I have to say this is one of the most alarming blogs I've quite possibly ever read....yes agreed its about exposure however ytake the US open into consideration, this wasn't the best course in condition but very challenging. I personally Sdont visit such courses because pros have played there, yes the exposure gives it added value but it is very much the challenge of the course. Do not underestate the outlook in difficulty, this never gets dismissed yet I think you have completely misplaced the view in course selection. I myself have a friend that plays a very high level of golf and live by the course selection he offers based on difficulty. I think you need to stop focusing on negatives, such as a course being too difficult or costly. If you have any concept of the running costs of such an event parhaps you'd not be so narrow minded. I'd be more than happy to recommend some courses however you are sure to find some fault with anywhere you visit. Props to the amateur critic....

Favourites of mine are:

Bethpage Black
Winged Foot - tough to get on!
Quaker Ridge- private but a nice letter worked- as good as Winged Foot
Ocean Course fantastic
Pinehurst 2 deserves more respect than comments in this forum, changes great and greens superb

Agree Pebble Beach overrated and way over priced. Spyglass more enjoyable but also quite pricey

Get yourself to New Zealand and play Kauri Cliffs and Christchurch Golf Club (Eisenhower tournament 1990 where Mickelson and Duval represented USA)

I have had the privilege of playing golf in Monterey, Calif, (Pebble, Spyglass, et al), Pinehurst, Ireland and Scotland.
I have also played all of the Bandon, Oregon courses and can tell you with authority that the four courses at Bandon (Pacific Dunes, Old Mac, Bandon Dunes and Bandon Trails) are the best courses for the best value anywhere in the world. With the addition of a 13 hole par 3 course (The Preserve) and a 2 1/2 acre putting green (the punchbowl), along with the first class practice facility, you will relive your experience everyday and make plans to go back as soon as you can get your money together.
Plan a week visit, play them all, then you will have truly played heavenly golf on this old earth.

Played Torrey Pines many times, only because customers wanted to. It never meets anyones expectations. IMO it's a dog track and is only nice during the tournamnet, and so not worth the money!

I would highly recommend playing We-Ko-Pa the Cholla course. The golf course is
out at Fort McDowell, just outside of Scottsdale AZ. The course has no house. Truly a Desert Course. We visit this course every trip we take to Scottsdale.
I hope you all enjoy.

Agree with the remarks about Innisbrook. The Island Course is better than the Copperhead, but too narrow for spectators and that is why the PGA plays the Copperhead.

If you ever get a chance to play Bobby Jones' home course(s) its worth it, both private. Atlanta Athletic Club has help PGA and US Open and East Lake host Fed Ex every year. Enjoy both, only 25 miles apart.

Don't believe No one mentioned Shinnecock Hills Hamptons N Y . Must play .

I've played many of the courses mentioned in the U.S. and Scotland. If you're going to Scotland, be sure to play some of the lesser-known tracks. Gullane No. 1, Lundin Links, Leven, Brora and many others are just wonderful. But, by any means necessary, try to get to Royal Dornoch, Tom Watson's favorite course. You won't be disappointed.

I have played over 900 courses worldwide and can easily say that the Tour courses are not always the best. I felt a slight disappointment at Harbour Town, Glen Abbey in Ontario, and Harding Park. Aronimink near Philadelphia is in lovely shape but really a bit boring. But the worst disappointment was Carnoustie __ when I played it with 2 friends, we were asked after our round if we wanted a free replay, and we all answered as one-- NO THANKS! Last 3 holes are great but the rest is torture. Britain and Ireland have dozens of better links (Macrihanish, Ballyliffin, Royal County Down) that are cheaper and more enjoyable.