Elite Greens: Top Courses for Avid
Golfers by Devin Doyle
Devin Doyle believes that for golfers who travel with their sticks, the definition of a top golf course blends challenge, scenery, and a sense of history that you can feel from the opening tee shot. Avid players look for routing that builds tension, greens that reward precise approach play, and shot values that change with the wind or the angle They also want smooth logistics, reliable practice facilities, and hospitality that lets them focus on the swing When a course checks all those boxes, it turns a simple round into a story worth retelling long after the scorecard is filed
Links-style layouts remain a magnet for players who love firm turf, creative ground-game options, and the constant negotiation between risk and reward On these seaside stretches, the fairway is a canvas and the wind is the artist Low-floated irons, bump-and-runs, and strategic layups often beat aerial heroics. Many of the most loved signature holes on coastal courses pair short yardage with exacting angles that punish lazy thinking The visual drama of dunes and
ragged bunkers heightens every decision, so even a simple wedge becomes a test of nerve and feel.
Parkland courses deliver a different thrill, favoring tree-framed sight lines, sculpted bunkers, and greens that break subtly rather than severely. Avid players appreciate how these layouts reward consistent tempo and disciplined course management Par fives invite a calculated second shot, not a reckless blind swing The best parkland designs create rhythm through variety, balancing long and short par fours and offering recovery options that keep doubles off the card if you plan correctly When the superintendent presents fast but fair greens, the putter becomes a trusted partner, and confidence grows with each clean roll
Mountain courses add altitude to the equation, giving every tee ball a slight boost and every club selection an extra layer of math. Elevated tees create postcard views and invite aggressive lines, yet downhill lies and swirling valley winds demand patience Avid golfers love how these tracks test balance, footwork, and trajectory control. Clear air sharpens the senses, and uneven stances make even routine wedges feel fresh. Many mountain layouts use natural rock outcrops as hazards and backdrops, turning approach shots into moments you will remember on the flight home.
Resort courses round out a smart travel list, especially for mixed skill groups or quick weekend getaways. The best resorts pair friendly tee sheets with practice ranges, short-game greens, and caddies or GPS to smooth the learning curve Conditioning is a selling point, with fairways cut tight and bunkers neatly edged Thoughtful forward tees let everyone enjoy the routing, while back tees provide all the bite a low handicapper could want. After the round, on-site dining and spa options help recharge for a second eighteen, and that balance makes the entire trip more memorable
Signature holes are the heartbeat of these destinations, and avid players talk about them the way hikers talk about summits A short par three over water that plays two clubs different when the breeze shifts, a drivable par four pinched by a cunning bunker lip, a par five that tempts a bold carry and punishes a slight heel cut, each becomes a personal measuring stick. Strategy matters as much as swing speed Smart players walk the line between caution and courage, pick targets with conviction, and trust a reliable pre-shot routine that travels well.
Planning matters too Book tee times early, build in recovery windows between travel and play, and warm up with purpose rather than volume. Pack a light rain layer, a second glove, and a compact rangefinder battery If you track stats, note fairways hit by club, approaches by distance, and up-and-down percentage Those numbers guide smarter choices on the next course. Most of all, bring curiosity. Top golf courses reward imagination, teach new trajectories, and deliver emotions that linger, from the hush before a clutch putt to the grin that follows a purely struck mid-iron rising against the sky