For avid golfers, exploring new golf courses is not only about improving their game but also about experiencing diverse landscapes, climates, and cultures. From lush greens with breathtaking ocean views to courses nestled in serene mountains, the best golfing destinations offer a perfect blend of challenging courses, scenic beauty, and top-notch amenities. Golfing enthusiasts often seek out destinations that combine luxury with accessibility, providing opportunities for both relaxation and skill improvement.
This article highlights 11 of the world’s best places for golfing, offering a variety of experiences that cater to different tastes and preferences. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned golfer, these destinations provide memorable golfing experiences that go beyond the greens.
1. St. Andrews, Scotland
Known as the “Home of Golf,” St. Andrews in Scotland is a dream destination for golf enthusiasts. The Old Course at St. Andrews Links is one of the oldest and most famous golf courses globally, attracting players with its rich history, traditional design, and challenging gameplay. The course is set along the coastline, offering stunning sea views and strong winds that add to the challenge.
St. Andrews provides a unique golfing experience with its rugged beauty and historic significance. While the Old Course requires advance booking and a bit of luck to play, there are six other courses within St. Andrews Links, offering something for golfers of all levels.
Highlights:
- Historic Old Course with scenic coastal views
- Home to the prestigious St. Andrews Links Clubhouse
- Additional courses for a variety of skill levels
2. Pebble Beach, California, USA
Pebble Beach Golf Links in California is one of the most iconic golf courses in the United States, renowned for its dramatic coastline, challenging design, and unmatched beauty. Situated along the rugged cliffs of the Pacific Ocean, this course is both visually stunning and strategically challenging, with holes that test accuracy and precision.
In addition to Pebble Beach Golf Links, the area offers other courses like Spyglass Hill and The Links at Spanish Bay, providing diverse golfing experiences within close proximity. After a day on the greens, golfers can relax in luxury accommodations or enjoy fine dining at the resort.
Highlights:
- Spectacular ocean views and cliffside holes
- Additional courses in the area, including Spyglass Hill
- World-class resort with luxury amenities
3. Augusta, Georgia, USA
Home to the Masters Tournament, Augusta National Golf Club is one of the most revered golf courses in the world. Though the course itself is private and exclusive, the city of Augusta becomes a mecca for golf enthusiasts every April during the Masters, one of golf’s four major championships.
Augusta National’s lush fairways, iconic Amen Corner, and blooming azaleas create a picturesque setting that showcases the beauty and tradition of the game. While playing at Augusta National is limited to members and guests, visiting the city during the Masters offers a unique opportunity to witness world-class golfing.
Highlights:
- Historic site of the annual Masters Tournament
- Picturesque scenery with azaleas and dogwoods
- Exclusive access but open for visitors during the Masters
4. Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
With its beautiful coastline and luxury resorts, Cabo San Lucas offers an incredible golfing experience along the Sea of Cortez. The desert-meets-ocean landscape creates a unique backdrop for golf courses like Quivira Golf Club and Diamante Dunes Course, which are known for their breathtaking views, challenging layouts, and upscale amenities.
In addition to golf, Cabo provides opportunities for beach relaxation, water sports, and exploring vibrant local culture. Cabo San Lucas is an ideal destination for golfers who want a blend of luxury, adventure, and relaxation.
Highlights:
- Stunning ocean views with desert and beach landscapes
- World-renowned courses like Quivira Golf Club
- Access to high-end resorts and a range of outdoor activities
5. Algarve, Portugal
The Algarve region in Portugal is famous for its beautiful beaches, warm climate, and world-class golf courses. This coastal destination boasts several top-rated courses, including San Lorenzo Golf Course and Monte Rei Golf & Country Club, known for their scenic views, well-maintained fairways, and challenging holes.
Algarve’s mild weather makes it a year-round golf destination, and the region’s luxury resorts and culinary delights provide the perfect balance of sport and leisure. The combination of lush greenery, ocean vistas, and pristine courses makes Algarve an unforgettable golfing destination.
Highlights:
- Mediterranean climate with year-round golfing weather
- Courses with scenic coastal views and lush fairways
- Luxury resorts and rich Portuguese culture
6. Kauri Cliffs, New Zealand
Nestled along the northern coast of New Zealand, Kauri Cliffs Golf Course offers one of the most stunning settings for golf, with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, nearby islands, and native forests. Designed by David Harman, Kauri Cliffs is known for its challenging layout and scenic holes, many of which are perched along cliffs that drop into the ocean below.
New Zealand’s natural beauty and the luxury amenities at Kauri Cliffs Resort create a memorable golfing experience. Golfers can enjoy the unique topography, native flora, and luxury accommodations, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and golf enthusiasts alike.
Highlights:
- Cliffside holes with panoramic ocean views
- Challenging layout with breathtaking natural scenery
- Luxurious resort offering relaxation and fine dining
7. Whistling Straits, Wisconsin, USA
Whistling Straits in Kohler, Wisconsin, is known for its rugged, links-style layout reminiscent of traditional Scottish courses. This visually dramatic course stretches along the shores of Lake Michigan, with high bluffs, rolling dunes, and unpredictable winds. Designed by Pete Dye, Whistling Straits is home to two courses, the Straits Course and the Irish Course, both of which challenge players with a variety of terrain and hazards.
Whistling Straits has hosted several major tournaments, including the PGA Championship and the Ryder Cup, making it a top destination for serious golfers. In addition to golfing, the nearby Kohler Waters Spa offers a relaxing escape after a challenging day on the course.
Highlights:
- Links-style design with dramatic views of Lake Michigan
- Two challenging courses: the Straits and Irish Courses
- Host to major championships and the prestigious Ryder Cup
8. Queenstown, New Zealand
Queenstown is a golfer’s paradise with its stunning alpine scenery and range of world-class courses. Courses like Jacks Point and Millbrook Resort are set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Remarkables mountain range and Lake Wakatipu. Queenstown’s dramatic landscapes provide an inspiring setting, with challenging courses designed to incorporate natural elements like rocks, tussocks, and cliffs.
Aside from golfing, Queenstown is known for its adventure activities, such as bungee jumping, skydiving, and wine tours. It’s an ideal destination for golfers who enjoy outdoor recreation and adrenaline-pumping experiences.
Highlights:
- Scenic courses with views of mountains and lakes
- Unique layouts blending natural elements into the design
- Adventure activities and wine tours nearby
9. The Bahamas
With its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and luxurious resorts, the Bahamas offers a tropical golfing paradise. Courses like Ocean Club Golf Course on Paradise Island provide golfers with oceanfront views, lush fairways, and the refreshing island breeze. The course, designed by Tom Weiskopf, offers a challenging layout that incorporates the island’s natural beauty.
The Bahamas is a great option for golfers looking for a beach getaway with a mix of relaxation, water sports, and fine dining. The island atmosphere, combined with high-quality golf courses, makes for an unforgettable golfing experience.
Highlights:
- Oceanfront courses with stunning island views
- Lush fairways and challenging water hazards
- Luxurious resorts with beach access and water activities
10. Hainan Island, China
Hainan Island in China has emerged as a premier golf destination in Asia, thanks to its subtropical climate, luxury resorts, and championship courses. Known as the “Hawaii of China,” Hainan offers courses like Mission Hills Haikou, which features 10 unique courses designed by top golf architects.
Mission Hills Haikou has hosted several international tournaments, and each course offers a distinct experience, from volcanic rock landscapes to lush, tropical layouts. Hainan’s beautiful beaches, warm climate, and golf-centric resorts make it an attractive destination for golfers seeking an exotic getaway.
Highlights:
- Championship courses with diverse designs and layouts
- Year-round golf in a warm, tropical climate
- Luxury resorts with spa services and beach access
11. Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Dubai has quickly become a leading golf destination, offering a mix of desert courses and lush greens amid its modern skyline. Top courses like Emirates Golf Club and Jumeirah Golf Estates offer unique layouts that incorporate water hazards, sand dunes, and luxurious amenities. The city’s mild winters make it an ideal winter golfing destination, attracting players from around the world.
In addition to world-class golf, Dubai provides a range of attractions, from luxury shopping malls to desert safaris and fine dining experiences. Dubai’s combination of innovation and luxury makes it a popular choice for golfers looking for an upscale experience.
Highlights:
- High-end courses with desert and oasis designs
- Mild winter climate ideal for golfing
- Access to luxury shopping, dining, and attractions
Conclusion
Each of these 11 golfing destinations offers a unique experience, from the historic fairways of St. Andrews to the cliffside greens of Pebble Beach. These locations provide more than just great courses—they offer scenic views, luxurious amenities, and opportunities to explore local culture. Whether you’re drawn to a links-style layout, oceanfront views, or exotic locales, these golfing destinations cater to players of all skill levels.
For golf enthusiasts, these locations offer a blend of challenging courses, unforgettable landscapes, and amenities that go beyond the greens. Exploring these top golf destinations allows players not only to improve their game but also to experience the world’s diversity, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you’re planning a dedicated golf vacation or adding golf to your travel itinerary, these destinations offer experiences that every golfer should have on their bucket list.
