12 of our favorites courses we played in 2023

At GOLF.com, travel — and playing golf — is a part of the gig. Here, on the final day of 2023, we look back at some of our favorite courses our writers played over the past 12 months.

12 of our favorites courses we played in 2023

My favorite course of the year? This Utah stunner is an easy winner, by Jessica Marksbury

Black Desert’s desert landscape, black lava and ancient red rock formations made for a visually stunning golf experience unlike any other. [READ MORE HERE]

Why a central Wisconsin hidden gem was my favorite course I played in 2023, by Nick Piastowski

Here’s why Mascoutin Golf Club in central Wisconsin was the favorite course GOLF.com staffer Nick Piastowski played in 2023. [READ MORE HERE]

Why this bucket-list course (and its secret souvenir) was my favorite I played in 2023, by Ryan Barath

Playing a golf course that’s preparing to host a U.S. Open is a ton of fun — even when you know it might very well eat you alive. [READ MORE HERE]

The Beatles have a secret home golf course (and I played it), by James Colgan

Allerton Manor Golf Course lives squarely at the center of Beatles fame, and during a recent trip to Liverpool, I learned why. [READ MORE HERE]

The most memorable golf hole I played this year? I couldn’t see it, by Alan Bastable

The do-or-die par-3 7th at Streamsong Resort’s Blue course is a sight to behold — assuming you can actually see it. [READ MORE HERE]

Bent grass greens in Scotland? This Walker Cup host was my favorite course in 2023, by Jack Hirsh

At Nairn Golf Club, a highland club near Inverness, Scotland, the views are spectacular and the greens putt like glass. [READ MORE HERE]

Forget what you know about Florida golf at The Park West Palm, by Connor Federico

No water. No houses. Instead, an original design in beautiful condition. Welcome to West Palm Beach’s newest public course. [READ MORE HERE]

The Sweetens Cove architects have a new course in Texas — and it’s a ton of fun, by Zephyr Melton

Here’s why Red Feather Golf and Social Club in Lubbock, Texas, was the favorite course GOLF staffer Zephyr Melton played in 2023. [READ MORE HERE]

Why this links course (where a piece of golf history was born) was my favorite of 2023, by Josh Berhow

Wallasey Golf Club in Wallasey, England, is the home of the Stableford, but also the site of a really, really good golf course. [READ MORE HERE]

A reborn Southern Pines is Donald Ross at his best and my favorite course of 2023, by Josh Sens

In the Pinehurst area, I thought I’d played every Donald Ross course that mattered. But I’d yet to have the pleasure of Southern Pines. [READ MORE HERE]

My favorite golf round this year? Here’s why it ended in failure, by Dylan Dethier

A road trip, a new golf course, some wine, some shaky putting, a new caddie and a new challenge added up to a memorable day of golf. [READ MORE HERE]

What’s it like to play Chambers Bay Golf Course? In a word, dreamy, by Nick Dimengo

GOLF instruction editor Nick Dimengo describes the majestic views and layout of Chambers Bay and explains why it’s his favorite course from 2023. [READ MORE HERE]