Top must-play Golf Courses in the United States

I don’t hit the links like I used to. In fact, my most recent outing consisted of taking a pitching wedge to the course down the street at dusk and knocking a few balls around. Trust me, that is far cry from teenage summer days of playing 18 holes and then heading home to study classic VHS tapes of PGA champions, like Arnie Palmer, Chi Chi Rodriguez and Greg Norman, to help with my game.

And while I don’t get out much, I still appreciate the game, especially that epic feeling of walking a freshly cut fairway at dawn. Over the last two decades it seems the sport has grown exponentially (thank you Tiger Woods) and with it so have the costs for greens fees. While there are many places that don’t live up to the cost, there are a few American classics that are worth every penny to play, and these three golf courses below are my picks for the best of 2012.

Torrey Pines Golf Course: North Course

Opening in 1957, Torrey Pines is, in my opinion, one of the greatest courses in America. Ranked #8 in California, this 18 hole regulation course located on the steep bluffs of the Southern California Coast in La Jolla, CA.

Additionally, there is an equally impressive South Course bringing the total holes to 72 at Torrey Pines. One tip, though, if you want sunshine avoid Torrey Pines in May and June due to a heavy marine layer that fills the sky known as May Gray and June Gloom.

The Details:

18 hole regulation length course

Municipal golf course

72 par, 6,647 yards

72.1 rating, 129 slope

Course Design by William F. Bell, ASGCA/(R) David Rainville, ASGCA/Stephen Halsey/Jack Daray, Jr.

TPC of Myrtle Beach Golf Course

Want to play like your on the PGA Tour? That is what I thought! Then you need to check out TPC of Myrtle Beach in the sunny American South.

Freshly cut fairways and challenging greens are hallmarks of this famous Myrtle Beach course, which has hosted the Senior Tour Championship. And if the greens aren’t challenging enough for you, the course itself is surrounded by huge southern pines and expansive wetlands.

The Details:

18 hole regulation length course

72 par, 6,950 yards

72 par, 6,950 yards

Designed by Thomas Fazio, ASGCA/Tom Watkins

Augusta National Golf Club

Yes, you may have heard of this course, it is where The Masters is played and it is one of the most famous golf clubs in the world. Opening in 1933, Augusta National Golf Club is a challenging 18 hole regulation course in Augusta, GA.

Despite being closed to the public, which may be Augusta’s ultimate challenge, there are some ways to play the famous course if your invitation doesn’t show up to play The Masters. For starters, you could get a job caddying there or become an employee of the course; though, keep in mind that will still only get you one day on the storied course.

The Details:

18 hole regulation length course

72 par, 7,270 yards

74.0 rating, 135 slope

Course Designed by Alister MacKenzie/Robert Trent Jones, Jr., ASGCA

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