There are some golf courses that transcend the status of mere venues. Some boast centuries-old fairways that will endure long after we’re gone, while others, though only decades old, have already secured their place among the best golf courses in the world. And we’re exploring ten of these today.
From the hallowed grounds of Augusta National to the windswept links of St. Andrews, each course on our list tells a story – a story of golf’s rich history, its evolution, and the timeless challenge these courses present to the best in the game. And where better to start our journey than the breathtaking California coast?
Explore the Best Golf Courses in the World
1. Cypress Point Club
Del Monte Forest, California, USA
The battle between Cypress Point and Pine Valley for the top spot is a tough one, often decided by the slimmest of margins. But when it comes to sheer setting, Cypress Point stands unrivaled.
This mythic course is etched into the coastline of the Monterey Peninsula, nestled among sprawling cypress trees and soaring cliffs. The fairways seem to float above the crashing Pacific waves, creating an experience that borders on the spiritual. For those fortunate enough to play here, it’s more than just a round of golf – it’s a masterclass in design by Alister MacKenzie, where every hole is in perfect harmony with its surroundings.
Among its many notable holes, the par-3 16th stands out as one of the most famous in the world, extending into the ocean itself and capturing the imagination of golfers everywhere. It’s no wonder it’s one of the game’s most photographed holes.
2. Pine Valley Golf Club
Pine Hill, New Jersey, USA
While Cypress Point dazzles with its breathtaking ocean views, Pine Valley Golf Club takes a different approach; one that has earned it a reputation as one of the best golf courses in the world. Tucked away in the pine barrens of New Jersey, Pine Valley is a triumph in golf course architecture, known for its relentless challenge and incomparable design.
Pine Valley doesn’t just test your skill; it demands your full attention. Crafted by George Crump and Harry S. Colt, the course embodies a unique vision of what makes a golf course truly exceptional.
Every hole is isolated, surrounded by towering pines and sand dunes that foster a profound sense of solitude. But perhaps the most striking feature of Pine Valley is its brutal but beautiful bunkering – deep, rugged, and unforgiving, they are as much a part of the course’s identity as the fairways and greens themselves.
3. The Old Course at St. Andrews
St. Andrews, Scotland
As we cross the Atlantic and leave the fairways of Pine Valley behind, we arrive at arguably the most iconic golf course in the world: The Old Course at St. Andrews. This legendary venue, located on the east coast of Fife, Scotland, is where golf was born and where the game’s rich history is palpably felt with every step and every swing.
With its boundless, windswept fairways and landmarks like the Swilcan Bridge and the Road Hole, The Old Course offers an experience that is both emotional and exhilarating. The course’s flat terrain may seem deceptively simple, but the ever-present wind and subtle undulations test even the most seasoned players.
St. Andrews’ remarkable blend of historical significance, having been established in 1552, and accessibility as a public course provides a rare opportunity for golfers to walk in the footsteps of legends.
4. Shinnecock Hills Golf Club
Southampton, New York, USA
If St. Andrews is the birthplace of golf, then Shinnecock Hills is where the spirit of the game truly flourished on American soil. While not set on traditional linksland, Shinnecock evokes a similar essence with its sandy, rolling topography, prevalent ocean winds, and thick grasses framing the fairways.
Opened in 1931 and crafted by the renowned William Flynn, Shinnecock Hills delivers an unforgettable experience. From the moment you drive up to the clubhouse, radiating classic Hamptons charm, to your final putt on the 18th green, every aspect of the course speaks to its storied heritage.
Shinnecock has hosted several U.S. Opens, but watching it on television from your living room only scratches the surface of its true allure. Unfortunately, this might be the closest many can get. Its exclusivity means that, for most, experiencing its full grandeur remains a rare privilege.
5. National Golf Links of America
Southampton, New York, USA
From the back porch of Shinnecock Hills, you can catch a glimpse of our next destination: National Golf Links of America, or simply “National” to those in the know. Set along the shores of Peconic Bay in Southampton, this course was brought to life by the collaboration between C.B. Macdonald and Seth Raynor in 1911. What they created together over a century ago remains a marvel of strategic design, revered as one of the best golf courses in the world.
Macdonald, often referred to as the father of American golf course architecture, had a vision to create the finest course in the United States. After years of studying the great links courses of the UK, he returned with a treasure trove of ideas that would become the foundation of National. Each hole here is inspired by a classic design from across the pond, but this isn’t a replica course. And, in many cases, Macdonald’s versions surpass the originals.
What sets National apart isn’t just its strategic brilliance, but also its stunning setting. Spread across 250 acres of the gently rolling Long Island landscape, the course features a dramatic mix of topography that keeps you engaged for the entire round. The greens are vast, some ridiculously undulating or deceptively flat. And then there’s the wind – always shifting, always present, making every shot a test of skill and nerve.
6. The Championship Links at Royal County Down
Newcastle, Nothern Ireland
It’s easy to say that perfection doesn’t exist, but the Championship Links at Royal County Down certainly comes close. This is links golf at its best. Nestled at the base of the majestic Mourne Mountains and overlooking the scenic Bay of Dundrum, the Championship Links showcases a backdrop so breathtaking it almost distracts from the game itself.
Since its design by Old Tom Morris in 1889, Royal County Down has evolved into one of golf’s most respected courses. The front nine is celebrated for its brilliant use of blind tee shots on holes like the 2nd, 5th, and 9th. These quirks may not be to everyone’s taste, but they are part of what makes the course so uniquely captivating.
The back nine keeps the pressure on with a layout that rewards precision and punishes missteps. Even with recent updates, the course remains a tough yet incredible test of golf.
7. The West Course at Royal Melbourne
Black Rock, Australia
The Sandbelt region of Australia is home to some truly exceptional golf, but none surpass the West Course at Royal Melbourne. It has long been the No. 1 golf course in Australia and is undoubtedly one of the best golf courses in the world. It opened for play in 1931 and was designed by Alister MacKenzie.
Though Royal Melbourne is arguably one of his lesser-known designs, MacKenzie’s influence is unmistakable as the course embodies all the hallmarks of his design philosophy. Like his other achievements (Augusta National, Cypress Point, and Pasatiempo, to name a few) Royal Melbourne is a course that blends seamlessly into its natural surroundings.
The wide fairways, framed by indigenous vegetation, invite bold play, but the treacherously contoured greens will punish any mistakes from the tee. However, the real hallmark of this course is the Australian Sandbelt-style bunkering. These hazards define the fairways, guard the greens, and play mind games with golfers. With razor-sharp edges, these bunkers show no mercy – if your ball gets close, it’s going in.
8. Oakmont Country Club
Oakmont, Pennsylvania, USA
Designed by Henry C. Fownes in 1903, Oakmont Country Club is a masterpiece, and remarkably, the only course Fownes ever created. Officially opening in 1904, Oakmont has earned its reputation as one of the best golf courses in the world, and one of the toughest, having hosted more major championships than any other U.S. course, second only to Augusta National.
Oakmont’s barren landscape is deceiving. With few trees, no water hazards, and massive greens, you might think it’s a walk in the park. But once you reach the precarious green on the first hole, you quickly realize the trials that lies ahead. Oakmont is renowned for its lightning-fast, firm greens that push every golfer to the limit. The course is also famous for its bunkers, like the “Church Pews” that punish wayward drives on the 3rd and 4th holes, and the notorious “Big Mouth,” one of the deepest bunkers on the course, lying in wait on the drivable par-4 17th.
9. Augusta National Golf Club
Augusta, Georgia, USA
For many golfers, the holidays actually aren’t the most wonderful time of the year as Andy Williams’ tune might suggest. It’s April, when the Masters Tournament at Augusta National captures the world’s attention. This venue needs no introduction, but let’s dive into what makes Augusta National one of the best golf courses in the world.
Augusta National is well-known for its immaculate upkeep. In fact, you’d be hard-pressed to find a pine straw out of place or a leaf floating in its ponds. The fairways are flanked by stately pines, where a low limb may turn a well-struck tee shot into a difficult attempt to reach the green in regulation. Behind the greens, vibrant azaleas bloom each spring in shades of pink, red, and white, with the most stunning displays at Amen Corner, the 11th through 13th holes.
But Augusta isn’t just a pretty face. It’s a beast of a course. Those immaculate greens are actually a golfer’s nightmare, rolling fast, firm, and riddled with swirls, plateaus, and sneaky false edges that will test your patience. The wind, a swirling enigma among the pines, adds another layer of unpredictability. And let’s not forget the terrain. It’s hilly and challenging, far more dramatic than it appears on TV.
10. Sand Hills Golf Club
Mullen, Nebraska, USA
Sand Hills Golf Club, tucked away in the remote reaches of Mullen, Nebraska, offers a rare immersion into golf as it was meant to be for those willing to venture off the beaten path. The journey to this hidden gem, a drive through the expansive Nebraska Sandhills, is a prelude to the magic that awaits.
Designed by the duo of Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, Sand Hills is a clinic in minimalist golf course design. The course blends seamlessly into its natural surroundings, with the designers moving just 4,000 cubic yards of earth to shape a layout that dances with the land’s contours. The difficulty here lies not in artificial hazards but in the strategic demands of the course and outsmarting the ever-present winds that sweep across the rolling hills.
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