Ryan Blaney’s Top 5 Golf Courses in the USA
August 13, 2026
When Ryan Blaney isn’t behind the wheel of a NASCAR Cup Series car, there’s a good chance you’ll find him on a golf course.
From classic courses steeped in history to mountain golf in North Carolina, Blaney has had the opportunity to play some memorable rounds. These are five courses that stand out to him (and one clear top pick winner).
5. Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club, North Carolina
Located in Southern Pines, just outside Pinehurst, Pine Needles is a Donald Ross-designed course dating back to 1927. The course has also hosted the U.S. Women’s Open four times, giving it a championship history that sets it apart even in one of the most golf-rich areas of the country.
For Blaney, that history is a big part of the appeal.
“Really cool golf course with a lot of history behind it.”
4. Tobacco Road Golf Club, North Carolina
Tobacco Road is anything but traditional. Located in Sanford, North Carolina, the course was designed by Mike Strantz and built on land that had previously been a tobacco farm and sand quarry. Its dramatic layout and unconventional design have made it one of the more distinctive golf experiences in the country.
“Really unique course. It’s very different than anything you could ever play. I look forward to going there a second time and trying to figure it out.”
3. Oakland Hills Country Club, Michigan
Oakland Hills Country Club in Michigan has been part of American golf for more than a century and has hosted some of the sport’s biggest championships. Its famed South Course has hosted six U.S. Opens and will welcome the championship back in 2034 and again in 2051.
Blaney likes it for its classic feel.
“It's up in Michigan. Very old golf course. They have a major coming up there in a handful of years. Big, open, just old-school Northern golf.”
2. Elk River Club, North Carolina
This one is personal for Blaney. Located in Banner Elk in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, Elk River is a private mountain course designed by Jack Nicklaus. It was Nicklaus’ first Signature Course in North Carolina and incorporates the surrounding mountains, lakes, tree-lined fairways and Elk River itself into the layout.
“I'm gonna get personal. I am a member of a golf course up in the mountains of North Carolina called Elk River. I love Elk River. Beautiful mountain golf course that is very unique.”
1. Augusta National Golf Club, Georgia
Then there’s Augusta.
Home of the Masters, Augusta National is one of the most famous courses in golf. Founded by Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts, its combination of history, elevation changes and instantly recognizable holes has made it one of the sport’s defining venues.
Blaney has had the rare opportunity to play it himself. There’s really no debate about where it ranks for him.
“I hate dropping this card, but I've been able to play Augusta. It's easily number one because of the history there. Being able to watch the Masters on TV after you've played Augusta gives you a whole different view and appreciation for what those guys and girls go through when they go out there and play Augusta.”
From the Racetrack to the Golf Course
Blaney’s picks cover just about every kind of golf experience: the history of Pine Needles and Oakland Hills, the unconventional challenge of Tobacco Road, the mountain setting of Elk River and, at the top of the list, Augusta National.
For someone who spends his weekends competing at NASCAR tracks around the country, golf offers a very different kind of challenge and these are five courses Blaney would gladly tee it up at again.
Try Blaney's Preferred Dip
Black Buffalo dips just like the real thing without the tobacco leaf or stem. Check out Blaney's favorite Peach Long Cut or try two cans for $6.