5 Public Golf Gems to Check Out This Summer

Are you traveling this summer? There are a variety of fun golf experiences for you and the whole family to enjoy that might not be familiar to you. Whether flying across the country or driving across town, here are five public golf experiences that will be the highlight of your summer:

Kiawah Island Golf Resort is located on a barrier island off the coast of South Carolina. The facility offers five courses and an array of group programming that engages golfers and young families seeking a laid back and fun golf experience. Kids pay half price green fees with each paying adult. 

With many other family-friendly amenities, such as swimming, tennis, water activities and biking, there’s fun for the whole family. With the sea merely steps away, this is one destination that does golf the right way, and has a whole lot of other fun memories waiting to be created. 

Located in St. Louis, Missouri, the mission of the Family Golf & Learning Center is to provide the golfing community an experience that enables them to learn the game, practice their skills and play their best golf in a friendly and encouraging atmosphere.

The amenities are endless at this state-of-the-art golf facility - double decker hitting bays, grass tees, nine-hole Par 3 course, LED lighting for nighttime play, golf shop and full family-friendly restaurant. If you’re in town to see the famous Gateway Arch or perhaps catch a Cardinals ballgame, bring the kids to this PGA Professional-owned and operated family golf facility. 

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee is not necessarily a vacation destination for families in America, but the beauty of the Volunteer State can’t be denied. With big cities, small towns, lakes and mountains, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a golfer or not, mini golf is among many family’s favorite summer activities. It’s inexpensive, time-efficient and frankly, always a good time. 

Crave Golf Club is 18,500 square feet of miniature golf spread across two courses, each comprised of 19 candy-themed holes. There’s the Rooftop Mini Golf Course and Indoor Mini Golf Course. Their website says it best, “Multi-challenge holes give you more than one way to win as you putt through a fully handicap accessible candy-coated wonderland that tests the skill of all ages.”

The second tab on the BigShots website is EXPERIENCE. BigShots golf combines the ultimate gaming experience with full-service food and beverage. There’s an outdoor patio, mini golf, private event space and climate-controlled tee boxes. This is a golf facility for all ages and skill levels. 

Inspired by the families they serve, the goal at BigShots is to provide “big fun with intimate, personalized service.” There are interactive virtual games that incorporate cutting-edge ball tracking technology and live play capabilities. With seven locations in five states and the UK, you can play with or against friends at other BigShots locations. 

Education doesn’t have to stop when school lets out for the summer. Golf has a history unlike any other sport, and its storied past is legendary to golf lovers worldwide. The United States Golf Association is one of the most instrumental governing bodies of the game, with rules, handicaps and competitions among its most important agenda.

In Far Hills, New Jersey, the USGA headquarters houses an inspiring museum and library that will pique the interest of everyone in the family. In addition, there’s a unique putting course behind the historic building that will entertain you and the kids for competition or laid back fun. Located just an hour southwest of New York City, take a ride away from the hustle and bustle to one of the best golf experiences you’ll ever have.