Farmingdale, N.Y.
Yardage: 7,465 | Slope/Rating: 77.5/155
Architect: A.W. Tillinghast
What they're saying: "There is a mystique that can’t be defined about this course, but it’s always fun to try and describe it over a beer in the clubhouse after the last putt." - shandog31

The Colony, Texas
Yardage: 7,084 | Slope/Rating: 75.2/145
Architect: Tripp Davis & Justin Leonard
What they're saying: "There are bunkers and water in play on just about every hole. Many of the drives are intimidating and force you to choose which hazard you're most afraid of. The greens are also well protected, and many of them are small. Of course none of that was any easier with crazy wind." - toothysaw2

Gaylord, Mich.
Yardage: 7,028| Slope/Rating: 147/74.8
Architect: Robert Trent Jones Sr.
What they're saying: " The view around the course is off the charts. The 5th hole par 5 may be the hardest hole in Michigan." -silguezi

French Lick, Ind.
Yardage: 8,102 | Slope/Rating: 80.0/148
Architect: Pete Dye
What they're saying: "It challenges your eye. It provokes a little self-pity. The greens are almost impossible. It brings out your 'left brain' creative self." - dwayneham

Acme, Mich.
Yardage: 7,078 | Slope/Rating: 76.1/150
Architect: Jack Nicklaus
What they're saying: "Wide open fairways with difficult, technical approaches. Though missing the fairway will put you in a mogul filled rough (almost certainly a challenging lie). Hazards come into play on most holes." - Jonathon4403245

La Quinta, Calif.
Yardage: 7,300 | Slope/Rating: 82.5/154
Architect: Pete Dye

What they're saying: "Stadium you face more than usual amounts of water plus huge, deep sand traps as tough obstacles. Throw in the typical Pete Dye moguls and you have a layout that is among the toughest I play." - nickesquire

Pound Ridge, N.Y.
Yardage: 7,165 | Slope/Rating: 75.9/148
Architect: Pete Dye
What they're saying: "Definitely not a course for inexperienced golfers. Course and fairways are very narrow ... A few holes you really have to drive ahead in your cart to figure out your next shot." - kvlad

Yardage: 7,554 | Slope/Rating: 78.0/153
Architect: Dick Wilson, Rees Jones
What they're saying: " The closing stretch just does not let up. Coming into the house on those final holes, it's awfully easy to see a good round fall completely apart." - caknox1

Sheboygan, Wisc.
Yardage: 7,790| Slope/Rating: 77.2/152
Architect: Pete Dye
What they're saying: "Oh the Straits course what an amazing test of mental toughness throughout a round. This is a course that at some point and time you are going to end up in a horrible spot and just have to take your medicine." - dahlryan

Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.
Yardage: 7,215| Slope/Rating: 76.4/155
Architect: Pete Dye
What they're saying: "I scored 18 shots higher here than I did at a similarly challenging course (Tobacco Road) just a few days before. To say I was disappointed with how I played would be an understatement but Pete Dye’s diabolical design of this course shoulders at least part of the blame." - Back9Ben

Pawleys Island, S.C.
Yardage: 7.026 | Slope/Rating: 75.2/150
Architect: Jack Nicklaus
What they're saying: "Course can be challenging and has subtle nuances that playing multiple times would help recognize." - BubDillon

San Antonio, Texas
Yardage: 7,435 | Slope/Rating: 76.6/145
Architect: Greg Norman
What they're saying: " The course is tough, but sometimes tough can bring out the best. In this case, it brings out the best San Antonio has to offer." - joshsmith12

Ellwood City, Pa. | Browse tee times & green fees
Yardage: 7,103 | Slope/Rating: 147/74.3
Architect: Michael Hurdzan & Dana Fry
What they're saying: "Holes 11-18 are a roller coaster ride. Nos. 12-16 are as visually stimulating as they are challenging, and provide a stellar finish to the round." - BrandonWebb

Sheboygan Falls, Wisc.
Yardage: 7,354| Slope/Rating: 147/76.3
Architect: Jack Nicklaus
What they're saying: "This course does not get the attention of the Kohler courses, but it is a Nicklaus design on an incredible piece of terrain." - bwernecke

Providence Forge, Va.
Yardage: 7,440 | Slope/Rating: 154/76.8
Architect: Mike Strantz
What they're saying: "Challenging course... generous fairways with punitive rough. Easier to play if you’ve been here before as there are many blind approach shots." - hokeptscs

Beach Park, Ill.
Yardage: 7,031 | Slope/Rating: 141/74.2
Architect: Robert Trent Jones Jr.
What they're saying: "The course layout is very beautiful and tough, as a first time player I had trouble with what to hit off the tee, and there are many blind shots off the tee." - Wham49

Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.
Yardage: 7,045| Slope/Rating: 75.2
Architect: Jack Nicklaus
What they're saying: "What’s a real golf course ? The answer is the champ course, no mercy, no bail out, and tons of risk rewards opportunities!" - crickett

Arcadia, Mich.
Yardage: 7,300 | Slope/Rating: 75.7/146
Architect: Rick Smith, Warren Henderson
What they're saying: "Easing into the round with a short, benign Par-5, you’re eventually thrust into as demanding a golf course as you will find in Michigan." - BryanTweed16

Pebble Beach, Calif.
Yardage: 6,960 | Slope/Rating: 75.4/145
Architect: Robert Trent Jones Sr.
What they're saying: "The first four holes might be the most challenging and beautiful anywhere." - arlene

University Place, Wash.
Yardage: 7,791 | Slope/Rating 77.4/145
Architect: Robert Trent Jones Jr.
What they're saying: "The course is very challenging with elevation changes and undulating greens. It is very easy to three putt here." - sooner90

Miami, Fla. | Browse green fees and tee times
Yardage: 7,590| Slope/Rating: 146/77.4
Architect: Dick Wilson, Gil Hanse
What they're saying: "Keep it in the fairway as the rough is deceptively hard to find your ball in, and the steepness of the slopes from greens to water makes any shots over or just off the green a surprising lost ball into water or rough!" - phojes10

Naples, Fla.
Yardage: 6,949 | Slope/Rating: 147/74.6
Architect: Greg Norman
What they're saying: "The Black course has no rough to speak of, but you have to keep it on the fairways to have any chance for a good round." - Hawkeye124

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Kaneohe, Oahu, Hawaii
Yardage: 7,310 | Slope/Rating: 153/78.2
Architect: Dick Nugent
What they're saying: "I have a 20 handicap and this was the most challenging course I’ve ever played. Bring at least a dozen balls because you’ll need them...lost 5 balls in the first 4 holes." - Ayeohh22

Truckee, Calif.
Yardage: 7,518 | Slope/Rating: 75.5/144
Architect: Jack Nicklaus
What they're saying: "This is one of NorCal’s finest offerings.
Great scenic layout, superbly maintained ... Pin placements were downright wicked. All in all though a great place to play." - Tjahan125

Santa Cruz, Calif. | Browse Tee Times and Green Fees
Yardage: 6,500 | Slope/Rating: 141/72.4
Architect: Alister Mackenzie
What they're saying: "There's not a bad hole on the course (even the BRUTALLY long par-3 3rd hole is fairly incredible even as it chews you up and spits you out) and the vibe at the course is perfect." - greebs

Estero, Fla.
Yardage: 7,393 | Slope/Rating: 153/77.6
Architect: Jack Nicklaus
What they're saying: "One of the more visually mind challenging courses you'll play but still fair ... Needed a sports psychologist after the first 9 the first time I played it, but had troubles keeping it in play." - Meego

Asheboro, N.C.
Yardage: 6,543| Slope/Rating: 138/72.5
Architect: Mike Strantz
What they're saying: "The elevation changes off the tee box are dramatic as you fire your tee shot through a chute of trees to generous fairways that seem to funnel the ball into play." - StoicGolfer

Glencoe, Ala.
Yardage: 7,456| Slope/Rating: 146/75.9
Architect: Robert Trent Jones Sr.
What they're saying: "As is usual with a RTJ set-up, there are very few flat spots on the green and almost all putts break one way or the other or both ways." - KJH88

West Lafayette, Ind.
Yardage: 7,456 | Slope/Rating: 146/76.5
Architect: Pete Dye
What they're saying: "Kampen is next to the perfect Indiana golf course. This is Pete Dye in all of his glory. I've played it twice now, and I've had my lunch eaten both times I've played it." - HoosierHacker89

Durham, N.C.
Yardage: 7,154 | Slope/Rating: 141/73.9
Architect: Robert Trent Jones Sr., Rees Jones
What they're saying: "All you can eat from the back, but don't let the first couple of holes scare you. Lots of variety of shots and plenty of birdies in the middle of the course." - jnjordan3

Grand Junction, Colo.
Yardage: 7,007 | Slope/Rating: 137/72.7
Architect: Jim Engh
What they're saying: "Played it again for the first time in several years and I forgot how hard it was! Bring your "A" game on or around the greens, you are going to need it!" - crangel

Marana, Ariz.
Yardage: 7,849 | Slope/Rating: 141/77.1
Architect: Jack Nicklaus
What they're saying: "The layout, it (is) very well thought out. I enjoy desert courses that reward shot placement so this course suited me in that way ... I really enjoyed the challenge of golf management on this course." - MMarlinS

Bernardston, Mass.
Yardage: 7,007 | Slope/Rating: 141/73.8
Architect: Robert Trent Jones Sr., Roger Rulewich
What they're saying: "Several challenging over water holes and very long par 5s ... Overall great course." - mailman123

Canton, Ohio
Yardage: 7,015 | Slope/Rating: 139/74.0
Architect: Brian Huntley
What they're saying: "Having knowledge going into the round is a must as there are some blind tee shots and knowing how far you can or can't hit it is a huge help." GubJr

Clio, Calif.
Yardage: 7,015 | Slope/Rating: 139/72
Architect: Robin Nelson
What they're saying: "If you can hit precise and long shots like a single digit h-cap and also fade the ball off the tee you can score. If not, it will be a long day. Approx 12 tee shots need very straight or fade shot." - SteveLaf

Erin, Wisc.
Yardage: 7,735 | Slope/Rating: 145/77.9
Architect: Michael Hurdzan, Dana Fry, Ron Whitten
What they're saying: "The fact that I had to take a few seconds to truly think about what shot I wanted to play and how to play it made Erin Hills the best course I have ever played." - Iamdiesel18

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Local Golf Advisors field report: Erin Hills

Alpharetta, Ga.
Yardage: 7,558| Slope/Rating: 77.2/149
Architect: Rees Jones
What they're saying: "Very tough layout that plays longer than the yardage on the card ... Some blind approaches to greens, especially on the very hilly back nine." - billbowerman

Silvis, Ill. | Browse green fees and tee times
Yardage: 7,066 | Slope/Rating: 142/74.8
Architect: PGA Tour Design Services
What they're saying: "The course conditions were outstanding. The greens were so smooth and like glass and definitely difficult to read. (Coolest thing I've seen having the green speed on the starter's table) The rough was LUSH. Wow, it was tough." - dahlryan

Sanford, N.C.
Yardage: 6,557 | Slope/Rating: 72.5/145
Architect: Mike Strantz
What they're saying: "The course is chock full of sandy waste areas, hills, and visually intimidating shots with blind approaches to greens. But I think it's far more visually intimidating than actually difficult." - DenisDotson

Pebble Beach, Calif.
Yardage: 7,075 | Slope/Rating: 148/75.9
Architect: Jack Neville, Chandler Egan
What they're saying: "We had an absolutely wonderful caddie (Bill - Scottish guy from St Andrews!). It was very windy but hey, that's part of what you sign up for there. It was a perfect experience in every way." - frankiedino

Kapalua, Maui, Hawaii
Yardage: 7,596 | Slope/Rating: 77.0/144
Architect: Bill Coore, Ben Crenshaw
What they're saying: "Trade winds so much fun, layout imagination is second to none and the architect gives you room to negotiate the tricky wind and incredible hills you will encounter." - JMarkH

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Kiawah Island, S.C.
Yardage: 7,356 | Slope/Rating: 144/77.3
Architect: Pete Dye
What they're saying: "I believe the secret to enjoying a course like this is not only the weather, getting a caddie who knows the course, and playing from the right tees. I scored the lowest score I have ever scored in competition to prove the point." - Bill2290371

Bandon, Ore.
Yardage: 6,663 | Slope/Rating: 73.0/142
Architect: Tom Doak
What they're saying: "You can hit most fairways without much trouble, but you need to put your tee shot in a spot that'll set you up with a good shot at the green." - noahjurik

Sunriver, Ore.
Yardage: 7,636 | Slope/Rating: 145/76.5
Architect: Bob Cupp
What they're saying: " You cross the Deschutes River on over half the holes with a backdrop of Mount Bachelor and Pulina Peak. The beauty of this course is spectacular, and the golf course design is as good as you will find." - cjohnson06

Yardage: 7,201| Slope/Rating: 141/75.1
Architect: Jack Nicklaus
What they're saying: "The wind off the ocean makes this course very challenging. Gotta have a low stinger in your bag on some shots." - PROLWING

Hilton Head Island, S.C. | Browse tee times and green fees
Yardage: 7,099| Slope/Rating: 148/75.6
Architect: Pete Dye, Jack Nicklaus
What they're saying: " Very tight course with tree lined fairways, but fair. You just can’t hit a huge slice or hook." - ishot73

Mesquite, Nev.
Yardage: 6,939 | Slope/Rating: 154/75.4
Architect: Denis & John Rider
What they're saying: "Tight layout but holes largely separated by canyons. Layout was fair. Not a tricked out target golf course, you just need to clear a mini Grand Canyon to reach the fairway." - Wllywnka

Fort McDowell, Ariz.
Yardage: 7,225 | Slope/Rating: 138/73.4
Architect: Scott Miller
What they're saying: "Cholla is shorter but requires more precise shots and club selection. Course knowledge is very helpful here." - hacksalot03

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Somerset, Wisc.
Yardage: 6,909 | Slope/Rating: 131/74.1
Architect: Joel Goldstrand
What they're saying: "One of the hardest courses I’ve ever played ... Somehow this course has every aspect of the game. Fescue, actual rough, seemingly welcoming fairways, water, and elevation." - seyi0960

Selbyville, Del.
Yardage: 7,525 | Slope/Rating: 148/76.4
Architect: Jack Nicklaus
What they're saying: 'Not one of the easier courses to play. Well protected greens.
Fairway bunkers ask you to think your shot through. Pack an extra.ball or two. The water features don't give much back." - Book1073489