Top 9 U.S. Golf Courses for Food Lovers: Fairways to Fine Dining

For many golfers, the experience on the course is just as important as what happens off it. After a day of battling the golf course, there’s nothing quite like sitting down to an exceptional meal. Fortunately, some golf courses across the U.S. are just as renowned for their culinary offerings as they are for their breathtaking golf courses. Whether you're looking to indulge in farm-to-table fare or savor local flavors, these golf courses will satisfy both your golf and gastronomic cravings. Here’s a roundup of the best U.S. golf courses for food lovers.

1. Pebble Beach Golf Links (Pebble Beach, California)

Pebble Beach is a bucket-list destination for golfers, and the dining scene is just as spectacular as the course itself. One of the standout dining experiences is at The Bench, which overlooks the iconic 18th hole. The restaurant features a unique wood-fired menu with dishes like house-made pizzas and fresh seafood, all while offering breathtaking ocean views. For a more elegant dining experience, Stillwater Bar & Grill offers coastal cuisine featuring fresh, sustainable seafood and seasonal ingredients. Pair your meal with an award-winning local wine and toast to a day well spent on the links.

2. Kiawah Island Golf Resort (Kiawah Island, South Carolina)

Home to the famed Ocean Course, Kiawah Island Golf Resort isn’t just about stunning seaside golf—its dining options are equally noteworthy. The Ocean Room at The Sanctuary Hotel is one of the only steakhouses in the U.S. to receive Forbes Four-Star and AAA Four-Diamond ratings. With an emphasis on prime cuts of beef and local ingredients, this fine-dining experience is a must for food-loving golfers. If you’re in the mood for something more casual, The Ryder Cup Bar offers excellent low-country cuisine with sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean.

3. Whistling Straits (Kohler, Wisconsin)

While Whistling Straits is renowned for its rugged links-style course, the dining at this Kohler property is equally impressive. The Wisconsin Room serves up locally sourced, farm-to-table cuisine in a historic setting, focusing on Midwestern specialties with a modern twist. For a casual bite, Whistling Straits Restaurant offers hearty meals like bratwurst, beer-battered fish, and traditional Wisconsin fare, all while offering views of the stunning course and Lake Michigan.

4. Bandon Dunes Golf Resort (Bandon, Oregon)

Golfers who make the pilgrimage to Bandon Dunes are rewarded with some of the best coastal golf in the world, but the dining scene is just as worthy of applause. Pacific Grill at the main clubhouse offers fresh Pacific Northwest cuisine, with an emphasis on locally caught seafood. For a post-round drink, McKee’s Pub serves up comfort food like fish and chips and burgers, alongside an excellent selection of Oregon craft beers and whiskies. The resort’s dedication to locally sourced ingredients and simple, well-executed dishes makes it a top choice for food lovers.

5. Pinehurst Resort (Pinehurst, North Carolina)

Pinehurst Resort is one of the most historic golf destinations in the U.S., and its golf dining offerings are just as rich in tradition. The Carolina Dining Room delivers Southern hospitality and cuisine in a grand, elegant setting, with a menu that features regional specialties like shrimp and grits and roasted meats. For a more relaxed atmosphere, The Deuce, located in the clubhouse, offers casual American fare with a view of the famous 18th hole on Pinehurst No. 2. The food is fresh, the service top-notch, and the surroundings quintessentially Southern.

6. The Greenbrier (White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia)

Known for its luxury accommodations and championship courses, The Greenbrier also boasts some of the best golf dining options among U.S. golf resorts. Prime 44 West, named after NBA legend Jerry West, offers a world-class steakhouse experience with expertly prepared cuts of beef and a carefully curated wine list. The Main Dining Room, meanwhile, serves classic Southern cuisine in a refined setting, with dishes like fried green tomatoes and West Virginia rainbow trout. For golfers who appreciate fine dining, The Greenbrier is the perfect pairing of exceptional golf and gourmet cuisine.

7. Streamsong Resort (Streamsong, Florida)

Streamsong is a modern golfer’s paradise, and its golf dining experience is just as innovative as its golf courses. SottoTerra, the resort’s signature fine-dining restaurant, offers Italian-inspired cuisine with an emphasis on fresh seafood, homemade pasta, and bold flavors. For a more laid back meal after a round, Pub 59 serves up premium steaks, fresh seafood, and an impressive selection of wines. Whether you're craving a gourmet meal or a casual bite, Streamsong offers a wide array of dining options to complement its world-class golf courses.

8. TPC Sawgrass (Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida)

TPC Sawgrass, home to The Players Championship, is known for its iconic 17th hole, but the dining here is just as memorable. Nineteen offers an elevated golf dining experience. You can consider it pub fare in an upscale setting, with floor-to-ceiling windows providing views of the course. The menu features everything from fresh seafood to perfectly grilled steaks, making it the ideal spot to unwind after a round. The food is crafted with golfers in mind, ensuring that every meal is satisfying and flavorful.

9. Sea Island Resort (Sea Island, Georgia)

Last but not least, Sea Island Resort is another one of the best golf courses for food lovers. It offers a blend of world-class golf and top-tier dining, making it a perfect destination for food-loving golfers. After a round on one of its three championship courses, head to The Georgian Rooms, the only Forbes Five-Star restaurant in Georgia. The menu features Southern-inspired cuisine with a modern twist, emphasizing locally sourced ingredients and impeccable service. For a more relaxed vibe, Southern Tide offers fresh seafood in a laid-back, beachfront setting, perfect for enjoying the coastal scenery. Whether you're in the mood for fine dining or a casual meal, Sea Island's culinary offerings will not disappoint.

Play, Dine, and Savor

These golf courses offer more than just a great round—they’re destinations for food lovers who crave exceptional dining experiences. Whether you’re indulging in fresh seafood, savoring farm-to-table creations, or relaxing with a casual burger and beer, these golf courses combine the best of both worlds: world-class golf and incredible cuisine.

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