#1 Kapalua Plantation Course (Maui, HI)

The Kapalua Plantation Course in Maui is one of Hawaii’s most scenic golf courses, set along the slopes of the West Maui Mountains with dramatic views of the Pacific Ocean from nearly every hole. Designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, the par-73 course features wide fairways, major elevation changes, and long downhill shots that make it both challenging and exciting. Its signature 18th hole is a massive par 5 that stretches downhill toward the ocean and can produce some of the longest drives of a golfer’s life. The course is also known for hosting the PGA TOUR’s Sentry Tournament of Champions.

Time Played: 1

2024

#2 Torrey Pines (San Diego, CA)

Torrey Pines Golf Course in La Jolla, San Diego, is one of the most famous public golf courses in the United States, known for its stunning ocean views and challenging layout along the Pacific coastline. The course has two 18-hole layouts, the North Course and the South Course, with the South Course being the more difficult and well known for hosting major professional tournaments, including the U.S. Open. With dramatic cliffs, coastal scenery, and narrow fairways, Torrey Pines offers a memorable golfing experience and is one of the highlights of San Diego.

Times Played: 1

2025

#3 Royal Kaanapali/Kaanapali Kai (Maui, HI)

Ka’anapali Golf Courses in Maui offer two 18-hole courses, the Royal Ka’anapali Course and the Ka’anapali Kai Course, both surrounded by beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean and the West Maui Mountains. The Royal Course is a 6,700-yard, par-71 layout designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., featuring rolling fairways, challenging greens, and holes that travel from the coastline into the mountain foothills. The 6,400-yard, par-70 Kai Course is a little more forgiving and focuses on strategy, elevation changes, and scenic views. Together, the two courses provide a great mix of challenging golf and classic Hawaiian scenery.

Times Played: 4

2024 x4

#4 Robert Trent Jones at Highland Oaks (Dothan, AL)

RTJ at Highland Oaks in Dothan, Alabama, is a 36-hole Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail facility featuring three distinct 9-hole championship courses—Highlands, Magnolia, and Marshwood—along with a 9-hole Short Course. Each course has its own character, with rolling terrain, lakes, wetlands, wooded areas, and strategically placed hazards throughout. Highlands features several holes with water in play, Magnolia is known for its beautiful magnolia trees and a long wooden bridge over the marsh, while Marshwood is the longest and most demanding of the three, including a massive 701-yard par 5 from the back tees. Overall, Highland Oaks offers a challenging but scenic round with plenty of variety.

Times Played: A lot. This is my home course.

This is featured in my video "I played one of Alabama's HIGHEST RATED golf courses!"

#5 Disney's Lake Buena Vista Course (Orlando, FL)

Disney’s Lake Buena Vista Golf Course in Orlando, Florida, is a classic 18-hole course with a relaxed country-club feel, winding through pine forests, palmettos, pastel-colored villas, and sparkling lakes. Designed by Joe Lee, the course features elevated, well-protected greens and a variety of water hazards that make accuracy important throughout the round. The course has also hosted PGA TOUR, LPGA Tour, and USGA events, adding to its history and reputation. Overall, Lake Buena Vista offers a scenic and enjoyable round that combines traditional Florida golf with the unique atmosphere of Walt Disney World.

Times Played: 1

2025

#6 The Club at Shoal Creek (Griffin, GA)

The Club at Shoal Creek in Griffin, Georgia, is a scenic 18-hole golf course with a classic Southern feel. Originally opened in 1968 and designed by Willard C. Byrd, the course stretches across more than 260 acres and features rolling terrain, mature trees, strategically placed hazards, and beautiful views of the 32-acre Shoal Creek Lake. The traditional clubhouse overlooks the water and adds to the relaxed atmosphere of the property. With its combination of challenging golf, natural scenery, and laid-back Southern charm, Shoal Creek has earned its reputation as a hidden gem in Georgia.

Times Played: 3

2024 x3

#7 Meadow Links (Fort Gaines, GA)

Meadow Links Golf Course in Fort Gaines, Georgia, is a scenic 18-hole public course located at George T. Bagby State Park near Lake Walter F. George. Designed by Willard Byrd, the course has a classic links-style layout that winds through gently rolling terrain, open meadows, and wooded areas. Large greens with subtle breaks, lush fairways, long Bahia rough, and strategically placed bunkers create a challenging but enjoyable round. One of the highlights is the peaceful, natural setting, with beautiful views of the surrounding countryside and woodlands. With its quiet atmosphere and traditional layout, Meadow Links offers a memorable Southern golf experience.

Times Played: 2

2024 x2

#8 Dothan National (Dothan, AL)

Dothan National Golf Club in Dothan, Alabama, is a historic 18-hole course with plenty of potential, but its condition has been a major part of its story. The course dates back to 1968 and has a long history of hosting tournaments, but over the last 20 years, periods of limited maintenance and investment have left parts of the property showing significant wear. Reviews over the years have frequently mentioned inconsistent fairways, greens, bunkers, and other areas of the course, despite the layout itself being long, challenging, and scenic. More recent reviews continue to report conditioning concerns, although some golfers note efforts to improve the property. Dothan National is a course with a strong history and a layout that could be impressive with consistent upkeep, but its long periods of neglect have clearly affected the overall experience.

Times Played: A lot. Another home course

#9 Headland Country Club (Headland, AL)

Headland Golf Course in Headland, Alabama, is a small, affordable local golf course that offers some of the lowest prices around. Weekday golf is just $15 for 18 holes, with weekends at $25, plus a $10 cart fee. The greens are definitely one of the highlights, often playing well and providing a nice challenge. However, while the greens can be in great shape, the rest of the course is pretty rough in places and shows its age. The fairways and overall course conditions can be inconsistent, but for the price, Headland Country Club can still be a fun and inexpensive place to get out and play a round.