The layout and design of a golf course is what makes the game so great and worth traveling for. There are an infinite number of ways to route a course across all sorts of landscape earth provides.
In 2019, our community of golf course reviewers rated "course layout" as one of six optional subcategories on the review form. "Course layout" can mean many different things depending on the golfer. For a beginner, they might be more interested in forward tees and accessible greens. Better players might be more interested in the nuances of golf course architecture. To others, the routing and flow of a course trumps all else.
All ages and handicaps can review courses on Golf Advisor, so these courses selected below, based on their Course Layout star-rating averages in 2019, provide a glimpse of courses that have been designed, routed and set up properly for a wide range of abilities and styles.
Have a favorite course layout in your town or amongst your travels? Be sure to tell us in a course review. Click here to review a golf course.
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Atunyote Golf Club at Turning Stone Resort
Verona, N.Y. | Read reviews
Architect: Tom Fazio
What they're saying: "Beautiful Fazio design. Plenty of room to hit the ball but some great green complexes and terrific bunkering. Conditions were like a private club." - iVoZ8gAJwybZLArluXA8 -
Pebble Beach Golf Links
Pebble Beach, Calif. | Read reviews
Architect: Jack Neville, Chandler Egan
What they're saying: "The views are outstanding. The course architecture is totally original, yet classic. If you have the opportunity to play it, just do it. Enjoy the best 6,900 yard walk you'll ever take." - AdmiralChet -
Red Course at Streamsong Resort
Fort Meade, Fla. | Read reviews | GolfPass Members save
Architect: Bill Coore & Ben Crenshaw
What they're saying: "As with a links course, there are tons of slopes, undulations, mounds and humps everywhere (greens, fairways, etc.) There terrain is very natural and amazing. The bunkers are a true challenge and are everywhere." - RettJ, Local Golf Advisor -
Aviara Golf Club
Carlsbad, Calif. | Read reviews
Architect: Arnold Palmer
What they're saying: "A rare Palmer design near the coast. This layout contains many of the things I like about courses. Some forced carries but nothing outrageous. Challenging w/o being ridiculous. Constantly up/down rolling hills, HUGE green complexes, numerous well placed, beautiful plants/water features and many strategically placed large bunkers." - nickesquire, Local Golf Advisor -
Grey Hawk Golf Club
Lagrange, Ohio | Read reviews
Architect: Robert Von Hagge, Smelek and Baril
What they're saying: "The course layout was one of my favorites I’ve ever been around. Challenging as heck at times and just had a great feel all the way through." - Richie1356725 -
Eagle Eye Golf Club
Bath, Mich. | Read reviews
Architect: Chris Lutzke
What they're saying: " beautiful and scenic course, in pristine condition. Every hole has its own unique touch and challenge. You may think of 17, the island green as the signature hole, but I assure you there are multiple holes that could be considered signature." - hedgerc -
Cedar River at Shanty Creek Resorts
Bellaire, Mich. | Read reviews
Architect: Tom Weiskopf
What they're saying: "One of my favorite courses....this course never gets old. Wonderful Weiskopf design and if you play this course a few times you really get to know the rolls bounces and speed slots." - HOTSPOTTS, Local Golf Advisor -
Emerald Course at Wailea Golf Club
Wailea, Hawaii | Read reviews
Architect: Robert Trent Jones Jr.
What they're saying: "I absolutely loved this course and it is set up for scoring and fun, take what the course gives you and you will have the time of your life." -TonyDinovo -
TPC Deere Run
Silvis, Ill. | Read reviews
Architect: D.A. Weibring
What they're saying: "Course was amazing, awesome layout & conditions were top of the line. The bunkers were magnificent, like playing on a beach in the Caribbean." - TSmitty2 -
Mid Pines Inn and Golf Club
Southern Pines, N.C. | Read reviews
Architect: Donald Ross
What they're saying: "Lots of false fronts and most greens were elevated and 'turtle-backed.' Loved the southern charm of the course as well as the layout and would definitely come back!" - Bozidar -
Gold Course at Golden Horseshoe Golf Club
Williamsburg, Va. | Read reviews
Architect: Robert Trent Jones Sr.
What they're saying: "The layout is every bit as good as you’ve heard ... More than the strategy involved in scoring on them, each hole is beautifully presented. This is one of the most photogenic courses I’ve ever played." - Back9Ben, Local Golf Advisor -
Crosswater Course at Sunriver Resort
Sunriver, Ore. | Read reviews
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 -
StoneCrest Golf Course
Prestonburg, Ky. | Read reviews
Architect: Chris Chrissman & Jack Sykes
What they're saying: "Overall, great track with unbelievable views and changes in elevation." - Derek7883862 -
FarmLinks at Pursell Farms
Sylacauga, Ala. | Read reviews
Architect: Michael Hurdzan & Dana Fry
What they're saying: "Top Notch facility. Staff, conditions, and layout are great. Nice change of pace from RTJ Trail with generous fairways and receptive greens." - ja0713 -
The Fortress Golf Course
Frankenmuth, Mich. | Read reviews
Architect: Dick Nugent, Jerry Matthews
What they're saying: "This course is real gem. Position golf is more important that bomb and chase. Course is a mix of links style and tree lined holes, if you keep it in the fairway it is really enjoyable. - michaelsop -
Yocha Dehe at Cache Creek Casino Resort
Brooks, Calif. | Read reviews
Architect: Brad Bell
What they're saying: "If Yocha Dehe isn't the best daily fee golf course in Northern California for +/- $100 I don't know what is. I've played Yocha Dehe 10 times this year and it has always been in great shape.While it is fair and playable it is also tough with hazards placed in places good players hit the ball." - rmkyhn -
Nicklaus Course at Pinehills Golf Club
Plymouth, Mass. | Read reviews
Architect: Jack Nicklaus Jr.
What they're saying: "This is truly a fun course to play and what a setting we loved it. If you have a chance to play this course go for it truly special." - GolfPlaisir -
Atlantic City Country Club
Northfield, N.J. | Read reviews
Architect: William S. Flynn, Willie Park Jr.
What they're saying: "The course itself is a classic layout with tricky undulating greens mixed with a dose of British links golf along the marsh. It’s brutally tough when the winds kick up off the ocean, but the course is designed to welcome a ground game approaching the greens." - ddotson2 -
Chariot Run
Laconia, Ind. | Read reviews
Architect: Bill Bergin
What they're saying: "Chariot Run simply put is the finest course I have played in the state of Indiana and rivals the best courses I have ever played. The greens roll as true as anything i have ever played, the bunkers are in tip-top shape, and the layout is spectacular." - HoosierHacker89 -
Rams Hill Golf Club
Borrego Springs, Calif. | Read reviews | GolfPass Members save
Architect: Tom Fazio
What they're saying: "This course is simply incredible. I love smart, fun courses and that's the heart of Rams Hill ... this course trades ocean views for mountain views, and is as balanced a course for challenge/fun as you will find." - Ogle0437 -
GreyStone Golf Club
Dickson, Tenn. | Read reviews
Architect: Mark McCumber, Mike Beebe
What they're saying: "This course was great! Excellent layout with beautiful views! The hazards make you think on every tee shot which is something I like a lot." - Jcarroll9889 -
Wild Rock Golf Club
Wisconsin Dells, Wisc. | Read reviews
Architect: Michael Hurdzan, Dana Fry
What they're saying: "This is the type of place you need local knowledge on where to leave shots and you'll gain back 5 or so shots the 2nd time you play it." - theburyman -
Quintero Golf Club
Peoria, Ariz. | Read reviews
Architect: Rees Jones
What they're saying: "Quintero is always a must play when in the Phoenix area. The layout is spectacular, the course is very peaceful and the staff is fantastic. The carts come fully equipped with GPS ... The holes are varied and fun, with lots of tee box options for all players." - GolfLeo, Local Golf Advisor -
Blue Ridge Trail Golf Club
Mountain Top, Pa. | Read reviews
Architect: Brian Ault
What they're saying: "The course bunkering is beautiful and the course winds through the woods to each perfectly framed private hole. The views on the last holes of the Blue 9 are spectacular." - bradco -
South Course at Reserve Vineyards Golf Club
Aloha, Ore. | Read reviews
Architect: John Fought
What they're saying: "The course does not play long however you do have to be careful because often times you do not have a level lie and you will need to know how to play the ball below or above your feet. When the wind comes up playing the ball on approach shots can be tricky." - Earl8587874