15 Notables
The next-best batch of great courses with green fees of $100 or less.
1. El Diablo Golf & Country Club,
Citrus Springs, Florida. $58
Jim Fazio's natural design amid the pines is a welcome alternative in the land of expensive golf.
2. Raven Golf Club,
Snowshoe, West Virginia. $85
Changes of elevation and seasons make this Gary Player layout one of the best U.S. mountain courses.
3. Pine Meadow Golf Club,
Mundelein, Illinois. $76
Pure golf, Chicago style, by Rocky Roquemore and Joe Lee.
4. Apache Stronghold Golf Club,
San Carlos, Arizona. $50
On ancient Native American land in a desert wilderness, Tom Doak left nothing in the bag.
5. Prairie View Golf Club,
Carmel, Indiana. $80
This Robert Trent Jones Jr. track is the best public course in the Hoosier state and a favorite of Michael Jordan's.
6. PGA of Southern California Golf Club,
Calimesa, California. $75
An oasis of value between Orange County and Palm Springs.
7. Colbert Hills,
Manhattan, Kansas. $82
Known as the "Big Course," this First Tee facility is a labor of love from Kansas State alumnus Jim Colbert.
8. San Juan Oaks Golf Club,
San Juan Bautista, California. $80
In a tranquil setting befitting its codesigner, Fred Couples, this affordable alternative is twenty-five miles from the Monterey axis.
9. Barona Creek Golf Club,
Lakeside, California. $85
One of the best courses at any price in the San Diego market.
10. The Links of North Dakota at Red Mike Resort,
Williston, North Dakota. $40
This prairie course paved the way for inexpensive boondock masterpieces.
11. University Ridge Golf Course,
Verona, Wisconsin. $56
Unlike many high-quality college courses, anyone can play this exceptional track by RTJ Jr.
12. Fowler's Mill Golf Course (Lake/River),
Chesterland, Ohio. $64
Pete Dye originally built this complex for the TRW Corporation, and the high-end ambiance and quality remains.
13. Piñon Hills Golf Course,
Farmington, New Mexico. $25
Ken Dye's high-desert forerunner to Paa-Ko Ridge.
14. Riverdale Golf Courses (Dunes),
Brighton, Colorado. $37
The best of a treasure chest of reasonably priced public golf in the Denver area.
15. Shepherd's Hollow Golf Club,
Clarkston, Michigan. $85
Pristine land leased from the Jesuit order and converted into a brilliant bargain.
