Top Golf Courses You Must Play Before You Die

If you are an avid golfer, there are courses throughout the United States that should be played at least once. While some of these courses are very difficult, all are beautiful and well worth the trip. If you are planning a vacation to any of the destinations below, make sure to stop off at a golf course or two for an incredible time.

Kapalua Golf Club - Located on the main island and features a stellar 18 hole "Plantation" style course that was designed by Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore. Open for business since 1991, it features a course rating of 75.2 and more than 7,400 yards for your golfing pleasure.

Mahaka Resort in Oahu - Moving off the big island, we travel next to the Mahaka Resort in Oahu, where you'll find a course with a 73.2 rating and 7,000 yards. This is one of the few courses on Oahu where you can bring your cart onto the fairway.

Princeville Course, Kauai - Golf Digest named this course number 5 in their top 75 courses of in the world and there is a reason. With a 75.3 rating and gorgeous scenery, it is a course that you do not want to miss. It is considered one of Hawaii's most challenging courses.

Kaluakoi Golf Course, Molokai - This course was designed by Theodore Robinson and features 18 holes with a view of the sea and a challenging design. The front nine are at sea level, while the back nine offer challenging obstacles and incredible views.

Hapuna Golf Course - Moving back to the Big Island, we finish up at the course Golf Magazine gave their 1999 Gold Medal Resort title. Built into a hill above the ocean, it offers spectacular views as well as challenging holes and is considered to be on the most eco-friendly courses in the world.

San Francisco Golf Course - This 18 hole regulation size course has a PGA rating of 73 and has some of the longest tees for par in the country. If you are looking for a challenge, look no further.

Quail Ranch Golf Club, Moreno Valley - With a course rating of 72, this one is perfect for golfers of skill levels. Designed by Desmond Muirhead in 1965, it has remained one of California's most popular courses.

El Dorado Park Golf Course, Long Beach - The El Dorado opened in 1955 and was designed by Cal Olson. It has a rating of 71 and offers beautiful views and challenging obstacles.

Dad Miller Golf Course, Anaheim - This is a course of breathtaking beauty designed by Dick Miller in 1963. With a PGA rating of 68.6, it's friendly for all players and worth it for the scenery alone.

Pebble Beach - What list would be complete without this iconic course? Designed by Jack Neville, it first opened in 1919 and achieved instant status as one of the best courses in America. The rating is 74.3 and this is a course that has to be visited at least once.

Calusa Pines Club, Naples - This course was designed by Dr. Michael Hurdzan and opened its doors in 1991. It quickly rose in stature and is considered one of the top 25 courses in the entire country.

Seminole Golf Club, Juno Beach - One of the oldest courses in Florida, the Seminole was designed by Donald J. Ross and opened in 1919. The PGA gave it a rating of 73.6 and it is considered suitable for all skill levels.

Grande Pines Golf Club, Orlando - One of the nicest courses in Florida, the Grande Pines opened its doors in 1986 and was designed by Joseph L. Lee. It is fun for all players and has a rating of 74.3

Doral Golf Resort, Miami - Nicknamed the "Blue Monster," this course presents a fun challenge. It was designed by Raymond Floyd and opened in 2006. The rating is 74.5 and there are a total of 72 holes at this location.

International Links Miami, Melreese Golf Course - Charles Mahannah designed this course which was opened to players in 1960. It is a beautiful and challenging course that is fun for all players.

Ahwatukee Golf Course, Phoenix - This course also made the top 25 courses in America and with good reason. Designed by John Boulla, it was opened in 1973. The PGA gave it a rating of 71.5 and it is suitable for all players.

The Lakes at Ahwatukee, Phoenix - Gary Panks designed this beautiful course which was opened to players in 1977. With a rating of 62.6, it won't intimidate novice players, but it still presents a challenge to all skill levels.

Papago Municipal Golf Course, Phoenix - First opened in 1963 and designed by William Bell, this course is fun for all players. The PGA assigned a rating of 73.3 and it is an economical course to play on.

The Estancia Club, Scottsdale - This newer course was built in 1995 and designed by Thomas Fazio. Its rating of 73.7 makes it a good mid range course and its 45 tee driving range is also popular.

Troon North Golf Club, Scottsdale - This gorgeous course is nestled below Pinnacle Peak and offers players of all skill levels a challenging game. There are two main courses here, designed by Tom Weiskopf, and they both feature incredible panoramic views.

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Bethpage State Park Golf Course, Farmingdale, NY - Known as the "Black" course, this course first opened in 1936 and was designed by AW Tillinghast. It is a challenging course with beautiful scenery and a rating of 75.4.

The Bridge - Bridgehampton, NY - A newer course that opened in 2002, this 76.1 rated course is a gorgeous spectacle that offers a good challenge for most players. Designed by Rees Jones and features a nice driving range in addition to 18 holes.

Winged Foot Golf Club - Mamaroneck, NY - One of the older courses in New York, it first opened its doors in 1923. The design by AW Tillinghast is challenging and the course carries a rating of 75.2

Knoll West Country Club - Parsippany, NJ - Another old American course that was designed by Banks/Charles and opened in 1920. It's rating is 69.7 making it suitable for all players.

The Riverton Country Club - Riverton, NJ - Donald J Ross designed this course which opened in 1900. It's remained a challenge for more than 100 years and has a rating of 70.7. It's considered one of the best courses in New Jersey to this day.

Kiawah Island, Ocean Course in South Carolina - Home to Hollywood movies, this course has been named America's toughest by Golf Digest. Be prepared to face nasty wind gusts, tough traps and raised fairways that conspire against you.

Ko'olau Golf Club, Hawaii - Leaving the mainland, we come to Hawaii for another big challenge. Many think that this may be the toughest course in the world, and it's easy to see why. Nestled in a rainforest, complete with ravines and hazards galore, this one is a true test of any golfer's skill.

Stone Canyon Club, Arizona - At this course hazards mean scorpions, rattlesnakes and a variety of lizards, you can't beat this course for an extra dose of fun. Add in a challenging landscape and design and you'll be lucky to get out unscathed.

TPC at Sawgrass, Florida - The Stadium Course here is unique in that instead of relying on the ground to provide the obstacles, the designer built them in. Good luck getting through this course at par.

Volcano Golf and Country Club, Hawaii - How better to end our list of the most challenging courses in America than with a volcano. You'll find this course located just a little east of one of the world's most active volcanoes.

Clubs

The top three manufacturers for clubs remain Ping, Taylormade and Callaway. Whether you want a Big Bertha or a solid set of clubs that will never let you down, you can't go wrong with any of these companies.

Shoes

Without a doubt, Nike makes the most comfortable golf shoes that are versatile, long wearing and well worth the money. There are designer brands that cost more, but when it comes to getting the job done, these cannot be beat.

Apparel

The Tiger Woods Collection for Men or Women combines the latest fashion trends with durability and usability. Other top brands include Nike, which is hard to beat when it comes to overall quality and Callaway, with their unique blend of fibers and luxury.

Hot Shots - Available for Playstation, this is a game that is incredibly addictive and fun for the whole family. You'll have to match wits against and increasingly difficult player and the terrain makes sure that the game is always a challenge.

Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2004 - It may not be the newest, but it's still one of the best golf games around.

Outlaw Golf 2 - Another oldie title that has maintained itself as a terrific game, despite the competition. It's definitely not for the kids, but offers adults a hard edged golf game that is sure to keep your attention.