Course Reviews

Top 20 Courses under $100 in the U.S.

BY MyGolfSpy
Feb 9th 2022
Read all comments

Support our Mission. We independently test each product we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission.

Fundamentally, ranking golf courses is a subjective exercise. Better players often prefer more challenging layouts. Less skilled golfers might appreciate wider fairways with fewer forced carries.

That said, the validity of any individual review isn’t tied to whether that golfer has a degree in golf course architecture or a preference for certain types of grasses.

If you’re a golfer, your opinion matters.

About TheGrint’s Rankings

To generate our rankings, we leveraged data from TheGrint, a golf handicap and stat-tracking service that also allows golfers to rate the courses they play. Think of it as something similar to Yelp for golf courses.

Here are the pertinent details:

Only considered 18-hole courses with a minimum of 30 reviews in 2021.
Only considered public and semi-private courses.
Golfers considered course conditions and overall experience as ranking criteria.
Rankings derived from more than 600,000 golf course reviews.
Some courses are less than $100/round only during off-peak times and/or for residents (e.g. Bethpage State Park | Black Course).

Top U.S. Golf Courses under $100

Observations

Only two courses sit on the west coast of the United States.
Five of the top twenty courses listed are in Michigan.
No other state has more than one course listed.

TOP 10

10. Madden’s On Gull Lake | The Classic (98.13)

Gull Lake isn’t just another one of Minnesota’s 10,000+ lakes. It’s also a resort destination near Brainerd, MN with four 18-hole courses and various amenities situated on 1000 acres.

9. Wild Horse Golf Club (98.14)

Without a single building in sight, the serene landscape is accented by knee-high “Wooga” prairie grass. Located in Gothenburg, Nebraska, it’s a diamond in the rough – or more accurately, in central Nebraska.

8. Pronghorn | Nicklaus Course (98.17)

The Nicklaus Course in Bend, OR is visually stunning. Its ancient lava rock ridges and outcroppings intertwine with natural landscapes and accent magnificent views of the Cascade Mountains.

7. Pinnacle Golf Club (98.21)

Located in Grove City, OH, Pinnacle is a regular USGA Mid AM host site and features an 18-hole championship course designed by Lanny Wadkins.

6. Black Mesa Golf Club | Black Mesa 1 (98.29)

Nestled in Northern New Mexico’s Española Valley with views of the Sangre de Cristo and Jemez mountain ranges, Black Mesa Golf Club’s course features dramatic elevation changes and a variety of weather conditions.

5. Fox Run Golf Club (98.37)

Fox Run plays 6,400 yards from the championship tees. Wide fairways and multiple tee boxes make this Ludlow, VT course an attractive option for golfers of all levels.

4. Belvedere Golf Club (98.45)

Belvedere has a rich history and a challenging layout that made this Charlevoix, MI course a regular stop for legends such as Bobby Jones, Walter Hagen, Gene Sarazen, and five-time British Open winner Tom Watson.

3. Arcadia Bluffs Golf Club | Arcadia Bluffs (98.49)

The Bluffs course is built to resemble a seaside links course with views of Lake Michigan. If you have time, the property in Arcadia, MI has a second, 18-hole course (South Course) that it describes as “complexity veiled as simplicity.”

2. Bethpage State Park | Black (98.5)

The Black Course (Long Island, NY) has hosted the US Open (twice) and PGA Championship (once). In 2025, it will welcome the Ryder Cup – and possibly some of the most boisterous golf fans on the planet.

1. The Preserve Golf Club | The Preserve (98.95)

The Preserve in Vancleave, MS is all about Southern hospitality and service. Chilled towels, heated cart seats are standard amenities at the award-winning Jerry Pate design.

11. Bedford Springs Resort | Old Course

12. Bay Harbor Golf Club | Links/Quarry

13. The Walker Golf Course at Clemson University

14. Red Hawk Golf Club

15. Cinnabar Hills Golf Club | Mountain/Canyon

16. Las Vegas Paiute Golf Resort | Wolf

17. Bucks Run Golf Club | Bucks Run

18. Firekeeper Golf Course

19. Beaver Creek Golf Club

20. Old Toccoa Farm

Golf is an expensive sport. But playing a round of golf on a well-manicured, upscale course doesn’t have to cost you a week’s worth of groceries.

No doubt, part of the cost of playing a famous course is the name. But many of us are always on the lookout for a quality experience that doesn’t break the bank.

With that, what’s the best course in your area for under $100?

For You

News

Apr 25, 2024

Myrtle Beach Classic YouTube Qualifier Is An Interesting Concept That Doesn’t Quite Deliver

Golf Technology

Apr 25, 2024

Skillest is Reimagining Golf Instruction

Golf Bag Carts

Apr 25, 2024

Forum Member Review: Clicgear Model 4.0 Golf Push Cart

MyGolfSpy

Our mission is #ConsumerFirst. We are here to help educate and empower golfers. We want you to get the most out of your money, time and performance. That means providing you with equipment reviews you can trust, as well as honest reporting on the latest issues affecting the game today. #PowerToThePlayer

MyGolfSpy

Tackling the 12th at Augusta – Amateur Edition

Apr 11, 2024 | 0 Comments

What Club Should You Use to Get Up and Down?

Feb 22, 2024 | 14 Comments

Ball Lab Golf Ball Quality Awards

Jan 22, 2024 | 31 Comments

ENTER TO WIN: Rapsodo MLM2Pro Launch Monitor

Dec 23, 2023 | 1 Comment

MyGolfSpy

Driver Ping G30	Hybrids PXG 0317
3/4 IRON PXG 0311XF	5-GW Srixon Z 565
SW PXG 0317	LW PXG 0311
Putter EVNROLL

MyGolfSpy

comments

Join The Discussion

BEAU

2 years ago

I’ve played The Preserve half a dozen times and I’ve never paid less than $100. The very first time I played it, I paid $110 and that was winter rates 6 or 7 years ago. I was just on a golf trip there last week and the rate was $140. I think $140 is a steal for The Preserve as it’s one of the best maintained courses I’ve ever played. You won’t find a weed or any grass that’s not supposed to be there. The staff is super friendly and the food is excellent. Top notch all around.

Bowser

2 years ago

Lists always bring up the hairs on the back of most people’s neck…

The is just a summary of the reviews on The Grint which is a really nice site for Hdcp and stats tracking for those who like to see where their game is going from year-to-year. I put very little faith in the reviews given how many users may or may not even bother leaving one (I don’t bother). As to the pricing well there again it is based on what the site has listed from user updates (when provided).

I don’t believe this was ever intended as a comprehensive list of courses in the States. The question at the end was “With that, what’s the best course in your area for under $100?” providing that answer would really help the readers instead of complaining about the list (which will never be perfect).

So, if you happen to be in the Ottawa (Canada) area where golf is actually expensive you can play on almost all our courses for under $100 (and those are Canadian dollars). My track; Casselview will cost you $50 on the weekend and they usually have a deal well under $100 with cart and a beer! (Canadian beer).

Ryan

2 years ago

For las Vegas I love Las Vegas national. 45 for a round even dead of winter it’s lush green fairways and well kept greens the rough dies off in winter. It was the course tiger played his first round of his first win. Lots of history great food drinks affordable. Only thing it lacks is a locker room.

Pat Mooney

2 years ago

I find most of the articles you publish powered either Grint

Ed Mooney

2 years ago

It looks like The Preserve is not able to be played for under $100 in 2022, heated seats in the carts isn’t free. I played Lawsonia Links in Wisconsin last September for less than $30 walking, if that’s a Lanny Wadkins design I bet it’s top ten on this list. Can we get the Grint to do a list on what courses have the best drink service? Does Bobby Wadkins help Lanny with the designs? Somebody must.

Erick

2 years ago

Colbert Hills in Manhattan Kansas is ACTUALLY < $100 year round and is probably the best course in Kansas.

Zach

2 years ago

Arcadia is $100 during the shoulder season, but is $230 for most of the Michigan golf season. With that being said, it’s well worth the greens fee with 16/18 holes having unobstructed views of Lake Michigan (for those not from Michigan, it really looks more like an ocean as you cannot see the other side)

Also, in season rates both walking and riding at Belvedere are over $100……….

So maybe the grint needs to do a better job of fact checking

michael

2 years ago

Arcadia is actually $149 but agree well worth the prices for those views!!

michael

2 years ago

I stand corrected. Youre right. There is that small 8 day window. lol

I miss, I miss, I make

2 years ago

Love Wild Horse in Nebraska, I would vote for the Links of North Dakota outside Williston The Black Course is $65 for NY State residents, (just checked the website). The Olympic Course at Gold Mountain is another., Torrey South is $65 for locals but can be over $200.

benseattle

2 years ago

Better title: “Top 20 Courses Under $100 That MGS Reviewers Have Played.”

MAJOR omission: City-owned Gold Mountain Olympic in Bremerton, Washington. Site of the 2006 Public Links where Anothy Kim lost in the finals. Constant site of big college events and U..S. Open local qualifying.

T Hogan

2 years ago

And more importantly the USGA Jr Amateur in 2011 won by Jordan Spieth

birdiedancer

2 years ago

Come’on man, over 1200 golf courses in Florida but The Grinch couldn’t identify 1 course worthy of the under $100 list, while Michigan has 4 out of the 20 ?
But that’s fine, maybe everyone will start moving to Michigan instead of here.

Millmeister47

2 years ago

I feel the same way! Too many good courses here!

Tom

2 years ago

The last time I played Bethpage it was way over $100..00 and that was several years ago. I think I payed $140

Dave C

2 years ago

true, it’s probably $100 or less for state residents. I played there in 2010 and it was $150 for me (MA resident) and $60 or $75 for NY residents.

Brock

2 years ago

The fact that I can play Mauna Lani South for $89 as a Hawaii resident and it’s NOT on this list yells to me that this list is a little RIDICULOUS! These other courses are great, but there’s a huge gap missing by skipping over that course.

Andrew

2 years ago

Us San Diego residents can play Torrey Pines for $63 and somehow that didn’t make the list either.

Chris Nickel

2 years ago

As stated in the text – Only considered 18-hole courses with a minimum of 30 reviews in 2021.

WiTerp

2 years ago

University (of WI) Ridge in Verona, WI has a variable rate pricing, but most of the year it is at $100, maybe a little over on prime Saturday times for every golfer. Home to the PGA Champions American Family tournament. Is a RTJ, Jr. designed course.

R. B. Lang

2 years ago

I am surprised none of the Robert Trent Jones Trail courses in Alabama made the list. I’ve played 5 or 6 of them and every one of them was under $100. They were some of the nicest public courses I’ve seen, Ross Bridge being one of the best.

Steve (the real one, pithy and insufferable)

2 years ago

2nd, 3rd, 5th this. Most of the courses host or have hosted national tournaments, qualifiers, etc. Conditions are uniformly very good to perfect. Layouts are variable and interesting. Many have a par 3 course as well. Tennessee golf trail should also be of interest to players with realistic budgets.

NC

2 years ago

North Carolina here. We have a TON of nice courses under 100 bucks including many fully private courses in smaller cities in excellent condition (just know a member to get on or have your pro work some magic). And there are still many under 50 bucks that are very nice courses especially if you look for a deal/coupon.
Big key is staying away from “those courses” everyone has heard of from the pro tours and out of expensive cost-of-living cities. The other courses have to compete to get your dollar, for example, Mid Pines near Pinehurst is a great course and can be had for under 100 if you keep an eye out.

Also we drive down to our neighbors in SC to Myrtle Beach all the time for golf and I believe there are 80+ golf courses there with many resort courses being under $100 especially if you get a package deal. And a good hidden area is on the NC/SC line…..Wilmington to N.Myrtle. with several designed by well known names….Palmer, Couples, Nicklaus, etc. all can be had under 100 bucks.

GMac

2 years ago

Did Grint pay for this article placement? It would be handy if someone at MGS spent 10 minutes trying to verify the info. I’m a Troon member so it only cost me $55 (which doesn’t consider how much I paid at other Troon courses to get the points) to play Pronghorn. Go to Bend on vacation and see how much it costs for rack rate. Beaver Creek in Colorado is pretty much private/resort guest, otherwise just a 5 week window where locals can play for just a bit under the $100. 99% of people reading this article couldn’t care less what locals pay. If you want quality vacation golf for cheap then try Soldier Hollow and Wasatch Mountain courses just south of Park City Utah. 4 courses within 15 minutes in a state park. 2 are premium and the other 2 are very nice. Most you will pay is $52 which includes a cart.

Chris

2 years ago

Yep. I’ve tried to play there multiple times and it’s always $200+ except right now in the middle of winter. Bethpage Black is $140 midweek non-NY state resident, more on weekends, and $40 more if you want a cart. I usually fully trust MGS but based on all these comments this is highly suspect advertising being passed off as an actual story.

Springbok

2 years ago

Ummm. Since when is Beth Page Black under $100. Maybe for NY residents.. This list is misleading.

WiTerp

2 years ago

Absolutely. Out of state Black greens fees are $130 and $150. By comparison, Torrey Pines North is only $44-63 – if you live in SD. Starts at $220 for the rest of us. For the next article, please include only the weekend rack rate for all players for courses under $100.

Carolyn

2 years ago

Want a better article find 20 courses under $40 worth playing in California….about ZERO on weekends and maybe a couple during the week (that is if your over 50).

TR

2 years ago

NO golf carts on the Black. Walk and carry or pull cart or caddy. Although a typical round is a minimum 4 1/2 hours, it won’t feel like a slow pace. As a resident senior I pay about $55.00 weekdays. Out of state is 140 – 190. And getting a reservation ahead can be a challenge for non NY state residents. It’s not an easy walk for many older golfers, or anyone that’s in poor shape or physically challenged. But walking is a pure basic of golf that I enjoy.; that’s impossible on many newer courses because of distances to the next tee.

(A caddy will cost you 200.00 for a double.)
Google NY state parks, golf. Non residents may have online tee time capability now.

Chris Nickel

2 years ago

Ummm…did you forget to read this part of the article?

Some courses are less than $100/round only during off-peak times and/or for residents (e.g. Bethpage State Park | Black Course).

Mike Otis

2 years ago

I’d vote for the Quarry at Giants Ridge in Minnesota. The course makes most golfing ratings list. I travel there from out of state each year to play it.

308 golf

2 years ago

Wild Horse Golf Club

“No buildings my ass. Hole 2 aim for front door. Hole 6 aim for COOP tower. Hole 7 aim for left edge of gray house. Etc.”

531 GOLF

2 years ago

Yeah, they were a little overzealous on their description of no buildings. But, they are far enough in the distance that nobody that isn’t from God’s country would notice. I wish I lived closer to take advantage of the yearly membership rates. $633, including sales tax, for a family membership. Tack on another $422 for a cart. All in for less than $1100/year? Hook a brother up!

Drew F

2 years ago

Red Hawk near where ? There’s about 6 of them….

Big D

2 years ago

Common theme here is there is a lot of value in Michigan golf, get out and enjoy Pure Michigan baby!!!

Bryan

2 years ago

If this was done by State, us regular folk might appreciate it because most of us probably aren’t bouncing around the country. HowevA, we’re sure down to visit a new track within driving distance.
Thanks for sharing your content. I liked the idea of this ranking. ????

Tom Neirman

2 years ago

As others have mentioned Arcadia Bluffs is over $100 and so is Bay Harbor. There is a slim opportunity for twilight in the off season.but that is very limited.

Scott W

2 years ago

The only time Arcadia Bluffs is under $100 is in the spring or late fall when the weather is crappy to paly in, otherwise it’s well over $100.

Chris

2 years ago

This is highly suspect. I can’t speak for any of the other courses but the only time you can get Pronghorn for under $100, is right now in the dead of winter. It’s at 5,000+ft, the temp is in the mid 40s, and they have snow in the ground. So unless you can find that unicorn day in the middle of winter this course goes up to $155/round next month and we’ll above $200/round when it’s actually enjoyable to play.

Randy

2 years ago

Great to see Black Mesa (” The New Mexico Monster”) on this list! I’m a huge fan of this stunning (but tough) course. Greens are a great putting challenge. Super value at under $70. Bring your camera.

And the photo shown is BM…

Greg Wyatt

2 years ago

Buffalo Dunes in Garden City Kansas would be a course you should consider on your list. Great golf course and always in great shape. $40.00 weekdays, $45.00 weekends includes cart if you choose to ride.

Chris Luce

2 years ago

Spot on with the Buffalo Dunes suggestion. I think BD and Boiling Springs in Woodward, OK are two on the most under the radar courses in the midwest.

Archie Shipp

2 years ago

Agreed on Buffalo Dunes in G.C. Kansas and add Mariah Hills in Dodge City as well. It has hosted the National Junior College Championship in the past.
Colorado has several better than Beaver Creek for under $100. Riverdale Dunes in Brighton comes to mind, as does Mariana Butte in Loveland, and Common Ground in Denver.

Cameron

2 years ago

I have played The Preserve many times. Awesome course! And free lunch included with your round. However I have never noticed those mountains before in south Mississippi. Must be new…. Amazing what green keepers can do these days.

William

2 years ago

Eagle Eye in Bath MI, near Lansing should be on this list hands down. $89 in the summer, so it just fits. Arcadia is a fantastic course but it’s over $200 in the summer, so shouldn’t be on this list.

Mark

2 years ago

Eagle Falls in the California Desert M-T $95 now, $49 in summer and nothing comes close in the Palm Springs area…

Joseph Givhan

2 years ago

I thought this was “under” $100? The Preserve is normally $150 or so during prime time and twilight rates are $100. Haven’t seen a rate there under $100 ever.

Tom K

2 years ago

Jeffersonville – top muni in the suburbs of Philly

Steve

2 years ago

Otter Creek is our best golf course in the area. R.T Jones Sr. and son Reece third nine. They hired ANGC Superintendent as well as the Director of Agronomy within the last 2 1/2 yrs. Cummins Engine gave the course to the city of Columbus, In. and they let the maintenance go down hill. So, I surmise the company with three of five board members of the course embarrassed the city for their less than acceptable course maintenance, so they hired some talented staff.

Zach

2 years ago

Otter creek is awesome! Literally in the middle of nowhere, but we found it driving down from Michigan to French Lick. Awesome bridges, friendly people, but no otters

Scott

2 years ago

The picture you have for Fox Run is actually Black Mesa GC.

Scott

2 years ago

Can we go higher? Top 100 courses under $100?

Matt Gallo

2 years ago

Agreed! Would also love a break down by state so I can see how courses around me compare

Tom

2 years ago

Arcadia costs north of 200 in prime time. 150. twight and holidays. maybe less than. hundred at the beginning and very end of the season..

Rick

2 years ago

Yeah, I’m set up to play in July and even at 4PM on a weekday the South is north of $100, let alone the Bluffs.

Gerald Foley

2 years ago

I got an invite in 2018 a week before the US Open to play Shinnecock. Wife said I couldn’t spend the $700 green fee plus $100 for caddy. As a backup my well connected friend offered Beth Page Black but said I’d have to walk as they don’t allow carts. I couldn’t see walking this hilly tough course in mid July even with a caddy so declined. It sucks being old and living with such an uncaring wife.

Mp

2 years ago

South Course, not Bluffs Course

Lefty110Golf

2 years ago

I played Arcadia Bluffs in mid-October for $85 a few years ago. Weather can be iffy/windy then which really makes it interesting.

Matt Norton

2 years ago

How about an article about great courses under $100 ALL THE TIME?
Arcadia Bluffs is a top-10 US course, but only under $100 for maybe 30 days a year, when you wouldn’t normally want to play (weather, aeration).

Paul

2 years ago

Guys, The Preserve in Mississippi is in Biloxi, which is right next to the Gulf… There aren’t ANY mountains in the scenery on that course. Y’all may want to change the photo. ????????????????

Michael Bradshaw

2 years ago

For San Diego residents Torrey Pines South

Dr Tee

2 years ago

agree–it’s a bit more for us non SanDiegans, but this should be #1 on the list !!!

Steve S

2 years ago

Not sure how Pinnacle in Ohio made the list. It’s a private members only course. So did they use the average guest fees to come up with “under $100” rating?

The two best courses in the area that are open to anyone in my opinion are Denison(Under $50) and Virtues(under $100)

Andrew Stromwall

2 years ago

Denison is a beast and a half!!!

Ritch

2 years ago

I played Denison, known as Granville Inn Course years ago, as a youngster. It was a real test. A lot of locals weren’t very happy with the redesign done on some holes back in the nineties I believe.

JeffF

2 years ago

This.
Rumor has it Gil Hanse has mapped out a redo for Denison and they are waiting on the powers that be to agree on how to proceed. So, stay tuned.

Steve S

2 years ago

Heard the same. My source says that the decision is made and they are closing this spring for the redo. Guess will know in a couple months.

Brad H

2 years ago

How about this: start at Dennison GC, Then east to The Virtues, Then to River Greens GC, north to Zoar Golf Club, then over to Wilkshire GC, and finish at Apple Valley GC…..

MarkM

2 years ago

This is a nice list but would be more useful with 2 additions
1 – green fees for each
2 – City, State for 11-20

Thanks

Bill K

2 years ago

Rates have skyrocketed so much in Florida this winter that one goat ranch advertised a special early morning rate of $125. Rates have shot through the roof! Ugh!!!

David Dimmich

2 years ago

I agree with several folks in that you would never see Arcadia under $100 in prime time, but whatever it costs is well worth it. May be my favorite course ever, and I’ve played Cypress Point, Pebble, and Spyglass.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.