About Public Gems

Great golf shouldn't require a membership. Public Gems helps you discover the best public golf courses in America — from bucket-list championship tracks to hidden municipal gems that locals love.

We believe the best round of golf is one that's both great and accessible. That's why we built the Gems Index with value as a core dimension — not just course quality and prestige, but how much course you get per dollar.

The Gems Index

Every course on Public Gems is rated by the Gems Index, a composite score (0–100) across five dimensions:

• Course Quality (30%) — Rating, slope, architect pedigree, facility amenities.
• Value (25%) — Green fee vs. course rating ratio. Walking allowed and resident discounts earn bonuses. A $30 muni with a 73 rating scores higher than a $250 resort with the same rating.
• Condition & Experience (20%) — Google ratings and review volume.
• Playability (15%) — Multiple tees, walkability, inclusive forward tee yardage.
• Prestige (10%) — Tournament history, architect, year established.

Our Mission

We want every golfer to find their next favorite course. Whether you're traveling and need a great round nearby, or hunting for the best value in your state, Public Gems helps you discover, compare, and book the best public golf in America.