Fresh Fairways: Exploring Americas Newest Must-Play Golf Courses

Fresh Fairways: Exploring Americas Newest Must-Play Golf Courses

By: Patrick Stephenson

It’s a great time to be a golfer in the United States.

Over the last few years, we’ve seen something special happening—a true golf renaissance. And we’re not just talking about retro polos and persimmon throwbacks making a comeback. We’re talking about bold, beautiful, thoughtfully designed golf courses popping up across the country that are actually fun to play.

This new generation of courses isn’t about cramming in 7,500 yards or turning every round into a marathon. Instead, designers are leaning into strategy, walkability, and the kind of character that makes you want to loop it again before lunch. It’s like the spirit of the Golden Age has been reimagined for modern players, and the results? Nothing short of spectacular.

In this article, we’re spotlighting four of the best new layouts that have made headlines—and tee sheets—across the U.S. From the sandy ridgelines of South Carolina to the reimagined fairways of Florida, these courses are must-plays for anyone chasing the freshest vibes in American golf.

Broomsedge Golf Club – Rembert, South Carolina

Where old-school minimalism meets one man’s all-in dream

Just outside Columbia, SC, tucked into the sandy ridgelines of the Sandhills, you’ll find Broomsedge—a course that feels timeless, like it’s been part of the land forever. But the truth is, it’s brand new—and it almost didn’t happen.

Mike Koprowski risked it all to bring Broomsedge to life. He bought the land himself, poured in everything he had, and partnered with architect Kyle Franz to build a course that speaks to golf’s roots. Their shared vision leaned hard into Golden Age minimalism—bold contours, native grasses, and strategic design that rewards imagination over raw power.

There are no fluffy fairways or overcooked gimmicks here. Just a thoughtful, rugged layout that flows with the land and keeps you coming back for another loop.

And with Dream Golf’s Michael Keiser Jr. lending his support as a founding member and advisor, you know this isn’t just a passion project—it’s a rising star on the American golf map.

Private but accessible with weekday select public tee-times, Broomsedge is the rare kind of course built from the heart—and it shows on every hole.

Pinehurst No. 10 – Pinehurst, North Carolina

A bold new chapter for the Home of American Golf

You’d think Pinehurst was done after building nine (yes, nine) other incredible courses—but then came No. 10. And wow, did they go big.

Designed by Tom Doak (who’s having a moment right now), this course adds a whole new flavor to the Pinehurst family. Built on the bones of the old “Pit” course, No. 10 carves through massive sand dunes, climbs elevation like it’s in the Rockies, and still manages to feel perfectly Pinehurst. The use of natural terrain, wiregrass, and rugged mining scars gives the course a wild, adventurous feel that’s totally unique in the area.

Pinehurst No. 10 isn’t just a new course—it’s a statement. And it’s one that says the Sandhills are just getting warmed up.

Karoo at Cabot Citrus Farms – Brooksville, Florida

Florida golf, reimagined with bold design and variety

Cabot Citrus Farms, situated in Brooksville, Florida, is transforming the state’s golf scene with its innovative approach to course design. At the heart of this transformation is Karoo, a dynamic 7,500-yard 18-hole layout crafted by architect Kyle Franz. Karoo features rugged aesthetics, wide fairways, multiple routes to pins, and bold green contours. Varied tee boxes give players a fresh look at the course’s features each time they play. Thoughtfully planned, Karoo rewards creative short-grass recovery shots around the greens.

But Karoo is just one part of the diverse golf offerings at Cabot Citrus Farms. The property also includes:​

• The Roost: An 18-hole course with broad fairways that meander through a variety of environments—from sandy, scrubby areas to lush, rolling meadows. ​
• The Squeeze: A 10-hole course designed by Mike Nuzzo, inspired by the world’s best short par 4s, offering a fun and dramatic playing experience. ​
• The Wedge: An 11-hole par-3 course, also designed by Mike Nuzzo, featuring huge waste areas, greens with dramatic slopes, and varied lies. The course is illuminated for night play, allowing golfers to tee off as late as 9pm. ​

Sedge Valley and Sand Valley – Nekoosa, Wisconsin

A little slice of heathland magic in the Midwest

Most people wouldn’t expect to find a course that channels the spirit of English classics like Swinley Forest in the middle of Wisconsin. But that’s exactly what Tom Doak has delivered with Sedge Valley.

This course is short (par 68, just under 6,000 yards), but don’t let that fool you—it’s a thinker’s playground. Every hole asks a question. Every shot demands an answer. And every green has enough movement to keep even the best putters on their toes. It’s intimate, walkable, and just plain fun.

Tucked into the Sand Valley resort—which already has some heavy hitters—Sedge Valley proves that small courses can make a big impact.

Even More Fresh Fairways to Explore

While Broomsedge, Pinehurst No. 10, Karoo, and Sedge Valley are leading the charge in this new era of American golf, they’re not the only newcomers making waves.

Other recent standouts include Ohoopee Match Club’s new 9-holer in Georgia, an intriguing extension to one of the most exclusive and creatively structured clubs in the country. Or check out The Lido at Sand Valley, a meticulous reconstruction of C.B. Macdonald’s long-lost masterpiece that has architecture geeks buzzing. And let’s not forget Landmand Golf Club in Nebraska, which has made a name for itself with massive scale, bold visuals, and wide-open creativity on every hole.

We’re in the middle of a true golf renaissance—where risk-takers, design purists, and dreamers are shaping the future of the game one fairway at a time. Whether you’re booking a trip or just dreaming from your desk, keep these names on your radar. Because the next great American course? It might already be under construction.