| The seasoned golfer is always on the hunt for | | | | 3. Shinnecock Hills Golf Course in Southampton, |
| the best of the best when it comes to new and | | | | NY - William Vanderbilt, Duncan Cryder and |
| exciting golf courses that are making waves in | | | | Edward Mead were the first to discover the area |
| the industry. Here are five must-play golf courses | | | | in the swanky Long Island town of Southampton. |
| in the United States. | | | | With the help of 150 Shinnecock Indians, a 12-hole |
| | | | course was constructed in 1891; the course had |
| 1. Pine Valley Golf Club in Clementon, NJ - Pine | | | | been upgraded and added several times |
| Valley, which is 15 miles from Philadelphia, is | | | | afterward. A unique part of the course is that the |
| constantly listed in many reputable lists for the | | | | longest par 4s play downwind while the shorter |
| best golf courses in the world and the U.S. | | | | par 4s play into the wind. The course is challenging |
| George Crump is the founder of the course and | | | | off the tee and from the fairway. |
| made the island the main focal point of the area. | | | | 4. Oakmont Country Club in Oakmont, PA - |
| The tee is an island. The fairway, although it is 55 | | | | Oakmont is claimed to be one of the most |
| yards wide, is also an island. Each plot is | | | | difficult courses in America. The greens are slick |
| surrounded by sand, dense woods and water | | | | and wildly contoured and combined with rough |
| among beautiful scenery. | | | | ditches along the fairways and nearly 200 |
| 2. Cypress Point in Pebble Beach, CA - Cypress | | | | bunkers. The course opened in 1903 and was to |
| Point is known for its picturesque surroundings of | | | | resemble the open links of Britain. |
| the sea and wildlife (players have even had sights | | | | 5. Pacific Dunes in Bandon, OR - Opened in 2001, |
| of deer roaming the area). The course, which was | | | | many consider Pacific Dunes to rival Pebble Beach |
| designed by Alister Mackenzie, is one of the most | | | | as the best public access course in the country. |
| exclusive clubs in the world. The first nine rounds | | | | The course is difficult with consecutive par 3s and |
| twist and turn through forests of trees and the | | | | among beautiful scenery. |
| last nine are surrounded by the Pacific Ocean. | | | | |