Hidden Gem Golf Courses and Resorts Worth Discovering
Introduction
While the major names grab the headlines, America is filled with hidden gem courses offering exceptional play without the crowds.
Here’s a look at underrated golf destinations that belong on your radar — and the resorts that make them even better.
1. Gamble Sands – Brewster, Washington
Stay: Inn at Gamble Sands
- This David McLay Kidd design offers wide fairways, panoramic vistas, and an approachable links-style layout — perfect for relaxed, scenic golf.
2. Sand Valley Resort – Nekoosa, Wisconsin
Stay: Sand Valley Lodge
- Built by the team behind Bandon Dunes, Sand Valley delivers expansive sandy landscapes, minimalist design, and pure golf experiences.
3. Prairie Club – Valentine, Nebraska
Stay: The Prairie Club Lodge
- Offering two distinct courses set among Sandhills dunes, Prairie Club feels remote and wild — a true escape for adventurous golfers.
4. Sweetens Cove Golf Club – South Pittsburg, Tennessee
Stay: Local boutique inns
- A nine-hole masterpiece beloved by golf architecture fans, Sweetens Cove delivers creative shot-making and a laid-back community feel.
5. Ballyneal – Holyoke, Colorado
Stay: Ballyneal Cottages
- An exclusive private club offering limited guest play, Ballyneal’s rugged links layout is a bucket-list experience for true golf purists.
Final Thoughts
Sometimes the best rounds happen where the crowds aren’t.
Exploring America’s hidden gems offers a different kind of golf trip — one filled with discovery, character, and unforgettable moments.