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Private clubs are notorious for having better facilities and amenities than public golf courses. Steep monthly dues can buy a lot a bells and whistles for members.
The good news for public golfers is the post-pandemic golf boom has allowed many public courses to upgrade their facilities as well. Clubhouse improvements and bigger and better practice facilities are becoming more and more common at top public and semi-private places.
These 25 golf courses and facilities impressed our reviewers most with their off-course amenities. Each received at least 10 reviews in 2024 to be eligible for this list.
A nice clubhouse, restaurant and range can go along way to impressing golfers. Here's a look:
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Geneva National Resort
Lake Geneva, WisconsinSemi-Private/ResortLake Geneva, WisconsinSemi-Private/ResortLake Geneva, WisconsinSemi-Private/ResortGreen fee: $190
What they're saying: "The clubhouse, the service, even the golf carts (most comfortable seats ever)...This is a no brainer. One of the best courses in Wisconsin." - GolfPass review -
Omni Bedford Springs Resort
Bedford, PennsylvaniaResortGreen fee: $199
What they're saying: "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 -
Pinehills Golf Club
Plymouth, MassachusettsSemi-PrivatePlymouth, MassachusettsSemi-PrivateGreen fee: $160
What they're saying: " Great food in restaurant along with driving range, huge practice putting green and bunker and pitching/chipping practice areas. Bring friends for an enjoyable day." - GolfPass review -
St. Croix National Golf Course
Somerset, WisconsinPublicGreen fee: $69+
What they're saying: "The course is always in tip top shape, the staff treats you like family and the restaurant offers very good food and drinks." - mnsnwta -
Black Lake Golf Club
Green fee: $88
What they're saying: "Everything and more!!! U need to play this course now!! Eat a hamburger- 10/10!!! Food and drinks- so affordable and the course in the best shape it’s ever been in!!!" - GolfPass review -
Sandy Pines Golf Course
Green fee: $90
What they're saying: "Couldn’t believe what a beautiful facility it was. The cottages were immaculate. Service was tremendous: Trisha and Lauren took care of us. Trisha took care of all the little things that we needed." - GolfPass review -
Omni Tucson National Golf Resort & Spa
Tucson, ArizonaResortTucson, ArizonaResortGreen fee: $230
What they're saying: "Played in PM at a discounted rate, which made it worth while. Staff very welcoming, great practice facilities. Course in immaculate condition. Greens great pace and rolled very true." - GolfPass review -
Pine Mountain Lake Country Club
Groveland, CaliforniaSemi-PrivateGreen fee: $72
What they're saying: "Amazing place. It started out at check-in (with) friendly fun people. Then the course layout was so difficult with amazing mountain views . Even though there are houses on the course there wasn’t a lot of them. The bar/restaurant was great on the turn, good drinks (and) good price . I’ll be back very soon." - GolfPass review -
Atkins Golf Club at the University of Illinois
Urbana, IllinoisPublicGreen fee: $95
What they're saying: "Enjoyed a great round during the Labor Day Weekend. Course looks superb. Views were spectacular. Carts are tip top. Staff was super friendly." - GolfPass review -
Craft Farms Resort
Gulf Shores, AlabamaSemi-PrivateGulf Shores, AlabamaSemi-PrivateGreen fee: $95
What they're saying: "Great conditon. friendly staff. amazing amenities. ask for Paola!!" - GolfPass review -
Rams Hill Golf Club
Borrego Springs, CaliforniaSemi-Private/ResortGreen fee: $235
What they're saying: "Great day out at Rams Hill. The course is a lot of fun, and the greens were mint and running at 11.5 . The course impressed with its visual layout, strong bunkering and strategic options. Never would have guessed they redid the fairways this summer. Staff were excellent. The free street tacos at the turn were a pleasant and tasty surprise. Will definitely be back." - HimalayanLooper -
Hon-E-Kor Golf & Country Club
Kewaskum, WisconsinSemi-PrivateGreen fee: $62
What they're saying: "Flooding caused the owners to move around holes, and they did so in great way. Hats off to their creativity." - GolfPass review -
Mozingo Lake Golf Course
Maryville, MissouriPublicGreen fee: $38
What they're saying: "We played two days and stayed at the Cobblestone Inn that’s on property. We had a great time, the course was in great shape and the weather was perfect." - trots007 -
The Reserve Vineyards and Golf Club
Aloha, OregonSemi-PrivateAloha, OregonSemi-PrivateGreen fee: $79
What they're saying: "Great course for the money and great training and range areas." - heroyoon -
Arrowhead Golf Club
Wheaton, IllinoisPublicGreen fee: $99
What they're saying: "One of the best courses in Illinois… shot makers course for sure, and the staff, including restaurant and bar are always amazing. Highly recommend!" - Freemangolfs -
La Cantera Golf Club
Green fee: $200
What they're saying: "The golf course was in great shape. The staff was helpful and friendly. We had some drinks and food in the bar afterwards and, honestly, they have better food than many restaurants and I intend to go back just to eat there!" - GolfPass review -
FarmLinks at Pursell Farms
Sylacauga, AlabamaPublic/ResortGreen fee: $100+
What they're saying: "If you have never been to Pursell Farms to play FarmLinks, you need to schedule your trip now. Great layout, good food and lodging options and even sporting clays and upland bird hunting make this a fantastic destination." - petralife -
Juliette Falls Golf Club
![Juliette Falls]()
Green fee: $105
What they're saying: "Absolutely fantastic golf course and well worth the drive up from our base in the Orlando area. The Course layout, conditions and the pace of play were all as we would have hoped. Capped off by a burger and a beer in the funky bar area. What’s not to like? We will return." - GolfPass review -
Trump National Doral
Miami, FloridaResortGreen fee: $200-$600+
What they're saying: "Staff were extremely friendly and helpful. Course conditions were very good - with the exception of a couple of tee boxes. Greens were very quick and rolled true. Range balls were included and the range facility was very nice. Note the day I played you hit off a mat." - jjaputnam -
TPC Scottsdale
Scottsdale, ArizonaResortGreen fee: $500+
What they're saying: "Definitely a course that punishes bad shots. But not quite as difficult as expected. I had a blast. Bucket list item. Pro speed greens, top notch facilities. Don't miss this." - Stogiefan -
Thistle Golf Club
Sunset Beach, North CarolinaPublicGreen fee: $150+
What they're saying: "Everything about Thistle was outstanding. The course was in great shape, the clubhouse was stunning, even the golf cart’s leather seats felt like I was getting into a Mercedes. The best part was the placement of the forward tees. As a senior woman golfer I was able to play at pace with 3 long hitting men." - GolfPass review -
Trappers Turn Golf Club
Wisconsin Dells, WisconsinPublicWisconsin Dells, WisconsinPublicGreen fee: $169
What they're saying: "Everything was in great shape, tee, fairways and greens. New carts with soft seats. Clubhouse is great and so is their food." - GolfPass review -
Pelican Hill Golf Club
![Ocean North at Pelican Hill GC]()
Newport Coast, CaliforniaResort![Pelican Hill GC - South]()
Newport Coast, CaliforniaResortGreen fee: $415+
What they're saying: "Anyone level of golfer will enjoy this golf experience. Lower handicap players will be drooling to comeback again!" - GolfPass review -
Indian Wells Golf Resort
Indian Wells, CaliforniaResortIndian Wells, CaliforniaResortGreen fee: $295
What they're saying: "First time playing the course and it lived up to the hype. Super pretty and lush. Pay attention to the GPS as there is water on the back in places you cannot see with the naked eye. I see why people come back and play this course over and over again." - DaCobra -
Mid South Club
Green fee: $200
What they're saying: "Skip any lower tier Pinehurst course and go play here. “Resort” style without the runoffs of a Donald Ross. Clubhouse has a great bar as soon as you walk in. 9 and 18 views are epic. Must play in the Pinehurst area!" - joshsmith12
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