Ask any amateur golfer: What is the best month of the year to play golf? The response will predominantly be September (and sometimes, October). In the fall, the weather is cooling down, the summer vacationers have gone back to work and school, and autumn colors are vibrant.

Fall foliage fanatics travel to areas well-known for their foliage to watch the color of the leaves change. For golfers who play in the fall, a view of tree-lined fairways with bright red, yellow, and orange leaves may be a sufficient reward, regardless of the score.

Here are 12 golf courses that offer an exceptional fall golfing experience:

BETHPAGE STATE PARK BLACK COURSE

Farmingdale, New York

For the avid golfer, Bethpage is a paradise. It offers five 18-hole, regulation courses that accommodate all levels of players. It includes the world-renowned Black Course, which was the site of the U.S. Open in 2002 and 2009. While famous for golf, Bethpage State Park also features five miles of trails that cut through the Long Island Greenbelt. Visitors can hike deep into the forests to enjoy the fall foliage or even pitch a tent at the campground.

In the 1930s, The Bethpage Park Authority acquired the Lenox Hills Country Club to build Bethpage State Park. Three new courses, Black, Red, and Blue, were designed and built by famed golf course architect A.W. Tillinghast. The existing Lenox Hills Course was modified and became the Green Course. The Yellow Course designed by Alfred Tull was opened in 1958.

The Black Course is a tough course even for low-handicap golfers. The course is for walkers only. For a more relaxed round of golf with a golf cart, one of the other courses may be selected. The high, rough, narrow fairways, strategically-placed bunkers, and “postage-stamp” greens help to make this an extremely difficult course. The most scenic hole on the Black course is the 18th. From the tee box, looking toward the green and clubhouse, a mix of evergreen and deciduous trees lines the fairway, creating a colorful scene that is most spectacular during the autumn months.

MUIRFIELD VILLAGE GOLF CLUB

Dublin, Ohio

Muirfield is a challenging course, with over 70 bunkers and water hazards on 11 separate holes. This PGA Tour favorite has countless fans and consistently ranks on Golf Digest’s list of the greatest courses in the United States. The work of Jack Nicklaus, in association with Desmond Muirhead, the course was named after Muirfield, Scotland, where The Golden Bear won his first three British Opens.

The 18-hole layout, selected by Golf Digest as No. 17 among "America's 100 Greatest Courses," is 7,221yards. Since 1976 Muirfield Village has been host to the prestigious Memorial Tournament, often called the fifth major. The course consistently ranks in the top 20 United States golf courses and top 50 in the world.

Featured tournaments include the 1986 U.S. Junior Amateur, the 1987 Ryder Cup Matches, the U.S.G.A.'s 1992 United States Amateur Championship, and others.

The 15th at Muirfield is the signature hole. At 529 yards, there is plenty of time to take in the trees lining both sides of the fairway.

GOLDEN HORSESHOE GOLF CLUB

Williamsburg Virginia

An autumn golf trip to Williamsburg offers mild temperatures and an unparalleled display of fall foliage. Drive the Colonial Parkway to Jamestown Settlement, a climb aboard the Susan Constant or a bike ride in one the many area parks are activities not to be missed, but a view of autumn colors from one of Williamsburg’s many championship courses is sure to be a trip highlight.

Golden Horseshoe Golf Club, designed by father-and-son golf course architects, Robert Trent Jones Sr. and Rees Jones, has three courses. Both the Gold and Green courses offer challenges worthy of the best golfers, and the Spotswood is the Williamsburg Inn’s original 1947 nine-hole course. The courses offer a pleasant golf cart ride, but all the holes can easily be walked while enjoying the autumn breeze and vibrant color changes.

The club has received numerous honors, such as GOLF Magazine’s “Top 500 Golf Holes in the World,” Golfweek Magazine’s “Top 100 Resort Courses in America,” and Golf Digest’s “2016 Best Golf Resorts in the Mid-Atlantic.”

BLACKWOLF RUN GOLF COURSE

Kohler, Wisconsin

Over two hundred years ago, the Winnebago Indian tribe led by Chief Blackwolf occupied the Sheboygan River Valley. Carved out by a glacial runoff, the valley now hosts two golf courses— the River and the Meadow Valleys at Blackwolf Run.

One of Pete Dye’s masterpieces, Blackwolf Run has held numerous professional championships, including the 1995, 1996, and 1997 Andersen Consulting World Golf Championships, as well as the 1998 and 2012 U.S. Women’s Open Championship.

On the Meadow Valleys course, large rolling greens, target landing areas, well-placed bunkers, and strategic water hazards on 14 of 18 holes perfectly portray the challenge of this championship course.

Hole 3 on the Meadow Valleys is perhaps the most scenic. Nicknamed “Pine Valley,” this hole is is flanked by trees on either side of the tee, plus a rolling fairway that opens to unobstructed views of the valley and stunning autumn colors.

SUGARLOAF MOUNTAIN RESORT

Sugarloaf, Maine

Sugarloaf, Maine is primarily known for its exceptional skiing opportunities in the winter months. However, during the summer, golf is the focus and, in the fall, the course offers a beautiful view of Sugarloaf Mountain and the Carrabassett River.

The par-72 course, with forest-lined holes that climb and descend over the mountainside, consistently ranks as Maine’s best place to play, according to Golf Digest.

The most memorable holes are the “String of Pearls,” a seven-hole stretch that frames the Carrabassett River, where the golfer might catch views of wildlife, such as moose and red-tailed foxes. The most impressive hole may be number 11, which has a tee box positioned some 125 feet above the fairway and provides a sweeping view of the red and orange forest below.

Playing golf on Sugarloaf is much like skiing on Sugarloaf: a challenging and memorable experience that a golfer of any ability will want to repeat again and again.

LEATHERSTOCKING GOLF COURSE

Cooperstown, New York

Cooperstown has so much to offer its visitors, especially during the autumn months. Your trip would not be complete without a tour of the Baseball Hall of Fame, but you should also take time to sample the cider at the Fly Creek Cider Mill, take a leisurely walk along Main Street, stop by the local fair, and take in a round or two of golf.

At the Otsego Resort Hotel, take your afternoon tea in a rocking chair on the back porch for an unparalleled view of Otsego Lake and the Leatherstocking Golf Course. Designed in 1909 by Devereux Emmet, it’s known for its fun finish, a long par 3 over a water hazard, and a par 5 that flanks the water from tee to green.

Cooperstown provides golf enthusiasts an abundance of memory-making opportunities. Visitors leave with an enriched knowledge of the history of America’s favorite pastime, some scenic-rich golf photos, and a new appreciation for the fall colors in the northeast.

BEACON ROCK GOLF COURSE

North Bonneville, Washington

Beacon Rock Golf Course has been providing entertaining and affordable golf for more than 40 years. In 1971, residents volunteered their time, purchased supplies, and donated equipment to create BRGC.

Beacon Rock Golf Course, positioned at the heart of grand Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, provides all golfers the rewarding experience they expect from a day on the golf course. It offers a gorgeous setting, outstanding playing conditions, and a clubhouse to enjoy a meal or beverage after the round.

The Columbia River Gorge scenery is certainly beautiful year-round, but it’s extra special in autumn. An expansive gorge flares with bright oranges and yellows, making it one of America’s top drives along the Columbia River Highway.

A par-36 2,700-yard nine-hole course, nestled right in the magic of the Columbia River Gorge, the Beacon Rock Golf Course challenges better players to go low while providing beginners and players of all ages and abilities a beautiful day of golf.

SEQUOYAH NATIONAL GOLF CLUB

Whittier, North Carolina

Located in the Great Smoky Mountains, less than an hour west of Asheville, North Carolina, Sequoyah National Golf Club meanders among the fir, oak, and flowery valleys of the Great Smoky Mountains. The property, owned by the Eastern Band of the Cherokee, is a Robert Trent Jones II course design that offers golfers an ideal course filled with beautiful landscapes, picturesque vistas, and challenging golf.

The course is positioned in the middle of one of America’s top destinations for fall foliage: Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Measuring 6,600 yards, the par 72 championship course is best known for its perfectly groomed bent grass greens and pristine bluegrass fairways. It provides unsurpassed playing conditions all year long, with an extensive practice facility including a driving range, chipping practice area, and putting green.

Enjoy a relaxed meal or afternoon beverage on the outdoor deck with 180-degree views of the Great Smoky Mountains. The surrounding community also provides golfers an environment rich with Native American culture and exciting year-round attractions.

Bull’s Bridge Golf Club

South Kent, Connecticut

The town of Litchfield, Connecticut is one of the most scenic, historical towns in New England. Nearby, nestled in Connecticut’s scenic Litchfield County, Bull’s Bridge Golf Club offers famous autumn colors and an unparalleled golf experience. Spectacular views of the impressive Berkshire foothills are prominent all over the golf property.

Considered by some to be the best golf course between New York City and Boston, Bull’s Bridge Golf Club opened in 2004. A Tom Fazio design, the par 72 layout is visually stunning, has a well-routed layout, and typifies his trademark versatility. The two hybrid course designs with lengths from 5,300 to 7,000 yards appeal to and challenge players of any handicap level.

Nature’s own beauty and painstaking maintenance create a memorable round for everyone who plays. In 2004, it was rated one of “America’s Best New Private Courses” by Travel + Leisure Golf Magazine.

TREETOPS RESORT

Gaylord, Michigan

Treetops Resort hosts 81 holes of championship-caliber golf with five distinct courses, including “The World’s Best Par 3 Course.” Treetops is the Midwest’s superlative golf resort and, perhaps, the best assortment of golf found anywhere in the country. World-class golf instruction, downhill skiing runs, snowmobiling, and a luxury spa are just some of the motives for a visit to Treetops Resort & Spa. Another reason may be the fall season when hundreds of trees that border the challenging course flaunt bright orange, red, and yellow colors.

The world-class courses include the Robert Trent Jones designed Masterpiece; the Tom Fazio Premier; Signature, rated a Top 50 Course for Women; the walkable course, Tradition; and the par-three Threetops course.

SEDONA GOLF RESORT

Sedona, Arizona

When temperatures exceed 100 degrees in Phoenix or Tucson, Sedona, at its higher elevation, is at least 15 degrees cooler. At 4,000 feet up, the Sedona Golf Resort is the perfect golf experience during the fall when orange and red trees offer a stark contrast to the red and white rock formations.

Located in the heart of perhaps the most enchanting region of the Southwest, the Sedona Golf Resort provides a combination of spectacular vistas and an exceptional challenge. The exhilarating 6,646-yard, par-71 course is considered by many to be one of the world's most memorable golf experiences.

Curving around the famous red rocks of Sedona, each hole provides a unique journey. This championship Sedona golf course has been awarded numerous four-star ratings by Golf Digest. Enjoyed by both visitors and locals, playing Sedona Golf Resort tops the list of things to do in Sedona, AZ.

POLAND SPRINGS GOLF COURSE

Maine

For golfers and autumn color enthusiasts who are also students of history, Poland Springs offers an intriguing past. Babe Ruth, Joe Kennedy, Walter Hagen, and President Taft are just some of the celebrities to have played on Poland Springs’ course.

A championship golf course, Poland Springs is carefully maintained with amazing views of the mountains and surrounding lakes. The front nine was originally designed by Arthur Fenn (the first American-born professional golfer and course architect). Donald Ross of Pinehurst Fame, later redesigned the course to include 18 championship holes.

With a slope of 124 measuring 6,178 yards, the Poland Springs golf course is an 18-hole par 71 championship layout. Fifteen of the holes have views of the White Mountains and surrounding lakes. In the fall, the colors can be spectacular. Bent grass greens, well-maintained fairways, and ponds are enjoyed by golfers of all abilities.

FINAL THOUGHTS

These are just a few of the many American golf courses that offer a spectacular display of fall colors. What could be better than combining the fun and enjoyment of a round of golf with the splendor of autumn leaves changing color? Choose one of these fabulous fall golfing destinations and find out for yourself.