Top Public Golf Courses for Scenic Fall Foliage Viewing: Where Golf Meets Autumn’s Splendor

As the vibrant greens of summer transform into the fiery hues of autumn, golf courses across the country become spectacular showcases of fall foliage. The combination of a challenging round of golf and breathtaking scenery is a unique experience! Join us as we explore the top public golf courses where the beauty of the season meets the challenge of the game.

Great River Golf Club Milford, CT

The Great River Golf Club transforms into a breathtaking landscape of vibrant fall foliage, making it an ideal setting for a memorable golfing day. It’s a well-maintained and challenging course that’s been designed to test players of all skill levels.

The layout includes a mix of difficult par 3s, 4s, and 5s, and each hole presents its very own unique challenge. You’ll be greeted by well-maintained fairways, quick greens, and thick rough that could steal a shot or two from your scorecard.

You may find yourself reaching for your mid to short irons, especially if they want to deliver accurate shots with control and precision. There are a number of good holes in this course, but some are more memorable than others.

Hole 1: Par 4, 352 yards: A slight right dogleg with a water hazard along the right side, leading to a large, gently undulating green guarded by a bunker on the right.

Hole 2: Par 3, 185 yards: Downhill par 3 with a narrow green, protected by both a bunker and a water hazard, with the added visual appeal of a waterfall behind the green.

Hole 3: Par 5, 498 yards:  An intimidating tee shot and a narrow fairway, with water on the right and out of bounds on the left. A creek crosses the fairway, leading to an elevated green that slopes from back to front.

Hole 15: Par 3, 155 yards: The shortest hole on the course. A drop-shot par 3 along the river, requiring a carry to a large green that slopes from back to front.

Sugarloaf Golf Club 

The Robert Trent Jones Jr. design takes full advantage of the stunning mountain terrain, with dramatic elevation changes, tree-lined fairways, and panoramic views. It’s a favorite among golfers who enjoy both beauty (especially in autumn) and a bit of a challenge!

The course has been rated highly for its design and aesthetics. Golf Digest has consistently ranked it among the top courses in the United States. The holes are well-designed, with each offering unique challenges that require strategic thinking and precision. Some of the most memorable holes are:

Hole #1, “Jones Way”: A downhill, dogleg right par 4 that provides a scenic view of the Bigelow Mountain Range​. Imagine the beauty of fall colors!

Hole #3, “Big Red”: A short par 3 with an unexpected wind, making it harder than it looks. The green is split by a ridge, making putts trickier than they look.

Hole #6, “Panorama”: An uphill right dogleg with a group of bunkers protecting the green. Needs focus, but you’ll enjoy an amazing autumn view.

Hole #11, “Precipice”: One of the most photographed holes in New England—the autumn colors only make it prettier. A par 3 that drops more than 100 feet, you’ll do well to score par on this one!

Green Mountain National Golf Course

This course is carved out of the majestic Green Mountains, giving you a serene and private golfing experience. It’s well worth visiting in autumn when you’ll be surrounded by gorgeous foliage and warm energy.

Widely regarded as one of the best public golf courses in the state, it’s laid out with a variety of holes, some of which are flat and straightforward, while others offer more of a challenge with elevation changes and natural obstacles.

The course’s rating is 72.1, with a slope rating of 138, indicating that it’s moderately difficult. Some golfers have highlighted that playing from the back tees can be particularly challenging, but it adds an extra layer of excitement for experienced players. Look out for these holes:

Hole #5: Par 3: A slightly curvy hole. You’ll need to be careful with club selection here. Depending on your tee choice, you may need a wedge or a long iron.

Hole #12, Par 4: While the drive should be straightforward, the triple-tiered green requires careful precision to get a good score.

Giants Ridge Golf Course

Giants Ridge Golf Course, located in Biwabik, Minnesota, is a premier golfing destination known for its two renowned courses: The Legend and The Quarry. The Legend course is celebrated for its beauty and accessibility. It features wide fairways and relatively straightforward tee shots, making it friendly for high-handicap players.

The Quarry offers a more challenging and rugged experience. It’s carved out of a former mining site, providing a dramatic landscape with eye-popping elevation changes and numerous hazards. The course demands precision and strategy, particularly on approach shots to its undulating greens. Keep an eye out for:

Legend, Hole #3: Known for its distinctive giant’s foot-shaped bunker​.

Legend, Hole #17: A challenging par 3 surrounded by water.

Quarry, Hole #2: A risk/reward hole that requires some thoughtful strategy.

Pete Dye River Course of Virginia Tech

One of the most striking features of the course is its setting. The clubhouse, perched 70 feet above the river, offers sweeping views that enhance the overall golfing experience. The course itself runs along 2.5 miles of the New River, providing a tranquil and scenic backdrop for golfers.

It’s known for its demanding layout, with narrow fairways, well-placed bunkers, and greens that are often elevated or contoured, making it a true test for golfers of all skill levels. Golf Digest has rated the course highly, giving it a near-perfect 4.5-star ranking as one of the “Best Places to Play” in America​!

Hole #4: A par-4 with a challenging approach and beautiful river views.

Hole #6: A tricky green surrounded by water hazards and bunkers against the scenic backdrop of the New River. Club selection is key.

Hole #18: Both visually stunning and strategically demanding. A narrow fairway with water running along one side and a large green protected by bunkers.

Conclusion

Playing golf is beautiful year-round, but there’s something special about playing in autumn. Immerse yourself in nature’s brilliant display of colors, breathe in the fresh, crisp air, and enjoy the crunch of leaves underfoot as you move through the course. The sensory delights of fall make these courses especially memorable.

Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a casual player, the combination of scenic views and autumnal charm will add something special to your golfing adventure. Pack your clubs, plan a trip, and relish the perfect harmony of golf and nature this fall. These public courses are ready to offer you the best of both worlds!

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About the Author:  Jordan Fuller is a retired golfer and businessman. When he’s not on the course working on his own game or mentoring young golfers, he writes in-depth articles for his website, Golf Influence.