At the intersection of value and excellence lies the world of Jack Nicklaus-designed golf courses. We’ve meticulously sifted through over 20,000 reviews within the vast Golden Bear portfolio to unveil the hidden gems and all-time favorites according to our vibrant golfing community.
Jack Nicklaus, not just a golf legend but also a revered golf course designer, boasts a global design portfolio that stands among the most prestigious worldwide. From his early days as a consultant alongside Pete Dye at Harbour Town, Nicklaus ventured out on his own and, in tandem with peers Arnold Palmer and Gary Player, elevated the sport to global heights while crafting golf empires, inclusive of magnificent courses around the globe.
If you’re a dedicated golf traveler, chances are you’ve already teed off on a Nicklaus masterpiece, whether it be in Myrtle Beach, Las Vegas, or the stunning Cabo San Lucas. Nicklaus Design courses grace the landscapes of 40 states and 45 countries, and their legacy continues with the imminent unveiling of American Dunes, a military-inspired course in southwest Michigan, set to support the Folds of Honor initiative this summer.
While Jack’s designs featured on the PGA Tour draw widespread acclaim and recognition, there’s a deeper layer of his course portfolio that often goes unnoticed. To unearth the true favorites within our community, we’ve aggregated over 22,000 reviews from golf enthusiasts around the world.
My personal favorite? It’s undoubtedly the enchanting Punta Espada in the Dominican Republic, and I’m not alone in this sentiment. Those who’ve journeyed to Cap Cana have marveled at its scenic beauty and thrilling layout. Additionally, I’m quite taken with his Pronghorn creation, seamlessly blending into the rugged high desert of Central Oregon.
Explore our comprehensive list of the top 10 Nicklaus-designed courses based on overall ratings dating back to 2013. Beyond that, discover the best value Nicklaus courses as determined by your fellow golfers.
Jack Nicklaus Designs by the Numbers:
Average Overall Nicklaus Design Rating on GolfPass: 4.4
Nicklaus Designs in the Golfers’ Choice Top 50 for 2021: Nicklaus Course at Pinehills Golf Club (No. 4)
Nicklaus Design with the Most Reviews: The Golf Club at Dove Mountain (1,262)
Lowest Rated Nicklaus Design: Bear Trace at Cumberland Mountain State Park
Our Top 10 Nicklaus Design Courses by Overall Rating:
Punta Espada, Cap Cana, Dominican Republic
“Nothing better in the Caribbean. Played great courses in Jamaica, Cancun, Bermuda and none compares to this. About 1/2 the holes are on the Caribbean, the other have are beautifully carved out of the sandstone and hills making this course visually incredible.” – rayalfonso
Manele Golf Course, Lanai City, Hawaii
“So beautiful that you’ll see it in your head for the rest of your life. You can hardly believe that you’re where you are. You feel lucky to be on this isolated spot on earth and have that much beauty and an amazing layout for a golf course.” – Beeline
Harbour Town Golf Links, Hilton Head Island, S.C.
(*Player consultant with Pete Dye)
“The course is incredibly difficult, but it’s hard not to enjoy playing such a beautiful and well-kept course.” – agwade8
Puerto Los Cabos, San Jose del Cabo, Mexico
(*18 of 27 holes designed by Nicklaus)
“We played this as the last of 4 games while in Cabo; saying we kept the best for last would be an understatement. The layout, the conditions, the views, this course has everything.” – GolfLeo, Quebec Local Golf Advisor
Nicklaus Course at Pinehills Golf Club, Plymouth, Mass.
“I was blown away by the status of this course. Gorgeous layout with challenging but entertaining holes. Amenities were top of the line, and the staff was great.” – u179059102
Achasta Golf Club, Dahlonega, Ga.
“The Achasta course design makes you want to play it over and over! The holes are challenging, have great views, are not frustrating, and you can always tell when the Golden Bear has designed a course.” – WCH80
Mount Juliet Golf Club, County Kilkenny, Ireland
“The course is very straightforward but in pristine conditions. The feel of a Georgia course in the middle of Ireland.” – RPG00
Killeen Castle, County Meath, Ireland
“One of the best in Ireland, it is a stunning course that is very well appointed. Every hole packs a challenge, with numerous fairway bunkers ready to punish what could be a normally solid drive.” – u514051920
Ocean Course at Hammock Beach Resort, Palm Coast, Fla.
“The ocean holes were well done, and not jammed in there as some ocean courses are to get the most out of the ocean views, and the rest of the course meandered through a very nice neighborhood.” – AlexByrd
Cove Club at Cabo Del Sol, San Jose del Cabo, Mexico
“You won’t be disappointed by this course or its staff in any way. Views are second to none, layout is fun and will allow you to keep score and still enjoy your round.” – Elijahpearson360
Stay tuned for our list of the top 10 Nicklaus courses offering the best value based on your ratings.