Top 25 Public Courses for Pace of Play - Golfers' Choice 2025

Pace of play might be the no. 1 complaint of golfers today.
Georgia Veterans Memorial GC at Lake Blackshear Resort & GC
A view from a tee at Georgia Veterans Memorial Golf Course from Lake Blackshear Resort & Golf Club.

What's your biggest pet peeve while playing golf?

If 'slow play' is your answer, you're not alone. Nothing is more aggravating than waiting shot after shot for five-plus hours.

The good news is not every course is letting slow golfers dictate the day for the rest of us. These 25 courses maintained a consistently healthy pace of play in 2024. Each of them received at least 10 reviews on GolfPass, most of them where pace of play regularly rated between good to great.

Maintaining a steady pace of play shouldn't be that hard, but so many facilities struggle to do so. These courses are wisely being proactive, using their starters, rangers and staff effectively to emphasize good habits. If four-hour rounds are your sweet spot, play at these courses, where faster is better.

  1. Omni Bedford Springs Resort

    Bedford, Pennsylvania
    Resort
    4.8638794361
    140

    Green fee: $99-$199
    What they're saying: "I don’t know if I’ve ever enjoyed a round more. I’m a 14.9 handicap and shot an 86 from the white (Tillinghast) tees, so I was really happy with how I played. That might’ve made the round feel even better. But what a tremendous golf course. It’s challenging, but everything is right in front of you. There’s not a gimmick to be found. If you get off the tee, you’ll be fine. I used my 5-wood quite a bit, so be ready for short par 4s and some long approaches too. Greens so challenging to read, which was fun. The staff was awesome, prepping me for my round with excellent advice for handling the course. And the conditions were immaculate. Plus - bonus! - my wife said the spa treatment at the resort while I played was the best she’s had. It’s a resort, plays like a resort, treats you like a resort, so it has resort green fees. But to be honest I would probably pay even more - it’s that good." - psuyoung

  2. Taberna Country Club

    New Bern, North Carolina
    Private
    4.5413302576
    59

    What they're saying: "Great value. Course was in fantastic condition. Greens rolled perfectly. Staff was friendly. Cart I got was super fast, I won’t say which number so they don’t get rid of it, but I was able to play 18 in just 2hrs. Highly recommend course." - Devin1080

  3. Crooked Tree Golf Club

    Petoskey, Michigan
    Public
    4.8632478632
    74

    What they're saying: "This was a beautiful course & layout. We played 8 different courses in 10 days, this was our favorite! We’re from Oklahoma and will definitely plan on playing this course again on our next trip!!" - GolfPass reviewer

  4. Windridge Country Club

    Owensboro, Kentucky
    Semi-Private
    3.3970588235
    22

    Green fee: $15-$47
    What they're saying: "I played after a bit of rain the day before. The back nine was flooded, and you could not play. They offered me a rain delay for 9. The front nine is challenging but extremely fun." - GolfPass reviewer

  5. Rolling Oaks Golf Club

    Barron, Wisconsin
    Public
    4.6117647059
    70

    Green fee: $18-$47
    What they're saying: "Very nice course. Good layout. Not too challenging but not easy either. Great experience." - GolfPass reviewer

  6. River Bend Country Club

    New Bern, North Carolina
    Semi-Private
    3.8795518207
    45

    Green fee: $45
    What they're saying: "Super thrilled to see this course on GolfNow! I started playing golf at River Bend Golf & Country Club, and I have to say the transformation over the past year has been nothing short of remarkable. Under previous ownership, the course had fallen into a state of disrepair, but the new owner has completely revitalized it. The greens are back to being true and smooth, and the fairways are well-maintained.

    It truly feels like the vibrant golf community it once was. If you haven’t played River Bend in a while, now is the time to experience how much it’s improved. You won’t be disappointed!" - Wcreech8

  7. Mystic Creek Golf Club

    El Dorado, Arkansas
    Semi-Private
    4.9415106952
    96

    Green fee: $96-$113
    What they're saying: "Really challenging course but it’s gorgeous, always in great shape and an awesome place to play." - andrewp20

  8. Lakewood on the Green

    Cadillac, Michigan
    Public
    4.5890804598
    137

    Green fee: $20-$59
    What they're saying: "Getting a low price made this such a treat. The course layout is challenging and matches that of many other Up North locations. Greens were true and fast. The front nine winds through rolling hills giving many variations in elevation. The back nine takes you around the lake and offers cool position shot holes, as well as elevation changes. The par threes are different lengths that force you to use different clubs. Lots of deer, herons and geese." - WolfLake

  9. Georgia Veterans Memorial Golf Course at Lake Blackshear Resort and Golf Club

    Green fee: $30-$50
    What they're saying: "I enjoyed the layout and condition of this course. It made for a good challenge, but not overwhelming, for this high handicap golfer. The staff were very helpful and pleasant. I played this course during a road trip to Georgia for a family get-together. All you golfers who are veterans should put this course on your “To Do” list." - ChiefJohnP

  10. Granite Falls Golf Club - South Course

    Surprise, Arizona
    Semi-Private
    4.3945565027
    206

    Green fee: $90-$130
    What they're saying: "First time on this track. Very beautiful course. Staff was very helpful and super friendly. Course condition was excellent. Will be back." - GolfPass reviewer

  11. The Highlands at Dove Mountain

    Marana, Arizona
    Semi-Private
    4.7298084187
    391

    Green fee: $38-$82
    What they're saying: "This course was in great shape, I love the layout, the pace of play was good and it is so beautiful!!" - missy228

  12. Furnace Creek Golf Course

    Death Valley, California
    Resort
    4.3605294118
    106

    Green fee: $45-$99
    What they're saying: "I expected the course to be nice because I had seen the pictures. Well, it is! I was surprised by the lack of distance--a lot of that is me, but I'm improving. The below sea level seems to take a lot out of the ball. The staff was very friendly and the pro shop recently moved to a larger location. It looked to be very well stocked." - nelsonthegolfer

  13. Seven Oaks Golf Club

    Hamilton, New York
    Semi-Private
    4.8850026497
    99

    Green fee: $30-$45
    What they're saying: "This course is not only beautiful, but quite challenging. Deep bunkers, fast greens. For the price, it’s unreal." - GolfPass reviewer

  14. Silos Country Club

    Kevil , Kentucky
    Semi-Private
    4.6150201233
    72

    Green fee: $27-$40
    What they're saying: "This course offered a challenge yet enjoyable round of golf. Greens had a few rough spots but the zoysia tees and nice fairways were enjoyable on every level. I really enjoyed playing this golf course." - Gabewebb06

  15. Bear Slide Golf Club

    Cicero, Indiana
    Public
    4.7805018511
    479

    Green fee: $36-$107
    What they're saying: "I've played Bearslide ever since it opened and I've never seen the golf course in better shape. Tees, fairways, and greens were pristine. The 1st cut rough was challenging but, playable. Hats off to the the GC Superintendent and grounds crew for excellent quality of workmanship!" - Mark1506095

  16. Sterling Grove Golf & Country Club

    Surprise, Arizona
    Semi-Private
    4.5546566899
    333

    Green fee: $68-$132
    What they're saying: "I was shocked by how nice of a course this is. Pulling into the parking lot I already knew the facility was going to be very nice. The course is challenging but also very playable. The grass is very healthy and the whole course is green and very well maintained. I will be playing this course many more times in the future." - JaceDeter

  17. Roscoe Mountain Club

    Roscoe, New York
    Public/Resort
    4.2408245349
    44

    Green fee: $26-$65
    What they're saying: "This place is outstanding in every aspect. It was a great getaway from North Jersey and NYC. It is not far and the beauty of the course is unmatched. The course played great and the holes were very fun. The clubhouse was amazing and the food was great. The resort is one to stay at as it is very comfortable and accommodating. There is much to do outside of golf such as pickleball, tennis, hiking, fishing, boating, etc. Highly recommend and would love for this place to get busy as they deserve it." - cditommaso3

  18. Monster Golf Club at Resorts World Catskills

    Green fee: $159-$255
    What they're saying: "Course is in great shape, sand is best around (not that you want to be in it). Greens roll beautifully and are true. The fall is a great time to play." - spacc

  19. Wildwood Golf Course

    Village Mills, Texas
    Semi-Private/Resort
    4.1708352941
    27

    Green fee: $22-$39
    What they're saying: "50 miles around Beaumont I've been playing almost all the courses and this one is the best one so far; greens in perfect condition and course even with a huge rain the day before was in perfect conditions to play (car path only of course)." - Tbocgu

  20. Links at Wild Dunes Golf Links

    Isle of Palms, South Carolina
    Resort
    4.3414283924
    216

    Green fee: $229
    What they're saying: "Definitely worth playing. The course was in great condition and all the staff was very friendly. Hole 10 was fun with a steep incline and Hole 16-18 are beautiful on the water, we caught them during sunset. The range does not allow you to use your driver. I look forward to playing the links course again!" - levymjames

  21. Northwood Hills Golf Course

    Blanchard, Louisiana
    Semi-Private
    3.8753787768
    157

    Green fee: $32-$49
    What they're saying: "The course was beautiful and well kept. The greens rolled true and were in good to great shape. Water, some tight fairways, and slope were challenging and fun. More signage for the pro shop and how to get to a few holes would be appreciated. I really enjoyed it and will definitely play it again." - sfstc

  22. Greenwood Country Club

    Greenwood, South Carolina
    Private
    4.2036762836
    237

    Green fee: $30-$72
    What they're saying: "This course was in very good condition even after some rain earlier in the week. Greens had some bare spots but what greens don’t at the end of the summer. There were not many people out so we were able to play at a solid pace all day. The golf shop worker and starter were both lovely. The range was closed the day we played due to a wedding but overall great experience." - williamwall11

  23. Deer Valley Golf Course

    Barneveld, Wisconsin
    Public
    4.5125241384
    168

    Green fee: $20-$53
    What they're saying: "I had a great time from start to finish.... As a single, I was expecting to be paired up with a group. The man at the front desk was super friendly, and sent me off early. The course was in extremely good shape! T boxes, bunkers, and greens all kept very nicely. The fairways were in great condition. Hole 5 is their signature Hole, and was a cool par 3 to play. This course has some amazing countryside and rolling hill views. Overall, I extremely enjoyed this course and will definitely be coming back." - Lukebliton

  24. Branson Hills Golf Club

    Branson, Missouri
    Public
    4.7646510608
    518

    Green fee: $115-$175
    What they're saying: "This is one of my favorite courses ever. The change in elevations, undulating grounds, and the scenery agree phenomenal. The greens are very fast and challenging. I wish I lived closer so I could play it on a regular basis." - nmaust

  25. Lake Powell National Golf Course

    Page, Arizona
    Public
    4.4767291532
    117

    Green fee: $69-$94
    What they're saying: "It's a challenging course in very good condition with significant elevation changes (and views) at a very reasonable price-point!" - djcuccia

Jason Scott Deegan has reviewed and photographed more than 1,200 courses and written about golf destinations in 28 countries for some of the industry's biggest publications. His work has been honored by the Golf Writer's Association of America and the Michigan Press Association. Follow him on Instagram at @jasondeegangolfpass and X/Twitter at @WorldGolfer.
Drake Dunaway grew up in Dayton, Ohio, where he started playing golf at a young age before playing collegiately at DePauw University. Recently he’s lived in Phoenix and now in Orlando, where he still tries to play once or twice a week. He’s worked in golf since 2016 and joined the GolfPass team in 2019. Follow him on Twitter @drake_dunaway
Tim Gavrich is a Senior Writer for GolfPass. Follow him on Twitter @TimGavrich and on Instagram @TimGavrich.

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Top 25 Public Courses for Pace of Play - Golfers' Choice 2025
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