Ben Crenshaw

Bandon Dunes Golf Resort (Sheep Ranch)

Bandon, OR

Bandon Dunes Golf Resort’s Sheep Ranch, designed by Coore & Crenshaw, offers a rugged, seaside links experience with dramatic ocean views and natural dunes shaping its challenging layout. Known for its deep pot bunkers and formidable greens, Sheep Ranch ranks among the top public courses in the U.S., delivering a pure, classic links test in a stunning coastal setting.

We-Ko-Pa Golf Club: Saguaro

Fort McDowell, AZ

The Saguaro Course at We-Ko-Pa Golf Club, a masterpiece by the renowned design team of Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, offers an unparalleled desert golf experience rooted in minimalist principles. Opened in 2006, this course stands out for its commitment to preserving the natural landscape, with hardly any earth moved during its construction. The architects skillfully integrated the course into the ancient Sonoran Desert, allowing the land's natural contours and features to dictate the routing and playing experience. This design philosophy results in wide playing corridors and a truly walkable layout, a rarity in desert golf, where greens are thoughtfully situated close to the next tee, inviting golfers to embrace the game's traditional pace and immerse themselves in the stunning surroundings. The Saguaro course has a notable championship pedigree, hosting events such as the We-Ko-Pa Desert Championship - US Am Tour and the Yavapai Indian Foundation Event, and has seen impressive performances, including a course record of 60 set by ASU's Connor Williams. Saguaro consistently garners accolades, frequently ranked as Arizona's number one public golf course by Golfweek, and recognized among the nation's best by GOLF.com and Golf Digest. Its unique blend of distinctive desert traits and timeless links-style traditions provides a strategic and engaging challenge for golfers of all abilities, making every round a memorable journey through a pristine desert environment where every shot demands thoughtful consideration and appreciation for the natural beauty.

Kapalua Plantation Course

Kapalua, HI

Perched on the dramatic slopes of West Maui, the Kapalua Plantation Course, a masterpiece by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, embodies a design philosophy that harmonizes with the natural contours of the land rather than imposing upon it. Opened in 1991, this grand-scale layout offers an unparalleled golfing experience, celebrated for its breathtaking ocean vistas and challenging play. The course is renowned for hosting the PGA Tour's Sentry Tournament of Champions, the season opener, a testament to its championship pedigree. Among its many memorable holes, the 17th, a lengthy par-4, stands out as a controversial yet exhilarating challenge from the highest point on the property, demanding precision and nerve. Equally iconic is the 5th hole, a strategic par-5 cape hole that gracefully wraps around a lush jungle, offering a unique twist on a classic design element. The overall playing experience is defined by expansive fairways, dramatic elevation changes, and the constant presence of the Pacific Ocean, making every round at Kapalua Plantation truly special and unforgettable.

Bandon Preserve

Bandon, OR

A 13-hole par-3 course at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort with spectacular Pacific Ocean views. Widely credited with sparking the premium short course movement.

We-Ko-Pa Golf Club (Cholla)

Fort McDowell, AZ

Silo Ridge Golf & Country Club, nestled in Bolivar, Missouri, offers a compelling 18-hole championship experience that seamlessly blends two distinct styles of golf. While the architect remains unknown, the course design showcases a thoughtful approach, with an open, links-style feel dominating the front nine, transitioning to more tree-lined, dogleg holes on the back. This varied terrain provides a dynamic challenge and keeps golfers engaged throughout their round. A memorable feature is the iconic "Signature Silo" positioned behind the 9th green, adding a unique visual landmark to the course. Additionally, well-stocked comfort stations at holes 3 and 12 enhance the player experience. Silo Ridge has a history of hosting significant events, including high school golf championships, underscoring its reputation as a quality venue. With Bermuda fairways and a challenging layout, it's a course that demands strategic play and offers a rewarding experience for those seeking a diverse and well-maintained golfing destination in Southwest Missouri.

Talking Stick Golf Club - O'odham Course

Scottsdale, AZ

The O'odham Course at Talking Stick Golf Club stands as a testament to strategic desert golf, masterfully crafted by the renowned design duo Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw. Their minimalist philosophy shines through, seamlessly integrating the course into the flat, natural Arizona landscape, emphasizing shot-making and thoughtful play over manufactured drama. The terrain, characterized by subtle contours and native desert flora, provides a visually striking backdrop that demands precision. Players will find themselves captivated by signature holes such as the par-4 12th, which presents a strategic split fairway, forcing a decision off the tee that can greatly influence the approach. The course offers a refreshing challenge, with wide fairways that invite aggressive lines, yet greens that are quick and demand careful reading. It’s a course that rewards strategic thinking and a nuanced short game. Ideal for destination golfers seeking an authentic desert golf experience with a classic design pedigree, the O'odham Course offers a memorable round that respects both the land and the game.

Talking Stick Golf Club (Piipaash)

Scottsdale, AZ

Woodland Hills Golf Course, located near Ankeny and Des Moines, Iowa, is a historic public course designed by Warren Dickinson in 1928. Dickinson, a civil engineer and golfer, crafted a layout that has stood the test of time, offering a classic golfing experience. The 18-hole course is known for its unique mix of holes and varying tee box lengths, making it suitable for golfers of all ages and skill levels. The terrain is characterized by rolling hills and mature trees, providing a picturesque and challenging backdrop for a round of golf. While specific signature holes are not consistently highlighted, the course is praised for its enjoyable playability and well-maintained conditions. Woodland Hills has a history of hosting local tournaments and events, serving as a community hub for golf enthusiasts. Its enduring design, scenic setting, and accessibility make it a popular choice for those seeking a quality public golf experience in the central Iowa region.

The Sandbox at Sand Valley

Nekoosa, WI

A 17-hole short course winding through a restored sand prairie at Sand Valley Resort. Holes range from 40 to 140 yards with captivating green complexes.

Barton Creek Resort (Crenshaw Cliffside)

Austin, TX

Quail Hollow Club, a championship-caliber course in Charlotte, North Carolina, boasts a rich architectural lineage. Originally designed by George Cobb in 1961, the course has undergone significant transformations, notably by Arnold Palmer in 1986 and extensively by Tom Fazio since 1997. Fazio's philosophy has been to evolve the course to meet the demands of modern championship golf while maintaining its classic Southern charm. The course is renowned for its immaculate conditioning and a challenging layout that rewards strategic play. Its setting features mature trees, undulating terrain, and a series of water hazards that come into play on several holes. The formidable "Green Mile"—comprising the 15th, 16th, and 17th holes—is arguably its most famous stretch, consistently ranking among the toughest finishes in golf. The watery par-3 17th, in particular, demands precision and nerve. Quail Hollow has a storied championship history, hosting multiple PGA Tour events, the PGA Championship in 2017, and the Presidents Cup in 2022, solidifying its reputation as a premier venue for professional golf. Playing Quail Hollow offers a true test of golf in a beautiful, championship-proven setting, making it a must-play for those seeking a challenging and memorable experience.

The Chain at Streamsong

Bowling Green, FL

The Chain at Streamsong, a distinctive 19-hole short course designed by the acclaimed team of Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, redefines the casual golf experience with a focus on match play and camaraderie. Coore and Crenshaw's philosophy of working with the natural terrain is evident throughout, as The Chain features a variety of holes laid upon a landscape of parkland, live oaks, sand, and lakes. What makes this course truly unique is its liberating approach: there are no fixed tees or par, allowing players and their groups to choose their own adventure on every hole, fostering creativity and fun. A memorable feature is the 11th hole, a challenging punchbowl green set over water, which can dramatically tighten any match. Opened in 2024, The Chain offers a refreshing and engaging alternative to traditional golf, perfect for settling friendly wagers or simply enjoying the game in its most unconstrained form within Streamsong's dramatic natural setting.

Chippendale Golf Course

Kokomo, IN