Top Golf Courses In The World

March 21, 2023

Hey Tourist! Golf is one of those sports that you either love or you can't stand, but for those that like it, they will understand the ultimate journey for the perfect course. There are countless golf courses across the world, which makes it difficult to identify the very best of the best, however, with that being said some clubs have been widely considered, year after year, to be the best of the best and for a good reason. Following is a collection of the top clubs in the world, some that are brilliant for tourists to travel to and experience for a day, and some so exclusive it is almost impossible to get into if you aren't a member.

Royal County Down

Royal County Down is the first golf course to make a list and is widely considered as one of the top links, if not the top, in the world. Golf here is like none other and indeed requires a poised athlete to manage the steep terrain. Located in Northern Ireland, Newcastle, this iconic establishment is approximately one-hundred-twenty-eight years old and has been around since 1889. Therefore, Royal County Down is one of the most past golf courses in Ireland and still to this day maintains a 75 rating. Geographically, the landscape is vibrant as part of the Murlough Nature Reserve with mountains in the backdrop and a stunning ninth hole that is among the most photographed on earth.

Now that you know about Royal County Down, the following course will be a solid follow up that is located in the United States of America.

Augusta National

Augusta National is next up on the docket and for a good reason, as it is very realistically the most heard of course amongst mainstream media. Home to the Masters, this work of art is approximately seven-thousand-four-hundred-thirty-five yards in total. Located in Augusta, Georgia, lush greens here are maintained with industry-leading technology and crews renowned world-wide since doors opened in 1933. For golfers, taking this challenge is no walk in the park as the terrain is challenging and is continuously updated to ensure a unique and ever-changing strategy is needed for each attendance. When finished, accommodations here are superb, fitting for every gender and interest, including fine dining and beverage.

Augusta is one of those names that are known by a vast majority of golf enthusiasts which makes it a great spot to visit, however, the following slot may be just as well known to the broad golf community.

Pine Valley

Pine Valley is quite the suitable follow up for Augusta as it holds a firm 75.2 rating has been golfed by some of the top players in history. Located in Camden County, Southern New Jersey, this spot brings a new meaning to grounds-keeping and has mastered the entirety of the club experience. Referred to on multiple occasions as the top link in the country, golf architecture here is ripe with lush flora and paired with formidable obstacles. For visitors lucky enough to be offered an invitation to play, this course will surely impress, along with the guests welcomed once annually for the Crump Cup; competition for top amateur athletes.

Now that you have learned more about Pine Valley and its beautiful scenery, the next spot will make for a stable follow-up destination and is located in Australia.

Royal Melbourne

Royal Melbourne claims the next spot as a very prestigious golf club located in Black Rock, Australia. Rated as one of the top courses in Australia, and the world, many fly from across the globe to play on the excellent links. Founded back in 1891, this site has played host for many international and national tournaments as result of its world-class facilities and service. Being a private member’s club, guests must receive an invitation to play on the premiere course; however, international players may inquire about visitor tee times but must be approved before participation for a day.

Australia is a phenomenal spot for golfing and is sure to attract plenty of visitors every year. However, the next stop on the docket will be in a European location and is where the pros cherish most.

Muirfield, Scotland

Muirfield Golf Course is up next on the list and deserves equal respect for the picturesque atmosphere offered. Located in East Lothian, Scotland, there is much to see while visiting, if you are fortunate to be invited. This abode plays home to The Honorable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, a collection of top players, deserving of the luxurious company. Primetime of year is typically from May to September, typical for most courses, and offers excellent weather conditions and top-of-the-line accommodation in the Clubhouse and more. The Clubhouse was built in 1891 and maintains an Elizabethan style architectural design with a pristine locker room, dining room and smoking room for refreshment.

For those excited about traveling for a high-class round of golf, but want to visit somewhere genuinely unique and distant, the next spot is perfect.

Cape Kidnappers

Another incredible destination for severe golfers to seek after would be the Cape Kidnappers Golf Club in Clifton, New Zealand. Known for the distinguishable eighteen hole design by world-renowned golf architect, Tom Doak, this facility was completed in 2004 and is hailed as a par 72. Crystal blue skies and waters surround the course as it covers a cliff in a ridge-and-valley landscape. As for world recognition, the course served for the Kiwi challenge in 2008 and 2009 for the PGA Tour and since then has become a magnet for professionals and superb amateur talent looking to play a challenging set for reputation or an enjoyable day on the links.

Cape Kidnappers makes for a great destination to visit with friends and engage in a fun game of golf. However, the following spot may prove to be a more intense experience of challenging courses.

Kingston Heath

Kingston Heath is the following club located in Cheltenham, Australia, known as the sandbelt region and for a good reason. Travelers will be hard-pressed to find greener greens or a more peaceful and visually striking sunset sky. Kingston Heath maintains a standard of quality and luxury and has been considered so well constructed that there are next to no criticisms to offer. Overseas and reciprocal club members are welcomed to partake in the world-class golf course and enjoy in fine dining and superb wine for the entirety of your party. Not only is Kingston Heath a primary choice for leisurely golfing, but has also earned a reputation as a strong candidate for corporate events.

Australia has brought forth a couple of selections for golfers on this list. However, the next stop is located back in the USA and should be instantly recognized by most golfers due to its historical significance.

Pebble Beach

Pebble Beach claims the next spot on the docket as one of the top destinations to golf in the world, located in California, USA, very few would not consider this place a masterpiece. Regarded as the number one public golf facility in America, many competitions are held her annually including the US Amateur in 2018 and the US Open in 2019. Unmatched star-studded heritage marks this spot a not only a utopia for the best golfers on earth, but also for countless celebrities eager to crack out their clubs. Awe-strikingly beautiful sea-side hotels and delicious dining and beverage make a refreshing community experience that thousands travel to yearly.

Now that you know more about Pebble Beach, the following destination will make for a secure follow-up option for top-tier golfers.

Royal Dornoch

Royal Dornoch has earned a popular image as a top-tier golf club in the world and is located in Sutherland, Scotland. With two eighteen hole courses on the premises, there is plenty of golf to be played; both the Championship course and Struie course. All that visitors need is a party of friends, their best set of clubs and an afternoon with no worries in the world. Praised by golf greats such as Tom Watson and Herb Warren Wind, there is something about the remote atmosphere and beautiful flora and fauna to add to a natural feeling course.

After Royal Dornoch, the next stop on the list will be the last one for this list of top golf clubs to visit in 2018.

Cypress Point Club

Cypress is the last club on the roster for today; however, it is widely regarded as one of the top sites in the world. A private club in California, USA, Cypress is home to 18 quality holes that maintain a rating of 72.4. Designed by the honorable Alister MacKenzie and Robert Hunter, there is nothing quite like the waterside course that ranges approximately six-thousand-five-hundred yards. The pure genius behind the golf architecture came from the belief that the course should not overpower the natural terrain, and therefore, MacKenzie believed that the challenge of a real amalgamation between design and natural environment would make for perfect golf conditions. Golfing here is in the top three most exclusive clubs in the world, one may not golf here unless they are a member, which is not cheap.

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