Are you looking for some of the world’s most beautiful golf courses to plan your next golf vacation? Here, we have rounded up 20 of the best, most stunning golf courses from Canada to Japan, so you can cross something off your bucket list on your next golfing break!
1. Manele Golf Course, Hawaii
This course in Lanai is not only one of the world’s most beautiful, with every hole boasting a gorgeous sea view, but it is also one of the quietest. You’ll rarely meet another player, and it will only take a couple of hours to complete the 18 holes.
2. Whistling Straits, Wisconsin
This course is set along Lake Michigan’s coastline and features over 1000 bunkers, so it’s undoubtedly a more challenging course. It has hosted many tournaments, including the Ryder Cup in 2021 and multiple PGAs.
3.Old Head Golf Links, Ireland
Many golfers report that this is one of the most stunning courses they have ever been lucky enough to play at, so it’s definitely one to add to your bucket list. Just make sure you don’t fall over when trying to take in the breathtaking sea views all around you!
4.Pinnacle Point, South Africa
South Africa’s Pinnacle Point might have lower fees than most of these other courses, but that certainly doesn’t mean you should avoid it. The holes are home to some of the area’s native flora and fauna and boast views over the Indian Ocean. It’s definitely one for nature-lovers.
5. Cape Kidnappers, New Zealand
If you don’t mind a bit of wind adding an extra challenge to your round, Cape Kidnappers is a must-play course. With many holes following the cliff’s edge, you’ll be in for some unbeatable views as well as a rush of adrenaline every time you tee off.
6. Sentosa, Singapore
The island of Sentosa is home to many attractions, including rainforests, spas, and sandy beaches. However, we’re here to talk about the two golf courses at the Sentosa Resort. These championship courses have been voted among the best in the world, with the palm tree-lined holes jutting out into the surrounding water.
7. Kingsbarns Golf Links, Scotland
Playing a links course is many golfers’ dream, and where better to do so than in Scotland, the home of links golf. You’ll follow Scotland’s beautiful North Sea coastline for two miles when playing at Kingsbarns. This course offers some challenging conditions being so close to the sea, and the holes are equally tricky to navigate as they are stunning.
8. Cypress Point, California
Cypress Point and nearby Pebble Beach are equally breathtaking. A visit to Cypress Point will ensure you enjoy views over the Pacific Ocean with the sound of waves crashing beside you.
9. Dinosaur Mountain, Arizona
Dinosaur Mountain is another excellent pick for nature lovers – you’ll be able to spot some local wildlife in its natural habitat while enjoying the tricky desert course. Be sure to brush up on your putting skills before attempting this course’s challenging greens – but it’s worth it for the stunning scenery from every hole.
10. Teeth of the Dog, Dominican Republic
This beautiful course features a stretch of seven holes that closely follow the Caribbean coastline, so you are sure to have some gorgeous views as you play. But, of course, that also means you’ll have to contend with the challenges brought about by the trade winds!
11. Dye Course, Indiana
If you’re looking for a course with a high elevation, Dye Course can be found among the hills of Hoosier National Forest. The challenging terrain features some dramatic elevation changes and near-impossible greens. However, it’s all worth it for the stunning panoramic views of the forest.
12. Pacific Dunes, Oregon
With few trees to contend with, each hole at Pacific Dunes seems longer than it is. The links course has been voted one of the best in Oregon for many years running, and it features a terrain including native grasses.
13. Cabot Cliffs, Canada
The first true links course in Canada, Cabot Cliffs on Cape Breton Island is a beautiful yet challenging one! Be prepared to face harsh weather conditions, especially if you want to walk the course to really enjoy the sea views.
14. St Andrews Old Course, Scotland
The Old Course at St Andrews is on many golfers’ bucket lists – what could be better than playing this iconic course at the home of golf? Watch out for the challenging bunkers and double greens as you play this legendary course. And, of course, you’re sure to be facing some challenging weather conditions on the Scottish coast, too!
15. Barnbougle Dunes, Australia
Tasmania is home to one of Australia’s best golf courses, and the challenging dune landscape is sure to pose a challenge to even the most experienced golfers. Playing here is a one-of-a-kind experience, especially on a windy day!
16. Quivira, Mexico
If you can’t decide which type of landscape you want to play, head to Quivira. This course has everything from canyons and cliffs to desert scenery and rocky landscapes jutting out into the Pacific. The highest point is 350 feet above the crashing waves below.
17. Banff Springs, Canada
Nestled in the Canadian Rockies and Banff National Park, you can be sure you’re in for a treat playing this course. Sky-high trees and even taller mountains make for some awe-inspiring scenery as you play along the Bow River.
18. Fuji Course, Japan
This clifftop course offers unbeatable, 360-degree views across the Pacific. The elevation changes 165 feet throughout the course, so you can be sure that each hole is as challenging as it is stunning.
19. Royal County Down, Northern Ireland
Our penultimate course is over 125 years old and offers views of the Mountains of Mourne as the waves crash around you. With narrow fairways and many changes in direction, the course can be challenging but not unfairly so.
20. Wolf Creek, Nevada
Just an hour outside of Vegas, Wolf Creek is perfect if you want to enjoy some golf during a trip to Sin City. This course is truly incredible – the holes are nestled among canyons with massive elevation changes and natural water hazards, adding an extra challenge into the mix.