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Independent golf rankings · Course stories · All 50 states

Great golf.
Great stories.
All 50 states.

Discover the courses, architecture, and stories that make American golf unforgettable—from iconic championship layouts to overlooked local gems. Independent rankings and a fresh perspective across all 50 states.

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The editorial point of view

A closer look
at great golf.

50 States Golf is an independent golf architecture and travel project exploring what makes a course worth remembering: the routing, the decisions, the landscape, and the people who care for it.

We celebrate legendary designs and overlooked gems alike. Our rankings are original editorial judgments, while firsthand features and course stories offer a deeper look at the game.

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Our mission
“The best golf leaves you thinking about the holes long after the round.”

THE 50 STATES GOLF MISSION

50States represented
2,470Ranked course entries
48Complete Top 50 lists
Our approach

Curiosity over clout.

Architecture first

We value routing, variety, greens, and the strategic questions a course asks.

Fun counts

Course conditioning and strategic depth take priority over reputation, exclusivity, or pure entertainment.

Editorial independence

Rankings are independent of access or hospitality. A hosted visit never guarantees a favorable review or a higher ranking, and we distinguish firsthand experiences from research-based assessments.

Beyond the scorecard

The architecture of a great round.

Independent features focused on strategic design, distinctive settings, and the stories behind the scorecard. We are building a growing library of original profiles. Club teams are welcome to propose stories and approved editorial visits.

Coming soon
Architecture notes

Why the routing matters

From green contours to risk-reward decisions, we examine the choices that make a course interesting.

Coming soon
Course culture

The people behind the place

Thoughtful conversations with architects, superintendents, and golf professionals—with their permission.

Coming soon
The overlooked

Great golf, less hype

A home for memorable designs that deserve attention without needing a famous name.

The 50 States Golf list

Prestige. Conditions.
Architecture.

Independent, evolving state-by-state rankings emphasizing architecture, conditioning, and character. Public and private clubs are considered on equal terms; some lists are still being researched and verified.

How we rank

40% Prestige  ·  30% Course Conditions  ·  30% Architecture

Our rankings are living lists and are subject to change throughout the year as the 50 States Golf team visits and plays more courses. Firsthand experiences help us refine our assessments, while every course is evaluated using the same criteria. Rankings remain independent of invitations or hospitality.

48 states with full Top 50 rankings · 2,470 ranked courses nationwide · Alaska 26 · Delaware 44

The under-the-radar list

Underrated gems.
Big-time golf.

Five under-the-radar editorial selections for each state. Newly selected gems are provisional pending individual course verification.

An editorial series

Inside
the Ropes.

A closer look at the architecture, history, and people behind remarkable courses. Club representatives can invite us to experience their course and discuss a future feature.

Watch the journey

Beyond the
scorecard.

Original course profiles built around design, setting, and the details that make each place distinctive.

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Inside the game

A respectful
closer look.

Club-approved visits, interviews, and photography. Access never guarantees a favorable review.

Editorial inquiries ↗
Get in touch

Let's talk golf.

Have a course story, a correction to suggest, or an idea worth sharing? We welcome notes from golfers, course teams, and anyone who cares about the game. For editorial inquiries and possible course visits, reach us directly.

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Editorial note: Course rankings are independent assessments based on prestige (40%), course conditions (30%), and architecture (30%). Access or hospitality does not influence placement; any material hosted arrangements connected to coverage will be disclosed.

Join the journey

See you on the fairway.

Follow 50 States Golf for new courses, travel stories, and the next chapter.