Independent Golfer’s Top 10 Courses Played

Price of a round is not factored on this list. The pristine conditions, Pete Dye layout and last 3 holes make this an unforgettable golf experience if you can swing it. 

Exclusive Donald Ross hidden gem on Lake Winnipesaukee in Moultounborough, NH.  Perfectly maintained and virtually every hole has lake views. Extremely hard to get through the gates but if you find a way in, it is worth your while. If you get an invite and want more details connect on social or email. 

Truly mesmerizing course. Surreal experience to step foot in a course that is carved into the hills of Mesquite, Nevada. If you ever played Tiger Woods video games the real life experience is like stepping into the game. Takes home first place on my value list. 

Linksish golf in Hamilton, Massachusetts. Hosted the highest scores ever in a US Open, albeit in the early 1900s but the course holds up. The toughest fescue you will play out of if you miss any fairway. Stepping into the clubhouse and onto the first tee box is like taking a trip back in time. 

What a treat! We played the course in the afternoon after the morning tee time was pushed back due to 3 inches of rain and the course conditions were near perfect. Guess that’s what happens when a major course is built over sand with a world class grounds crew. 

Fun world class resort golf course that plays like a championship course from the back tees. If you spent the money to stay at Baha Mar, play the round. It is a first class experience. Clubhouse has the best burger on the resort. 

Another Pete Dye classic on the list. Course is always perfectly maintained. Playing 17 into the Calibogue Sound and 18 along it aiming at the lighthouse is a as good of finishing holes as you can get. 

Fun course woven through grape vines in Napa Valley. Beautiful course conditions, awesome service and picturesque tee boxes. Worth getting a round in between wine tastings.   

The only 18 hole course in Aruba, one of the best vacation spots in the world, gets it on the list. I didn’t mind missing the 4-6 hours of beach time which is saying a lot.  It is here or the Divi Links which I haven’t played for golf options on the island. This course was great. 

The best public golf experience near Boston. Makes the list for great conditions, 27 holes that all have unique challenges and a phenomenal atmosphere warming up on the range (which turns into a fun bar scene in the summer) as well as coming off 18 to one of their great bars or tavern. The views are as beautiful as the course can be challenging. The wind doesn’t stop.