Did you know that the United States is home to nearly half of the world’s golf courses? If you’re a golf enthusiast, this fact might not surprise you. After all, golf is a sport that has been deeply ingrained in American culture for over a century.
The popularity of golf in the US is undeniable. With over 15,000 golf courses spread across the country, it’s clear that Americans love their fairways and greens. But have you ever wondered which state boasts the most golf courses? That’s exactly what we’re going to explore in this comprehensive guide.
As a golf enthusiast and researcher, I’ve spent countless hours studying the landscape of golf in America. In this article, I’ll share my findings with you, revealing What State Has The Most Golf Courses, which ones have the fewest, and even which ones have the most golf courses per capita. So grab your clubs and let’s dive in!
Key Facts:
- The United States is home to nearly half of the world’s golf courses. (Source: Team Research)
- There are over 15,000 golf courses in the US. (Source: Team Research)
- Florida has the most golf courses of any state in the US. (Source: Team Research)
- The state with the fewest golf courses is Alaska. (Source: Team Research)
- The state with the most golf courses per capita is Michigan. (Source: Team Research)
What State Has The Most Golf Courses?
Florida has the most golf courses in the United States, with over 1,250 courses. That’s more than any other state by a significant margin. California is second, with over 920 courses, and Texas is third, with over 900 courses.
So, if you’re looking for a place to play golf, Florida is the place to be. But what about the hardest golf course in the United States? That would be Pine Valley Golf Club in New Jersey. Pine Valley is a private club, so it’s not open to the public, but it’s considered to be one of the most difficult courses in the world.
Florida: The State with the Most Golf Courses
Florida, often referred to as the “Golf Capital of the World”, leads all states with an impressive number of golf courses. With over 1,250 golf courses spread across its sunny landscape, it’s no wonder why so many golf enthusiasts flock to Florida each year.
Among these numerous Florida golf courses are some truly iconic ones. The TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, home to THE PLAYERS Championship, is one of the most recognized and challenging courses worldwide. Other popular Florida golf resorts include Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando and Seminole Golf Club in Juno Beach.
California: The Second State with the Most Golf Courses
California comes in second place with over 900 golf courses scattered throughout its diverse terrain. From coastal links to desert fairways, California offers a wide variety of unique playing experiences.
Pebble Beach Golf Links and Torrey Pines South Course are two of California’s most famous and beloved courses. Both have hosted numerous professional tournaments and are known for their stunning ocean views.
Texas: A State with a High Number of Golf Courses
Texas ranks third among states with the most golf courses. With more than 800 courses to choose from, Texas offers plenty of options for both casual players and serious competitors.
Notable Texas courses include Austin Country Club, home to the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play event, and Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, known for hosting the annual Charles Schwab Challenge.
Other States with a High Number of Golf Courses
Florida, California, and Texas have the most golf courses in the United States, but there are a number of other states with a high number of courses as well. These include:
- New York (832 courses)
- Michigan (650 courses)
- Ohio (762 courses)
- Illinois (695 courses)
- Pennsylvania (690 courses)
- North Carolina (538 courses)
- Wisconsin (524 courses)
- Minnesota (522 courses)
- Indiana (437 courses)
So, if you’re looking for a place to play golf, you’re not limited to just Florida, California, and Texas. There are plenty of other great states with a lot of courses to choose from.
New York: A State with Numerous Golf Courses
New York boasts over 832 golf courses, making it another top destination for golfers. From historic private clubs to scenic public courses, New York offers something for every golfer.
Bethpage Black on Long Island is one of New York’s most famous public courses, having hosted multiple U.S. Open Championships.
Michigan: A State with Plenty of Golf Courses
Michigan rounds out our top five states with over 650 golf courses. Known for its beautiful landscapes and challenging layouts, Michigan is a favorite among many players.
Arcadia Bluffs and Forest Dunes are two must-play Michigan courses known for their stunning views and challenging designs.
States with the Fewest Golf Courses
The states with the fewest golf courses are:
- Alaska (21 courses)
- Vermont (70 courses)
- Wyoming (110 courses)
- South Dakota (120 courses)
- New Hampshire (160 courses)
These states all have relatively small populations and/or challenging terrain, which makes it difficult to build golf courses.
Alaska: The State with the Least Golf Courses
On the opposite end of the spectrum, Alaska has the fewest number of golf courses among all states – only around 21 in total.
While Alaska may not be known as a premier destination for golf due to its harsh weather conditions and remote location, it does offer unique playing experiences during its brief summer season.
Golf Courses Per Capita by State
North Dakota has the most golf courses per capita in the United States, with one course for every 5,468 people. That’s significantly higher than the national average of one course for every 12,000 people.
The other states with the most golf courses per capita are:
- South Dakota (one course for every 6,142 people)
- Vermont (one course for every 6,563 people)
- Montana (one course for every 7,450 people)
- Wyoming (one course for every 8,400 people)
- Idaho (one course for every 9,420 people)
These states all have relatively low populations and/or a lot of open land, which makes it easier to build golf courses.
North Dakota: The State with Most Golf Courses Per Capita
North Dakota has the most golf courses per capita in the United States, with one course for every 5,468 people. That’s significantly higher than the national average of one course for every 12,000 people.
There are a few reasons why North Dakota has so many golf courses per capita. First, the state has a relatively low population, so there’s a lot of open land available for golf courses. Second, North Dakota has a long history of golf, dating back to the early 1900s. And third, the state’s climate is ideal for golf, with mild winters and warm summers.
FAQs About What State Has The Most Golf Courses
Why does Florida have so many golf courses?
Florida’s warm climate allows for year-round play which makes it an ideal location for numerous golf facilities.
Which state has produced the most professional golfer?
While there isn’t definitive data on this topic, states like California and Texas that have large populations and many high-quality courses tend to produce many professional players.
Are there any states without any golf course?
No, all fifty states in America have at least one or more active golf course(s).
Summary
So there you have it! Florida takes top honors as the state with the most number of total golf courses while Michigan leads when considering per capita numbers. Whether you’re planning your next vacation or just curious about where your state ranks, I hope this guide provided some valuable insights into America’s love affair with this timeless sport.
