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Fernbank Golf Course
Cincinnati, OH
$105-$195
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This par-3 course is a pint-sized powerhouse. Renowned as one of the best short courses in the world, Threetops offers dramatic elevation changes, with greens perched on cliff edges and tee shots that feel like you're hitting into the horizon. The downhill par-3 7th is iconic, requiring a long iron or hybrid to a green that seems miles below.
Patriot Golf Club
Grayling, MI
$16-$40
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Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., Patriot Golf Club pays homage to America with its sprawling layout and subtle patriotic themes. The course blends natural Oklahoma prairie with dramatic elevation changes, and the finishing holes overlook the Arkansas River. The highlight is the par-3 17th, featuring a red, white, and blue-shaped green in honor of its namesake.
Thornapple Pointe Golf Club
Grand Rapids, MI
$40-$80
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Set along the Thornapple River, this course combines rolling terrain with expansive water views. Its wide fairways encourage bold drives, but strategically placed hazards and fast greens demand precision on approach shots. The riverbank holes provide stunning scenery and an extra layer of challenge for those who dare to flirt with the water.
Superior National Golf Course
Lutsen, MN
$70-$109
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Perched on the rugged shores of Lake Superior, this course is a dramatic mix of cliffs, waterfalls, and dense forest. Each hole offers stunning views of the lake, with the standout par-5 13th requiring a downhill shot that feels like you’re hitting into the edge of the world. It’s a quintessential Northwoods golf experience.
Gravel Pit Golf
Brainerd, MN
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This unique 13-hole par-3 course combines artistic design with rugged charm. Built on an old gravel pit, it features dramatic elevation changes, natural rock formations, and imaginative greens. With short, quirky holes, it’s perfect for a quick and fun round that doesn’t skimp on strategy or challenge.
$51-$98
4 Mile Ranch Golf Club
$45-$89
$14-$38
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Tucked along the Ohio River, this course is known for its quirky, compact layout. Narrow fairways lined with towering trees create an intimate atmosphere, while elevation changes add challenge. Its location offers scenic river views, making it a peaceful escape from urban life.
Harborside Golf Course
Chicago, Il
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Located on a reclaimed landfill near Lake Michigan, Harborside offers a remarkable transformation from an industrial wasteland to world-class golf course. With two challenging links-style layouts, it’s a rare blend of city skyline views and windswept fairways. The signature 13th hole, featuring a narrow green surrounded by water, offers a dramatic test.
Jewel Golf Course
Mackinac Island, MI
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Accessible only by horse-drawn carriage, the Jewel is as unique as Mackinac Island itself. Divided into two distinct nines—the Grand nine, with lush landscaping, and the Woods nine, with rugged forest terrain—it feels like two courses in one. The views of Lake Huron are unparalleled, making it as much a sightseeing tour as a golf outing.
Forrest Dunes - The Loop
Roscommon, MI
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A Tom Doak masterpiece, The Loop is a reversible course where the layout can be played clockwise one day and counterclockwise the next. This ingenious design creates two entirely different courses on the same land, challenging golfers to think creatively. With firm fairways, rugged bunkers, and a minimalist aesthetic, it’s a one-of-a-kind golfing experience that has drawn acclaim from purists and adventurers alike.
Treetops Resort - Threetops Course
Gaylord, MI
Montgomery National Golf Club
Montgomery, MN
$25-$60
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With vibrant sunsets and a reputation as "The Most Fun Course in Minnesota," Montgomery National features glow golf events and an energetic atmosphere. Its relaxed vibe complements a quirky layout with wide fairways and bold greens, making it a favorite for casual golfers and families alike.
Stonebrook Golf Course
Shakopee, MN
Dynamic Pricing
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Known for its water-centric design, Stonebrook challenges golfers with streams, ponds, and wetlands that come into play on nearly every hole. The par-4 6th requires a pinpoint tee shot over a creek to a narrow fairway, followed by an approach to a green surrounded by water—an exciting mix of risk and reward.
Bois de Sioux
Wahpeton, ND
$18-$50
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This fascinating course is the only one in the United States where you can play across two states—North Dakota and Minnesota. The Red River marks the boundary, with holes crossing state lines several times. The dual-state design, combined with sweeping prairie views, makes for a one-of-a-kind round.
Field Club of Omaha
Omaha, NE
Private
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Steeped in history, the Field Club is one of the oldest golf courses west of the Mississippi. While its classic design offers a traditional golfing experience, its location near Omaha’s urban center adds a unique juxtaposition. Small, fast greens and tree-lined fairways create a timeless challenge.
Bayside Golf Club
Brule, NE
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Located on the edge of Lake McConaughy, this course combines links-style play with panoramic lake views. Wind is a constant factor, creating a seaside vibe in the heart of Nebraska. The signature par-3 14th, with a green perched above the lake, is as picturesque as it is demanding.
Prairie Club Golf Course
Valentine, NE
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Prairie Club offers two courses: The Dunes, with its rugged, rolling terrain, and The Pines, which winds through a forest. Both are framed by the scenic Nebraska Sandhills and offer an authentic links-style experience. The massive shared green on The Dunes' 18th hole provides a dramatic finish.
Awarii Dunes Golf
Axtell, NE
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Awarii Dunes brings the spirit of Scottish links golf to the Great Plains. Designed to blend seamlessly with the natural sandhills, its wide fairways and rolling greens make for an approachable yet challenging experience. The constant wind adds an extra layer of strategy to every shot.
Canon City, CO
$30-$60
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This Jim Engh design features whimsical holes carved into Colorado’s high desert landscape. The fairways wind through arroyos, while greens are guarded by rocky outcroppings and natural hazards. The layout feels like an art piece, with bold contours and surprising features at every turn.
Lakota Links
New Castle, CO
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Set in the rugged beauty of Colorado’s western slope, Lakota Links features dramatic elevation changes, wide-open vistas, and holes that play along natural ridgelines. It’s a thrilling mix of mountain and desert golf, with several tee shots that seem to hang in the air forever.
Mad Russian Golf Course
Miliken, CO
$27-$41
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The name alone piques curiosity, and the course delivers on its quirky reputation. This family-run gem features a mix of tight, tree-lined fairways and open holes with massive greens. Locals love its relaxed vibe and affordable rates, making it a favorite for casual players.
Evergreen Golf Course
Denver, CO
Dynamic Pricing
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Nestled in the heart of the Rockies, Evergreen Golf Course offers breathtaking mountain scenery and a challenging layout. Its narrow fairways weave through towering pines, with elevation changes creating dramatic shot opportunities. Wildlife, including elk and deer, often wander onto the course, making every round feel like a nature retreat.
Old Works Golf Course
Anaconda, MT
$35-$100
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Designed by Jack Nicklaus, Old Works stands out for its black slag bunkers, a nod to the site’s history as a copper smelter. The course blends industrial heritage with modern design, offering wide fairways, massive greens, and stunning mountain backdrops. It’s both visually striking and challenging, with the slag bunkers adding a unique element to play.