Five Courses Worth Traveling For

Some rounds are just rounds. Others are the kind you plan trips around. Here are five courses that belong on every serious golfer’s list.

1. Bandon Dunes, Oregon

If you haven’t played Bandon, it’s time to fix that. Five courses on the Oregon coast, all walking-only, all world-class. The wind will humble you. The views will make you forget your score. Stay on property, play all five, and don’t rush it.

2. Cabot Cliffs, Nova Scotia

Perched on the cliffs of Cape Breton Island, Cabot Cliffs is one of the most dramatic golf experiences on the continent. The par-3 16th alone is worth the trip. Bring layers — the weather changes fast.

3. Streamsong, Florida

Three courses in the middle of Florida’s phosphate country. The landscape shouldn’t work for golf, but somehow it does. Red, Blue, and Black each offer something different. Red and Blue are the classics; Black is the newer addition and worth every hole.

4. Sand Valley, Wisconsin

Mike Keiser’s Wisconsin property has quietly become one of the best golf destinations in the country. Sand Valley, Mammoth Dunes, and The Sandbox (a par-3 course) give you three completely different experiences. The walking is easy, the conditions are fast, and the vibe is exactly right.

5. Pebble Beach, California

Yes, it’s expensive. Yes, it’s crowded. And yes, it’s still worth it. There’s a reason Pebble Beach has hosted more U.S. Opens than any other course. The back nine along the cliffs is as good as golf gets. Play it once. You’ll want to go back.

Pack Right

Wherever you’re headed, pack light and pack smart. A couple of performance polos, a good hat, a quarter-zip for the morning rounds, and a quality towel. You don’t need much. You just need the right things.

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