Golf is a famous game played widely in various parts of the world. According to research, 2015 alone reported approximately 2.2 million new golf players. In this article, we list the best golf courses in the world.
Many people, including the young, middle-aged, and elderly, are attending a golf course in bigger numbers.
At the same time, businesses, groups of people, companies, and organizations are opening up new places to play golf.
Admittedly, you can’t play golf satisfactorily if you’re not on the golf course. It’s where players challenge themselves against nature’s elements and meticulously designed landscapes.
If you’ve never been on a golf course, please get started now because you’re missing out on some of the key benefits of a golf course, such as:
- Scenic beauty
- Physical exercise
- Social interaction
- Stress relief
- Skill development
- Time in nature
- Community engagement
- Personal challenge
- Break from screens
- Lifetime enjoyment
That said and done, there are a lot of golf courses all over the world. Some are private, others public, but each is unique in its layout, design, and challenges.
In this comprehensive guide, we will take you through the best golf courses in the world. These are destinations that offer not only a great game but also an unforgettable experience for golf enthusiasts.
Keep reading to find out.
Best Golf Courses in the World: Quick Overview
- Tara Iti Golf Club, New Zealand’s North Island
- Royal Melbourne Golf Club (West Course), Victoria, Australia
- Pine Valley Golf Club, New Jersey, USA
- Golf Lech, Austria
- Terras da Comporta, Comporta, Portugal
- The International Olympic Academy Golf Course, Costa Navarino, Greece
- Oakmont Country Club, Pennsylvania, USA
- Royal Portrush Dunluce Links, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland
- Trump Turnberry Ailsa Course, Ayrshire, Scotland
- Björkliden Golf Course, Lapland, Sweden
- Augusta National, Augusta, United States
Best Golf Courses in the World: In-Depth Review
1. Tara Iti Golf Club
Tara Iti Golf Club, located on New Zealand’s North Island, is among the best golf courses in the world. The reasons for its esteemed reputation are manifold.
First and foremost, since its establishment in 2015, it has been quietly gaining recognition. Perhaps it could be attributed to it being crafted by renowned architect Tom Doak.
Tom Doak is famous for creating iconic golf courses like Bandon Dunes and Cape Kidnappers. When it comes to the surroundings, Tara Iti graces a stunning coastal site.
You will get to enjoy breathtaking views of the Little Barrier, Great Barrier, Mokohinau, and Tauranga Islands as you hit your golf balls.
Key Facts
- Location: East coast of New Zealand’s North Island
- Length: Not specified
- Par: Not specified
- Designed by: Tom Doak
- Established: 2015
- Championships Hosted: Information not provided
- Notable Features: Panoramic views, world-class layout, exclusive private member’s club
2. Royal Melbourne Golf Club (West Course)
Discover the beauty of Australia at Royal Melbourne’s West Course, a golfing spectacle designed for spectators.
Alister MacKenzie’s creation seamlessly integrates with the undulating terrain, featuring bunkers with tall, vertical edges and rugged sandstone columns lining the fairways.
The greens at Royal Melbourne are renowned, offering Australia’s finest putting surfaces. With large and contoured greens, the challenge varies based on approach angles, making it a golfer’s paradise
Key Facts
- Location: Victoria, Australia
- Length: 6,645 yards
- Par: 72
- Designed by: Alister MacKenzie, Alex Russell
- Established: 1926
- Championships Hosted: Check the website for details.
3. Pine Valley Golf Club
Crafted by hoteliers George Crump and Harry Colt, Pine Valley Golf Club stands as one of the world’s premier golf courses.
Even after Crump’s untimely death, his legacy lives on, as the course officially welcomed golfers in 1919. If you’re seeking a truly exceptional golfing experience, Pine Valley is where you want to be.
Key Facts
- Location: New Jersey, USA
- Length: 7,181 yards
- Par: 70
- Designed by: George Crump, Harry Colt
- Established: 1919
- Championships Hosted: Explore the website for tournament history.
4. Golf Lech, Austria
Transitioning from a glamorous ski resort in winter to a golfer’s paradise in the warmer months, Lech in Austria reveals its picturesque Golf Lech.
It’s tucked into the Zug valley, and this nine-hole course winds along the River Lech. In addition, the Golf Lech, Australia, presents stunning views of the Austrian Alps.
Whether you’re an avid golfer or simply seeking a scenic escape, Golf Lech promises an unforgettable experience in the heart of nature.
Key Facts
- Location: Lech, Austria
- Length: Nine holes of alpine beauty
- Par: A challenging alpine adventure
- Designed by: Nature’s grandeur
- Established: Welcoming golf enthusiasts
- Championships Hosted: Carves a path for future accolades
5. Terras da Comporta, Portugal
Embark on a golfing odyssey at Comporta Dunas, a pristine green nestled in the tranquil village of Comporta, an hour south of Lisbon.
Crafted by renowned golf architect David McLay-Kidd, this course spans 38.4 hectares, drawing inspiration from the natural allure of beaches and dense pine forests.
Key Facts
- Location: Comporta, Portugal
- Length: Extensive, covering 38.4 hectares
- Par: A well-balanced challenge
- Designed by: David McLay-Kidd
- Established: Recently opened
- Championships Hosted: Awaiting future acclaim
6. The International Olympic Academy Golf Course, Greece
Imagine strolling through the scenic beauty of Costa Navarino in southwest Greece. That’s where you’ll find The International Olympic Academy Golf Course. This course is a real gem among the local golfing spots.
Unveiling its meticulously crafted greens in 2022, this exquisite golf course is the brainchild of José María Olazábal, a distinguished two-time Masters champion.
Amazingly, the International Olympic Academy Golf Course commands attention with its breathtaking historic Navarino Bay and the Ionian Sea vistas.
Key Facts
- Location: Costa Navarino, Greece
- Length: Varied across the two courses
- Par: Diverse, with the Olympic Academy course being tougher
- Designed by: José María Olazábal
- Established: 2022
- Championships Hosted: Await the allure of future tournaments
7. Oakmont Country Club
Oakmont Country Club is an American golfing cornerstone, hosting an impressive 9 US Opens and 3 PGA Championships. Besides Augusta National, it boasts the most Major Championships in the country.
Situated in Pennsylvania, USA, Oakmont’s challenging 7,254 yards with a par of 71 were crafted by Henry and William Fownes.
Since its establishment in 1903, legends like Bobby Jones, Jack Nicklaus, and Johnny Miller have conquered its quick greens and advanced bunkers.
Key Facts
- Location: Pennsylvania, USA
- Length: 7,254 yards
- Par: 71
- Designed by: Henry and William Fownes
- Established: 1903
8. Royal Portrush Dunluce Links
Royal Portrush, the sole golf club outside mainland Britain to host The Open Championship, welcomed elite golfers to its rugged links terrain in 2019.
Adding two new holes enhances the challenge of this already stellar course. Nestled in Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland, Royal Portrush Dunluce Links spans 7,143 yards with a par of 72, designed by Harry Colt since its establishment in 1888.
Known for some of the best link views globally, Tom highly recommends it with a handicap of 6.
Key Facts
- Location: Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland
- Length: 7,143 yards
- Par: 72
- Designed by: Harry Colt
- Established: 1888
9. Trump Turnberry Ailsa Course
The Ailsa Course at Trump Turnberry in Ayrshire, Scotland, is a picturesque masterpiece. With a rich history and breathtaking views, it hosted four Open Championships, including the intense ‘Duel in the Sun’ in 1977.
Spanning 7,204 yards with a par of 70, the Ailsa Course was designed by Martin Ebert, Willie Fernie, and Mackenzie Ross.
After being founded in 1906, Trump Turnberry Ailsa golf course has hosted The Open four times (2009, 1994,1986, and 1997). It also hosted the Women’s Open twice, in 2002 and 2015.
Key Facts
- Location: Scotland
- Length: around 7,204 yards
- Par: 70
- Designed by: Martin Ebert, Willie Fernie, and Mackenzie Ross
- Established: 1906
- Hosted The Open: 4 times (1997, 1986, 1994, 2009)
- Hosted Women’s Open: 2 times (2002, 2015)
10. Björkliden Golf Course, Sweden
The Bjorkilden golf course is located 250 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle in Sweden’s Lapland. Playing here will help you discover a nine-hole course surrounded by Arctic mountains.
Either way, it remains accessible 24/7 during midsummer, thanks to the guidance of the Swedish midnight sun.
Key Facts
- Location: Lapland, Sweden
- Length: Nine holes
- Par: Not specified
- Designed by: Not specified
- Established: Not specified
- Championships hosted: Not specified
- Year: Not specified
11. Augusta National
Indisputably ranked among the best golf courses in the world, Augusta National is a golfer’s dream.
While playing may seem like a distant aspiration, attending The Masters, hosted at this iconic course, allows you to experience golfing magic.
Key Facts
- Location: Augusta, United States
- Length: Not specified
- Par: Not specified
- Designed by: Not specified
- Established: Not specified
- Championships hosted: The Masters
Best Golf Courses In The World FAQs
How Does The Design Of A Golf Course Affect The Playing Experience?
The design, including bunkers, water hazards, drainage, slope, and green speed, can either enhance or impede your ability to achieve desired shots.
Why Is The Variety Of Holes Crucial In Selecting A Golf Course?
The diversity of holes, ranging from long and short to straight, contributes to the overall golfing experience. An ideal course offers diverse challenges, with ample space allowing for a greater variety of features.
Why Is It Essential To Visit A Golf Club During Winter When Considering Membership?
Visiting during winter helps assess how the course handles rain, drainage, and bunker conditions. Inquire about winter closures due to bad weather.
What Should I Observe In A Golf Club’s Car Park When Considering Joining?
The condition of the car park can reveal how guests are treated. An unkempt visitors’ car park may indicate a lack of care for non-members.
Final Thoughts
So, as we wrap up this article about the best golf courses in the world, you definitely know which golf course to choose on your next visit.
From the coastal beauty of Tara Iti in New Zealand to the historic vibes of Royal Melbourne in Australia, it’s a golfing paradise.
If you’re asking for my take, I’d say check out Tara Iti for its stunning views, Royal Melbourne for that classic charm, and, of course, dream a bit about Augusta National.
Grab your clubs and let these courses treat you to an unforgettable round of golf.
