Unveiling Hidden Gems: Exploring Lesser Known Golf Courses in the U.S.

Unveiling Hidden Gems: Exploring Lesser Known Golf Courses in the U.S.

By: Patrick Stephenson

In the world of golf, renowned venues such as Augusta National, Pine Valley, Pebble Beach, and TPC Sawgrass consistently steal the spotlight, capturing the imaginations of fans worldwide.

However, while these celebrated courses rightfully earn their acclaim, it’s vital to recognize the wealth of extraordinary golfing destinations beyond the familiar names. Indeed, hidden gems abound, offering unforgettable experiences that may surpass even the storied reputations of their more famous counterparts.

With this in mind, we’ve curated a list showcasing three outstanding courses across the United States that may have flown under your radar. Join us as we delve into their architectural brilliance, storied histories, and intriguing details. Let’s dive in!

Palmetto Golf Club

Architect: Herbert Leeds, Alister McKenzie,Donald Ross, Tom Doak

Year Built: 1892

Located in the heart of Aiken, South Carolina, just a stone’s throw away from Augusta National Golf Club, The Palmetto Golf Club boasts a rich history and a charm all its own. It is also the oldest continually operated club in the United States but many golf fans have never heard of it.

Herbert Leeds initially crafted four holes around the clubhouse for the club’s early members, three of which remain today. As the club expanded to 18 holes, it utilized surplus materials from the Augusta National project, enlisting the expertise of golf legends Dr. Alister McKenzie and Donald Ross to shape the course into its current form.

In its early days, The Palmetto Club played host to renowned players like Ben Hogan, Sam Snead, and Byron Nelson, who frequented the course for the Devereux Milburn pro-am and high-stakes matches. Legend has it that some players made more money in these pre-Masters matches at Palmetto than they did at Augusta itself.

Architecturally, The Palmetto Club is often likened to Augusta National’s little brother. Hogan himself lauded holes 3-5 as one of the best stretches of par 4s he’d ever seen. Despite its shorter length, the course features rolling hills, dramatically contoured greens, and a sense of openness that allows players to take in multiple holes at once.

Playing at The Palmetto Club feels like stepping back in time, proving that a course doesn’t need length to be challenging. Outside play is a rare privilege, granted only twice a year: during Masters week for $1,600 per foursome, and during the prestigious Palmetto Amateur, if fortunate enough to secure an invitation.

The Creek Club

Architect: Charles Blair Macdonald, Gil Hanse

Year Built: 1922

The classic CB Macdonald out-and-back design of this course is a golf history enthusiast’s dream, featuring every template hole imaginable.

Located on Long Island’s Gold Coast, just thirty miles from New York City, this course has long been a haven for wealthy golfers seeking a summer retreat near the Big Apple. Originally dubbed “The Million Dollar Club” due to its exclusive membership, it has maintained its allure over the years.

The Creek offers players a unique dual experience, starting with tree-lined fairways before opening up to stunning views of the Long Island Sound. This transition from parkland to seaside terrain is what sets this place apart.

Renowned for its template holes, Macdonald incorporated nearly all of them at The Creek, with two in particularly unique forms. The first hole is one of the few redan par 4s, while the club also boasts an island Biarritz green spanning 87 yards from front to back.

Though not the longest or most daunting course on paper at just 6,537 yards, it should not be underestimated. The winds from the sound can be challenging, making players grateful for the smaller confines.

There’s a majestic aura about this place, from running down the hillside to reach the beach, to navigating through the templates and dunes, and finally ascending back to the clubhouse. While many may never set foot on these grounds, let’s appreciate the brilliant design and continue to dream of playing The Creek.

Ballyneal Golf Links

Architect: Tom Doak

Year Built: 2006

Nestled in the high plains of eastern Colorado near Holyoke, Ballyneal Golf Links is a private golf resort offering an authentic inland golf experience reminiscent of the great links courses of Scotland and Ireland. Founded in the late 1970s by local golf enthusiast Jim O’Neal, the vision for Ballyneal was inspired by the sand dunes of the area, known locally as the “chop hills,” which bore a striking resemblance to the birthplaces of golf across the Atlantic.

Purchasing 700 acres of land in 2002, Jim and his brother Rupert enlisted the expertise of Tom Doak from Renaissance Golf Design to bring their vision to life. Doak, fresh from his success with Pacific Dunes in Oregon, meticulously studied and refined the course’s routing over two years, allowing the natural contours of the land to dictate the flow of the layout.

The result is a course that seamlessly blends into the native sage and yucca of the Chop Hills, with fescue fairways and gusty conditions promoting true links-style golf. Despite its relative short length of just over 6,800 yards from the back tees, Ballyneal presents a formidable challenge, encouraging players to employ strategy and finesse over brute force.

Beyond its championship course, Ballyneal boasts on-site lodging and dining facilities, creating a retreat where members can escape the demands of everyday life and immerse themselves in the timeless traditions of the game. The addition of the Commons putting course and the Mulligan Course further enhances the golfing experience, providing opportunities for camaraderie and skill development.

The club’s remote location, accessible only via a dirt road south of Holyoke, adds to its allure for the passionate walking golfer seeking a genuine and laid-back atmosphere. At Ballyneal, golf is not to be rushed but savored, best enjoyed frequently and in the company of friends, where each round offers a unique and unforgettable experience.