John Fought

Sand Hollow Resort - Championship

Hurricane, UT

John Fought's red sandstone showcase — 7,264 yards through Hurricane Cliffs with Zion National Park views.

Rush Creek Golf Club

Maple Grove, MN

Rush Creek Golf Club is one of the finest public golf facilities in the Upper Midwest, founded in 1996 by Duncan MacMillan and designed by Bob Cupp and John Fought to provide high-quality, accessible golf. The 7,305-yard, par-72 championship course, just 20 miles from downtown Minneapolis, has hosted the LPGA Tour and the 2004 U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship. Six sets of tees make it playable for all handicap levels. Rush Creek has all the feel of a private club at public prices and is consistently ranked among the top five public courses in Minnesota.

Washington National Golf Club

Auburn, WA

Washington National Golf Club stands as a premier championship course, distinguished by its vibrant University of Washington "Husky Pride" theme woven throughout the design. Crafted by award-winning architect John Fought, the course masterfully integrates the rugged aesthetics and lush fairways of the Pacific Northwest landscape with a meticulously planned layout. Fought's design philosophy shines through, offering an exceptional array of contrasting visuals and strategic challenges that demand thoughtful play. The course's collegiate spirit is palpable, from the branded carts to the iconic 18th hole, which proudly showcases the purple "W" insignia, creating a memorable finish. This attention to detail, combined with the natural beauty of the Auburn terrain, provides a truly engaging and challenging experience for golfers of all skill levels. Recognized for its quality, Washington National was ranked #13 on Golf.com's 'Best Golf Courses You Can Play in Washington' in 2016. It's an ideal destination for serious golfers, those seeking a championship-level test, and particularly for University of Washington alumni and fans looking to combine their passion for golf with their team spirit.

Langdon Farms Golf Club

Aurora, OR

Langdon Farms Golf Club, a consistently top-rated public course just south of Portland, Oregon, offers a refreshing links-style experience where every shot unfolds before you. Designed by the acclaimed duo John Fought and Robert Cupp, the course embraces a philosophy of clear sightlines and strategic play, eschewing blind shots and severe doglegs. Set amidst the picturesque rural countryside of Aurora, the terrain presents a visually engaging and immaculately maintained landscape. While specific signature holes are best discovered firsthand, the course is renowned for its pristine conditions and thoughtful layout that rewards precision. The overall playing experience is both challenging and enjoyable, catering to a wide range of handicaps without overwhelming the casual golfer. Langdon Farms has garnered recognition as a premier venue for golf tournaments and corporate events, a testament to its quality and service. This course is ideally suited for destination golfers seeking a high-quality, accessible links-style round, as well as locals looking for a consistently excellent golf experience.

Copper Rock Golf Course

Hurricane, UT

John Fought red rock canyon design near Zion National Park

Verrado Golf Club - Founders Course

Buckeye, AZ

Carved into the dramatic foothills of Arizona's White Tank Mountains, the Founders Course at Verrado Golf Club offers an unforgettable desert golf experience, blending challenging play with breathtaking panoramic views. Designed by the esteemed duo of John Fought and PGA Tour veteran Tom Lehman in 2004, the course embodies a traditional design philosophy, demanding thoughtful shot placement and strategic decision-making throughout its undulating terrain. Massive rock outcroppings and a vibrant desert landscape define the visual character, creating a lush oasis against the rugged backdrop. The course presents a formidable yet playable test for golfers of all skill levels. Memorable holes include the demanding par-3 17th, which plays dramatically over water, and the challenging par-4 18th, a strong finishing hole that caps off the round. The par-3 3rd and par-5 7th also stand out for their strategic design and scenic beauty. With its impeccable conditioning and stunning vistas of the White Tank Mountains and the Phoenix skyline, Verrado Golf Club’s Founders Course is perfectly suited for destination golfers seeking a premier desert golf adventure and locals looking for a consistently engaging round.

Sunriver Resort - Meadows

Sunriver, OR

Sunriver Resort - Meadows, designed by John Fought, is a picturesque resort course playing through pine forests and along the Deschutes River. It offers stunning views of the Cascades and a strategic layout that challenges golfers of all abilities. A key part of the acclaimed Sunriver Resort golf experience.

The Reserve Vineyards & Golf Club - South Course

Aloha, OR

First of all, if I can rewrite my last review, I would give a 5 stars too. I was taking shortcuts last time so feels a lot wetter then it is.

Black Butte Ranch - Big Meadow Course

Sisters, OR

Reserve Vineyards & Golf Club (Fought)

Aloha, OR

As you step onto the first tee, you'll immediately notice the traditional American layout, thoughtfully carved through mature stands of Oregon trees. John Fought, a master of strategic design, envisioned this course as an engaging obstacle course, where every shot demands your full attention and commitment. You'll encounter naturally rolling terrain, with fairways that gracefully rise and fall, guiding your eye toward subtly elevated greens. The course is punctuated by over 60 gleaming white sand bunkers, strategically placed to challenge your precision and reward well-executed run-up shots. Fought's philosophy shines through in the walkable nature of the design, encouraging you to experience the game as it was meant to be played. This is a course that asks for humility and focus, testing your ability to navigate its nuanced challenges rather than simply overpower it. It's best suited for golfers who appreciate a strategic test, where thoughtful shot-making and a keen understanding of the terrain are paramount to a rewarding round. You'll find a captivating blend of beauty and challenge, making each visit a memorable experience.

Verrado Golf Club - Victory Course

Buckeye, AZ

Verrado Golf Club's Victory Course is a second John Fought and Tom Lehman design at Verrado, built partly on the site of an old Caterpillar Tractor testing grounds. The 7,295-yard, par-72 layout is best known for its dramatic par-5 18th — a dogleg right over an irrigation pond to a wide diagonal fairway with a rock escarpment on the left, finishing at a green tucked into a box canyon protected by boulder outcroppings. Golf Digest Architecture Editor Ron Whitten called it one of the most compelling closing holes in the Southwest.

Eaglemont Golf Club

Mount Vernon, WA

The Ridge Golf Club

Auburn, CA

Ridge Creek Dinuba Golf Club

Dinuba, CA

Roosevelt Golf Course

Roosevelt, UT

Utah's dramatic topography is influenced by the Rocky Mountains' Uinata, and Wasatch Ranges featuring massive mountain peaks and valleys, canyons, lakes, unique rock formations, and vast forested regions. The Basin and Ridge area includes the Great Salt Lake west through the Great Salt Lake Desert to the Bonneville Salt Flats then extending south to "Utah's Dixie" in the lower southwestern corner where the high plateaus and deep canyons and valleys of Bryce Canyon, Cedar Breaks National Monument, and Zion Canyon are located. Sand Hollow Resort, Entrada at Snow Canyon Country Club, and the Ledges in St. George are the best public access golf courses you can play in the southwest while Valley View, Thanksgiving Point Golf Club, Hobble Creek, and Soldier Hollow are the top golf courses around Salt Lake City/Provo area. This guide to the best public golf courses in Utah finds such hidden gems in unique settings such as the Hideout near the Four Corners, the Moab Golf Club near the Arches

Eagle Creek Golf Club

Willmar, MN