Golf Advisor's Top 50 courses in the United States in 2016: 30-11

We're counting down the 2016 edition of the Top 50 golf courses in the U.S. according to your ratings and reviews in 2016. To view the full methodology, as well as Nos. 50-31, click here.

Top 50 courses in the U.S. according to Golf Advisor reviews: 30-11

Wisconsin Dells, Wis.
Architect: Dr. Michael Hurdzan/Dana Fry
Green fee: $65-95
What they're saying: "The type of course that you could play every day and never have the same shot twice." - DrEsox


Lake Jackson, Texas
Architect: Jeff Brauer
Green fee: $27-$67
What they're saying: "Perhaps the best public course in the Houston area." - jayjud


Queensbury, N.Y.
Architect: Stephen Kay
Green fee: $40-$60
What they're saying: "If country club for a day is what you're looking for, this is it." - bw22retouch


Brooksville, Fla.
Architect: Pete Dye
Green fee: $74-$79
What they're saying: "Southern Hills is now on our yearly 'must play' list." - jbaje


Wickenburg, Ariz.
Architect: Greg Nash/Jeff Hardin
Green fee: $30-$99
What they're saying: "If you time it right, there is a nearby horse ranch and they cross between holes." - Leilani Heying


Video: Best golf trips to take in the Top 50


Merry Hill, N.C.
Architect: Arnold Palmer
Green fee: $40-$50
What they're saying: "I must say was the best golf course I've ever played on." - Shaun1342406


Knightstown, Ind.
Architect: Gary Kern
Green fee: $29-$49
What they're saying: "Yes, you're driving 45-60 minutes from the Indy area, but it's well worth it." - DrOldSchool


French Lick, Ind.
Architect: Pete Dye
Green fee: $350 + $30 forecaddie fee
What they're saying: "After playing it three times, I'm starting to realize just how good this golf course is." - Mike Bailey


Elkin, N.C.
Architect: Ellis Maples/Ed Seay
Green fee: $23-$39
What they're saying: " For the cost I cannot imagine there is a better golf value in North Carolina." - pcvecchio


Elgin, Ill.
Architect: Rick Jacobson
Green fee: $49-$85
What they're saying: "Top public course for the money in western Chicago suburbs." - kbmac2


Laconia, Ind.
Architect: Bill Bergin
Green fee: $49-69
What they're saying: "Clearly a high priority is put on maintenance and customer service." - Liz Todd


Palm Desert, Calif.
Architect: Arnold Palmer
Green fee: $74-$145
What they're saying: "Played this as the last course of seven over the week and what finale it was!" - Andy Rose


Seaside, Calif.
Architect: Gene Bates
Green fee: $45-$165
What they're saying: "Possibly the best value on the west coast. Monterey Peninsula golf will drain your wallet." - mikewgolftime


Woodstock, Vt.
Architect: Robert Trent Jones Sr.
Green fee: $73-125
What they're saying: "I'm normally not a fan of short courses, but this course is laid out as best it could be." - Ken6614917


Fairview, Texas
Architect: Arthur Hills
Green fee: $30-$61
What they're saying: "The staff was friendly and treated me like loyal member." - Rob Kempinski


Elberton, Ga.
Architect: Robert Walker
Green fee: $24-$45
What they're saying: "Don't allow it being a state park course [deter] you." - ameribrithhi


Sunset Beach, N.C.
Architect: Tim Cate
Green fee: $69-$149
What they're saying: "Thistle is everything everyone here has said it would be." - JackStraw6


Howey-in-the-Hills, Fla.
Architect: C.E. Clarke/George O'Neil
Green fee: $75-$150
What they're saying: "Absolutely the best place you can play in Florida." - CaptainDave13


Brooks, Calif.
Architect: Brad Bell
Green fee: $55-$140
What they're saying: "Very relaxing as the staff there make sure all players give each other comfortable playing room." - u000005989652


Lake City, Minn.
Architect: Hale Irwin
Green fee: $47-75
What they're saying: "Almost every shot felt uniquely different and interesting." - tlm17



Green fees are based on latest peak-season rates and are subject to change. In the case of resort courses, stay-and-play packages and specials often greatly reduce the price of the green fee. Many of these courses also offer dynamic online tee times, off-season and twilight rates that lower the green fee.

Brandon Tucker is the Sr. Managing Editor for GolfPass and was the founding editor of Golf Advisor in 2014, he was the managing editor for Golf Channel Digital's Courses & Travel. To date, his golf travels have taken him to over two dozen countries and nearly 600 golf courses worldwide. While he's played some of the most prestigious courses in the world, Tucker's favorite way to play the game is on a great muni in under three hours. Follow Brandon on Twitter at @BrandonTucker and on Instagram at @btuck34.
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Golf Advisor's Top 50 courses in the United States in 2016: 30-11