For passionate golfers, few experiences compare to teeing off at one of the world’s legendary courses. These aren’t just places to play golf; they’re destinations where the sport’s history, beauty, and challenges come together. From windswept links in Scotland to sun-drenched fairways in the Caribbean, these courses belong on every golfer’s bucket list. Here’s a guide to the iconic greens you won’t want to miss.
St. Andrews Links (Old Course) – Scotland
Known as the birthplace of golf, St. Andrews’ Old Course is a pilgrimage for any golfer. Located in Fife, Scotland, this storied course has hosted the Open Championship multiple times and offers a blend of historical charm and challenge. Its iconic features—such as the Road Hole (17th), the Swilcan Bridge, and the Hell Bunker—test every aspect of a player’s game. Playing here means walking in the footsteps of legends, making it a must-play destination.
Augusta National Golf Club – United States
Augusta National, home of the Masters Tournament, is arguably the most famous course in the United States. Though it’s a private club, attending the Masters lets fans witness the course’s breathtaking beauty and pristine conditions. The iconic Amen Corner (holes 11, 12, and 13) is golf’s hallowed ground, and the azaleas that bloom each spring create a setting that feels more like a garden than a sports venue. While gaining entry is no small feat, visiting Augusta is an experience every golfer dreams of.
Pebble Beach Golf Links – United States
Perched along the rugged cliffs of California’s Monterey Peninsula, Pebble Beach combines jaw-dropping scenery with world-class golf. With several holes hugging the coastline, the course provides a challenge and unparalleled ocean views. As a public course, Pebble Beach is more accessible than many on this list, allowing golfers to play where greats like Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods have etched their names into the record books.
Royal County Down – Northern Ireland
Golfers and experts consistently rank Royal County Down among the world’s best courses, praising its stunning natural beauty and challenging terrain. In Newcastle, Northern Ireland, the course lies framed by the Mountains of Mourne and the Irish Sea. Its blind shots, gorse-lined fairways, and tricky greens demand strategic play. The unforgettable 9th hole, with a tee shot that looks out over Dundrum Bay, is one of the most photographed in golf.
Royal Melbourne Golf Club (West Course) – Australia
As Australia’s premier golfing destination, Royal Melbourne is known for its superb layout, fast greens, and natural sandbelt terrain. The West Course, designed by legendary architect Alister MacKenzie, is a masterpiece that tests a player’s ability to strategize and execute. Hosting numerous prestigious tournaments, including the Presidents Cup, Royal Melbourne offers a bucket-list experience that is both rewarding and challenging.
Cape Kidnappers Golf Course – New Zealand
Situated on New Zealand’s North Island, Cape Kidnappers delivers stunning scenery and an exceptional golfing experience. Designed by Tom Doak, the course features fairways set on dramatic cliffs that drop hundreds of feet into the Pacific Ocean. Golfers navigate these unique terrains and enjoy breathtaking views, creating a must-visit destination for those seeking adventure and unforgettable surroundings.
Valderrama Golf Club – Spain
As one of Europe’s most prestigious courses, Valderrama has been the site of historic tournaments, including the 1997 Ryder Cup. Located in Spain’s Andalusian countryside, this course offers immaculate fairways, challenging greens, and strategic bunkering. Its par-5 17th, a risk-reward hole with water in play, is a standout that lingers in the memory of every golfer who plays it.
Banff Springs Golf Course – Canada
Nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Banff Springs offers a golfing experience that’s as much about the views as the game. Stanley Thompson designed this course to combine forested fairways, elevation changes, and postcard-perfect scenery. The signature 4th hole, known as the “Devil’s Cauldron,” features a stunning tee shot over a glacial lake, creating a highlight reel moment on every round.
The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island – United States
Known for its windswept layout and dramatic ocean views, the Ocean Course at Kiawah Island in South Carolina is a test of skill. It hosted the 1991 Ryder Cup and multiple PGA Championships and is known for its challenging design by Pete Dye. With over half of the holes running along the coastline, players face ever-changing winds and a need for pinpoint accuracy, making it one of America’s most thrilling public courses.
Turnberry (Ailsa Course) – Scotland
Turnberry’s Ailsa Course is a links masterpiece that combines historic prestige with breathtaking views. It has been the stage for several memorable Open Championships on the Ayrshire coast. Furthermore, the iconic lighthouse, now repurposed as a luxury halfway house, adds to the course’s charm. Renovations have enhanced its playability while preserving its legendary status, ensuring that a round at Turnberry remains unforgettable.
Whistling Straits (Straits Course) – United States
Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, Whistling Straits has hosted multiple major championships and Ryder Cups. The Straits Course, designed by Pete Dye, mimics the rugged terrain of Ireland’s links courses. With dramatic bunkering, constant breezes, and visually intimidating holes, it’s a bucket-list destination for those who relish a tough but fair test of golf.
Old Head Golf Links – Ireland
Perched on a dramatic headland in County Cork, Old Head Golf Links is one of the most scenic courses in the world. Moreover, the course’s unique location, surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean on nearly all sides, offers stunning views from every hole. As a result, the combination of challenging holes and sheer natural beauty creates an unforgettable experience. Indeed, playing here feels like golfing on the edge of the world.
Carnoustie Golf Links – Scotland
Golfers call Carnoustie “Car-Nasty” for its difficulty, but it’s a must-play for those seeking a challenge. Located on Scotland’s east coast, it has hosted The Open and is known for penal bunkers and fast greens. The closing holes, mainly the 18th, have decided many championships and remain etched in golfing history.
Avid golfers view playing iconic courses as a journey through the sport’s history and stunning landscapes, from St. Andrews to Ireland’s links and America’s famed courses. Each course tells a story, presents a challenge, and creates a lasting memory.