The Most Beautiful Golf Courses Found In US National Parks
America’s national parks are collectively known as the “crown jewels” of the country. In addition to natural beauty, awesome wildlife, and rich history, some national parks are also home to amazing golf courses. Black Jack’s Crossing, located close to Big Bend National Park, for example, is ranked as the “most beautiful course in Texas” by Golf Magazine. So, whether you’re an avid or casual golfer, there’s no shortage of truly spectacular national park courses with fun yet challenging holes to suit all levels of players.
Yosemite National Park: The Big Trees Lodge golf course
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The Big Trees Lodge golf course is situated right in the heart of California’s stunning Yosemite National Park. It’s a nine-hole, 3,035-yard, par-35 golf course with tees to suit golfers of all skills and abilities. But more than that, the Big Trees Lodge is actually one of the only organic golf courses in the country. Zero pesticides are used on the course in a bid to minimize pollution and prevent biodiversity loss. It’s also watered with recycled water only. The natural greens blend in seamlessly with Yosemite’s pristine surrounding landscape, which includes meadows, streams, and lush forests with incense-cedars and ponderosa pines. You’re also likely to spot amazing wildlife like black-tailed deer, sheep, and ravens during your game. In fact, people call the sixth hole the “nursery hole” as it tends to be a wildlife hotspot that even bears frequent.
Big Bend National Park: Black Jack’s Crossing
Located in southwest Texas, Big Bend National Park is home to the entire Chisos mountain range, along with fascinating geographical features like volcanic dikes, dinosaur skeletons, and sea fossils. And Lajitas Golf Resort, located just outside Big Bend, is the place to head for the best golf in Texas, according to GolfWeek. Black Jack’s Crossing golf course is an eighteen-hole championship course designed by iconic professional golfer, Lanny Wadkins. A number of elevated tees on this rocky desert make for an exciting game with breathtaking views over the Rio Grande. You can even hit the ball across the river and into Mexico from the 14th tee.
Rental clubs and electric carts are available to rent from the on-site Pro Shop. As the course is hilly in parts, an electric cart makes it far easier to move across the course without having to lug your clubs around with you on foot. Electric carts also feature comfortable upholstered seating to make your ride as smooth and convenient as possible.
Rock Creek Park and golf course
Located in Washington D.C., Rock Creek Park is a beautiful and serene 1,754-acre city park home to a secluded nine-hole golf course. Fair warning — this course is a tricky one and generally not suitable for beginners. Steep hills and narrow fairways make hitting a straight shot even more of a challenge that experienced golfers won’t be able to get enough of. But if you’re looking for something a little more doable, rest assured, Rock Creek also offers easier, family-friendly tees. There’s also an interesting five-hole loop course as well as a fun practice green for you to try your hand at. If needed, you can also purchase clubs, balls, shirts, gloves, and hats at the Rock Creek Pro Shop.
U.S. national parks are the ideal destination if you’re looking for excellent golfing experiences against stunning natural backdrops. The Big Trees Lodge, Black Jack’s Crossing, and Rock Creek, in particular, are just some of the country’s best national park courses that all golfers need to put on their bucket lists.
