Whether you’re a casual weekend golfer or someone eager to discover new places while indulging in a few rounds, considering a journey to top-tier golf courses is an excellent travel idea. Imagine being surrounded by verdant greenery as you play the beloved game; it’s a captivating experience.
These picturesque golf havens are masterfully integrated into their natural surroundings and boast the classic 18-hole layout, all thanks to the expertise of celebrated course designers. Moreover, they come with all the trimmings: clubhouses, eateries, lounges, and even resorts complete with swimming pools and golf carts, ensuring your stay is nothing short of a golf-centric retreat.
Picture yourself enjoying sumptuous meals at Pebble Beach Golf Links or unwinding in opulent villas at Kapalua Golf – these spots aren’t just for playing; they’re perfect for vacationing, too. Intrigued yet? If you’re gearing up for a getaway that combines breathtaking views with a chance to sharpen your golf skills, look no further. We’re here to guide you to some of the most magnificent golf courses globally, available for your enjoyment throughout the year.
Here’s a sneak peek at some of the world’s most stunning golf courses that will take your breath away.
Old Course, Scotland
Image Credit: St. Andrews Link
Dating back to the early 15th century, the Old Course, often called The Home of Golf, is where this beloved sport was introduced six centuries ago. Spanning over 6146 meters, it’s a classic 18-hole course featuring nine holes out and nine holes back. This public golf course provides a variety of packages, such as the Old Course Ballot, Old Course Tee Times, and Single Golfers, allowing players to book based on their group size and course availability.
The course also boasts several dining options like The Old Pavilion, which offers stunning views of the Old Course’s first tee, and the more recent addition, the Halfway House, where every item on the menu celebrates local Scottish produce. Plus, an on-site shop carries official merchandise, gifts, and accessories.
Over the years, the Old Course has seen many golfing greats grace its greens, including Bobby Jones, Peter Thompson, Nick Faldo, Tiger Woods, Bobby Locke, Seve Ballesteros, Jack Nicklaus, John Daly, Louis Oosthuizen, and Zach Johnson.
Plantation Course, USA
Image Credit: Golf at Kapalua
Holding the title of Hawaii’s top golf course for an impressive 15 years, according to Golfweek, the Plantation Course is a masterpiece crafted by Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore. They skillfully utilized the natural contours and slopes of the West Maui Mountains in their design. Opened in 1992 and spanning roughly 6,946 meters, this course offers breathtaking ocean views from every hole, enhancing the overall Kapalua Golf experience alongside the Bay Course.
The course also houses The Plantation House Restaurant, providing delightful dining options. For accommodation, Kapalua Golf offers three luxurious choices: The Ritz-Carlton, The Kapalua Villas (offering one-, two-, and three-bedroom vacation villas), and Montage Kapalua Bay (featuring two and three-bedroom oceanfront villas). These provide the perfect retreat for players and vacationers seeking some quiet time.
Every January, the Plantation Course hosts the Sentry Tournament of Champions, where PGA TOUR champions from the previous year compete. In 2022, the course record was set at 61. Over the years, the tournament has seen participation from golf legends like Woods, Vijay Singh, and Phil Mickelson, among other renowned players.
TPC Danzante Bay, Mexico
Image Credit: TPC Danzante Bay
Nestled amidst the Sierra de la Giganta Mountain’s rolling hills, with spectacular views of the Islands of Loreto, the TPC Danzante Bay golf course stretches approximately 6,618 meters. It boasts modern practice facilities, an on-site pro shop, and a golf clubhouse. Coupled with The Villa del Palmar Beach Resort & Spa — shared with the Loreto golf course — it makes for a perfect Mexican getaway for those wanting to combine leisure and golf.
TPC Danzante Bay also offers two enticing packages. The Golf or Spa package allows guests to play at the TPC Danzante Bay Championship course or choose from their other amenities, including unwinding at the award-winning Sabila Spa, fishing in a pond, or embarking on various tours. On the other hand, the Ultimate Golf or Spa package allows visitors to play golf or indulge in all the facilities, such as a spa, fishing, scuba diving, and island and ATV tours.
This exceptional course, designed by Rees Jones, has been recognized as the Best Golf Course in Mexico (2021) and Latin America (2019) by the World Golf Awards. Notable sports figures and entrepreneurs like Byron Scott and Ricardo Salinas Pliego have graced this stunning course and praised its beauty.
Pebble Beach Golf Links, USA
Image Credit: Pebble Beach Golf Links
Recognized as America’s #1 Public Golf Course by Golf Digest, this course stretches approximately 6244 meters along the breathtaking coastline of California’s Monterey Peninsula. Officially inaugurated in 1919, it holds a unique place in the nation’s history as the only venue to continuously host the USGA Championships.
The course is renowned for being the first west of the Mississippi to host the U.S. Amateur — one of the four major golf championships. It’s also famous for the annual AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, which has been held at the course since 1947 and attracts PGA TOUR participation.
Looking ahead, the course is set to host several prestigious tournaments, including the inaugural U.S. Women’s Open Presented by ProMedica in 2023, three Women’s Opens in 2035, 2040, and 2048, and four U.S. Opens in 2027, 2032, 2037, and 2044.
Beyond its rich history and status as one of the top golf courses, Pebble Beach Golf Links is also known for its dining options, which include Stillwater Bar and Grill, The Tap Room, The Bench, Gallery Cafe, The Terrace Lounge, and Hay’s Place. It also features a spa area with five facial rooms, 15 massage rooms, a conservatory, and a cozy sanctuary equipped with a fire pit for warmth.
Augusta National Golf Club, Georgia
Image Credit: Masters.com
Since its opening in 1932, Augusta National has been the epitome of golfing excellence in Georgia. The legendary golfer Bobby Jones and renowned architect Alister MacKenzie poured their vision into creating this iconic course, symbolizing the lush green landscapes that Americans adore.
The prestigious Masters Tournament calls Augusta National Golf Club home, marking it as one of the elite majors in the golfing world. This hallowed course has witnessed the prowess of golf greats like Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, Arnold Palmer, Jimmy Demaret, and Sam Snead. Notably, the Masters was the first golf event to grace our screens in full high-definition glory.
Covering a vast expanse of 6836 meters, Augusta National boasts amenities such as a welcoming clubhouse complete with dining areas, showers, and lockers for visitors. The on-site shop is a treasure trove featuring an image gallery and a bookstore where you can procure the official tournament magazine, filled with memorable moments from each year’s competition.
Bethpage Golf Course, USA
Image Credit: Bethpage Golf Course
Established in 1936, this sprawling 6826-meter golf course has earned a spot on Golf Digest’s list of America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses. It boasts five standard 18-hole golf courses, including the famous Bethpage Black Course, a favorite among public golf enthusiasts.
Bethpage has been the proud host of prestigious golf tournaments such as the United States Open Championships in 2002 and 2009, Barclays in 2011 and 2016, and the PGA Championship in 2019. It is also set to welcome the Ryder Cup in 2024. Besides the legendary Tiger Woods, esteemed golfers like Lucas Glover, Nick Watney, and Patrick Reed have graced its greens with their skills.
The clubhouse at Bethpage offers a variety of amenities for guests to relax and rejuvenate, including dining and lounging areas, lockers, and shower rooms.
Bethpage provides tee times across all its courses – green, blue, yellow, red, and black. These can be conveniently booked through the official Bethpage Golf Course website.
Ballybunion Golf Club, Ireland
Image Credit: Ballybunion Golf Club
Founded in 1893, the Ballybunion Golf Club started as a 12-hole course nestled amidst verdant sand dunes, overlooking the majestic Atlantic Ocean in County Kerry. Spanning over 6162 meters, it now includes the Old Course and the Trent Jones Cashen Course, having expanded to a standard 18-hole layout in 1926.
The clubhouse at Ballybunion offers an array of amenities such as a golf shop, a restaurant and lounge, bars, locker rooms equipped with a steam room, and a snack shop.
The Old Course stands out among its peers, earning numerous accolades over the years. In 2023, it secured the 17th spot on the list of Top 100 golf courses in the UK & Ireland.
Guests are welcome to reserve a tee time via the club’s official website, where they can also book a luxurious stay to enhance their golfing experience.
Cabot Cliffs Golf Course, Canada
Image Credit: Cabot Cape Breton
Cabot Cliffs, a 6189-meter golf course in Nova Scotia, is a masterpiece crafted by the renowned architects Coore and Crenshaw. It proudly holds the ninth position on Golf Digest’s list of the top 100 golf courses worldwide and has been hailed as Canada’s Best Modern Golf Course by Golfweek magazine.
Since its inauguration in 2015, Cabot Cliffs has become famous for its par three 16th hole, known as the property’s signature hole, perched above the beach on the cliffs. The designers’ favorite, the 13th hole, features a significant hump just before the green.
This walking-only course offers three dining options: the Cabot Bar, Panorama, and Whit’s Public House. It also boasts an award-winning accommodation facility with 72 rooms and 19 luxurious golf villas for a truly immersive golfing experience.
The Royal Melbourne Golf Club, Australia
Image Credit: The Royal Melbourne
The Royal Melbourne West Course in Victoria, designed by MacKenzie in 1926, is recognized as one of Australia’s premier golf courses. It features elevated tees, deep greenside bunkers, native Australian tree scrub lining the fairways, and swift greens across its 6077-meter expanse.
In 2018, Golf Digest named it the number-one course in Australia. The clubhouse proudly displays its accolades, including the President’s Cup won by Adam Scott at the Masters in 2013, along with images of the original club course.
Over the years, this course has been the stage for impressive victories by golfers such as Wayne Riley (Australia) in 1991, Greg Norman (Australia) in 1987 and 1985, Tom Watson (USA) in 1984, and Gary Player (South Africa) in 1963.
The Royal Melbourne Professional shop caters to all golfing needs, offering professional coaching, club merchandise, on-course apparel, and various equipment.
Naruo Golf Course, Japan
Image Credit: Naruo Golf Course
Established in 1920, the Naruo Golf Course in Hyogo has preserved its original design thanks to Japan’s finest Koryo grass, which stays green all year round. Spanning nearly 6050 meters, this course is renowned for its exceptional bunkers, skillfully shaped by leveraging the land’s natural contours.
The course was brought to life in 1930 by architects Joe E. Crane, Harry C. Crane, Bertie E. Crane, and C. H. Alison. It offers a range of amenities, including a professional shop, a driving range, and an approach bunker practice area. The on-site restaurant serves delectable Naruo cuisine, complemented by breathtaking views of Hatano.
Please note that Sundays at the course are exclusively reserved for members, and guests cannot play on this day.
Utrecht Golfclub de Pan, The Netherlands
Image Credit: Utrecht Golfclub de Pan
In 2021, Golf World listed Utrechtse Golfclub de Pan as the 53rd-best course worldwide. Established back in 1894 and later shaped by Harry Colt’s vision in 1929, this golf club holds the title of the second oldest in The Netherlands. Its layout is a nod to the classic English heathland design, complete with various facilities for unwinding.
Spanning 6085 meters, the course is particularly renowned for its challenging sixth, seventh, and tenth holes, which require skillful drives through scenic valleys dotted with heather and sand. Additionally, it’s celebrated for hosting an iconic golfing event where Dave Marr triumphed over Peter Thomson during the 1967 Shell’s Wonderful World of Golf series.
Marco Simone Golf & Country Club, Italy
Image Credit: Marco Simone Golf
Nestled within the breathtaking grounds of Laura Biagiotti’s historic estate, complete with an 11th-century refurbished castle, you’ll find the Marco Simone Golf & Country Club. This expansive course, spanning 1.5 square kilometers, was brought to life in the late 1980s by architect Jim Fazio. Its one of Europe’s largest clubhouse sprawls across a whopping 7,000 square meters.
The club boasts several standout features, including The European Team Ballroom, The Grand Terraces, and a welcoming restaurant that embodies Italian hospitality and can accommodate up to 120 guests. Both The European Team Ballroom and The Grand Terraces are versatile spaces, each capable of hosting around 200 attendees for various events or conferences. Additionally, the club is home to a golf academy, offering training for novices and seasoned professionals alike.
The Ocean Course, USA
Image Credit: kiawahresort.com
Stretching across 6727 meters, The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort in South Carolina is a masterpiece crafted by Alice and Pete Dye. Originally designed to host the 1991 Ryder Cup, this course has earned a reputation as one of the most challenging globally. It was also the battleground for the 2012 PGA Championship, where Rory McIlroy emerged victorious, and again in 2021 when Phil Mickelson claimed the title.
Known for having the highest number of beachfront holes in North America, this public course offers more than just a game of golf. It features a driving range, a clubhouse equipped with a Ryder Cup-themed dining bar, and the Atlantic Room for gourmet dining experiences. Additionally, it boasts cottages that provide breathtaking views of both the course and the majestic Atlantic Ocean.
Capilano Golf Club, Canada
Image Credit: Capilano Golf and Country Club
Carved out of a lush rainforest, the Capilano Golf Club is the brainchild of designer Stanley Thompson. He ingeniously incorporated stunning Vancouver vistas into every hole of this 6132-metre course. Originally laid out in 1937, the course boasts wide fairways bordered by trees and creatively designed bunkers. It’s not only one of the world’s finest golf courses but also consistently ranks among Canada’s top ten and holds the title of British Columbia’s number one course.
The club has hosted prestigious tournaments featuring some of Canada’s most esteemed players. Icons like Al Balding, Gordon Brydson, Moe Norman, and Stan Leonard have graced its greens, leaving their mark with exceptional performances and signature shots.
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