America's 7 Best Putting Courses
Putting courses have become wildly popular among golf travelers, and the world's top golf destinations have taken notice, with these laid-back tracks popping up at golf resorts all over the country.
However, just because putting courses are all the craze today, doesn’t mean they’re new. St Andrews opened its putting course, The Himalayas, in 1867, which was built to give women a place to practice. Back then, it wasn't common for men and women to play a regular round of golf together. Golfers today can still play the Himalayas for a small fee.
Today Pebble Beach, Pinehurst and many other prestigious golf destinations have added putting courses to their boastful lineup of courses. Let’s look at some of the best putting courses in America.
What is a Putting Course
A putting course is simply a course routed over a large putting green. Each hole has a starting area - the equivalent of a tee box - and, of course, a hole. Since the entire course is played on a putting green, the only club you need is a putter. Putting courses can be comprised of any number of holes, but 9 and 18-hole putting courses are the most popular.
Putting courses usually have their own scorecard and their own fee. These courses, even at the most famous properties, provide a more laid-back atmosphere and are inviting for the whole family. Putting courses are mostly designed to add a fun and unique challenge. Playing the putting course is a great way to begin or end your day, and settle any side bets. They're also a great way to hone your feel for the greens.
Best Putting Courses
A great putting course should challenge golfers in ways they aren't used to, while amusing the entire group. Putts that are deemed unfair on a regulation course are fair game on a great putting course. A great putting course is as much about the surroundings and the entirety of the day as it is about completing the course in the fewest putts.
Here are seven fun putting courses from some of the top golf destinations in the U.S. If you're planning on visiting any of these facilities, carve out some time for a loop on these fun and creative courses.
The Drumlin (Erin Hills)
| Location | Erin, Wisonsin |
| Number of Holes | 12 |
| Square Footage | 63,000 |
If you plan on playing The Drumlin, do it at night under the lights. The experience in otherworldly and it’s the perfect remedy while licking your wounds from the big boy course.
The Drumlin was added to the spectacular Erin Hills lineup in 2019 and is true to its moniker that no two putts are the same. On this putting course, you get everything from sharp, downhill breakers to slow, uphill double breaks. The 12-hole routing was designed by Dana Fry (a co-architect of Erin Hills) and partner, Jason Straka. It has 12 feet of elevation change and is the ultimate spot at Erin Hills to have a beverage and enjoy life.
The Hay (Pebble Beach)
The Hay putting course at Pebble Beach
| Location | Pebble Beach, California |
| Number of Holes | 9 |
| Square Footage | 20,000 |
When you give the design decisions to Tiger Woods, you know you’re going to end up with something truly spectacular. That’s exactly what came out of the GOAT’s redesign of The Hay at Pebble Beach in 2021.
Aside from giving a facelift to the short course, The Hay got a 9-hole putting course that’s not only fun, but family friendly. Juniors golfers aged 12 and under play The Hay for free and it’s open to the public.
RELATED: The Best Courses Under 18 Holes
Cascade Putting Course (Gamble Sands)
| Location | Brewster, Washington |
| Number of Holes | 18 |
| Square Footage | 100,000 |
It only takes one trip to Gamble Sands to realize that it's one of the greatest places in all of golf. This Pacific Northwest golf destination provides picturesque views, even on its Cascade Putting Course.
This massive green complex covers 100,00 square feet and sits above the Columbia River Gorge on a bluff. Architect David McLay Kidd put time and effort into making Cascade incredibly challenging and downright laughable in spots. But the holes can be routed in a friendlier way to allow juniors, or anyone, to also enjoy the madness. You’ll likely hear a lot of hollering amongst friends as they attempt to conquer this challenging putting course.
Tom Watson Putting Course (Big Cedar Lodge)
| Location | Ridgedale, Missouri |
| Number of Holes | 9 |
| Square Footage | 40,000 |
The Himalayas at St Andrews was not only one of, if not the, first putting course, and it was Missouri-native Tom Watson's inspiration for his namesake putting course at Big Cedar Lodge. Watson notes that the Tom Watson Putting Course has a Scottish theme, despite its location in the Ozark Mountains.
The views here make you feel as if you’re on top of the world. Other putting courses on this list are more difficult, but this one challenges you when it counts and we’re confident you’ll enjoy the 9-hole experience he birthed at this premier Midwest destination.
Watson's putting course shares the facility at Big Cedar Lodge with Tiger Woods' Payne's Valley and Jack Nicklaus' Top of the Rock championship courses.
Thistle Dhu (Pinehurst)
| Location | Pinehurst, North Carolina |
| Number of Holes | 18 |
| Square Footage | 75,000 |
As far as golf destinations go, it doesn’t get bigger than Pinehurst. The North Carolina golf mecca is one of the golf capitals of the U.S. and that means it has everything, including a sweet putting course.
Thistle Dhu is the perfect complement to The Cradle, Pinehurst’s short course. In late 2017, Thistle Dhu was relocated and expanded to 75,000 square-feet, in conjunction with the opening of the Cradle. Both courses ensure Pinehurst has it all, no matter what age or skill level. Barber designed the first miniature golf course on his Pinehurst property in 1916. The course begins just steps outside of the main clubhouse and is a must-play for anyone on property.
The Punchbowl (Bandon Dunes)
| Location | Bandon, Oregon |
| Number of Holes | Varies |
| Square Footage | 100,000 |
Tom Doak and Jim Urbina were tasked with designing the smallest part of Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, and they went above and beyond the call of duty. The Punchbowl opened in 2014 and is a massive 100,000 square foot green complex that always offers something new. That’s because the staff at the Pacific Dunes course designs two different courses almost every day. Some holes are manageable, most are winding with quick and drastic breaks. It’s a great spot to enjoy your already stellar time at Bandon Dunes. The best part is, The Punchbowl is complimentary for anyone staying on the property. So feel free to play a few, all, or just settle a bet from your round that day.
The Gauntlet (Streamsong)
| Location | Bowling Green, Florida |
| Number of Holes | 18 |
| Square Footage | 52,000 |
When you hear about Streamsong Resort in Florida, it’s usually about either the Red, Blue, or Black courses on the property. If you haven’t experienced Streamsong, trust us, they’re all worth playing. What makes Streamsong a complete golf destination, however, are the little things. Take, for example, The Gauntlet, Streamsong’s 18-hole putting course offers a new setup each day. The Glove is the bar located within The Gauntlet, so you don’t have to play this putting course without your favorite beverage.
The swales on this putting course can be very tricky because, for the most part, you’re on level ground. A putt that looks like it breaks a foot can easily deceive you and send you to three-putt status (or more).
Tapping it In
Call us biased, but if every golf course in the U.S. had the space to accommodate a putting course like these, the game would benefit greatly. These putting courses at top golf destinations tell us that even the most serious facilities are open to a more fun, casual offering to attract younger golfers and families. With that said, these courses are all extremely challenging, and you can only hope to play them when the crew in charge of course setup are in a good mood. Otherwise, buckle up.