Every golf website has a list of the greatest courses in the world. Max Bechtoldt, founder and editor of Fore-All.com hasn’t played as as many great courses as other prominent outlets, but he has played some terrific tracks. In this series, Max ranks and reviews the 20 best courses he has played:
No. 20 – TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course – Scottsdale has become a popular golf destination in the United States, and this is easily the best experience in the city. TPC Scottsdale has become iconic through the Waste Management Phoenix Open, but the course is kept in pristine condition year round and features a phenomenal back nine with great risk-reward options. The clubhouse and restaurant are amazing, and the practice and warm up facilities are the best in the area. If you plan a Scottsdale golf trip, include the stadium course.
No. 19 – Torrey Pines North Course – This is a major hot take, but the North Course is the better of the 18-hole tracks on the property of Torrey Pines. The North Course is both more interesting from a design perspective, but also is more beautiful with the dramatic ocean views. This course plays along the cliffs in a way that makes one question why the South Course is more famous. The Lodge adds to the prestige of the course, offering amazing cocktail service and some fantastic food with views to remember.
No. 18 – TPC Sawgrass Stadium Course – The Stadium Course at Sawgrass features maybe the most iconic finish on the PGA Tour, and 16-18 live up to the hype while playing them. 17 is maybe the most famous hole in the United States, and your heart pumps when walking up to the tee. This course is kept in perfect condition during its high season, and the design from Pete Dye is iconic. The clubhouse at Sawgrass is maybe the best in the United States, and the food is memorable, especially the spicy shrimp.
No. 17 – Milwaukee Country Club – Milwaukee Country Club is wildly exclusive, and offers a surprisingly strong experience to guests. The locker room and clubhouse areas are beautiful, and the entire course offers the experience of playing an all-time great country club. The holes offer unique visuals, riding around the Milwaukee River. The course is a gorgeous example of a classic country club.
No. 16 – The Links at Spanish Bay – This is maybe the most underrated public course in the United States. The Links at Spanish Bay is absolutely stunning, offering many of the same views as the neighboring Pebble Beach. Right away you are playing directly into the Pacific Ocean on hole one. I am admittedly a big fan of Robert Trent Jones II courses, but this one is so beautiful that I believe it to be transcendent. The wide fairways, true links designs and next-level views bring this course toward the top of the Fore-All.com rankings. Make sure this is on your Pebble Beach trip plan.
