Minnesota — rank 6 on Golf Digest Best in State, 2025-'26, and the highest-ranked entry on that list carrying its Public label.

  24. Dancing Rabbit Golf Club: Azaleas Course: Golf in Philadelphia, Mississippi

    Philadelphia, Mississippi

    Dancing Rabbit Golf Club: Azaleas in Philadelphia, Mississippi — rank 5 on Golf Digest Best in State, 2025-'26, and the highest-ranked entry on that list carrying its Public label.

  25. Ozarks National: Golf at Big Cedar Lodge, Missouri

    Ridgedale, Missouri

    Ozarks National in Hollister, Missouri — rank 3 on Golf Digest Best in State, 2025-'26, and the highest-ranked entry on that list carrying its Public label.

  26. Wilderness Club: Golf in Eureka, Montana

    Eureka, Montana

    Wilderness Club in Eureka, Montana — rank 5 on Golf Digest Best in State, 2025-'26, and the highest-ranked entry on that list carrying its Public label.

  27. Landmand: Golf in Homer, Nebraska

    Homer, Nebraska

    Landmand in Homer, Nebraska — rank 3 on Golf Digest Best in State, 2025-'26, and the highest-ranked entry on that list carrying its Public label.

  28. Shadow Creek: Golf in North Las Vegas, Nevada

    Las Vegas, Nevada

    Shadow Creek in North Las Vegas, Nevada — rank 1 on Golf Digest Best in State, 2025-'26, and the highest-ranked entry on that list carrying its Public label.

  29. Bretwood North Course: Golf in Keene, New Hampshire

    Keene, New Hampshire

    Bretwood Golf Course: North Course in Keene, New Hampshire — taken on competitive record rather than by ranking, because no entry on the state's Best in State list is publicly accessible at any rank.

  30. Seaview Bay Course: Golf in Galloway, New Jersey

    Galloway, New Jersey

    Seaview — Bay Course in Galloway, New Jersey — taken on competitive record rather than by ranking, because no entry on the state's Best in State list is publicly accessible at any rank.

  31. Paako Ridge Golf Club: Golf in Albuquerque, New Mexico

    Albuquerque, New Mexico

    Paako Ridge Golf Club in Sandia Park, New Mexico — rank 2 on Golf Digest Best in State, 2025-'26, and the highest-ranked entry on that list carrying its Public label.

  32. Bethpage Black: Golf in Farmingdale, New York

    Farmingdale, New York

    Bethpage State Park: Black in Farmingdale, New York — rank 7 on Golf Digest Best in State, 2025-'26, and the highest-ranked entry on that list carrying its Public label.

  33. Tobacco Road: Golf in Sanford, North Carolina

    Sanford, North Carolina

    Tobacco Road Golf Club in Sanford, North Carolina — rank 13 on Golf Digest Best in State, 2025-'26, and the highest-ranked entry on that list carrying its Public label.

  34. The Minot Country Club: Golf in Minot, North Dakota

    Minot, North Dakota

    The Minot Country Club in Minot, North Dakota — rank 1 on Golf Digest Best in State, 2025-'26, and the highest-ranked entry on that list carrying its Public label.

  35. The Virtues: Golf in Nashport, Ohio

    Nashport, Ohio

    The Virtues Golf Club in Nashport, Ohio — rank 16 on Golf Digest Best in State, 2025-'26, and the highest-ranked entry on that list carrying its Public label.

  36. Jimmie Austin Golf Club: Golf in Norman, Oklahoma

    Norman, Oklahoma

    Jimmie Austin Golf Club at the University of Oklahoma in Norman, Oklahoma — rank 5 on Golf Digest Best in State, 2025-'26, and the highest-ranked entry on that list carrying its Public label.

  37. Pacific Dunes: Golf in Bandon, Oregon

    Bandon, Oregon

    Pacific Dunes in Bandon, Oregon — rank 1 on Golf Digest Best in State, 2025-'26, and the highest-ranked entry on that list carrying its Public label.

  38. The Old Course at Bedford Springs: Golf in Bedford, Pennsylvania

    Bedford, Pennsylvania

    The Old Course at Bedford Springs in Bedford, Pennsylvania — rank 27 on Golf Digest Best in State, 2025-'26, and the highest-ranked entry on that list carrying its Public label.

  39. Newport National Golf Club: Golf in Middletown, Rhode Island

    Middletown, Rhode Island

    Newport National Golf Club: Orchard Course in Middletown, Rhode Island — rank 7 on Golf Digest Best in State, 2025-'26, and the highest-ranked entry on that list carrying its Public label.

  40. The Ocean Course: Golf on Kiawah Island, South Carolina

    Kiawah Island, South Carolina

    Kiawah Island Golf Resort: The Ocean Course in Kiawah Island, South Carolina — rank 1 on Golf Digest Best in State, 2025-'26, and the highest-ranked entry on that list carrying its Public label.

  41. The Golf Club At Red Rock: Golf in Rapid City, South Dakota

    Rapid City, South Dakota

    The Golf Club At Red Rock in Rapid City, South Dakota — rank 3 on Golf Digest Best in State, 2025-'26, and the highest-ranked entry on that list carrying its Public label.

  42. General's Retreat: Golf in Old Hickory, Tennessee

    Old Hickory, Tennessee

    General's Retreat in Old Hickory, Tennessee — taken on competitive record rather than by ranking, because no entry on the state's Best in State list is publicly accessible at any rank.

  43. Fields Ranch East: Golf in Frisco, Texas

    Frisco, Texas

    Fields Ranch East in Frisco, Texas — rank 8 on Golf Digest Best in State, 2025-'26, and the highest-ranked entry on that list carrying its Public label.

  44. Black Desert Resort: Golf in Ivins, Utah

    Ivins, Utah

    Black Desert Resort in Ivins, Utah — rank 2 on Golf Digest Best in State, 2025-'26, and the highest-ranked entry on that list carrying its Public label.

  45. The Highland Course: Golf in Meadows of Dan, Virginia

    Meadows of Dan, Virginia

    The Highland Course at Primland in Meadows of Dan, Virginia — rank 4 on Golf Digest Best in State, 2025-'26, and the highest-ranked entry on that list carrying its Public label.

  46. Chambers Bay: Golf in University Place, Washington

    Tacoma, Washington

    Chambers Bay in University Place, Washington — rank 1 on Golf Digest Best in State, 2025-'26, and the highest-ranked entry on that list carrying its Public label.

  47. The Old White: Golf in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia

    White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia

    The Old White in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia — rank 3 on Golf Digest Best in State, 2025-'26, and the highest-ranked entry on that list carrying its Public label.

  48. The Straits Course: Golf in the Town of Mosel, Wisconsin

    Kohler, Wisconsin

    Whistling Straits: Straits Course in Town of Mosel, Wisconsin — rank 1 on Golf Digest Best in State, 2025-'26, and the highest-ranked entry on that list carrying its Public label.

  49. Jackson Hole Golf & Tennis Club: Golf in Jackson, Wyoming

    Jackson, Wyoming

    Jackson Hole Golf & Tennis Club in Jackson, Wyoming — rank 4 on Golf Digest Best in State, 2025-'26, and the highest-ranked entry on that list carrying its Public label.