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Fore! Watch out for deep bunkers and coral reef this summer at some of the Nation’s best beach-side golf courses. There’s nothing that quite compares to that feeling of sinking a 20 foot putt with a little saltwater breeze blowing through your hair. Shoot well or not, but visit any of these 6 coastal, club-swinging golf resorts and fall in love with the ocean even more:
Samoset Golf Course, Rockport, Maine
With over 100 years in the making, the Samoset Golf Course in Maine offers its guests not only challenging links, but amazing views of the Atlantic Ocean as well. Originally a nine-hole course, the Samoset Golf Course has gone under careful renovation over the last 30 years and now offers championship level 18-holes, a clubhouse, and every other amenity you would expect at a world-class golfing destination, including a 45 minute guided golf-cart tour of the course at sunset.
Pebble Beach Golf Links, Pebble Beach, California
It shouldn’t be any surprise that this #1 rated golf course by Golf Digest makes the list, or that this historic course has hosted numerous professional tournaments including the 2010 U.S. Open. But you don’t need to be a pro to play these tee’s, although it would help to navigate this challenging course, all you need to do is book ahead and bring a few extra balls. And with plenty of other Oceanside golf courses in the area, Pebble Beach makes for an excellent week-long golf getaway.
The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island, Kiawah Island, South Carolina
Host to a large buffet of national tours, including the Ryder Cup, Senior PGA Championship, and PGA Championship, the Ocean Course at Kiawah Island offers amazing view of the Atlantic Ocean. With 10 holes lining the shore, and unhindered views of the ocean from every tee-box, the spectacular scenery will provide the utmost serenity even with the prevailing winds blowing your ball every way it wants to.
The Plantation Course at Kapalua, Maui, Hawaii
Home to the Hyaundi Tournament of Champions each January, this course that’s played by the pros also welcomes novices alike. With wide fairways to catch your ball, as well as dramatic Oceanside views on the entire course, the Plantation Course is a must-do for anyone who considers themselves a golfer. And the extra bonus, it’s in Hawaii. So while you are there, enjoy everything the island has to offer and find out what it means to shoot the best round of your life.
Hammock Beach’s Ocean Course, Palm Beach, Florida
Dubbed as being truly “Florida’s Ocean Course,” the Ocean Course does live up to its name. Playing next to the Atlantic Ocean, this Jack Nicklaus designed course will have you chipping onto the green as you look out upon the Atlantic. Receiving more accolades than the amount of holes it has, this course definitely comes with some green-fees, but once you’ve played these legendary links, you’ll have a memory that lasts a lifetime.
Bandon Dunes Links, Bandon, Oregon
Welcome to Paradise. The Bandon Dunes Golf Links along the rugged Oregon coastline offers some of the most breath-taking, ball-flying views of any other coastal course. Set in a relatively remote area of Oregon’s coast, this course offers native vegetation, varying topography, and spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. Offering a challenge just as much as a view, play the wind right at Bandon Dunes, and whatever you do, make sure you are not in too much of a hurry.