I have had the pleasure to play all 27 holes at Shawnee in the same day, back in 1990. It was early spring (probably late April) and they had just reopened after the winter. But it was an especially warm day and a weekday, so the course was quite empty. I played the first 18 with another twosome, but the final by myself and as you can tell it was a very memorable experience.

I've also played the Sea View Courses in NJ, mostly off season, and the last time was last fall with my son. Again it a was beautiful day, and a little windy, but we had a great time playing the Bay Course. I think the Pines course closes from November until mid March or April.

The average "public" golfer stands a better chance at playing a private course (as a guest) than at the astronomical greens fees listed above for these "non-private" courses. These quasi public courses are "public" in name only. Even the more reasonably priced courses will balloon their fees after a "big PGA, USGA tournament" is held there. I make these comments as observations only, since I do not have any solutions to offer ..... I leave that to people smarter than I.

Torrey Pines hasn't hosted the PGA Championship, but it is public and has hosted the US Open

Played Pebble Beach 2X in 2003. Absolutely worth every penny for the experience. Back then it was $480 per round, so $575 now still seems worth it. If you are a fan of the game, there is no place like it on earth, except for possibly St. Andrews. Expensive “bucket list” trip before I got married. We combined It with 2 rounds at Spanish Bay and one at Spyglass Hill.

I played the Straits sister course many years ago on a cold, rainy, windy day. I believe it was in November. I think I’m the only player who finished the back 9. Was just passing through so I couldn’t pass it up. I think it was $120. Drinks by the huge fireplace in the clubhouse after the round along with gourmet food made it a very worthwhile and memorable round.

Tanglewood just underwent a multimillion dollar renovation in 2018 and is an excellent course. Probably one of the best “hidden gems” in the state if not country, less than $40 during the week.

I've played both courses at Whistling Straits as well as Pecan Valley, San Antonio, TX (not listed), which I believe hosted the PGA in 1965. I don't know Pecan Valley's current status but in 2003 when I played, it was a terrific course with streams throughout and lots of trees.

I play Beth Page 3 times a week, NY resident rates are cheap, Red Course is my favorite . If you dont score we'll on first 3 holes on Black, look out ! 17 ( par ) and 18 are not that tough. Black is a long, tough walk, ( no electric carts ) And on Wed Nights in the summer, ladies night, Great band out side !

Pebble Beach, awesome, but a one time treat $$$$

San Diego , has great pubic Course

PGA National in Florida a great get away . Stream Song , is SO SO over rated $$$ World Woods, is a tenth of the price, 36 awesome holes, 2 acre putting green practice area . A practice area that has a par 3/4/ and 5

Hit them straight, and stay healthy .

sorry but the majority of the courses are for the wealthy.

A course that costs $200 + to play is public in name only. Most of the “public” can’t or shouldn’t afford to pay that. These courses have owned the land for a long time in most cases. So what is the justification for charging such an exhorbidant amount?