Image from Dean Ricciardi on Unsplash
Are you eager to pick up a new hobby that combines exercise, strategy, and a touch of elegance? Look no further than the world of golf. First off, golf is a fantastic low-impact sport with lifelong physical benefits such as improved cardiovascular health and endurance, increased bone health, and enhanced flexibility.
Golf is also a highly social sport, offering the chance to meet new people and make lasting connections. When you join a golf club with beautifully-landscaped golf courses, you'll have the dual opportunity to bond with fellow players, share experiences, and even engage in some friendly competition all in a tranquil environment.
Golf improves both your physical and mental well-being, so it’s a worthwhile sport to pursue as a beginner. If you're just starting out, there are plenty of beginner-friendly golf courses in the US that cater to players of all skill levels - we’ll help you decide where to go with a run-down below.
How to Select a Beginner-Friendly Golf Course
Beginner-friendly golf courses are much like any other golf course, but are equipped with facilities, amenities and/or services specifically for the novice golfer - such a course offers a supportive and welcoming environment. Always look for courses that have designated beginner areas or practice facilities where you can hone your skills without feeling overwhelmed.
Then, the course layout: Beginner-friendly courses usually have shorter and wider fairways, fewer hazards, and more forgiving greens. It’s also worth noting that courses with higher difficulty ratings may have a more challenging layout, while courses with lower ratings are better suited for those just starting out.
Another good thing to be on the lookout for are courses with a variety of tee options; this allows you to start at a distance that matches your skill level.
Lastly, take into account the amenities and services available at the golf course. Beginners may benefit from courses that offer lessons, practice areas, and equipment rentals - access to professional instruction and practice facilities can greatly enhance your learning experience and help you progress more quickly.
10 Beginner-Friendly Golf Courses in the US
Course 1: Pinehurst Resort - Pinehurst, North Carolina
Pinehurst Resort is a renowned golf destination that offers a variety of courses suitable for beginners. The resort features over nine courses, each with its own captivating design and level of difficulty.
Course 1, also known as the "Pinehurst Nine," is a great starting point. The 9-hole course offers wide fairways, minimal hazards, and enviable green complexes. Pinehurst Nine provides a scenic and relaxed environment, perfect for honing your skills while enjoying the beauty of North Carolina.
Image from The Pilot
Course 2: TPC Sawgrass - Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida
TPC Sawgrass is home to the famous Stadium Course, which hosts The Players Championship. While the Stadium Course is known for its challenging layout, TPC Sawgrass also offers a more beginner-friendly option – the Dye's Valley Course. This course provides a less-intimidating experience, with wider fairways and fewer water hazards.
The Dye’s Valley Course has consistently ranked high as one of the top courses to play and enjoy the beautiful Florida weather.
Image from TPC Sawgrass
Course 3: Torrey Pines Golf Course - San Diego, California
Torrey Pines Golf Course is a stunning coastal course that offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. The North Course at Torrey Pines is a great choice for beginners. It offers a more forgiving layout compared to the South Course, which hosts the PGA Tour's Farmers Insurance Open.
The North Course at Torrey Pines Golf Course features wide fairways, fewer bunkers, and manageable greens, allowing beginners to enjoy the beautiful scenery without feeling overwhelmed. There’s also private teaching lessons conducted by Torrey Pines’ qualified PGA and LPGA golf professionals.
Image from The Golf Shop at Torrey Pines
Course 4: Kiawah Island Golf Resort - Kiawah Island, South Carolina
Kiawah Island Golf Resort is a luxury golf destination that offers five championship courses. The Cougar Point course, designed by Gary Player, is a beginner-friendly course that provides a fair challenge without being overly difficult. The 18-hole course features wide fairways, generous landing areas, and multiple tee options.
Kiawah Island Golf Resort also offers golf clinics and lessons specifically tailored for beginners, ensuring a positive learning experience.
Image from Golf Pass
Course 5: Bandon Dunes Golf Resort - Bandon, Oregon
Bandon Dunes Golf Resort is a golfer's paradise located on the rugged coast of Oregon. The resort boasts six linked courses, each offering a unique and awe-inspiring golfing experience.
The Bandon Preserve course is an ideal choice for beginners, featuring a 13-hole par-3 course with stunning ocean views. It provides a less-intimidating setting, allowing beginners to focus on their short game skills.
Image from Kemper Sports
Course 6: Bethpage State Park Golf Course - Farmingdale, New York
Bethpage State Park Golf Course is a public golf course located on Long Island, New York. The park offers five 18-hole courses, with the Yellow Course being the most beginner-friendly. The Yellow Course features wide fairways, minimal water hazards, and manageable greens.
This golf course also offers lessons courtesy of the Golf Channel Academy - classes include women and kids as well.
Image from Next-Golf
Course 7: TPC Myrtle Beach - Murrells Inlet, South Carolina
A premier golf destination in the heart of the Grand Strand, the Tournament Players Club (TPC) Myrtle Beach offers a challenging course layout - thankfully, beginner golfers can enjoy a more forgiving experience on the TPC Myrtle Beach's South Creek Course, which features well-maintained, wide fairways, fewer bunkers, and less water hazards compared to the main course.
Image from Golf Holidays
Course 8: Troon North Golf Club - Scottsdale, Arizona
Troon North Golf Club is a desert oasis located in Scottsdale, Arizona. The club features two championship courses, with the Monument Course touted as one of the best playing courses.
The Monument Course offers wide fairways suitable for beginners, plus minimal desert carries and generous landing areas. It provides a unique golfing experience surrounded by stunning desert landscapes and breathtaking mountain views.
Image from Quintessential Golf
Course 9: Streamsong Resort - Streamsong, Florida
Streamsong Resort is a Golf- certified Top 100 golf course in central Florida, which offers three championship courses. The Streamsong Blue course is best for those starting out in golf, as it has manageable greens and wide fairways.
Like the others, this course is also known for its dramatic landscapes, with rolling hills and expansive lakes - creating a picturesque backdrop for your golfing adventure.
Image from Streamsong
Course 10: Pebble Beach Golf Links - Pebble Beach, California
Pebble Beach Golf Links is one of the most iconic golf courses in the world, located along the stunning California coastline. While the championship course may be too challenging for beginners, the nine-hole Peter Hay “The Hay” Golf Course is a perfect option.
The revolutionary short course provides a relaxed and enjoyable golfing experience, allowing beginners to take in the beauty of Pebble Beach without feeling overwhelmed.
Image from Golf Holiday
Are You Ready To Start Your Golfing Journey?
Visiting a golf course for the first time can be a bit intimidating, but with a few handy tips, you'll feel more confident and prepared. First, make sure to dress appropriately - it's best to check the club website or call in advance to find out the requirements. Generally, collared shirts, golf pants or shorts, and golf shoes are recommended.
It's also a good idea to arrive early to familiarize yourself with the course layout and facilities. When you do, bring along essential items such as sunscreen, water, and snacks. Golf can be a long game, and staying hydrated and nourished is tantamount to an enjoyable experience.
Now that you’re familiar with these 10 beginner-friendly golf courses in the US, it's time to start your golfing journey. Whether you're a complete novice or have some experience under your belt, choose a course that suits your skill level, consider the amenities and services available, and don't forget to have fun along the way - your golfing adventure awaits!