The warm weather has arrived and it is time for golfers far and wide to set out on excursions across the United States. Many of the top golf courses and resorts remain on the list of must-play golf destinations thanks their history and the experience they offer. But scratch the surface and you may find a new, interesting destination to visit this year.

Golfers can find some of the most iconic courses in the continental U.S., and a golf vacation is a great way to experience a new locale. The top golf course destinations in the U.S. attract the best and brightest golfers, and a trip to one of these gorgeous destinations will help you understand why they are so great to play.

Big Cedar Lodge

Big Cedar Lodge shocked the golf world when it hit ‘best golf course’ lists in 2018. The resort, located just outside of Branson, Missouri, is a beautiful golf resort that combines Midwest sensibilities with extravagant luxury.

The resort has been called the “premier wilderness resort” in the U.S., and one look at the lush forests that surround the grounds makes it easy to understand way. Owned by Bass Pro tycoon Johnny Morris, the par 3 Top of the Rock golf course was a collaboration between Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson, and Arnold Palmer. It took nearly eight years for them to design and finish the building of the renowned course.

Top of the Rock is the No. 1 course at Big Cedar Lodge, but the Buffalo Ridge course is located at the resort as well. Buffalo Ridge is a Championship course providing 18-holes of gorgeous golf. Perhaps the best part of the entire Big Cedar Lodge resort is the combination of nature and sport at every guest’s doorstep. The grounds crew should get top marks for their work and plenty of golf course management schools graduates will be eager to work on this piece of Midwest beauty.

Atlantic City

Atlantic City earned the nickname the poor man’s Las Vegas decades ago, but the moniker is completely unfair. Atlantic City is a fun filled adventure for guys looking to get away for a weekend trip.

The New Jersey city offers golfers the chance to play swanky golf courses and resorts before hitting the casinos at night. While Big Cedar Lodge is a family destination for wholesome fun, Atlantic City delivers nightlife and gaming that isn’t for everyone.

Atlantic City Country Club is one of the most renowned courses of the eastern seaboard. In 2018, it landed second on Golf Advisors’ list of the Top 50 Golf Courses to play. Which course came ahead of Atlantic City Country Club? The 2019 PGA Championship host course Bethpage Black.

The Atlantic City area has other top courses that attract golfers from all over the globe. The Bay Course at Seaview in Absecon and the Ballamor Golf Club in Egg Harbor Township are also top choices to play and have been landing on top golf course lists in recent years.

Georgia

The Peach State has great weather throughout the summer and fall that offers golfers the chance to play lush 18-hole courses. While Georgia is home to Augusta National, which is an exclusive course for members, the state has plenty of public courses that golfers can enjoy.

In November 2018, the Bobby Jones Golf Course reopened with a reversible layout. The Atlanta course underwent a multi-million renovation and is now just as amazing to play as ever. The course is nine holes, but it is reversible allowing players to play in the opposite direction to complete 18-holes of golf.

The Bobby Jones Golf Course is a marvel and golf course management schools are sure to teach students about it in the future. It contains double greens, seven tees for each hole, and high-tech indoor bays. Despite the cost for renovations and the cool golf carts employed by the club, the price to play this southern belle is between $45 and $85. Prices will vary due to time and day.

The Bobby Jones Golf Course isn’t the only gem in Georgia that you can play this year. Great Waters is claimed to be Georgia’s No. 1 golf destination. Designed by Jack Nicklaus, Great Waters received a makeover in 2018 with new greens, fairways, and more.

Florida

Florida is one of the best states for golf and tourists flock to the state each year to play the amazing golf courses on offer. The Sunshine State has pro-level courses as well as municipal courses that provide a great backdrop to a round of golf.

The well-designed Arnold Palmer is a beautiful 18-hole haven at the PGA National Resort. The Arnold Palmer designed course has a scenic par-5 that will distract golfers thanks to its sheer natural beauty.

Also located at the PGA National Resort is the aptly named Champion Course. Redesigned by Jack Nicklaus in 2014, the course has hosted the Ryder Cup and PGA Championship since opening in 1981. The course was originally designed by famed golf course architects Tom and George Fazio. According to Florida golf insiders, the Champion course is one of the elite courses in the state that all golfers should play at least once.  Rumor has it there’s a golf course management school whose students get to play this course as part of their degree. That’s pretty cool.

Which golf destination are you heading to this year? The locations on our list should be high on yours. So, don’t miss out on an unforgettable golf excursion.