If you're a passionate golfer who lives for the game and loves to travel, there's nothing quite like the thrill of teeing off at one of the best golf courses in the world. These aren't just stunning landscapes with manicured fairways, they're bucket list golf destinations rich in history, championship drama, and unforgettable design. From …
If you’re a passionate golfer who lives for the game and loves to travel, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of teeing off at one of the best golf courses in the world.
These aren’t just stunning landscapes with manicured fairways, they’re bucket list golf destinations rich in history, championship drama, and unforgettable design. From the rugged Scottish coastlines to the sun-soaked cliffs of California, these world-famous golf courses have hosted legendary players like Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, and Rory McIlroy.
Whether you’re chasing your dream round or building your personal golf travel itinerary, this list of the top 10 golf courses every golfer must play will inspire you to pack your clubs and start checking off the world’s top-rated golf courses
If you’re a golf lover, St Andrews Links in Scotland needs to be on your bucket list. Known as the “Home of Golf,” it’s where the sport’s story began. Golf has been played here since the 1400s, in fact, this is the oldest golf course in the world, and it’s still open to the public.
St Andrews set the standard with 18 holes in 1764, a format used worldwide today. Golf legend Old Tom Morris helped shape the course you see now, packed with iconic features like the Swilcan Bridge and Hell Bunker. The Golf course even has seven massive double greens, something you won’t find anywhere else.
The Old Course has hosted The Open Championship for a record 30 times, drawing legends like Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, and Bobby Jones. And the best part is that you can play here too, just meet the handicap requirement, and you’re in.
St Andrews isn’t just about golf. It’s a scenic seaside town full of historic charm, great food, and warm Scottish hospitality. From your first swing to your last stroll through town, St Andrews blends world-class golf with rich Scottish charm, it’s a trip that stays with you long after you leave.
Some courses are famous. Pebble Beach is unforgettable. Set on California’s rugged coastline, this public access gem mixes jaw dropping ocean views with a championship level challenge that has drawn golf legends for over a century.
Since opening in 1919, Pebble Beach has been the backdrop for golf’s biggest moments. From Jack Nicklaus’ pinpoint iron shots to Tiger Woods dominating the 2000 U.S. Open by 15 strokes, this course has seen greatness in full swing. It’s hosted six U.S. Opens, with more to come, including the 2027 championship. It is the home of the star-studded AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am every year.
What makes Pebble Beach truly iconic isn’t just its history, it’s the setting. You’ll play along the Pacific, with crashing waves and sweeping views around nearly every turn. The par-3 7th hole, just 106 yards, might be short, but with wind howling and rocks below, it’s a true test of nerve.
This course demands accuracy. The greens are tiny, about 3,500 square feet on average and the ocean breeze shifts constantly, making club selection a moving target. It’s a challenge for even the pros, but one that’s absolutely worth the effort.
Pebble Beach is a public course. Yes, it’s exclusive and yes, tee times book up fast, but if you plan ahead, you can stand where legends stood and play one of the most spectacular golf courses in the world.
If you’re chasing world-class golf in a jaw dropping setting, Royal County Down in Northern Ireland deserves a spot at the top of your list. Set in the seaside town of Newcastle with the Mourne Mountains rising in the background, this iconic links course delivers a mix of history, scenery, and serious golf cred.
Royal County Down has been testing golfers with one of the most naturally challenging layouts in the world. The Championship Links is famous for its “bearded” bunkers, blind shots, and standout holes like the par-3 4th and the dramatic par-4 9th.
It has hosted the Irish Open, Walker Cup, and British Ladies Amateur, attracting legends and serious amateurs alike. And if you’re not quite ready for the Championship layout, the club also offers the more approachable Annesley Links.
After your round, unwind in the clubhouse’s Murlough Bar or grab a bite in the Dining Room while taking in sweeping views of dunes and sea.
For any golfer, Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia represents the pinnacle of the sport. Known for its stunning beauty, rich history, and the prestigious Masters Tournament, Augusta is a bucket-list destination for anyone who loves the game.
The 18-hole course stretches over 7,500 yards, with famous landmarks like Amen Corner, Rae’s Creek, and the Hogan Bridge. It’s a true test of skill, featuring tricky greens, strategic bunkers, and the stunning azaleas and dogwoods that make the scenery unforgettable.
It’s not just about golf, it’s about tradition. The Green Jacket, awarded to Masters winners since 1949, is a symbol of achievement and exclusivity. Augusta National’s invitation only membership includes some of the most influential figures worldwide, and in 2012, the club made history by admitting its first female members.
The course has also seen its fair share of groundbreaking moments. Who could forget Tiger Woods’ 12-stroke victory in 1997, when he became the youngest and first African American to win the Masters. Or Lee Elder, who broke racial barriers in 1975 by becoming the first Black golfer to play at Augusta.
Even though Augusta National is a private club, the Masters Tournament offers a rare chance to experience its beauty. From the breathtaking views to the electric atmosphere, it’s an experience you’ll never forget.
If you’re chasing legendary golf experiences, the West Course at Royal Melbourne Golf Club is non-negotiable. This Sandbelt masterpiece has defined strategic golf since it opened in 1931.
Set in Melbourne’s iconic Sandbelt region, the West Course is a true test of skill, with sweeping undulations, perfectly placed bunkers, and greens so pure they’re often called the best in Australia. Every shot demands thought and every hole rewards strategy over brute strength.
This course has hosted the big leagues, from the Australian Open to the Presidents Cup. It has welcomed legends like Greg Norman and Tom Watson. Walking these fairways isn’t just a round of golf, it’s a walk through history.
Cypress Point Club in Pebble Beach is ranked among the most beautiful and exclusive golf courses in the world, it delivers an unforgettable blend of coastal drama and timeless design.
Cypress Point is a masterclass in natural integration. Your round starts under the towering trees of the Del Monte Forest and opens up to jaw-dropping Pacific Ocean views that few courses on Earth can match.
The 16th hole is a bucket list par-3 that demands a 230-yard carry over ocean surf to a cliff side green. It’s iconic, intimidating, and unforgettable. This course didn’t just impress golfers, it helped shape the future of golf design. After seeing Cypress Point, Bobby Jones brought MacKenzie on board to create Augusta National.
Getting a tee time here is not easy. Cypress Point keeps things ultra-private, and you’ll need an invite from a member. But if you’re lucky enough to play it, this is more than a round, it’s a once in a lifetime journey through golf history and coastal beauty.
If you’re searching for the most challenging golf course in the world, welcome to Pine Valley Golf Club in New Jersey, where even the best golfers are humbled.
Built in 1913 by George Arthur Crump, Pine Valley is a masterpiece of golf architecture. Crump’s goal was to create a course where no two holes feel the same and every club in your bag gets used. This layout blends penal, heroic, and strategic design, sometimes all in one hole.
Set in the rugged pine barrens of southern New Jersey, Pine Valley is as beautiful as it is brutal. It demands precision, creativity, and total focus from the first tee to the final putt. It’s also one of the most exclusive clubs on Earth. Membership is invitation-only, and playing it is a rare privilege. In 2021, Pine Valley opened its doors to female members for the first time, a historic moment for the legendary club.
Each year, the elite Crump Cup draws top amateur talent to Pine Valley, and it’s one of the few chances the public can catch a glimpse of this iconic course.
Ranked #1 in America by Golf Digest year after year, Pine Valley isn’t just golf, it’s the gold standard. If you ever get the chance to play it, prepare for a round you’ll never forget.
When it comes to legendary golf courses, Muirfield Golf Club in Gullane, Scotland, ranks among the world’s finest. Home to the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, the oldest golf club on Earth. Muirfield isn’t just historic, it’s iconic.
The course features a unique design, two loops of nine holes running in opposite directions. That means you’ll face shifting winds and strategic challenges all day, a dream for purists and tacticians.
The Open Championship has landed here 16 times, crowning legends like Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson, and Phil Mickelson. In fact, Nicklaus earned his first Claret Jug here in 1966, completing his career Grand Slam.
Spanning over 7,200 yards, this par-71 course is all about precision. Fast greens, punishing bunkers, and holes like the wind-whipped 6th and the famously tough 18th make every round unforgettable.
If you’re thinking of teeing it up at Muirfield, plan ahead. Visitor play is allowed only on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with a strict handicap cap (24 or below), traditional dress code, and a green fee of £325.
Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, New York is one for the purists. Founded in 1891, it’s the oldest incorporated golf club in the U.S. and a founding member of the USGA, now that’s serious pedigree.
The course, as it stands today, was masterfully reimagined by William Flynn in 1931. Built across the rolling Shinnecock Hills, its links-style layout is often compared to the great courses of the British Isles. Expect strategic design, constant wind shifts, and the kind of pure, minimalist golf architecture that rewards smart play over brute strength.
What sets Shinnecock apart is that it was ahead of its time, welcoming women members from the start and building what’s considered America’s first purpose-built golf clubhouse back in 1892.
Shinnecock Hills has hosted the U.S. Open five times, with legends like Raymond Floyd, Corey Pavin, and Brooks Koepka hoisting the trophy. It’s already locked in for future championships in 2026 and 2036, and for good reason.
If you’re craving pure, traditional golf with jaw-dropping coastal views, Bandon Dunes Golf Resort on Oregon’s southern coast is your dream come true. Since opening in 1999, this remote golf haven has exploded into one of the top golf destinations in the U.S.A.
Founder Mike Keiser set out to revive golf’s roots, walking-only, caddie-supported rounds on rugged, wind-swept terrain. This resulted in seven distinct golf courses that blend naturally into the wild Oregon coastline, each offering a fresh spin on true links golf.
It all started with the original Bandon Dunes, designed by David McLay, featuring wide fairways and epic ocean views. Then came Pacific Dunes by Tom Doak, a fan favorite with its cliffside drama and minimalist beauty. It also includes Bandon Trails, Old Macdonald, and the bunker-free Sheep Ranch. This adds up to a lineup that rivals any in the world. Don’t forget to play the Bandon Preserve and Shorty’s, short courses that still pack a punch.
Embarking on a journey to these iconic courses promises not just a game of golf, but an unforgettable experience steeped in history, challenge, and natural beauty. Whether you’re tracing the footsteps of legends at St Andrews or embracing the coastal winds at Pebble Beach, each course offers a unique story waiting to be part of your golfing legacy.
Visiting one of the world’s top golf courses is more than just ticking a box, it’s living the dream every golfer shares. These legendary courses aren’t just places to play, they’re living pieces of golf history, where the sport’s greatest stories were written and where every hole tells its own tale.
From iconic design to breathtaking scenery, elite tournaments to exclusive access, each course offers a unique blend of challenge, tradition, and inspiration. Playing (or even just walking) these fairways connects you to the soul of the game and gives you stories you’ll tell for a lifetime.
Note: Access to some courses may be restricted or require advance booking. Always check availability and requirements before planning your visit.
