This is a great trip if you love college football, amazing food, Oklahoma, and golf. Karsten Creek Golf Club is Oklahoma’s premier collegiate golf showcase, a Tom Fazio masterpiece just outside Stillwater, home to the powerhouse Oklahoma State University Cowboys and Cowgirls golf teams (12-time national champs). This elite layout features dramatic terrain, a massive 110-acre Lake Louise in play on many holes, Tahoma-31 Bermuda fairways, and a reputation as one of America’s toughest and most respected public-access courses. With recent renovations enhancing its challenge, it’s pure bucket-list golf in the heart of the plains.

Quick Facts

  • Single championship 18-hole course: Tom Fazio design (1994, with Andrew Green updates in 2024\)
  • Brutal yet beautiful: Over 8,000 yards from the tips, slope up to 152, Lake Louise hazards, strategic bunkers, and undulating greens
  • Year-round play: Ideal spring/fall (mild temps); summer mornings to beat heat; peak conditions for visitors
  • Public access with premium feel: Guest play available (often via memberships or packages), high greens fees ($125-$300 including cart), but worth it for the pedigree
  • Accolades galore: Former Golf Digest Best New Public (1994), longtime fixture in America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses, top-ranked in Oklahoma, and elite collegiate venue (hosted NCAA Championships)

The State nickname for Oklahoma is the Sooner State. I would be pissed if I were OSU, your rival takes the state nickname for their name? It’s egregious, it lacks honor. Choose a different nickname. We are all sooners here.

Perfect For…

  • Guys’ Trips: High-stakes rounds on a tour-level test, post-golf analysis over beers, bragging rights on surviving the back-nine lake drama, and easy access to Stillwater’s college-town energy (OSU games, breweries)
  • Families: More forgiving forward tees make it playable; practice facilities and range for all levels; nearby Stillwater offers family-friendly eats and OSU campus vibes (non-golfers can explore town or relax)

Top Standout Course

Karsten Creek Course (Tom Fazio)

The only course here, and it’s a stunner, designed to push elite players (built for OSU recruiting/development). Front nine winds through open plains with strategic challenges; back nine brings Lake Louise into play on multiple holes, culminating in the epic 624-yard par-5 18th (downhill finish hugging the water). Iconic holes include the long par-4 16th (scenic approach to the lake) and risk-reward par-5s. Renovated for even more challenge, it’s often called one of the hardest public courses you’ll play. Rewarding precision and strategy.

Great Stay-and-Play Resorts & Spots

  • Karsten Creek Lodges: On-site accommodations (lodge rooms with lake/course views, check-in flexible, complimentary drinks, quiet vibe); limited but immersive. Contact golf shop for availability and packages
  • Nearby options in Stillwater: Hotels like Hampton Inn or Airbnb/Vrbo homes for groups; pair with guest fees or membership perks for multi-round access
  • Packages often through the club (unlimited practice, preferred guest rates for members’ friends); no massive resort, but the focus is pure golf immersion

All Key Karsten Creek Golf Highlights at a Glance

  • Karsten Creek Course (Tom Fazio, elite collegiate/test track)
  • Massive practice range and facilities (open to guests)
  • Lake Louise drama (back-nine centerpiece)
  • Clubhouse with restaurant (lunch/brunch), pro shop, and Ping fittings
  • Tobacco-free, high-maintenance conditions year-round

Pro Tips

  • Book tee times early (up to 2 weeks in advance) via karstencreek.com or call 405-743-1658, guest play requires coordination; check for seasonal closures (e.g., winter maintenance)
  • Fly into Oklahoma City (OKC) 1-hour drive or Tulsa (TUL) for options
  • Pair golf with Stillwater classics: OSU Cowboys games (if in season), local BBQ/breweries, or campus tours
  • Play from forward tees unless you’re ready for the challenge; carts required on paths in certain conditions; embrace the wind and lake hazards

Time to test your game on one of America’s toughest public gems, chase birdies around Lake Louise, and reset with collegiate-level intensity. Karsten Creek is calling your escape.

 

The beautiful thing about golf is you never know where it is going to take you. Before getting into golf, Indiana might not have been on the radar. French Lick changed that. French Lick Resort is a legendary Midwest golf destination nestled in the rolling hills of southern Indiana, with historic hotels, a casino, spa, and three standout courses (plus nearby access to more). Home to designs by golf architecture legends Pete Dye and Donald Ross, plus the classic Valley Links, it’s a perfect blend of modern challenge, timeless strategy, and stunning panoramic views over the Hoosier National Forest.

Quick Facts

  • Championship golf heritage: Courses by Pete Dye (2009), Donald Ross (1917, restored), and Tom Bendelow (1907 origins)
  • Dramatic terrain: Elevation changes (highest point in Indiana on the Dye course), volcano bunkers, contoured greens, and forest vistas
  • Year-round play: Great spring/fall conditions; mild summers; winter escape potential
  • Historic resort vibes: Two grand hotels (French Lick Springs & West Baden Springs), casino, spa, dining, and shuttles to courses
  • Top-ranked: Pete Dye course often #1 public in Indiana (Golfweek); Donald Ross consistently #2

It really is special that in every part of the United States there are absolutely beautiful courses. It provides people with a reason to go somewhere they may never have considered, to talk to people and see how folks in those parts of the world live.

Perfect For…

  • Guys’ Trips: Multi-round days mixing brutal Dye drama with classic Ross strategy, post-golf casino action, steaks, or beers, easy 36-hole potential
  • Families: Luxe historic hotels with pools, spa, kids’ activities, casino fun; shorter Valley Links for beginners or relaxed play

Top Standout Courses

Pete Dye Course

The modern masterpiece, sketched on a napkin and carved into hilltops at Indiana’s highest point. Over 8,100 yards from tips, volcano bunkers, massive elevation drops, three man-made lakes, and 40-mile panoramic views. Hosted the Senior PGA Championship (2015); pure adrenaline and bucket-list drama.

Donald Ross Course

Step back to 1917: a classic, rolling meadow layout with undulating fairways, contoured greens, and strategic genius. Hosted the 1924 PGA Championship (Walter Hagen win); restored beautifully. More playable yet nuanced, a joy for shot-makers and history buffs.

Valley Links (9-Hole)

Charming, walkable regulation nine (par-36) tracing back to Tom Bendelow’s 1907 original. Park-like feel, great for families, warm-ups, or quick rounds while enjoying the historic resort grounds.

Great Stay-and-Play Resorts & Spots

  • French Lick Springs Hotel: Classic historic vibe, near casino and Valley Links
  • West Baden Springs Hotel: Stunning dome architecture, luxury elegance
  • Valley Tower Hotel: Modern, convenient access
  • Packages include rounds on Dye/Ross, replays, breakfast, and resort perks

All Key French Lick Golf Courses at a Glance

  • Pete Dye Course (hilltop drama)
  • Donald Ross Course (classic strategy)
  • Valley Links (9-hole historic fun)
  • Nearby: Sultan’s Run (Pete Dye disciple design, 30 min away, often bundled in packages)
  • Plus short course options and massive practice areas

Pro Tips

  • Book stay-and-play packages early via frenchlick.com or golf specialists; includes priority tees, replays ($200-$400 extra on Dye), and multi-course deals
  • Fly into Louisville (SDF) or Indianapolis (IND); drive 1 to 2 hours
  • Pair golf with resort classics: casino gaming, spa treatments, historic tours, or Indiana eats (steaks, bourbon)
  • Use shuttles everywhere; consider caddies on Dye for strategy; forward tees make it fun for all levels

They say everything is bigger in Texas. I don’t know if that’s true for “everything” but it’s certainly true when it comes to golf. Frisco, Texas, is the new modern home of American golf. Home to the PGA of America’s headquarters and the stunning Omni PGA Frisco Resort & Spa, a 660-acre golf paradise just north of Dallas. With two championship 18-hole courses at Fields Ranch, a lighted par-3 short course, massive putting green, top-tier coaching, and luxury resort amenities.

Quick Facts

  • Two championship 18-hole courses (Fields Ranch East & West) + The Swing (10-hole lighted par-3 short course) + The Dance Floor (2-acre putting course)
  • Designed by elites: Gil Hanse (East) for strategic, major-ready challenge; Beau Welling (West) for creative, fun resort-style play
  • Year-round play: Mild Texas winters; best March-May & September-November for comfortable temps (60s-80s°F); summer mornings beat the heat
  • PGA pedigree: Hosts KitchenAid Senior PGA, upcoming PGA Championships (2027, 2034), KPMG Women’s PGA, and more
  • Luxury resort vibe: 500+ rooms/suites, 10 ranch houses, 4 pools (including adults-only rooftop infinity), Mokara Spa, 13+ dining spots

You could go here for a week and take advantage of everything PGA Frisco has to offer and strokes will fall off your game. The coaching and facilities are on the cutting edge of golf.

Perfect For…

  • Guys’ Trips: Multi-round days (East for test, West for fun), post-golf steaks or beers in the PGA District, coaching sessions, night golf on The Swing, and Dallas-area nightlife
  • Families: Resort pools, spa, kids’ programs, short-course fun; forgiving West Course options; non-golfers shop, dine, or relax in luxury

Top Standout Courses

Fields Ranch East (Gil Hanse Design)

The championship beast! Over 7,800 yards, strategic cross bunkers, central hazards, Panther Creek runs, small greens, and North Texas wind. Built for majors (hosted Senior PGA already; future PGA & Women’s PGA host), demanding accuracy and length with creative recovery shots and epic views.

Fields Ranch West (Beau Welling Design)

The fun, playable counterpart. Rambling along Panther Creek with native grasses, trees, 75+ feet elevation change, large fast greens, and shot-making emphasis. More forgiving wide fairways and resort-friendly vibe, perfect for groups or developing your game.

The Swing (10-Hole Lighted Par-3 Short Course)

Night golf magic. Floodlit for evening play, adjacent to the PGA District for bars and restaurants. Fun, creative holes with variety; great for quick rounds, warm-ups, or post-dinner hangs.

The Dance Floor (2-Acre Putting Course)

Massive practice putting green. Huge area for honing touch, group games, or casual fun with panoramic views.

Great Stay-and-Play Resorts & Spots

  • Omni PGA Frisco Resort & Spa: On-site luxury with rooms, suites, and ranch houses featuring Texas-inspired decor, direct course access, pools, spa, and 13+ dining options from BBQ to fine fusion
  • Packages include rounds (East/West based on availability), swag, F&B credits, and priority tees. Book direct or via specialists for multi-round deals

All Key PGA Frisco Courses at a Glance

  • Fields Ranch East (Gil Hanse, major-championship test)
  • Fields Ranch West (Beau Welling, creative resort fun)
  • The Swing (lighted 10-hole par-3, night play)
  • The Dance Floor (2-acre putting course)
  • Plus PGA Coaching Center, driving range, simulators, PGA District shopping and entertainment

Pro Tips

  • Book stay-and-play packages early via omnihotels.com/hotels/pga-frisco or pgafrisco.com. Includes golf, lodging, and perks; advance tees up to 120 days
  • Fly into Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), easy 30-minute drive north
  • Pair golf with Frisco/Dallas classics: Texas BBQ, craft beer, or shopping and entertainment
  • Walk East with a caddie for the full experience (carts available later); forward tees on West for fun; mornings beat wind and heat

Chase birdies at HQ. PGA Frisco is your next epic golf adventure.

The Caddy Shanks Team

Hawaii could outlaw golf and it would still be a top 5 state to visit in the world. But luckily it hasn’t so it remains numero uno. Kapalua Plantation Course is the crown jewel of Maui golf, a Ben Crenshaw/Bill Coore masterpiece perched on the slopes of the West Maui Mountains, offering dramatic elevation changes, sweeping ocean vistas from nearly every hole, and that unbeatable Hawaiian aloha spirit. Home to the PGA TOUR’s season-opening The Sentry (formerly Tournament of Champions), it’s consistently ranked as Hawaii’s #1 course (Golfweek for years) and a top public layout nationally. Think massive fairways, generous greens, trade winds, and the chance to bomb drives like the pros on the epic downhill 18th.

Quick Facts

  • Championship links-style: 7,596 yards from the tips (par 73), but playable with wide fairways and multiple tees (down to 6,077 yards)
  • Bucket-list drama: Huge elevation drops, downhill tee shots, panoramic Pacific views, and wind that adds real challenge
  • Year-round paradise: Mild temps (70s-80s°F), best in winter/spring for calmer conditions and The Sentry event (January)
  • Premium access: Public resort course with stay-and-play packages; greens fees $300–$500+ peak, twilight deals available
  • Elite status: #1 in Hawaii (Golfweek), top 25 America’s Best Public (Golf Digest), host to PGA TOUR winners’ showcase

Not even Captain Cook regretted going to Hawaii and he was killed there by natives. There’s no recording of his last words but I’m sure it was something along the lines of “My only regret is that I didn’t get to play a cool 18 holes with the sun on my face and ocean spray in my hair.”

Perfect For…

  • Guys’ Trips: Playing where the pros start the season, chasing long drives on 18, post-round Mai Tais with sunset views, and pairing with Lahaina nightlife or beach hangs
  • Families: Resort luxury with pools, spas, beaches; forgiving layout for varying skill levels; non-golfers enjoy snorkeling, hiking, or Kapalua Bay vibes

Top Standout Courses

Plantation Course (Ben Crenshaw/Bill Coore)

The undisputed star, grand-scale design with ocean views from virtually every hole, massive elevation (downhill bombs galore), and that famous par-5 18th (150-foot drop for monster drives, site of Tiger’s 498-yard record blast). Wide fairways make it approachable, but the scale and wind keep it pro-level tough. Bucket-list essential with PGA TOUR pedigree.

(Note: Kapalua also has the Bay Course, rolling fairways, tropical gardens, iconic ocean par-3 17th for variety, but Plantation is the headliner.)

Great Stay-and-Play Resorts & Spots

  • The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua: Luxury oceanfront with direct access, pools, spa, kids’ programs
  • Montage Kapalua Bay: Upscale villas steps from the bay, exclusive Plantation rates
  • Kapalua Villas: One- to three-bedroom options with golf/ocean views, private feel
  • Packages via Troon Golf Vacations or resort sites, include tee times, lodging, perks like practice access

All Key Kapalua Plantation Courses at a Glance

  • Plantation Course (Crenshaw/Coore, Hawaii’s #1, PGA host)
  • Bay Course (complementary resort track,  tropical & scenic)
  • Practice facilities, top-tier range, short game areas
  • Nearby: Other Maui gems like Wailea or Kaanapali for multi-course trips

Pro Tips

  • Book tee times & stay-and-play packages early via golfatkapalua.com or Troon, 60-day window online, but peak fills fast (especially January post-Sentry)
  • Fly into Kahului (OGG) 45-minute drive to Kapalua
  • Pair golf with Maui musts: fresh poke, shave ice, Road to Hana, snorkeling at Kapalua Bay, or whale watching (winter)
  • Play mornings to beat winds; use forward tees for fun; rent premium clubs if flying light; embrace the scale, it’s big!

Time to tee it up where the TOUR begins, bomb drives into the Pacific breeze, and reset in Maui’s ultimate golf paradise. Kapalua Plantation is calling your escape.