Why do some golf properties become a cultural phenomenon? Is it because of the architect and the design? Is it because of the location or the topography? Maybe clever marketing earned a standard 18-hole layout undeserved accolades.
It’s difficult to pinpoint why some golf courses achieve a cult-like following — it’s so subjective. There isn’t a singular aspect of a property that makes it resonate with people; rather, it’s the totality of the experience that makes a place unforgettable. And while experience is structured through commonalities, at its core it’s deeply personal. Cue the spirited debate about which courses have the most intensely devoted admirers. A good discussion will likely include all three of these public courses.
Sweetens Cove Golf Club :: South Pittsburg, Tennessee
The sun is up — it’s 8:30 a.m., and today’s golfers are gathered outside the Shed (home of some pretty sweet merchandise). The aroma of whiskey is drifting off dozens of shots resting on top of a weathered barrel. Some players have been looking forward to this day for years, trying to secure a coveted pass (Sweetens doesn’t use tee times) to play this course located 30 miles west of Chattanooga.
A staff member shares course conditions and announces that here, scores are irrelevant. Play with the people you came with in whatever size group is fun for you. There are two flags on each of the nine greens — one color is for the first nine, the other is for the second. Alternatively, play the pin closest to where your approach shot landed. You choose. The golfers are each directed to a starting hole, are welcome to enjoy a shot of bourbon or whiskey, and then are encouraged to enjoy a great day of golf. All-day pass holders can play as much as they wish.
The owners include Rob Collins, who helped design the course, as well as Peyton Manning and Andy Roddick, former professional athletes in football and tennis, respectively. Collins works with Tad King and Trevor Dormer at King Collins Dormer Golf Course Design, who all believe in artistry and craftsmanship throughout the construction process, allowing them to work dynamically as the project comes together. The results speak for themselves.
Sweetens Cove offers broad, open views; little rough; and an abundance of tightly mown turf. There are plenty of opportunities for creative shot-making, and a number of holes where famous comparisons are appropriate, but the atmosphere, down to the food truck on-site and the gorgeous views of the Appalachian foothills, is distinctly Sweetens Cove.
Originally designed in 2014, the course will soon offer even more to love. Expanded offerings will include a putting course and a 13-hole short course to open in the spring, and plans for later in 2027 include stay-and-play cabins, a skeet shooting range and a microdistillery and bottle shop that will be open to the public. Passes for 2027 will be released this fall, and this cult favorite is likely to be as in demand as ever.
Goat Hill Park Golf Course :: Oceanside, California
This urban course with ocean views is an 18-hole, par-65 layout where you never get a flat lie. It was established in 1952 as Oceanside Carlsbad Country Club and was played by PGA and LPGA members, including Patty Berg and Babe Zaharias. It is definitely an urban escape, redesigned by Ludwig Keehn in the early 1990s.
Fast forward a few decades, and the course fell into disrepair, prompting discussions about converting the land into recreational fields or using it for a parking lot. Enter John Ashworth, apparel designer and golf industry veteran, and a group of investors who pitched the idea of maintaining the course and developing it as a park to provide space for a truly engaged community.
The community rallied, and a $3.6 million renovation rejuvenated the course between 2014 and 2016. The motto here is “World Class, Working Class,” and the conditions are constantly improving. With Ashworth leading the way, gardens were added, dogs are now allowed on the course, and young golfers are warmly welcomed. The facility has become the home of the North County Junior Golf Association, a nonprofit organization, and there is a three-hole kids’ course called “The Playground” where children and their parents can play for free.
You can walk or ride on the short course, with the length topping out at 4,700 yards. There are some significant changes in elevation, and it’s possible to purchase an annual subscription. Benefits include early access for tee times, discounts on range buckets and alcoholic beverages, and other perks. Annual subscriptions cost more if you carry a GHIN — true story.
There is no dress code, and music plays around the clubhouse. The whole vibe is relaxed and casual, and everyone is accepted. Courses that develop an amazing following locally are not uncommon, but when that reputation extends regionally, nationally and beyond, it demonstrates how universally good the golf and the atmosphere are.
Landmand Golf Club :: Homer, Nebraska
The motto of Homer, Nebraska, is “Little but Lively.” Just 25 minutes south of Sioux Gateway Airport, but feeling miles away from the rest of the world, Landmand is set on top of a large plateau. It offers sweeping views across the Loess Hills and acres of fertile farmland. In fact, “landmand” is the Danish word for “farmer.” The widely recognized logo features an ear of corn, and the peaceful scenery delivers a striking contrast to how excited golfers are to play this par-73, 18-hole course.
At Landmand, common courtesy is expected, and they work with a “no shoes, no shirt, no service” approach. Rounds average 4.5 hours, and the management makes it a priority to provide a great experience for everyone. The back tees play to approximately 7,200 yards, and the front tees play to about 5,420.
The Farmer’s Table is the on-site food truck, open from very early to very late, when the last group leaves the course. The clubhouse is lovingly referenced as being “Up Top” — those words drawn on two large tires are the only direction you need as you follow the gravel road. When you arrive, be prepared to share your “walk-up” song, which will sound five minutes before your tee time.
Owned by the Andersen family and designed by Tad King and Rob Collins, Landmand opened for play in September 2022 after three years of construction. The greens are some of the largest you’ll find, averaging 14,000 square feet. Hole names include “Out,” “Further Out,” “O’Heck,” “Little Piggy” and “Big Gulp.” Cabins F, A, R and M are available for on-site lodging. A popular annual event is called “The Cooler,” with lucky golfers counting down to this good-time gathering.
Landmand has received a tremendous amount of coverage and has become widely acclaimed in a few short years. That’s a testament to a property that believes in what it offers — a challenging but playable course where a shot that feels crazy beckons to be tried. The layout is irresistible. Time and again, people leave Landmand talking about the fun they had with their playing partners.
What else could you wish for during a round? Happiness as you move from hole to hole, and returning home with a smile because you made some memories and some new friends. When everyone who visits bonds over the totality of the experience, that’s how a cult following develops.
