(MAPQUEST) 10 Most Scenic Golf Courses

For those seeking soul-satisfying beauty in some of the most scenic regions of the United States, try one of these 10 golf courses, where you can find spectacular scenery, including beaches, woodlands, mountains, marshes, contours and vivid rock formations.

Best Beach Lover's Dream: Kiva Dunes Golf Club, Alabama

The Kiva Dunes golf course, 45 miles from Pensacola, Florida, is a beach-lovers dream, located on a peninusla alongside Bon Secour Bay. Alabama's top-rated golf course was designed by former golf champion Jerry Pate, and this 7,092-yard seaside links course is sure to please. Course fees vary from $50 to $82.

Most Scenic Island Escape: Kiawah Island Golf Resort, South Carolina

Not far from Charleston, South Carolina, Kiawah Island Golf Resort is one of the most scenic island resort escapes in the country. The property offers five different courses, each with its own distinct natural features and vistas. The resort's Ocean Golf Course, designed by Pete Dye at 7,296 yards, not only has Atlantic Ocean views from each hole, but was tapped by Golf Digest magazine as the state's top golf course. One round of golf per day at the resort is included in the price of your room, with costs varying between $167 and $345 per person, per night.

Most Scenic Oasis Within the Red Rocks: Green Spring Golf Course, Utah

If you're dying to see the best red rock country in Utah while golfing, the 6,859-yard Green Spring Golf Course designed by Gene Bates is a treat. The course is located in Washington, about a mile from St. George, and winds between rocks and spring pools. Course fees vary between $40 and $64, based on season.

Most Scenic Desert with Sculpted Fairways: Troon North Golf Club, Arizona

If you like the desert but love a lush golf course, there is none more scenic than the Troon North Golf Club in Scottsdale. The two 7,000-yard Troon North golf courses, designed by architects Tom Weiskopf and Jay Moorish, offer desert obstacles when out of bounds and many challenging hazards. Course fees vary from $195 to $220.

Most Striking Valley Scenery Golf Course: Arrowhead Golf Club, Colorado

If you like the extreme, Arrowhead Golf Club is sure to please. Huge elevation changes; dramatic, towering red sandstone rock along the greens; hidden lakes; and views of downtown Denver add to the appeal of this 6,636-yard public golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. Course fees range from $100 to $129.

Most Scenic Fall Forest Color: Fox Hopyard Golf Club, Connecticut

Even though autumn makes Fox Hopyard Golf Club spectacular, the forest glen scenery is beautiful any time of year. Located about 30 miles south of Hartford, the Roger Rulewich-designed course features 6,912 yards of serene fairways, and provides plenty of leafy, scenic beauty. Course fees vary from $89 to $99.

Most Scenic Lake View Golf: Whistling Straits Golf Club, Wisconsin

Whistling Straits Golf Club is one of the most scenic golf courses on Lake Michigan and evokes the spirit of Ireland with cut dunes and lake views. The 7,362-yard golf course features challenging contours, lots of sand and many tee boxes to suit your ability. Course rates vary from $230 to $340.

Most Scenic Glacial Mountain Views: Jackson Hole Golf and Tennis Club, Wyoming

The Jackson Hole Golf and Tennis Club was recently upgraded under the direction of Robert Trent Jones II and features the glorious, glacial-capped Grand Teton mountains as backdrop. The challenges of the 7,325-yard course include sand bunkers, lakes and creeks. Course rates vary from $65 to $180.

Most Scenic Zen Golf Course: Nemacolin Woodlands Resort and Spa, Pennsylvania

If you want to nurture a meditative outlook, the Mystic Golf Course at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort and Spa is a beautifully manicured course with zen-like qualities. Designed by Pete Dye, the 7,526-yard course features many raked sand bunkers amid lush fairways. Typical rates are $130 to $150.

Most Scenic Hobbit Terrain: Hawktree Golf Club, North Dakota

The Hawktree golf course designed by Jim Engh feels Tolkien-like with rounded hills winding amid prairie land. The sensual curves belie many challenges on this 7,085-yard course that follows the meandering Burnt Creek. Course rates are $67.

Sources:

http://www.kivadunes.com/golf_about.php

http://www.kiawahresort.com/golf/

http://golfgreenspring.com/

http://www.troonnorthgolf.com/index.php

http://www.arrowheadcolorado.com/arrowhead.asp?id=188&page=3514

http://www.golfthefox.com/hopyard/abouthopyard.html

http://www.destinationkohler.com/golf/ws/ws_index.html

http://www.jhgtc.com/info/golf.course.asp#

http://www.nemacolin.com/golf/mystic-rock

http://hawktree.com/?page=1123

Golf Digest best places to play - used for some small details.