There's simply nothing like a beautiful golf course. The immaculate grounds keeping. The breathtaking views and the expansive display of perfection is simply something you won't find anywhere else. Now, there are all kinds of golf courses throughout the world. Chances are there are some beautiful, fun courses where you live. But what happens if you want to experience something different? You've been planning a trip but you want golf to be a central element to where you're going and what you're doing. Well, when that's the case you'll want to visit one of the best courses in the country. When focusing on the East Coast you'll find several, so here are five of our favorite East Coast golf courses (do note, we're not including Augusta National for the simple fact that it's nearly impossible to actually play a round here, so instead we're focusing on courses that are not only beautiful and bucket list worthy, but are courses you can conceivably play at).
Ocean Course at Kiawah Island
Located in South Carolina, the Ocean Course at Kiawah Island served as the host for the 1991 Rider Cup. This is a difficult course, so keep that in mind. You're going to shoot well above your normal here. After all, Steve Ballesteros, when he won the 91 Rider Cup, did so shooting a double bogey. But don't worry. If you want something easier during your trip you can take up one of the other six golf courses at the Kiawah Island Resort.
The resort itself is pretty laid back, bringing all kinds of golf and non-golf lovers to South Carolina. Before you come, make sure to watch the movie The Legend of Bagger Vance, as portions of the movie were shot on the golf course.
Seaside Course at Sea Island
This course, which can be found on St. Simon Island in Georgia has been around for nearly 100 years (first designed back in 1929). It was later updated in 1999 and still serves as a major golf destination. The RSM Classic is played at the course.
This is an excellent destination for when you want to not only play a round, but work on your game. A number of the instructions have been recognized as the best in the country, so you might as well schedule a session (or several) with the instructors. If you haven't had a professional look over your stroke or give you advice before you'll want to take advantage of it while visiting. Nothing like taking a few strokes off your game while on vacation.
The resort on hand is truly high end. Legendary actor Humphrey Bogart played the course (prior to it being updated), and even Tony Blair stayed at the resort. This is a golf lover's destination, so most of the people who come here are truly serious about golf.
The Ocean Course at Hammock Beach Resort
Have someone who is tagging along and yet has zero interest in golf? It might be difficult to book somewhere that offers only golf services. Thankfully, the Hammock Beach Resort offers plenty of non-golf options for when this is the case.
This particular course was renovated in 2017 by the team at Nicklaus Design. It is a truly beautiful course with the last six holes all up against the ocean (literally dipping into the ocean. You won't find this kind of design anywhere else). It's a breathtaking view as you could dip your hands into the ocean between strokes if you wanted to.
The resort itself is pretty laid back as there are people there who are not visiting simply for golf. However, with one of the most beautiful course designs on the East Coast, you'll be here specifically for at least one round.
Pinehurst Resort
This North Carolina resort and golf course has undergone some updates recently, switching out the greens and improving the visual splendor throughout. It is currently scheduled to be the host of the 2024 US Open. Golf Digest has also consistently ranked this course as one of the top public golf courses in the world. You will want to make sure and schedule your tee times well in advance. Because it is easily accessible and public you'll have both visitors and locals, so it's best to make sure you have your times squared away prior to visiting. It doesn't have the same kind of water views as others on this list, but when you just want a beautiful course, it's hard to beat Pinehurst.
Bethpage State Park
Yes, you don't need warm weather year-round to have a beautiful golf course. Located in Farmingdale, New York the course hosted the 2019 PGA Championship. It is a public course, and a beautiful one. It's also an extremely difficult course. So keep that in mind. It's best if you're not a beginner with this one. But even if you are, at least you can take in the beautiful, New York grounds.
Begin Your Trip Today
It's never too early to begin planning for your golf trip. Whether the golf course of your dreams is a few hours away by car or by plane, there's never been a better time to begin planning than right now. From selecting the best time of year to finding a hotel that will accommodate your stay, the ultimate East Coast golf trip can be yours.
