From coastal cliffs to desert landscapes, the world is full of incredible golf courses that challenge players and inspire awe. Whether you’re a scratch golfer or an avid fan of the sport, discovering legendary courses across the globe is an experience worth adding to your bucket list.
This guide rounds up the top 10 best golf courses in the world every golfer should visit, based on history, prestige, difficulty, and beauty. These venues offer more than just a game; they provide unforgettable moments in a golfing paradise.
1. St. Andrews Links (Old Course) – Scotland
Why is this the home of golf?
No list of the world’s best golf courses is complete without the legendary Old Course at St. Andrews. Located in Scotland, this historic course has been played since the 15th century and is considered the birthplace of golf. It’s public, traditional, and challenging, with iconic features like the Swilcan Bridge and the infamous Road Hole bunker.
- Location: St. Andrews, Scotland
- Established: 1552
- Par: 72
- Fun Fact: Hosted The Open Championship more than any other course.
2. Augusta National Golf Club – USA
Can you handle the pressure of The Masters?
Home to The Masters, Augusta National is one of the most prestigious golf courses in the world. It’s famous for its pristine landscaping, azaleas, and “Amen Corner”—a stretch of three challenging holes that test even the best pros.
- Location: Augusta, Georgia, USA
- Established: 1933
- Par: 72
- Known For: Invitation-only membership and extreme exclusivity
3. Royal County Down – Northern Ireland
Is this the most scenic course in the world?
Framed by the Mountains of Mourne and set along the Irish Sea, Royal County Down is as beautiful as it is challenging. The natural links terrain and unpredictable winds make it one of the most exciting types of golf courses to play.
- Location: Newcastle, Northern Ireland
- Established: 1889
- Par: 71
- Signature Hole: The par-4 9th, with stunning panoramic views
4. Pebble Beach Golf Links – USA
What’s it like playing next to crashing waves?
Perched on California’s rugged coastline, Pebble Beach offers dramatic cliffside views and world-class course design. It’s a public course that plays like a private one, having hosted multiple U.S. Opens.
- Location: Pebble Beach, California, USA
- Established: 1919
- Par: 72
- Notable Moment: Tiger Woods’ 15-stroke win at the 2000 U.S. Open
5. Cypress Point Club – USA
Want to play golf through dunes and forest?
Often ranked alongside Pebble Beach for its beauty, Cypress Point blends Pacific Ocean cliffs with pine-covered terrain. It’s notoriously private, but those lucky enough to play here find it unforgettable.
- Location: Pebble Beach, California, USA
- Established: 1928
- Par: 72
- Highlight Hole: The iconic 16th, a 231-yard par-3 over the ocean
6. Royal Melbourne (West Course) – Australia
How does Australia do championship golf?
As one of the southern hemisphere’s greatest golf destinations, Royal Melbourne boasts strategic design, fast greens, and wide fairways. Designed by Alister MacKenzie, it represents the best of Australian sandbelt golf.
- Location: Melbourne, Australia
- Established: 1931
- Par: 72
- Tournament History: Hosted the Presidents Cup multiple times
7. Pine Valley Golf Club – USA
Is this the toughest course on Earth?
If difficulty is your measure of greatness, Pine Valley in New Jersey may top your list. It’s often cited as the most challenging course due to its penal bunkering and thick forests.
- Location: Clementon, New Jersey, USA
- Established: 1913
- Par: 70
- Distinction: Frequently ranked #1 in U.S. course rankings
8. Shinnecock Hills Golf Club – USA
How well can you play in the wind?
As one of the oldest golf clubs in the U.S., Shinnecock Hills offers links-style play influenced by its Scottish heritage. The wind, fast greens, and thick rough demand strategic precision.
- Location: Southampton, New York, USA
- Established: 1891
- Par: 70
- Fun Fact: Founding member of the USGA
9. Cape Kidnappers – New Zealand
Ever played golf on a cliff edge?
With its fairways perched on dramatic cliffs overlooking Hawke’s Bay, Cape Kidnappers feels like you’re golfing at the edge of the world. It’s one of the most remote yet rewarding destinations.
- Location: Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand
- Established: 2004
- Par: 71
- Course Style: Cliffside links with deep ravines and windswept holes
10. Valderrama Golf Club – Spain
What makes European golf so memorable?
Regarded as the best golf course in continental Europe, Valderrama gained international fame after hosting the 1997 Ryder Cup. It’s tight, tree-lined, and a true test of skill and strategy.
- Location: Sotogrande, Spain
- Established: 1974
- Par: 71
- Highlight: The par-5 17th—tricky with water guarding the green
What Do These Golf Courses Have in Common?
These world-renowned courses span multiple types of golf courses—from links-style layouts like Royal County Down to parkland gems like Augusta National. What they all share is:
- Impeccable design and maintenance
- Stunning natural settings
- Rich golf heritage
- A challenge for players of all levels
- Dream destinations for any traveling golfer
Final Thoughts
Playing on any of these top 10 best golf courses in the world is more than a sporting event—it’s a journey into the heart of the game. Each course offers its own charm, strategic elements, and breathtaking views that leave lasting impressions. If you’re passionate about golf, visiting even just one of these legendary locations can be a once-in-a-lifetime thrill. So grab your clubs, plan your trip, and start crossing them off your list.
