You may be surprised to find that some of the world’s best international golf courses are actually open to public play. Which makes it easier than ever to check off every course on your bucket list! So, read more about ten of the best international golf courses you can actually play.
10 Best Public International Golf Courses
1. Pebble Beach Golf Links
California, United States
Perched along California’s stunning Pacific Coast, Pebble Beach Golf Links is one of the most iconic public golf courses. It’s been the site of some of the game’s most prestigious tournaments and historic moments, including six U.S. Opens. The course offers stunning views of the ocean and the beautiful Monterey Peninsula and is considered the number one public golf course.
2. St. Andrews Links
Scotland
Dating back to 1552, the Old Course at St. Andrews is one of the oldest golf courses in the world. As the “home of golf,” it’s a must-visit for any golfer. Experience the famed Road Hole, walk across the Swilcan Bridge, tackle the Hell Bunker, and soak in the St. Andrews experience with a golf trip across the pond.
3. TPC Sawgrass
Florida, United States
Annual host of THE PLAYERS Championship, golf’s unofficial fifth major, the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass is a special place. It’s most famous for its 17th island green where thousands of bets have been won and lost. The remainder of the golf course is complete with challenging doglegs, tight fairways, and complex greens making it one of the best public golf courses.
4. Royal County Down Golf Club
Northern Ireland
Located in Northern Ireland, Royal County Down is noted for its stunning views and demanding layout. It’s also one of the oldest golf clubs having been founded in 1889. It’s set among the spectacular Mourne Mountains, making for an awe-inspiring backdrop. Royal County Down is made up of two 18-hole courses, the Championship Course and the Annesley Links, both of which offer their own unique challenges.
5. Pinehurst No. 2
North Carolina, United States
Pinehurst No. 2 is a legendary golf course nestled in the Sandhills of North Carolina. The course was designed by Donald Ross in 1907 and has been the site of numerous prestigious golf tournaments, including the U.S. Open and the Ryder Cup. Pinehurst No. 2 is situated on 2,000 acres of rolling hills and is known for its sandy terrain and sparse vegetation. The course possesses an unparalleled design and strategic layout, which includes wide fairways, small and deep bunkers, and large, undulating greens.
6. Royal St. George’s Golf Club
England
Royal St. George’s Golf Club, in Sandwich, Kent, England, is one of the oldest golf courses in the game. In fact, it’s hosted the Open Championship 15 times since 1894. The course is laid out on a typical links landscape with undulating fairways, numerous pot bunkers, and spectacular views of the English Channel.
7. Teeth of the Dog
Dominican Republic
The Teeth of the Dog golf course at Casa de Campo in the Dominican Republic is one of the country’s most celebrated courses. It was designed by Pete Dye in 1971 and is set along the turquoise waters of the Caribbean. Not only that, but it’s also consistently ranked among the Top 100 Courses in the World by Golf Magazine and Golf Digest.
8. Whistling Straits
Wisconsin, United States
With its rolling hills, stunning views of Lake Michigan, and towering native grasses, The Straits Course at Whistling Straits is a truly scenic golf course. The course is acclaimed for its exceptional design, featuring an expansive layout that winds through the dunes and takes golfers from the shoreline of Lake Michigan to some of the highest points on the property.
9. Cabot Cliffs
Canada
The breathtaking ocean views, rugged coastline, and undulating terrain of Cabot Cliffs have made it a world-renowned golf destination. Cabot Cliffs was designed by the legendary team of Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw who created a remarkable links-style design. Relatively wide fairways allow for a variety of shot options all met by beautifully contoured greens.
10. Royal Dornoch Golf Club
Scotland
Located in the Highlands of Scotland, Royal Dornoch Golf Club boasts stunning views of the bay of the Dornoch Firth and an immaculate links-style design. The Championship Course at Royal Dornoch has been consistently ranked as one of the top courses in the world and has hosted many esteemed tournaments. The course features a classic design and has remained largely unchanged since it was first established in 1616.
Ready to tee it up at one of these public international courses? Let us help you travel there stress-free! Learn more about shipping your golf clubs and luggage ahead or get a free quote today.
