The most expensive public courses in the U.S.
We all know golf is a sport that can get a little expensive. After you make an investment in the equipment, gear, clothing, and balls, you still need to pay for green fees. Depending on where you play, that can add up quickly. This week, we decided to look at some of the most expensive public courses in the U.S. Don’t worry, we’ll look at some of the most affordable courses in an upcoming article.
The rates below are based on green fees during peak season.
Shadow Creek Golf Course – $1,000
Las Vegas, Nevada
Shadow Creek tops the list for the most expensive golf course in the U.S. The course hiked its rates in 2021 and has been on the top of the list ever since. According to their website, Shadow Creek is without a doubt one of the most unique golf course experiences in the world and descriptions of the course, however grand, do not begin to do this masterpiece justice. I hope so. For $1,000, it better be amazing!
TPC Sawgrass, Stadium Course – $650
Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida
If you play this course, you might want to invest in a few extra balls to make it past the famous and difficult 17th hole Island Green. TPC Sawgrass was designed by Pete and Alice Dye and has hosted The Players Championship since 1982. It uses a stadium concept so audiences can sit in stands made from mounds of grass to watch the game.
Pebble Beach Golf Links – $620
Pebble Beach, California
Pebble Beach Golf Links is one of the most beautiful courses in the world, with open views of the Pacific Ocean off the Monterey Peninsula, including Carmel Bay. The course has been the site of numerous championship games over the years. On opening day in 1919, green fees were $2 dollars for gentlemen and $1.50 for ladies.
The Greenbrier Resort, The Old White Course - $575
White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia
The Old White, the first 18-hole golf course at The Greenbrier, was designed by Charles Blair Macdonald and opened for play in 1914. A legend of golf history at The Greenbrier, the course was named for the well-known Old White Hotel, which stood on the grounds from 1858 through 1922. The Greenbrier Resort has housed 26 presidents and features an emergency underground bunker.
Whistling Straits, The Straits Course – $555
Kohler, Wisconsin
The Straits course was built in 1998 and was designed by Pete and Alice Dye to recreate the feel of a traditional Irish Links style course. It’s known for hosting the 2004 PGA Championship, 2007 U.S. Senior Open, 2010 PGA Championship, 2015 PGA Championship, and 2021 Ryder Cup.
Pinehurst No. 2 – $495
Pinehurst, North Carolina
Pinehurst Resort features ten courses, with the Donald Ross design Pinehurst No. 2. coming in as the most popular and expensive. It has served as the site of more single golf championships than any other course in America. It is a U.S. Open anchor site, so it will host the championship in 2024, 2029, 2035, 2041 and 2047.
I don’t know about you, but I think I’m going to go buy a lottery ticket!