Top Under-The-Radar U.S. Golf Destinations

BusinessSportsMoneyTop Under-The-Radar U.S. Golf DestinationsByErik Matuszewski,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Erik Matuszewski's coverage spans golf businesses, news & destinationsFollow AuthorAug 19, 2026, 12:30pm EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.SummaryDestination golf is booming, with top resorts seeing fierce competition and new course development at a 15-year high. Beyond popular spots like Bandon Dunes, several "under the radar" regions offer exceptional multi-course experiences. Western Nebraska's Sandhills provide unspoiled landscapes and challenging play at The Prairie Club and Dismal River. Southwest Utah is emerging as a golf mecca, featuring visually stunning layouts like Black Desert and Sand Hollow amidst red rocks. Michigan's Upper Peninsula offers less-heralded gems such as Island Resort & Casino and Greywalls, known for dramatic terrain. The Pacific Northwest, including Eastern Washington and Coeur d'Alene, presents diverse golf from Gamble Sands' high plains to Coeur d'Alene's iconic floating green. Central Oregon's Bend area boasts numerous public courses like Crosswater and Tetherow, capitalizing on scenic mountain views and abundant sunshine for unique golf getaways.Show More The par 5 fifth hole at Dismal River's White Course, one of two 18-hole layouts at the destination property in the sprawling sand hills of western Nebraska.Erik MatuszewskiDestination golf travel is enjoying a moment, to say the least. There can be fierce competition, and even wait lists just to book trips, at some of the top golf resorts in the country. Popular bucket list spots like Bandon Dunes (Oregon), Pinehurst Resort (North Carolina), Pebble Beach (California), Sand Valley and Kohler (Wisconsin), Streamsong (Florida), and Big Cedar (Missouri) are all seemingly gettin...