Ever stepped onto the first tee and thought, "Who came up with this name?" Golf is already an unusual game that can excite, relax, and infuriate like no other sport—but some courses take the quirkiness to another level with their truly bizarre names.
What makes these strange course names so compelling is that each tells a unique story about its history, location, or creator. Let's tee off with five of the most eyebrow-raising golf course names we've ever encountered.
Kissing Camels at Garden of the Gods Club - Colorado, USA
You might think this name was dreamed up after a few too many post-round beverages, but there's actually a perfectly logical explanation. The course gets its name from the incredible natural rock formations in the background that, from the right angle, resemble two camels locking lips.
This 27-hole facility offers more than just a conversation starter—it delivers breathtaking views throughout and a challenging layout suitable for golfers of all handicaps. The scenery alone makes this course worth adding to your bucket list, quirky name and all.
Dismal River - Nebraska, USA
Talk about underselling yourself! Despite its rather uninspiring name, Dismal River actually boasts two spectacular championship courses, including one designed by the legendary Jack Nicklaus himself.
While the facility takes its name from the nearby river, there's nothing dismal about the stunning sand hills landscape and world-class golf experience. That said, after tackling the challenging Red Course, your scorecard might make the name seem eerily appropriate.
Mad Russian - Colorado, USA
No, this isn't a political statement or a Trump golf property. The story behind this wonderfully named course involves an act of defiance that golfers everywhere can appreciate.
When Russian farmer Ted Blehm was denied membership at his local Golf and Country Club, he didn't just walk away defeated—he built his own course, and made it bigger and better. It's the ultimate golf revenge story that rewrites the old saying to: "If you can't join 'em, beat 'em."
Furnace Creek - Death Valley, California, USA
Some course names are subtle. This one? Not so much. Located in Death Valley—home to the hottest recorded temperature on Earth (a scorching 56.7°C)—Furnace Creek earns its appropriately intimidating name.
Here, heat stroke becomes an actual course hazard, and smart players prioritize hydration and sun protection over perfect yardages. Our recommendation? Book your tee time in winter when temperatures drop to a more reasonable 20°C—still warm enough for short sleeves while your friends back home are playing in multiple layers.
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Dead Horse Lake - Tennessee, USA
Perhaps the most morbid name on our list comes with an equally grim origin story. Legend has it that an explorer's horse became trapped in quicksand near what is now the third hole. Unable to escape, the poor animal perished, and its final resting place eventually formed a lake.
So next time you're having a rough day on the course, shanking shots or three-putting, remember—at least you're having a better day than that unfortunate explorer's loyal steed.
Track Your Adventures with Hole19
Whether you're playing at courses with strange names or more conventionally titled tracks, the Hole19 app helps you navigate any course with accurate GPS distances, track your scores, and analyze your performance. Our Shot Tracker feature even lets you record those memorable shots at these uniquely named destinations.
