Golf is a sport that takes ability, patience, and a beautiful course to play on. So, whether you’re an experienced golfer or just getting started, let’s take a look at some of the best golf courses in the world so you can set your sights on the top spots to tee off.
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Augusta National (Augusta, Georgia, USA)
The Master’s Tournament has been held at the historical Augusta National golf course since 1934. Even the most skilled players will be challenged by the elevation variations, azaleas, and lush vegetation on this awe-inspiring course. Augusta National was designed by Bobby Jones and Alister MacKenzie and opened for play in 1933. The course is massive, so be sure you’re fully equipped with a quality golf cart and are aware of the nearest place where you can get spares in a hurry, from large parts like motors to small ones like keys.
St. Andrews Links (Fife, Scotland)
One of the greatest and most renowned golf courses in the world, St. Andrews is sometimes referred to as being the birthplace of golf. St Andrews boasts seven distinct courses, each with their own special challenges. The Old Course, the most well-known course and one that every serious golfer should play, has been played on since the 15th century. Don’t overlook the six other courses, which present a range of difficulties and breathtaking scenery, or the nearby British Golf Museum, which honors the history of golf and has relics and exhibitions that highlight the sport’s rich background.
Pine Valley (New Jersey, US)
Pine Valley Golf Course in New Jersey is considered one of the best golf courses in the world. The course, designed by George Crump and Harry Colt, has been a favourite of golfers since it opened in 1913. The course is known for its challenging holes that require precision and skill, with sand traps, sloping fairways, and strategically placed bunkers. The course is also known for its natural beauty, with trees, water features and immaculately groomed fairways and greens. Pine Valley has hosted numerous national tournaments, including the Walker Cup, and has been named the number-one golf course in America by Golf Digest multiple times.
Cypress Point (California, US)
Cypress Point Golf Course is a world-renowned golf course in Monterey Peninsula, California. It is consistently ranked as one of the best golf courses in the world by Golf Digest and other publications and is a must-play for golf enthusiasts. The course features a stunning oceanside setting, challenging holes, and meticulously maintained greens and fairways. Cypress Point’s signature hole is the short par-three 16th, which requires an accurate tee shot over the ocean to a small green protected by a bunker carved into the seaside cliffs. With its picturesque views, challenging design, and rich history, Cypress Point Golf Course is one of the world’s finest golf experiences.
Mission Hills (Shenzhen, China)
Located in Shenzhen, China, with twelve 18-hole courses created by some of the most well-known golf course designers in the world, Mission Hills Golf Club is the biggest golf complex you will find today. Each course at Mission Hills is created to offer something different, from the rugged landscape of the Jack Nicklaus course to the water hazards and bunkers of the Greg Norman course, so there is something on offer for every type of golfer. The course is especially well known for its lush greenery, distinctive designs, and challenging holes that are sure to test even the most experienced golfers.
Naruo Golf Club (Hyogo, Japan)
Naruo Golf Club is a spectacular course located in Hyogo, Japan, and is known for its challenging layout and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The course was designed by renowned golf course architect Shiro Akaboshi, who incorporated the natural terrain and features of the surrounding landscape into the course’s design, which blends seamlessly with its surroundings and offers breathtaking views from every hole. The course also has a number of strategically placed water hazards and bunkers that require golfers to carefully consider each of their shots and placement on the fairways.
Royal Melbourne Golf Club (Melbourne, Australia)
One of the most well-known golf clubs in Australia, the Royal Melbourne Golf Club frequently ranks among the top in the world. Known for its distinctive sand belt and parkland elements, combined with tricky bunkers and quick greens, the Royal Melbourne demands dexterity and talent from players. The course, which was created by renowned golf course architect Alister MacKenzie, who also created the illustrious Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia, USA, makes the most of the natural topography and has a number of spectacular holes with mesmerizing views of your surroundings.
Royal County Down (Newcastle, Northern Ireland)
The Royal County Down Golf Course is located in the town of Newcastle, Northern Ireland, and is one of the most scenic golf courses in the world. Designed by the famous golf course designer, Old Tom Morris, the course is set against the backdrop of the beautiful Mourne Mountains and has views of the Irish Sea. The course is known for its challenging layout with undulating greens and narrow fairways. The course hosted the Irish Open in 2015 and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 10 golf courses in the world. Golf enthusiasts from all over the world flock to this stunning course to challenge themselves and witness its unique beauty and challenge.
Shinnecock Hills (New York, US)
Shinnecock Hills Golf Course, located in Southampton, New York, is one of the oldest and most prestigious golf clubs in the United States. Founded in 1891, the golf course has a history steeped in tradition and has hosted several major golf championships, including the U.S. Open five times. The course is known for its challenging greens, undulating fairways, and strong coastal winds, which provide a unique test of skill for even the most accomplished golfers. The Shinnecock Hills Golf Course has always been considered a jewel of American golf, and its rich history and iconic status have made it a favourite among golf enthusiasts worldwide.
These are just a few of the world’s many fantastic golf courses, showing that no matter if you’re searching for a demanding course that puts your talents to the test or a breathtaking course that you’ll never forget, there is something out there for everyone. So, grab your clubs and start touring some of the top golf courses available worldwide, today.