Are you ready to tee off and explore the most exquisite golf travel destinations that will leave you in awe? Look no further, as we have compiled a comprehensive list of the best places around the world to immerse yourself in this beloved sport. From the picturesque courses in Scotland, where golf has its roots, to the tropical paradise of Hawaii, where lush greens meet stunning ocean views, we have you covered. Whether you prefer the rolling hills of Ireland, the rugged beauty of California, or the pristine fairways in South Africa, our article will guide you in making the perfect golfing vacation choice. Get your clubs ready, because we’re about to embark on an unforgettable journey through the world’s most fantastic golf destinations.
Top Golf Destinations in the United States
Pebble Beach, California
Located on the stunning coastline of California, Pebble Beach is a must-visit destination for any golf enthusiast. Home to some of the most renowned courses in the world, Pebble Beach offers a truly unforgettable golfing experience. The Pebble Beach Golf Links is a legendary course that has hosted numerous major championships, including the U.S. Open. With its breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and challenging fairways, this course is a true gem.
Pinehurst, North Carolina
Nestled in the heart of North Carolina, Pinehurst is a historic destination that is steeped in golfing tradition. The Pinehurst Resort is home to several championship courses, including Pinehurst No. 2, which has hosted major tournaments like the U.S. Open and the PGA Championship. With its rolling terrain and strategic bunkers, Pinehurst offers a challenging and rewarding golf experience. The resort also offers luxurious accommodations, world-class dining, and a variety of outdoor activities to enjoy.
Kiawah Island, South Carolina
Located just a short drive from Charleston, Kiawah Island is a golfer’s paradise. With its beautiful natural scenery and top-notch courses, this destination is a favorite among golf enthusiasts. The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island has hosted the Ryder Cup and the PGA Championship, and is known for its stunning oceanfront views and challenging layout. Kiawah Island also offers other world-class courses, as well as luxurious accommodations and excellent dining options.
Bandon Dunes, Oregon
If you’re looking for a world-class golf destination in the Pacific Northwest, look no further than Bandon Dunes in Oregon. This remote and picturesque resort offers four championship courses that are consistently ranked among the best in the world. With its rugged coastline, dunes, and stunning natural landscapes, Bandon Dunes provides a truly unique golfing experience. The courses at Bandon Dunes are known for their strategic layout, challenging greens, and stunning ocean views.
Scottsdale, Arizona
For golfers looking for warm weather and beautiful desert landscapes, Scottsdale is the perfect destination. With over 200 golf courses to choose from, this Arizona city offers something for every golfer. TPC Scottsdale is a renowned course that has hosted the Waste Management Phoenix Open, one of the most popular events on the PGA Tour. With its stunning mountain views and manicured fairways, TPC Scottsdale is a must-play course for any golf enthusiast. Scottsdale also boasts luxurious resorts, world-class spas, and a vibrant nightlife scene.
Top Golf Destinations in Europe
St. Andrews, Scotland
As the birthplace of golf, St. Andrews is a pilgrimage for any golfer. With its rich history and iconic landmarks, this Scottish town is a must-visit destination. The Old Course at St. Andrews is the oldest golf course in the world and has hosted the Open Championship multiple times. Golfers from around the globe come to experience the challenge and beauty of this legendary course. St. Andrews also offers several other world-class courses, as well as charming accommodations and traditional Scottish hospitality.
La Manga, Spain
Situated in the beautiful region of Murcia, La Manga is a premier golf destination in Spain. With its mild climate and stunning coastal scenery, La Manga attracts golfers year-round. The resort boasts three championship courses that offer a variety of challenges and beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea. In addition to its golf courses, La Manga features luxurious accommodations, a spa, and a wide range of outdoor activities. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned golfer, La Manga has something to offer for everyone.
Valderrama, Spain
Ranked as one of the best golf courses in Europe, Valderrama in Spain is a dream destination for golf enthusiasts. This exclusive club has hosted the Volvo Masters and the Ryder Cup, and is known for its pristine condition and challenging layout. Valderrama offers a unique golfing experience with its tight fairways, undulating greens, and stunning landscapes. The club also features luxurious facilities, including a clubhouse with panoramic views and a pro shop stocked with top-quality golf gear.
Vilamoura, Portugal
Located in the Algarve region of Portugal, Vilamoura is a top golf destination that offers a perfect combination of great golf and stunning natural beauty. With its mild climate and picturesque landscapes, Vilamoura attracts golfers from all over the world. The Victoria Golf Course is a championship course that has hosted the Portugal Masters and is known for its challenging layout and impeccable condition. Vilamoura also offers several other championship courses, as well as luxurious resorts, fantastic dining options, and a vibrant nightlife.
Top Golf Destinations in Asia
Bali National Golf Club, Indonesia
Bali National Golf Club is a world-class golf destination located on the beautiful island of Bali in Indonesia. This stunning golf resort offers a challenging and enjoyable golf experience amidst breathtaking natural surroundings. The course is designed to complement the natural landscapes and features lush fairways, scenic water features, and strategically placed bunkers. With its impeccable service and luxurious amenities, Bali National Golf Club is a must-visit destination for any golfer.
Mission Hills, China
As the largest golf resort in the world, Mission Hills in China is a golfing paradise. This massive resort features twelve championship courses designed by golfing legends such as Jack Nicklaus and Greg Norman. With its state-of-the-art facilities, Mission Hills offers a world-class golf experience. Golfers can choose from a variety of courses that cater to different skill levels and preferences. The resort also boasts luxurious accommodations, multiple restaurants, and a range of recreational facilities.
Royal Calcutta Golf Club, India
Established in 1829, the Royal Calcutta Golf Club is the oldest golf club in India and one of the oldest in the world. Located in Kolkata, this historic club offers a unique golfing experience with its traditional layout and colonial charm. The course is known for its challenging fairways, undulating greens, and beautiful vistas. Golfers can enjoy a round of golf while immersing themselves in the rich history and culture of India. The Royal Calcutta Golf Club also features a clubhouse with excellent facilities and a pro shop stocked with premium golf equipment.
Golf Destinations in the Caribbean
Teeth of the Dog, Dominican Republic
Considered one of the best courses in the Caribbean, Teeth of the Dog in the Dominican Republic is a true golfing gem. Designed by renowned architect Pete Dye, this challenging course is known for its stunning seaside holes and breathtaking views. With its lush fairways, intricate bunkers, and wide range of challenges, Teeth of the Dog provides a memorable golfing experience. The resort also offers luxurious accommodations, a spa, and a variety of water activities to enjoy.
Sandy Lane, Barbados
Located on the beautiful island of Barbados, Sandy Lane is a luxury resort that offers an exquisite golfing experience. The resort boasts three championship courses, including the iconic Green Monkey Course, which is carved out of an old limestone quarry. With its stunning views, challenging holes, and impeccable service, Sandy Lane is a favorite destination among golf enthusiasts. In addition to its golf courses, the resort features luxurious accommodations, world-class dining, and a range of recreational activities.
White Witch, Jamaica
White Witch Golf Course in Jamaica is a golfing paradise surrounded by lush tropical landscapes and breathtaking ocean views. Designed by acclaimed architect Robert von Hagge, this championship course offers a challenging and rewarding golfing experience. With its dramatic elevation changes, strategic bunkers, and stunning scenery, White Witch provides a unique and memorable golfing experience. The course is complemented by luxurious accommodations, excellent dining options, and a range of water activities to enjoy.
Top Golf Destinations in Australia
Barnbougle Dunes, Tasmania
Nestled on the picturesque coast of Tasmania, Barnbougle Dunes is a world-class golf destination that showcases the natural beauty of Australia. Designed by acclaimed architect Tom Doak, this links-style course offers a challenging and authentic golfing experience. With its rolling dunes, undulating fairways, and breathtaking views of the Bass Strait, Barnbougle Dunes is a must-play course for any golfer. The resort also provides comfortable accommodations, delicious dining options, and a range of outdoor activities.
Royal Melbourne, Victoria
Royal Melbourne Golf Club in Victoria is one of the most prestigious golf clubs in Australia. With its two championship courses, the West Course and the East Course, Royal Melbourne offers a world-class golf experience. The courses are known for their strategic design, challenging bunkers, and great variety of holes. Royal Melbourne has hosted numerous major tournaments, including the Presidents Cup and the Australian Open. The club also features luxurious facilities, including a clubhouse with stunning views and excellent dining options.
Hamilton Island Golf Club, Queensland
Located on the idyllic Hamilton Island in Queensland, Hamilton Island Golf Club is a true tropical paradise for golfers. This stunning course offers panoramic views of the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef, creating a remarkable golfing experience. Designed by renowned architect Peter Thomson, the course features challenging holes and stunning landscapes. Hamilton Island Golf Club also offers luxurious accommodations, a range of water activities, and access to the island’s other amenities and attractions.
Golf Destinations in Central and South America
La Estancia, Argentina
La Estancia Golf Resort is a hidden gem located in the beautiful countryside of Argentina. This exclusive resort features an 18-hole championship course that offers a challenging yet enjoyable golfing experience. With its rolling fairways, strategic bunkers, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains, La Estancia provides a serene and picturesque setting for golfers. The resort also offers luxurious accommodations, a spa, and a range of outdoor activities.
Tres Vidas, Mexico
Situated on Mexico’s Pacific coast, Tres Vidas Golf Course is a beautiful destination that combines golf with stunning natural scenery. The course is nestled between mountains and the sea, offering breathtaking views at every turn. Tres Vidas features 18 holes designed by renowned architect Robert Von Hagge, with challenging fairways and strategically placed hazards. The resort also offers luxurious accommodations, a spa, and a variety of water activities to enjoy.
Fazenda Boa Vista, Brazil
Fazenda Boa Vista in Brazil is a luxury golf resort that offers a unique and exclusive golfing experience. The resort features an 18-hole championship course designed by golf legend Arnold Palmer, which provides a challenging yet enjoyable round of golf. With its beautiful landscapes, pristine fairways, and top-quality facilities, Fazenda Boa Vista is the perfect destination for golf enthusiasts. In addition to its golf course, the resort offers luxurious accommodations, equestrian facilities, and a range of outdoor activities.
Golf Destinations in Africa
Arabella Golf Club, South Africa
Located in the Western Cape province of South Africa, Arabella Golf Club is a premier golf destination that offers a world-class golfing experience. The course is set amidst stunning natural surrounds, with panoramic views of the Bot River Lagoon and the Kogelberg Mountains. Arabella Golf Club features an 18-hole championship course designed by renowned architect Peter Matkovich, known for its challenging layout and strategic design. The resort also offers luxurious accommodations, a spa, and a range of outdoor activities.
Mazagan Beach Resort, Morocco
Situated on the Atlantic coast of Morocco, Mazagan Beach Resort is a golfing paradise that offers a unique blend of luxury, culture, and natural beauty. The resort features an 18-hole championship course designed by golfing legend Gary Player, which offers a challenging and enjoyable golfing experience. With its stunning ocean views, undulating fairways, and beautiful native vegetation, Mazagan Beach Resort provides a memorable golfing experience. The resort also offers luxurious accommodations, a spa, and a variety of recreational activities.
Golf Destinations in the Middle East
Emirates Golf Club, Dubai
As a premier golf destination in the Middle East, Emirates Golf Club in Dubai offers a world-class golfing experience in a truly luxurious setting. The club features two championship courses, the Majlis Course and the Faldo Course, both designed to challenge and delight golfers of all skill levels. The Majlis Course has hosted the Dubai Desert Classic, a prominent event on the European Tour. With its stunning views of the Dubai skyline and immaculate playing conditions, Emirates Golf Club is a must-visit destination for any golfer.
Yas Links, Abu Dhabi
Yas Links in Abu Dhabi is a golf destination that offers a truly unique and unforgettable golfing experience. This championship links-style course is designed to replicate the great links courses of Scotland and Ireland, and features stunning views of the Arabian Gulf. With its undulating fairways, challenging bunkers, and strategic water hazards, Yas Links provides a memorable and challenging round of golf. The resort also offers luxurious accommodations, a range of dining options, and access to the exciting attractions on Yas Island.
Doha Golf Club, Qatar
Doha Golf Club in Qatar is a must-visit destination for golf enthusiasts looking for a world-class golfing experience in the Middle East. The club features an 18-hole championship course that has hosted the Qatar Masters, a prestigious event on the European Tour. Designed by renowned architect Peter Harradine, the course is known for its challenging layout and stunning views of the desert landscape. Doha Golf Club also offers luxurious facilities, including a clubhouse with excellent amenities and a pro shop stocked with premium golf equipment.
Top Golf Destinations in North America (excluding the United States)
Cabot Links, Canada
Located on the rugged coast of Nova Scotia, Cabot Links is a world-class golf destination that offers a truly unforgettable golfing experience. The resort features two championship courses, Cabot Links and Cabot Cliffs, both designed by acclaimed architect Rod Whitman. Cabot Links is a true links-style course that provides a unique and challenging golf experience, while Cabot Cliffs offers dramatic ocean views and a variety of challenges. With its stunning landscapes, luxurious accommodations, and excellent dining options, Cabot Links is a must-visit destination for any golfer.
Puntacana Resort, Dominican Republic
Puntacana Resort in the Dominican Republic is a golf destination that combines pristine beaches with top-notch golf courses. The resort features two championship courses, La Cana and Corales, both designed by legendary golfers. La Cana offers breathtaking ocean views and challenging holes, while Corales provides a unique and dramatic coastal golfing experience. With its luxurious accommodations, beautiful beaches, and excellent dining options, Puntacana Resort is a favorite destination among golf enthusiasts.
El Camaleón Mayakoba, Mexico
El Camaleón Mayakoba in Mexico is a golf destination that offers a unique blend of natural beauty and world-class golfing. This championship course is located in the stunning Riviera Maya and features diverse ecosystems, including tropical jungle and pristine Caribbean shoreline. El Camaleón is known for its challenging layout and unique hazards, including the cenote on the 7th hole. The resort also offers luxurious accommodations, a spa, and a range of water activities to enjoy.
Golf Destinations in Oceania
Clearwater Golf Club, New Zealand
Clearwater Golf Club in New Zealand is a golf destination that offers a picturesque and challenging golfing experience. Located in Christchurch, this championship course is set on the beautiful shores of Clearwater Lake and surrounded by natural landscapes. The course features strategic water hazards, testing bunkers, and beautifully manicured fairways. With its stunning views, challenging layout, and excellent facilities, Clearwater Golf Club is a must-play course for any golfer visiting New Zealand.
Kooyonga Golf Club, Australia
Kooyonga Golf Club in Australia is a premier golf destination that offers a true test of golfing skill. Located in Adelaide, this championship course is known for its challenging fairways, strategic bunkers, and fast greens. Kooyonga has hosted numerous national and international tournaments, including the Australian Open and the Women’s Australian Open. With its beautiful landscapes, excellent facilities, and warm Australian hospitality, Kooyonga Golf Club is a must-visit destination for any golfer.