Top 25 Public Golf Courses for Off-Course Amenities - Golfers' Choice 2025

Really good amenities like a clubhouse or good practice facility can enhance your golf experience.
Geneva National - clubhouse
Geneva National's clubhouse serves three excellent courses.

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:

  1. Geneva National Resort

    Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
    Semi-Private/Resort
    4.6760164777
    172
    Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
    Semi-Private/Resort
    4.5215594434
    187
    Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
    Semi-Private/Resort
    4.812888119
    158

    Green 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

  2. Omni Bedford Springs Resort

    Bedford, Pennsylvania
    Resort
    4.8638794361
    140

    Green 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

  3. Pinehills Golf Club

    Plymouth, Massachusetts
    Semi-Private
    4.752365658
    293
    Plymouth, Massachusetts
    Semi-Private
    4.7924644368
    325

    Green 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

  4. St. Croix National Golf Course

    Somerset, Wisconsin
    Public
    4.6552836821
    370

    Green 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

  5. Black Lake Golf Club

    Onaway, Michigan
    Public
    4.8235148934
    238

    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

  6. Sandy Pines Golf Course

    DeMotte, Indiana
    Public
    4.8473569006
    198

    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

  7. Omni Tucson National Golf Resort & Spa

    Green 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

  8. Pine Mountain Lake Country Club

    Groveland, California
    Semi-Private
    4.8573814031
    188

    Green 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

  9. Atkins Golf Club at the University of Illinois

    Green 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

  10. Craft Farms Resort

    Gulf Shores, Alabama
    Semi-Private
    4.7141685365
    321
    Gulf Shores, Alabama
    Semi-Private
    4.7695194985
    485

    Green fee: $95
    What they're saying: "Great conditon. friendly staff. amazing amenities. ask for Paola!!" - GolfPass review

  11. Rams Hill Golf Club

    Borrego Springs, California
    Semi-Private/Resort
    4.5622648229
    753

    Green 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

  12. Hon-E-Kor Golf & Country Club

    Kewaskum, Wisconsin
    Semi-Private
    4.6771281887
    120

    Green 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

  13. Mozingo Lake Golf Course

    Maryville, Missouri
    Public
    4.8252595156
    152

    Green 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

  14. The Reserve Vineyards and Golf Club

    Green fee: $79
    What they're saying: "Great course for the money and great training and range areas." - heroyoon

  15. Arrowhead Golf Club

    Wheaton, Illinois
    Public
    4.828596461
    543

    Green 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

  16. La Cantera Golf Club

    San Antonio, Texas
    Public/Resort
    4.6471470125
    624

    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

  17. FarmLinks at Pursell Farms

    Sylacauga, Alabama
    Public/Resort
    4.8840771473
    319

    Green 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

  18. Juliette Falls Golf Club

    Dunnellon, Florida
    Semi-Private
    4.6987710577
    883

    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

  19. Trump National Doral

    Green 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

  20. TPC Scottsdale

    Scottsdale, Arizona
    Resort
    4.5477235294
    721

    Green 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

  21. Thistle Golf Club

    Sunset Beach, North Carolina
    Public
    4.8545033132
    746

    Green 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

  22. Trappers Turn Golf Club

    Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
    Public
    4.7140266511
    205
    Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
    Public
    4.4044117647
    28

    Green 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

  23. Pelican Hill Golf Club

    Newport Coast, California
    Resort
    4.5465176471
    185
    Newport Coast, California
    Resort
    4.4159882353
    212

    Green 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

  24. Indian Wells Golf Resort

    Indian Wells, California
    Resort
    4.580304322
    501
    Indian Wells, California
    Resort
    4.4005588235
    376

    Green 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

  25. Mid South Club

    Southern Pines, North Carolina
    Private
    4.6532584387
    145

    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

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.
Tim Gavrich is a Senior Writer for GolfPass. Follow him on Twitter @TimGavrich and on Instagram @TimGavrich.

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Top 25 Public Golf Courses for Off-Course Amenities - Golfers' Choice 2025
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