The 3 Best Municipal Golf Courses in America

The Three Best Municipal Golf Courses in the United States

If you think municipal golf courses are just inexpensive places to squeeze in a quick nine holes, think again.

Some of the best golf courses in the United States are owned and operated by government agencies. They have hosted major championships, feature designs from some of the game's most celebrated architects and offer experiences that rival those found at expensive private clubs.

So, which three deserve the top spots?

For this list, I'm using a broad definition of municipal golf: courses owned by a city, county or state and available for public play. I'm also leaning on GOLF magazine's national ranking of the 30 best municipal courses in America, rather than simply choosing the most famous courses.

Here are three that belong on every serious golfer's bucket list.

1. Bethpage State Park – Black Course

Bethpage Black

No. 1 – GOLF ranking

Farmingdale, New York | Architect: A.W. Tillinghast | Opened 1936

Par 71 | Approximately 7,468 yards

If there's one municipal golf course that belongs at the top of the list, it's Bethpage Black.

Located on Long Island, Bethpage Black has established itself as one of the most recognizable golf courses in the world. Designed by legendary architect A.W. Tillinghast, the course is known for its demanding layout, deep bunkers, thick rough and challenging greens.

The course has hosted two U.S. Opens (2002 and 2009), the 2019 PGA Championship and the 2025 Ryder Cup. That's an impressive championship resume for a course owned by New York State Parks and open to the public.

Of course, there's a reason for the famous warning sign at the first tee. It recommends the course only for highly skilled golfers, and it isn't kidding. Bethpage Black is a physically demanding walk, and its length and difficulty can make for a long afternoon.

But that's part of the appeal. Golfers get the opportunity to experience a major-championship venue without needing a private-club membership.

Why it makes the list: Championship history, outstanding architecture and the opportunity to play one of America's most famous golf courses.

2. Chambers Bay

Chambers Bay

No. 2 – GOLF ranking

University Place, Washington | Architect: Robert Trent Jones Jr. | Opened 2007

Par 72 | Approximately 7,158 yards

Chambers Bay is proof that a municipal golf course doesn't have to look like a traditional municipal golf course.

Located along Puget Sound in Washington, this spectacular links-style layout was built on a former sand and gravel quarry. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., the course features dramatic elevation changes, enormous dunes, fescue fairways and breathtaking views of the water.

Chambers Bay burst onto the national golf scene when it hosted the 2015 U.S. Open, just eight years after opening.

The championship generated plenty of conversation about the course's greens and playing conditions, but there's no denying the uniqueness of the setting. It's a golf experience unlike almost anything else in the country.

The course is owned by Pierce County, making it publicly accessible. While non-resident green fees can be expensive, it's still an opportunity to play a championship venue that would be at home among the country's finest private and resort courses.

Why it makes the list: An unforgettable setting, distinctive links-style architecture and a U.S. Open pedigree.

3. George Wright Golf Course

George Wright Golf Course

No. 3 – GOLF ranking

Hyde Park, Boston | Architect: Donald Ross | Opened 1938

Not every great municipal golf course needs a major championship on its resume.

Sometimes, great architecture and a memorable golf experience are more than enough.

That's the case with George Wright Golf Course in Boston. Designed by legendary architect Donald Ross, the course was constructed in the 1930s as a Works Progress Administration project.

Built on rocky, hilly terrain, George Wright is a wonderful example of Ross's ability to use the natural landscape to create interesting golf holes. Expect elevated greens, challenging approaches, blind shots and plenty of elevation changes.

The course also features a distinctive Tudor-style clubhouse that adds to its historic character.

What makes George Wright particularly appealing is its accessibility. It's a city-owned golf course that delivers a high-quality architectural experience without the private-club price tag.

It's also a reminder that some of America's best golf architecture can be found in places that don't always receive the national attention they deserve.

Why it makes the list: Classic Donald Ross design, historic character and outstanding value for a quality golf experience.

Honorable mentions

There are plenty of other municipal courses deserving of recognition. A few worth adding to the bucket list include:

- Torrey Pines South: A spectacular coastal setting and two U.S. Open championships.

- Memorial Park Golf Course: A Tom Doak redesign that hosts the PGA Tour's Houston Open.

- Sleepy Hollow Golf Course: A beautiful Stanley Thompson design operated by Cleveland Metroparks.

- Buffalo Dunes Golf Course: A highly regarded public course that offers tremendous value.

- Papago Golf Club: A scenic desert layout with a strong reputation.

The bottom line? Municipal golf deserves more respect. These courses demonstrate that public ownership doesn't mean sacrificing great architecture, championship conditions or an unforgettable experience.

Ranking note: The top three selections follow GOLF's national municipal-course ranking, compiled by its architecture editor and Top 100 Course Panelists and published in June 2021. Municipal is used broadly here to include state- and county-owned public courses. Course details and 2026 rates should be checked before booking.

Troon Selected to Manage Sun Lakes Country Club in Banning, Calif.

(Scottsdale, Ariz.) – Troon, the leader in providing golf and club-related leisure and hospitality services, is pleased to announce it has been selected to manage Sun Lakes Country Club in Banning, California. Troon will oversee golf and amenity operations, golf course agronomy and sales and marketing for the Club, as well as the Sun Lakes community homeowners association.

Located in the San Gorgonio Pass area of Riverside County, Sun Lakes Country Club is a gated, 55-plus active adult, resort-style community with approximately 3,327 single-family homes and condominiums. Club members enjoy two golf courses, an 18-hole championship layout and an 18-hole executive course. The 7,002-yard, par-72 Championship Course opened in 1987 and was designed by David Rainville. Additional Club amenities include a golf practice facility, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, fitness centers, tennis and pickleball courts, and billiards rooms.

“We are honored to be selected by the Sun Lakes HOA Board to manage both the Club and the community association. Sun Lakes is a vibrant, active community, and we look forward to partnering with the Board and residents to ensure its long-term success,” said Troon Vice President of Operations Justin Lake.

The Sun Lakes Country Club community also offers an on-site restaurant and lounge facility, along with weekly live entertainment, creating a fun and social resort-style atmosphere for residents.

For more information on Sun Lakes Country Club, visit www.sunlakescc.com.

Shot Scope LM1 Recognized as Best Launch Monitor Under $500 in MyGolfSpy’s 2026 Official Testing

Honored for delivering essential performance data to golfers looking to improve their game.

(EDINBURGH, Scotland) – Shot Scope, the industry leader in golf performance tracking and data analytics, is celebrating the recognition of the LM1 Launch Monitor in MyGolfSpy’s Best Golf Personal Launch Monitors Under $500 of the 2026 Most Wanted official testing. Priced at $199.99, the LM1 was highlighted as the top option for golfers seeking a personal launch monitor, offering essential performance data to help players better understand their game and improve practice sessions.

MyGolfSpy tested 17 separate models and hit more than 500 shots to compile, analyze and share the data golfers need in order to know exactly how to proceed when buying a personal launch monitor. The review noted that the LM1 is an ideal starting point for golfers new to launch monitor technology, providing a straightforward way to elevate their game without the investment required for more advanced systems. The LM1 stood out as a compelling option for golfers looking for meaningful insights at an approachable price.

Designed with simplicity and value in mind, the Shot Scope LM1 uses radar-based technology to measure carry distance, total distance, ball speed, clubhead speed, and smash factor. The compact design and easy setup make it a practical companion for practice at the driving range or at home, helping golfers understand how far they hit the ball and how efficiently they make contact.

“We’re incredibly proud of the success the LM1 has enjoyed since launching earlier this year,” said David Hunter, CEO of Shot Scope. “We set out to make launch monitor technology more accessible to everyday golfers, and the response from both golfers and the wider industry has been fantastic. To receive recognition from MyGolfSpy, alongside five-star reviews from leading golf publications, is a brilliant achievement for the team and reinforces what we wanted to deliver with the LM1.”

The recognition further reinforces the LM1’s position as one of the most sought-after products in Shot Scope’s lineup, bringing accessible performance technology to a wider audience. By focusing on the essential metrics players need to make more informed practice decisions.

The Shot Scope LM1 Launch Monitor is available at shotscope.com and through golf retail partners across North America and Canada.

The Thermal Belt Advantage: Why Golf Is a Year-Round Pursuit at Champion Hills

(HENDERSONSVILLE, N.C.) — Conventional wisdom about mountain golf has always been simple: come up when it got hot, go home when the leaves fell. Sometimes conventional wisdom, depending on location, is wrong. 

On a January morning in Hendersonville, N.C., the frost gives way to sunshine, temperatures climb toward 50 degrees, and the view from the ninth tee at Champion Hills stretches across the Blue Ridge Mountains, revealing vistas hidden during the warmer months.

At the private club, perched approximately 2,500 feet above a town that bills itself as the City of Four Seasons, members enjoy the acclaimed Tom Fazio design throughout the year.

The thermal belt advantage

Geography is the key to golf being a 12-month activity at Champion Hills. 

Hendersonville benefits from its location in the Blue Ridge Mountains' thermal belt, where cold air often settles into the valleys, leaving some higher elevations comparatively warmer. The result is a climate that helps make golf a year-round pursuit at Champion Hills.

Yes, it’s cool, but the area mostly avoids the crippling cold that keeps golfers away from the course in the Northeast and Midwest.

One of Fazio's Signature Layouts

Legendary architect Tom Fazio has long regarded Champion Hills as his “Mountain Masterpiece.” He and his team carved the layout across 350 feet of elevation change with six holes playing slightly uphill while the others tumble through white pines, tulip poplars, rhododendron and mountain laurel.

Champion Hills’ most photographed hole is the par-3 ninth, where the tee sits approximately 125 feet above the green and a panoramic view of the Blue Ridge Mountains fills the horizon. The par-4 18th closes with a stream along the right side and an uphill approach to a two-tiered green.

Golfweek ranks Champion Hills No. 47 among America's Top 200 Residential Courses and No. 153 among its Top 200 Modern Courses, making it the highest-ranked year-round residential course in North Carolina. 

A year on the mountain

Perhaps the best evidence of Champion Hills' year-round appeal is found in its membership.

A decade ago, approximately 40 percent of members lived at Champion Hills full time. Today, that number has climbed to nearly two-thirds, reflecting a shift in how members view life in the mountains.

So, there is no off-season at Champion Hills.

Spring fills the mountainside with blooming trees and flowers. Summer delivers the cool mornings that help make mountain golf so popular. Fall turns the ninth tee into one of the most photographed golf holes in the South. Winter opens long views through bare hardwoods, and the social calendar stays full, from chili cook-offs to evenings around the firepit on the clubhouse patio.

Beyond the 18th green

Hendersonville's walkable Main Street is just minutes away, while Asheville offers dining, shopping and cultural attractions a short drive from the club. Nearby Flat Rock is home to the Carl Sandburg Home, and the waterfalls and hiking trails of DuPont State Forest and Pisgah National Forest provide plenty of reasons to venture outdoors, even in winter.

For generations, mountain golf was viewed as a seasonal pursuit, but at Champion Hills that calendar no longer applies.

The mountains change with the seasons, but the reasons to call them home remain remarkably consistent.

Champion Hills is a private club in Hendersonville, N.C. For membership information, visit ChampionHills.com or call (828) 696-1962.

Mountain Lake Reopens Historic Golf Course After Extensive Multi-Million Dollar Restoration

Led by Architect Tyler Rae, Restoration Project Revives Seth Raynor’s Original 1917 Design Features Alongside Major Agronomic and Drainage Infrastructure Upgrades

(LAKE WALES, Fla.) – Mountain Lake, the prestigious gated community nestled in Central Florida’s lake district, has officially reopened its historic golf course following an extensive, multi-million-dollar restoration project led by renowned course architect Tyler Rae.

The ambitious project, which commenced on April 20, centered on three primary objectives: the complete infrastructure reconstruction and redesign of all putting surfaces, the modernization and repositioning of the bunker complexes, and strategic design enhancements to every hole inspired by archival photographs and newly uncovered historical records.

Vermont-based NMP Golf Course Construction Corp. served as the general contractor, wrapping up heavy construction in mid-September. The final weeks of the project focused on the precision grow-in process of the new turf, particularly around the greens. It also included extensive relandscaping utilizing native trees, grasses and indigenous flora to elevate the course’s visual aesthetic.

The wholesale restoration of all 18 greens modernized their underlying infrastructure to ensure superior drainage and elite playability. Re-grassed with TifEagle Bermuda, each new putting surface now faithfully mirrors the dimensions, contours and distinctive characteristics captured in early 20th-century photography.

Similar to the work on the greens, the course’s bunkers underwent comprehensive modern upgrades designed to mitigate rising maintenance costs and prevent washouts during heavy rainfall or severe weather events. To complete the architectural time capsule, key bunkers across multiple holes were strategically repositioned to match their original layout.

To guide the restoration, Rae and his team meticulously analyzed a wealth of historical materials dating back to 1917, the year the course first opened. These primary sources included Raynor’s original sketch of the opening nine holes, ground-level photography and aerial renderings from the 1920s and 1930s. This deep archival research served as the blueprint for several landmark design restorations across the golf course, including:

Third Hole – The faithful re-creation of the original punchbowl green.

Sixth Hole – The return of the putting surface to its original location, shifting it more than 20 yards back to the right.

11th Hole – Rebuilding the fore bunker and regrading the approach to amplify the classic Redan characteristics of this iconic par-3.

13th Hole (“Road Hole”) – Reconstructing the bunkers to mirror the legendary Scholar’s bunker complex at The Old Course at St. Andrews, encouraging a more thoughtful tee-shot strategy.

15th Hole – A complete redesign reflecting the classic Garden City template, which demands precise tee-shot placement favoring the right side of the fairway.

18th Hole – The total restoration of the green’s original size and shape based on Raynor’s 1915 routing, highlighting a large false front and a distinctive kidney shape wrapped tightly around a deep right bunker.

“Restoring this golf course was far more than a standard renovation; it was a profound commitment to the architectural legacy of Seth Raynor,” says Eric von Hofen, General Manager and Chief Operating Officer at Mountain Lake. “This milestone marks the culmination of years of meticulous research and dedication from Tyler Rae, our Board of Directors, our executive leadership team, our members, and especially superintendent Brad Quackenbush and his grounds crew.”

“We couldn’t be more excited about the end result of this golf course restoration project,” adds John Dana, President of the Mountain Lake Corporation. “Our mission with this project was to accurately restore and modernize the golf course to highlight the strategic brilliance of Seth Raynor’s original design.”

Founded in 1915 with a master plan designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr., Mountain Lake encompasses more than 1,000 acres of rolling topography and pristine lakes. Situated on one of the highest land formations in Florida, the secure private community offers sweeping panoramic views of the Central Florida landscape and the neighboring Bok Tower Gardens. This historic enclave features a collection of residences crafted by legendary architects for some of the nation’s most prominent families, preserved today by homeowners who act as dedicated stewards of their timeless exteriors and updated interiors.

The social heart of the community remains the Colony House. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the 1916-era hub features sophisticated dining rooms, casual poolside cookouts, a fitness center, a library, 37 guest suites and full-service concierge support. Steps from the clubhouse, members enjoy pristine croquet lawns and a dedicated racquet sports facility bordering the first fairway. Mountain Lake also features a private shooting range nestled within a historic clay mine at the community’s edge.

For more information regarding the restoration or community real estate opportunities, please visit www.mountainlakeflorida.com.

L.A.B. Golf Introduces MEZZ.2i, Refining an Icon That Helped Drive Zero Torque Revolution

The First MEZZ Refresh in More Than Four Years Delivers a More Refined Shape, Improved Feel, and Dual Ball Pickup Options

(CRESWELL, Ore.) – L.A.B. Golf, renowned for pioneering Lie Angle Balance (L.A.B.) technology in putting, today introduced MEZZ.2i, the first refresh of its MEZZ putter in more than four years. Building on the legacy of MEZZ.1, MEZZ.2i improves on the original with a more refined shape, enhanced feel, and two ways to pick up the ball.

MEZZ.2i brings together Tour-proven design principles and thoughtful refinements across its shape, feel, and performance. The result is a fanged mid-mallet that maintains the stability and face control golfers expect from L.A.B. Golf while improving the forgiveness and overall playability.

“The original MEZZ played a pivotal role in establishing L.A.B. Golf’s presence on Tour. With MEZZ.2i, we wanted to honor that legacy while applying everything we’ve learned over the past five years,” said Cameron Day, SVP of Product at L.A.B. Golf. “Rather than reinventing what already worked, we focused on making every detail better. From mass distribution and stability to how the putter sits, launches, and ultimately performs, every refinement was informed by years of testing and Tour feedback. MEZZ.2i is the culmination of that experience—a familiar design, fundamentally improved.”

Milled from 6061 aluminum and featuring a deep fly-milled 303 stainless-steel insert, MEZZ.2i delivers a soft yet responsive feel at impact. Optimized mass properties and refined sole geometry further enhance the design, while expanded alignment options help golfers aim with confidence. The putter also introduces dual ball pickup options, adding convenience to a design built around performance.

MEZZ.2i is built around L.A.B. Golf’s Lie Angle Balance technology, engineered to keep the putter face square to the intended path by eliminating torque. This design helps golfers reduce unwanted face rotation and putt with greater consistency.

Used in more than 1,100 professional events, MEZZ.1 has remained in play years after its introduction, underscoring the lasting appeal of its design. With MEZZ.2i, L.A.B. Golf applies the same commitment to performance-driven engineering that has guided its newer designs, incorporating Tour data and player feedback to evolve an established favorite.

MEZZ.2i offers L.A.B. Golf’s industry-leading customization including lie angle, length, weight, shaft, grip, color, and alignment options designed to help golfers find a setup that fits their stroke and visual preference. As with all L.A.B. putters, every MEZZ.2i is hand-balanced and assembled, passing through up to 10 different stages of craftsmanship before reaching the end of the production process.

MEZZ.2i is available today at L.A.B. Golf’s official website, with Stock models priced at $499 and Custom models starting at $599. The putter will be available through retail partners starting November 17.

Golfers can complete a remote fitting and explore available customization options at www.labgolf.com or in-person at an authorized fitting partner.

Apes Hill Barbados Celebrates Three World Golf Awards

(ST. JAMES, BARBADOS) – Apes Hill Barbados won three categories during the 2026 World Golf Awards at Madinaty Golf Club in Egypt on Nov. 7 – Caribbean’s Best 9-Hole Golf Course and Best Golf Clubhouse, and Barbados’ Best Golf Course.

The World Golf Awards recognized the wealth of experiences available at Apes Hill – from the Ron Kirby-designed 18-hole course where the Legends Tour plays each spring, to the family friendly Little Apes short course, and the property’s chic, casually elegant clubhouse.

“To receive these awards is a source of great pride for our team,” said Sunil Chatrani, Executive Chairman, Apes Hill Barbados. “They dedicate great care for the courses and into looking after our members and guests. These honors affirm their excellent work.”

Set within the resort’s 475-acre estate, Little Apes is a 9-hole, par-3 walking course designed for golfers of all ages and abilities. Its layout allows families and friends to enjoy a round in around an hour, while giving more experienced players the opportunity to test their short game by chasing the challenging pin placements. The course takes inspiration from well-known golf holes around the world, with views across the surrounding landscape towards the Caribbean Sea.

The 18-hole championship course makes full use of Apes Hill’s elevated setting, reaching around 1,000ft above sea level with views of both the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea. Indigenous gullies and tropical vegetation shape the layout, which is complemented by the island-green 19th hole and a Golf Performance Centre offering technology-supported coaching and practice. Both Little Apes and the Championship Course are certified by Audubon International for their enviro and sustainability best practices.

The clubhouse, which overlooks the bonus, island-green 19th hole, features the Pro Shop, Noisy Cricket and 20th Hole restaurants, and is a gathering place for members and guests.

The World Golf Awards come on the heels of Apes Hill’s inclusion in GOLF Magazine’s Top 100 Golf Resorts in the World, which also recognized Apes Hill for “Best Lodging” among the Top 100 resorts. These honors celebrate Apes Hill's continuing investment in creating one of the Caribbean's leading luxury lifestyle destinations, where championship golf, wellness, nature, sustainability and exceptional hospitality come together within a single community.

For more information, please visit apeshill.com and/or:

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