Top 10 dream courses to play
If you're dreaming of playing golf on some of the world's most iconic and beautiful courses, here's my list of 10 bucket-list destinations I love to play. These courses are renowned for their history, scenery, and challenging play. This is my personal list so each has their own opinion. Top 10 list isn’t enough as there are so many great courses that haven't even been mentioned.
1. Augusta National Golf Club (Georgia, USA)
Famous for: The Masters Tournament
Description: Augusta is one of the most exclusive and iconic courses globally. Known for its azaleas, pristine fairways, and the legendary Amen Corner, it offers a stunning, immaculately maintained layout. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the hardest courses to access, being a private members-only club.
2. St. Andrews (Old Course) (Fife, Scotland)
Famous for: Being the "Home of Golf"
Description: The Old Course at St. Andrews is one of the oldest and most revered courses in the world. Its wide-open layout, deep bunkers (such as the infamous "Hell Bunker"), and the iconic Swilcan Bridge make this a pilgrimage for any serious golfer.
3. Pebble Beach Golf Links (California, USA)
Famous for: Stunning ocean views and hosting major championships and popular course from Tigers Wood games on computer consoles
Description: Pebble Beach hugs the dramatic Pacific coastline, offering spectacular ocean views on nearly every hole. It's frequently ranked as one of the best public courses in the world, and its 7th and 18th holes are especially iconic.
4. Old Head Links (Kinsale, Ireland)
Famous for: Spectacular clifftop setting
Description: Old Head Golf Links is perched on a dramatic promontory stretching two miles into the Atlantic Ocean, providing one of the most stunning golf course backdrops in the world. The course features towering cliffs, rugged terrain, and breathtaking ocean views on almost every hole. The unique location and challenging coastal winds make it a favorite among golfers seeking both a scenic and challenging experience.
5. Cape Kidnappers Golf (Hawke Bay, New Zealand)
Famous for: Clifftop fairways and stunning scenery
Description: Cape Kidnappers Golf Course is set on a high plateau overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The course offers stunning panoramic views of the rugged cliffs and the ocean, with some holes perched precariously along the cliff edges. Designed by Tom Doak, this par-71 course is known for its dramatic landscapes and challenges created by the natural terrain. The incredible vistas and strategic design make it a bucket-list course for golfers around the world.
6. Royal Melbourne Golf Club (Victoria, Australia)
Famous for: Challenging design and international prestige
Description: Royal Melbourne's composite course (a combination of holes from its East and West courses) is often considered one of the best in the Southern Hemisphere. Its undulating greens and strategic bunkering make it a pure test of golf.
7. TPC Sawgrass (Florida, USA)
Famous for: The iconic 17th "Island Green" hole
Description: TPC Sawgrass is home to the famous PLAYERS Championship and is known for its challenging design by Pete Dye. The most renowned feature is the 17th hole, where the green is situated on a small island, surrounded by water. This par-3 hole is one of the most recognized and challenging in the world, often deciding tournament outcomes. The course is also notable for its strategic layout, with carefully placed hazards and tight fairways.
8. Trump Turnberry Links (Scotland)
Famous for: Most expensive golf round in the world
Description: Turnberry is one of Scotland's historic courses, known for hosting several Open Championships. Its coastal setting offers stunning views of the Ailsa Craig and the Isle of Arran. Under Trump ownership, the course has been redesigned, enhancing its already renowned reputation. However, it's also famous (or infamous) for being one of the most expensive places to play golf, offering a luxury experience with pristine links conditions and world-class service.
9. Royal County Down (Newcastle, Northern Ireland)
Famous for: Its ranking as one of the best courses in the world
Description: Set against the backdrop of the Mourne Mountains and along Dundrum Bay, Royal County Down is consistently ranked among the top golf courses in the world. The course features narrow fairways, deep bunkers, and challenging blind shots, all while offering spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. Known for its rugged beauty and challenging layout, it is a favorite among golfers seeking both a stern test of their skills and a scenic experience.
10. Bandon Dunes (Oregon, USA)
Famous for: Links golf in the U.S.
Description: Bandon Dunes offers a true links golf experience on the rugged Oregon coast. Its natural terrain, wind-swept dunes, and ocean views across multiple courses make it a top destination for purists of the game.