Top 10 Golf Courses to Play This Summer

Posted by Xoh Xiong on July 17, 2025

Summer is the ideal time to chase your bucket‑list rounds: longer days, peak course conditions, and vibrant destinations make it perfect for playing iconic layouts—whether seaside or desert.

But what earns a spot on your must-play list? It’s not just prestige—it’s unforgettable hole designs, dramatic scenery, and public or resort access. From rugged coastal cliffs to desert fairways, these courses offer both excellence and beauty.

We’ve curated ten top U.S. golf courses perfect for summer—spanning famous coastal links, tournament-caliber tests, and lesser-known gems. Each course is public-accessible with realistic tee-time options, backed by expert reviews and real-player feedback. No memberships required—just world-class courses you can actually play this season.

1. Pebble Beach Golf Links – California

No U.S. golf bucket list is complete without Pebble Beach Golf Links. Hugging the rugged coastline of California’s Monterey Peninsula, this legendary course combines dramatic ocean views with championship-level challenge. From hosting multiple U.S. Opens to its iconic stretch along the Pacific—including the famed par-5 18th hole—Pebble Beach delivers a once-in-a-lifetime playing experience.

Every hole offers postcard-worthy backdrops, with seaside cliffs, crashing waves, and perfectly manicured greens. Designed to test pros and amateurs alike, Pebble’s narrow fairways and small greens demand precision without sacrificing enjoyment.

As one of the most accessible major-hosting courses in America, Pebble Beach invites golfers to walk in the footsteps of legends—if you're willing to splurge on the green fee. But make no mistake: the views, history, and prestige make every dollar worthwhile.

Why Play Here This Summer:

Mild coastal weather keeps play comfortable even in peak heat
Prime course conditions and spectacular ocean views
The ultimate “bucket list” round for golfers worldwide

Signature Moment: The final stretch—holes 16 through 18—may be the most dramatic closing sequence in golf.

2. Pacific Dunes (Bandon Dunes, Oregon)

Pacific Dunes, designed by Tom Doak in 2001, is a standout destination on the rugged southern Oregon coast. This public-access, championship-quality course was built in harmony with the natural dunes, creating sweeping fairways and wild bunkering that blend seamlessly into the native landscape. It consistently ranks among the top public courses in the U.S., earning acclaim for its dramatic links-style routing and breathtaking seaside views.

What makes Pacific Dunes truly special is Doak’s minimalist philosophy—letting the land lead the design. Its compact routing features varied terrain—from coastal cliffs to inland hollows—offering strategic shot options and unforgettable visuals on nearly every hole. Particularly memorable are the back-to-back par 3s on holes 11 and 12, perched atop dunes overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

Unlike many elite resort courses, Pacific Dunes is fully walkable and open to all players willing to visit this remote stretch of coastline. With its mix of natural beauty, strategic challenge, and minimalist design, it’s a must-play for any golfer’s summer itinerary.

3. Shadow Creek – Nevada

Shadow Creek is the desert luxury you never knew you needed. Designed by Tom Fazio and once exclusive to Vegas elites like Steve Wynn, this green oasis rises dramatically from the arid landscape—complete with waterfalls, creeks, lush tree-lined fairways, and mountain backdrops.

Flawless conditioning: Reviews frequently praise the immaculate fairways, greens, and bunkers—with some describing it as "near-Augusta-level quality" in summer play.
Vegas-era glamour: Access begins with an MGM resort guest registration and private limo ride. Tee times come with caddie service, exclusive locker room ambiance, and celebrity-worthy hospitality.
Dramatic holes: The 17th features a waterfall‑backed, framed green, while every hole delivers a postcard-ready scene and strategic shot-making moments.

Why It’s a Summer Must-Play:

A lush, secluded golf experience tucked away minutes from the Las Vegas Strip
Ideal summer climate and year-round playability in the desert
An all-inclusive, VIP round that stands out in design and service

Shadow Creek isn’t just a round of golf—it’s an unforgettable journey from the clubhouse limo to the final green. Ready to elevate your summer rounds?

4. Whistling Straits – Straits Course, Wisconsin

Perched on the rugged shores of Lake Michigan, the Straits Course at Whistling Straits is a dramatic, walking-only links-style beast designed by Pete and Alice Dye in 1998. Stretching 7,790 yards across rolling dunes and grass-topped bunkers, it offers a raw, windswept experience that visually and physically challenges golfers.

This American classic has hosted major championships—the PGA in 2004, 2010, and 2015—and the 2021 Ryder Cup, all amid stunning coastal views that rank it among the top public courses nationwide. Signature holes like Cliff Hanger (13), Pinched Nerve (17), and Dyeabolical (18) test nerve and shot-making with Lake Michigan always in view.

Why it’s a summer standout:

Public, championship pedigree: Experience major course drama without needing membership.
Peak conditions & daylight: Ideal late-season climate enhances playability and scenic appeal.
Pure links feel: Gusting winds, dune hills, and rugged terrain deliver a true test of skill and strategy.

Whistling Straits is more than a course—it’s a golf legend set against one of America’s most breathtaking lakeside landscapes.

5. Kiawah Island – Ocean Course, South Carolina

Nestled on the Atlantic coast of Kiawah Island, the Ocean Course is Pete and Alice Dye’s wind‑sculpted masterpiece—one of the most revered and challenging seaside courses in the world.

Highlights:

Major-caliber design: Originally built for the dramatic 1991 Ryder Cup and later hosting the PGA Championship in 2012 and 2021.
Wind is part of the game: Ten holes hug the shoreline, while eight run parallel—creating ever-changing conditions that feel like playing two courses in one.
Brutal but beautiful: At nearly 7,900 yards from the back tees, the Ocean Course blends seaside vistas with strategic challenge; expect gusts strong enough to alter your club selection by up to eight irons.

Why Summer is Prime Time:

Extended daylight & coastal breezes help mitigate heat while enhancing the visual drama of this scenic layout.
Coastal summer warmth ensures walkable conditions, lush fairways, and vibrant landscape contrast.
Peak conditioning during tournament season means pristine greens and impeccable course setup.

Signature Holes:

Hole 16 ("Casino Beach") offers panoramic ocean views and windswept drama.
Hole 17, shaped by marsh and wind, demands precision under pressure.
Hole 18 closes with a sweeping coastal shot toward the clubhouse, perfect for reflecting on a memorable round.

The Ocean Course is more than a test—it’s a total coastal immersion. With its sweeping Lowcountry panoramas and championship heritage, Kiawah Island delivers summer golf at its most exhilarating and unforgettable.

6. Pinehurst No. 2 – North Carolina

Pinehurst No. 2 is the archetype of American golf architecture—crafted in 1907 by Donald Ross and masterfully restored by Coore & Crenshaw in 2010 to its original design glory. Nestled in the Carolina Sandhills, this par-72 layout is world-renowned for its crowned "turtleback" greens and strategic sandscape surrounds that reward precise placement and penalize errant shots.

Pinehurst No. 2 has proven its championship credentials, hosting five U.S. Opens, including the dramatic back-to-back men’s and women’s events in 2014, and again most recently in 2024. Its firm fairways, swift ultradwarf bermudagrass greens, and absence of traditional rough make precision and creativity essential—even for seasoned golfers.

Why It Shines in Summer

Peak conditioning: Warm-season turf thrives mid-summer, offering fast, consistent lies and pump-prime speed on the greens.
Historic gravitas: Walk where legends have tested their mettle—Payne Stewart, Martin Kaymer, and more—and feel the course’s enduring legacy.
Strategic challenge: Its crowned greens and hardpan bunkering force creativity, strategic thinking, and impeccable control—traits that make every round memorable.

Pinehurst No. 2 isn’t just a course—it’s a living museum of golf strategy and design. If your summer includes a stop in the Carolinas, this iconic layout offers both historical resonance and a pure, unfiltered test of skill.

7. Bethpage Black – New York

Bethpage Black is the ultimate public‑access championship course—designed by A.W. Tillinghast and revamped by Rees Jones in 2015, it's legendary for its notorious "WARNING" sign and Tillinghast's signature forced carries, deep bunkers, and narrow fairways. Spanning over 7,468 yards and hosting both U.S. Opens and the 2019 PGA Championship, this Long Island gem offers major‑level challenge for any golfer willing to take it on.

Why It’s a Summer Essential:

Public, premium test: Experience a major‑caliber course without needing private membership—just book and play .
Peak summer conditions: Long fairways, lush rough, and firm greens at mid-season bring out the course’s intensity.
Iconic experience: Between the Warning sign at the first tee and the psychological challenge from start to finish, every round on the Black is unforgettable.

Bethpage Black delivers the perfect blend of intensity, accessibility, and legendary status—making it a must-play for any golfer chasing a serious summer challenge.

8. TPC Sawgrass – Stadium Course, Florida

Home to THE PLAYERS Championship, TPC Sawgrass's Stadium Course features the iconic 17th hole—an island green that defines pressure golf and spectacular design. Built in 1980 by Pete and Alice Dye, it was golf’s first true “stadium” course, crafted to showcase dramatic holes with spectator mounding and bold architecture.

The par-3 17th—the legendary “Island Green”—may only play around 135–140 yards, but with its small 78×81-ft surface hovering over water and just a narrow walkway, it tests every ounce of focus. Over 100,000 balls have found the pond there, making it one of golf’s most iconic and nerve-wracking challenges.

Why It's a Must-Play This Summer

Unmatched drama: A short hole that builds maximum tension—favorite for fans and photographers.
Perfect summer golf: Warm Florida weather and lush course conditions make summer rounds ideal.
Tour-level energy: Walking the route of pros at The Players gives you a front-row seat to elite golf’s atmosphere.

TPC Sawgrass combines architectural genius and tournament lore in every round. Whether you're aiming for birdies or surviving the water, playing the Stadium Course is a golf experience like no other.

9. Erin Hills – Wisconsin

Set amid rolling glacial terrain, Erin Hills offers a championship-caliber experience with its firm, fast fairways and expansive bentgrass greens. The course layout, designed with the express goal of hosting a U.S. Open, delivers fortified shots, dramatic elevation changes, and risk-reward strategy at nearly every turn.

What Makes Erin Hills Bucket-List Worthy

Tournament pedigree & public access: Erin Hills is one of only six public U.S. Open venues, having hosted the 2017 championship (won by Brooks Koepka at –16).
Design & terrain: Created by Hurdzan/Fry/Whitten, its natural setting, fine fescue rough, and bunker-lined greens evoke a Midwestern links feel that encourages bump-and-run golf.
Ergonomics & walking-only experience: With no cart paths and a “walking-only” policy, the course immerses you in its wild, rugged character—prepare for a true test of both stamina and scenery.

Seasonal Appeal & Conditions
By July, Erin Hills’ fescue grasses typically mature into bronze hues, accentuating its vast, open aesthetic—while firm and fast conditions reward intelligent shot-making and creative play. Greens are receptive but can be lightning-fast, adding strategic complexity to long approach shots.

Pace & Preparedness
Expect a legitimate hike through varied terrain—with round lengths between 5–6 hours. A USGA-backed “7‑iron Solution” has improved pace by encouraging correct tee selection, helping maintain flow for golfers of varying skill levels.

10. Bandon Dunes Resort – Oregon

Bandon Dunes Golf Resort on the southern Oregon coast features seven world-class links-style courses, built in harmony with the rugged shoreline—each offering a unique, natural-golfing experience.

Why It's a Summer Must-Visit:

Links galore: From the original David McLay Kidd–designed Bandon Dunes and the acclaimed Tom Doak Pacific Dunes, to the inventive Sheep Ranch, each links layout provides distinct terrain and strategic variety.
Highly ranked: Multiple courses count among Golf Digest’s top public destinations—Pacific Dunes (#2), Old Macdonald (#4), Bandon Trails (#7), and Sheep Ranch (#10).
Authentic experience: The resort is cart-free, walking-only—complete with rustic-chic lodging and natural, unmanicured terrain reminiscent of classic Scottish links.

Course Picks for Your Trip:

Bandon Dunes: A true seaside links journey—ideal for a first-round warm-up.
Pacific Dunes: Doak's masterpiece—dramatic elevation and iconic design.
Sheep Ranch: Exhilarating cliffside layout with ocean-view holes.

Why Summer is Prime Time:

Long days and mild coastal summers make for comfortable walking rounds.
The natural fescue grasses and dunes shine best in sun-lit, dry conditions, showcasing the rugged beauty of the landscape.

Whether you're chasing golf’s purest form or planning a bucket-list adventure, Bandon offers an unforgettable links experience—each course distinct, each round an ode to the origins of the game.

Summer Golf Trip Planning

Summer golf adventures are most enjoyable with thoughtful planning. Book your tee times early—aim for 3–6 months out, or even 9–12 months for bucket-list public destinations like Bandon or Pebble Beach—to secure ideal slots before they fill up . To dodge scorching midday temps, opt for coastal or northern courses, and choose tee times at sunrise or twilight, which offer cooler air and fewer players. Staying hydrated is key: start drinking well before your round and bring along water or an electrolyte-rich beverage to sip regularly. Finally, maximize value by booking package deals—green fees bundled with lodging or meals—and locking in travel plans like flights and accommodations at least 3–4 months in advance to get the best rates. These steps ensure you’ll avoid crowds, beat the heat, and enjoy a seamless summer on the course.

Summer Style & Gear Guide

Paisley & Polished (Men)

YORF Paisley Shorts – Beige: Tailored and moisture‑wicking, these chino‑shorts bring quiet charm with their neutral paisley print.
Lanvin Blanc Logo-Emblem Half‑Sleeve Top: A premium, sporty collared knit—crisp design and luxe feel elevate the look for performance and presence.
Golden Bear GOLF Gloves: Sleek and breathable, with precise grip—great for dialing in your game with style and confidence.

Why it works: Combining tailored bottoms with a refined luxury top creates a balanced, upscale golf aesthetic. The neutral palette means versatility—ideal for mixing and matching across your wardrobe.

Coastal Cool (Women)

Navy‑Blue Sailor‑Collar Knitted Top: Nautical-inspired knit provides structure and shade, with refined coastal charm.
Keypote Navy Draw‑String Midi Skirt: Functional and flexible, with movement-smart design and flattering length.
Beneunder Sporty UPF Sleeves – Light Moon Purple: UPF 50+, cooling fabric with sleek style—perfect for sun-sensitive shots.

Why it works: This look nails coastal elegance with breathable knits and sun protection. The midi skirt and sailor collar add polished polish, while the sleeves boost comfort and safeguard your skin.

Plan Your Ultimate Summer Golf Getaway

Summer is the season to experience golf’s most iconic courses—whether you’re chasing oceanfront fairways or mountain views. Now’s the perfect time to plan your own Top 10 Summer Rounds itinerary. From securing tee times early to choosing resort packages, smart planning ensures your trip is both unforgettable and seamless.

Ready to make this your best season yet? Start planning your summer rounds now—explore tee times, styling tips, and packing essentials at ErtheGolf.com.