As always, the best courses in the world can be found in either the United States or Europe. This has long been the epicenter of the golfing culture and has spawned many of the games most legendary players. The best isn’t limited to these two continents though, Australia has a strong golf following, and new courses are being constructed everywhere from the Middle East to China.
- St. Andrews, Scotland Golf has been played by monks at St. Andrews since the 12th century. It is considered one of the oldest courses in the world and attracts legions of golfers who come to pay their respects to the game.
- Pine Valley, New Jersey Ranked number one in the world by Golf Magazine several years in a row, Pine Valley is a masterpiece in difficulty. George Crump designed the course with high scores in mind. Everyone walks away talking. One course you should not miss.
- Pebble Beach, California Pebble Beach is best known through its countless televised tournaments and its annual stop on the PGA tour. The public course is pricey, but it’s one of those places you just have to experience in person.
- Abu Dhabi Golf Club, United Arab Emirates This course is home of the PGA European Tour Abu Dhabi Golf Championship and some of the bext resort and clubhouse facilities in the Middle East.
- Turnberry, Scotland The Alisa Course is considered the Pebble Beach of Scotland as it looks out on to the wild waters of the Irish Sea.
- Ballybunion, Ireland This legendary course in County Kerry is one of the most famous in all of Europe. The massive sand dunes sandwich the course between the high sea cliffs.
- Pine Valley, China The 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Course and the 27-hole Jack Nicklaus II Links Course at Pine Valley are said to be the future of golf in Asia. Apart from the Beijing Open, numerous other events are held here throughout the year.
- Barnbougle Dunes, Australia Tasmania’s Barnbougle Dunes has no membership like St. Andrews or Pebble Beach. When not chopping away at dunes and grassy hills, relax in seaside cottages just off the course.
- Cabo del Sol, Mexico The Jack Nicklaus designed 36 hole course is considered the Pebble Beach of Baja. Giant cacti, thundering surf, and the craggy desert hills make this one not to miss.
- Augusta National, Georgia Augusta, the home of the Masters Tournament, is one of the most exclusive golf clubs in the world and is limited to just a few hundred members.