Top 100 Best Golf Courses in the World for 2025

Elite golf’s landscape shows a dramatic change. Links courses now rule the world’s best golf course rankings. These courses have taken an unprecedented lead with nine of the top 10 spots. Their presence has grown from 40 to 54 courses in recent rankings.

The United States dominates with 48 of the top 100 courses. The UK follows with 29 courses. Golf enthusiasts will find it exciting that 56 of these prestigious venues welcome public players. World-class golf has become more accessible than most people realize.

Pine Valley stands out with its legendary penal architecture. St Andrews Old Course has hosted a record 29 championships. These venues showcase the finest golf course design and rich history. Your ultimate golfing bucket list should include these 25 exceptional courses.

Pine Valley Golf Club

_{Image Source: Wikipedia}

Pine Valley Golf Club stands as George Crump’s masterpiece of golf course architecture in the pine barrens of southern New Jersey. The club’s founding in 1913 led to a massive transformation project. Workers drained marshlands and removed 22,000 tree stumps using steam-winches and horse-drawn cables.

Pine Valley Course History and Design

George Crump worked with famous architects A.W. Tillinghast, Hugh Wilson, and H.S. Colt to create this architectural marvel. Players first experienced eleven holes in 1914. The remaining holes were completed in 1922, after Crump’s death in 1918. The course’s design follows three unique principles: no parallel holes exist, holes never run in the same direction more than twice, and each hole stays visually isolated.

Pine Valley Playing Experience

Players need strategic thinking and precise shot-making skills on this course. The fairways stretch 50-55 yards wide in landing areas that act like “islands” surrounded by sand, dense woods, and severe slopes. The green complexes create sophisticated challenges that test both approach shots and putting accuracy.

Pine Valley Access and Booking

The club maintains strict invitation-only membership with about 930 members worldwide. Guests can play only with a member present and must show low handicaps. The club made a significant change in 2021 by welcoming women members, following an agreement with the New Jersey Division of Civil Rights.

Cypress Point Club

_{Image Source: Monterey Peninsula Golf}

Cypress Point Club stands proudly on California’s Monterey Peninsula as Alister MacKenzie’s greatest architectural creation. Since its opening in 1928, this masterpiece has held its place among the top three golf courses worldwide.

Cypress Point Architecture

MacKenzie’s brilliance shows in his organic design philosophy. He let the coastal dunes shape the course naturally instead of forcing his design onto the landscape. The course flows through three distinct settings: forest (holes 1-6), dunes (holes 6-12), and oceanside (holes 13-18). MacKenzie’s signature bunker work makes it hard to tell where nature ends and human craftsmanship begins.

Cypress Point Signature Holes

The course builds up to an incredible stretch of oceanside holes. Players face a challenging 135-yard par-3 on the 15th hole, surrounded by bunkers and cypress trees. Notwithstanding that, the iconic 16th hole stands as the course’s crown jewel and demands a thrilling 230-yard carry over the Pacific Ocean. On top of that, the 386-yard 17th hole caps this spectacular sequence with a tee shot over rocky coastline and a green that slopes toward the ocean.

Cypress Point Visitor Information

The club’s exclusive membership counts just 250 people worldwide. Players need a member’s invitation to access the course and must play with a member present . The club stays true to golf’s traditions – players must walk with caddies and won’t find any yardage markers on the course. The course hosted the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am from 1947 to 1990, and it will welcome the Walker Cup matches again in September 2025.

St Andrews Old Course

_{Image Source: St Andrews Links}

The Old Course at St Andrews is the world’s oldest golf course, with a rich 600-year history.

St Andrews Old Course Legacy

This legendary course earned its “Home of Golf” title by hosting 30 Open Championships. The course created the standard 18-hole round that became the way to measure golf course design globally. The course’s double greens and layout have shaped golf architecture around the world.

St Andrews Playing Tips

Players face unique challenges that just need strategic thinking:

• The first fairway spans 129 yards wide, so players should keep their tee shots central
• Low-trajectory shots help curb the effects of changing winds
• The massive greens often require 100-foot putts
• The infamous Road Hole (17th) remains one of golf’s toughest tests

St Andrews Booking Process

Getting a tee time takes careful planning because of the course’s popularity. St Andrews Links Trust gives players several booking choices ^[:

• The advanced reservation lottery starts each September for next year’s slots
• A daily ballot happens 48 hours before play
• A singles daily draw system started in March 2024
• Winter packages run from November through March

Players must show a valid handicap certificate with a maximum of 36 for both men and women. Green fees range from £270 during peak season to around USD 200 for winter packages.

Royal County Down

_{Image Source: Royal County Down Golf Club}

Royal County Down sits along Dundrum Bay’s shores, blending natural beauty with challenging golf against the stunning Mourne Mountains backdrop.

Royal County Down Course Features

The Championship Links winds through Murlough Nature Reserve, showing off different views at every hole. Narrow ribbons of fairways thread their way through towering dunes, while purple heather and golden gorse frame the landscape. The course’s signature “bearded” bunkers showcase overhanging lips of marram, red fescue, and heather that create unique challenges for players.

Royal County Down Best Holes

The 4th hole, a par-3, ranks among golf’s finest challenges. Players must hit a 229-yard shot over gorse-covered terrain to reach a green guarded by bunkers. The 9th hole has become one of world golf’s most photographed spots, stretching 486 yards. A dramatic tee shot awaits players at an elevated position, dropping 60 feet to the fairway below. The approach shot must clear two bunkers to reach a raised green.

Royal County Down Green Fees

Peak season rates from April 2025 to October 2025:

• Weekday rounds: £425 per player
• Two rounds in one day: £575 per player
• Sunday afternoons: £425 per player

Players can visit the course on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday for morning and afternoon rounds, Thursday mornings, and Sunday afternoons . The course provides multiple tee options while the championship tees stretch to 7,206 yards.

National Golf Links of America

_{Image Source: National Golf Links Of America}

The National Golf Links of America has graced 253 acres of pristine land overlooking Peconic Bay in Southampton, New York since its founding in 1908.

NGLA Course Overview

Charles Blair Macdonald, who many call the father of American golf course architecture, created this masterpiece with Seth Raynor’s engineering expertise. We studied countless courses in Scotland and England to bring the finest elements of British links to American soil. The course’s unique layout progresses through different terrains that feature wide fairways. Players of all skill levels face strategic hazards throughout their round.

NGLA Notable Holes

Several remarkable template holes draw inspiration from famous British courses. The Alps third hole challenges golfers with a magnificent blind approach shot. The Redan fourth hole stands out as American golf’s finest version. The Cape hole at fourteen showcases Macdonald’s most famous original design and requires a strategic tee shot over water. The sixteenth hole’s distinctive punchbowl green ranks among golf’s most unique putting surfaces.

NGLA Access Information

This private facility maintains strict exclusivity. Members must host any visitors who wish to play the course. Traditional golfing values remain strong here – players must walk the course with caddies. The season runs from April through November. A full-service clubhouse overlooks the magnificent Peconic Bay, and practice areas complement the club’s facilities.

Royal Melbourne West

_{Image Source: The Royal Melbourne Golf Club}

Dr. Alister MacKenzie designed the West Course at Royal Melbourne Golf Club in 1926. This masterpiece stands as a perfect example of strategic golf architecture.

Royal Melbourne Design Elements

MacKenzie’s layout brilliantly fits the rolling sandbelt terrain. Most holes feature strategic doglegs that blend with the natural landscape. The course shows off dramatic undulations, a natural rugged appearance, and bold bunkering. The greens are the course’s defining feature. We created large, beautifully contoured surfaces that have consistently given Australia’s finest putting conditions.

Royal Melbourne Playing Experience

The course just needs smart shot-making. Players find that approach angles to the pins matter more than distance. The sixth hole presents a compelling challenge. This remarkable two-shot hole has perfectly positioned ground hazards. The seventh hole stands out as an excellent uphill par-three. Its green runs across the line of play and forces players to make critical strategic decisions.

Royal Melbourne Visitor Guidelines

International visitors can play the course during specific times on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays. The club follows these strict protocols:

• Players must walk, with medical exceptions needing advance documentation
• Golf attire should meet formal standards, and players should remove caps and visors in the clubhouse
• Players should keep mobile phones silent and make calls only in locker rooms

International visitors pay green fees of AUD 850.00 (USD 750.00 in low season), plus a required caddie fee of USD 170.00.

Shinnecock Hills

_{Image Source: Wikipedia}

Shinnecock Hills Golf Club became America’s first incorporated golf club in 1891, leading the way in the nation’s golfing history.

Shinnecock Hills Course History

The course’s development reflects three major design phases that shaped American golf architecture. Willie Davis created the initial twelve-hole layout, and Willie Dunn later expanded it to eighteen holes in 1895. William Flynn designed the current course, which Dick Wilson built for the 1931 season. The club’s legacy includes hosting multiple U.S. Opens since the second championship in 1896, with another scheduled for 2026.

Shinnecock Hills Notable Features

The course design employs Shinnecock Hills’ natural topography to create a links-style experience similar to British courses. The iconic Redan seventh hole spans 194 yards with its compact, demanding green. Players consider the uphill eleventh hole, at 154 yards, one of the world’s best par-threes. The ninth hole, known as Ben Nevis, challenges golfers with its uphill 443-yard layout.

Shinnecock Hills Access Details

The club maintains strict private access, and members must accompany all guests. Club rules include:

• Appropriate golf attire mandatory – no t-shirts, tank tops, or jeans permitted
• Soft spikes required on course and in clubhouse
• Mobile devices restricted to parking lot and designated areas

America’s oldest golf clubhouse, designed by Stanford White in 1892, stands as the course’s architectural centerpiece after its 2016 restoration [76, 69].

Augusta National

_{Image Source: Masters.com}

Bobby Jones and Alister MacKenzie created a masterpiece when they built Augusta National Golf Club, which opened in 1932. The club’s roots trace back to an old plant nursery, and each hole got its name from the trees or shrubs growing near it.

Augusta National Course Overview

The course challenges skilled players while remaining playable for average golfers. The design features wide fairways and large greens with less than 30 bunkers. A sophisticated SubAir System added in 1994 keeps playing conditions firm through underground irrigation and ventilation.

Augusta National Famous Holes

The back nine has some of golf’s most iconic holes. Amen Corner, which spans holes 11 through 13, creates golf’s most dramatic stretch. “Golden Bell,” the 155-yard 12th hole, challenges players with its tiny landing area and unpredictable winds. The 545-yard 13th hole “Azalea” shows off a beautiful dogleg left design.

Augusta National Access Information

Augusta National’s reputation rests on its strict privacy. Access is restricted to:

• Club members and their guests
• Masters Tournament participants
• Media members during tournament week
• Select sponsor representatives

The public can visit only during the Masters Tournament, which stands as the sole major championship played at the same venue every year.

Royal Dornoch

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Royal Dornoch Golf Club sits majestically along the north shore of the Dornoch Firth and has shaped golf history for over four centuries. In 1886, Old Tom Morris transformed the original nine holes into eighteen, which created one of the finest championship links courses.

Royal Dornoch Course Features

A natural amphitheater of tiered linksland sets the stage for the Championship Course. Shimmering waters and gorse-clad hillsides frame this masterpiece. The course’s progress shows in recent changes to the 7th and 8th holes. The dramatic location and layout combine to create a quintessential links challenge that has drawn golf legends like Tom Watson, Ben Crenshaw, and Jack Nicklaus.

Royal Dornoch Playing Tips

The course needs strategic thinking with its undulating fairways and deep, challenging bunkers. Local knowledge is a great way to get insights – while the course looks straightforward, players discover its complexities through experience. “Foxy,” the signature 14th hole, stands as all but one of these holes without bunkers and features a plateau green sitting across the play line.

Royal Dornoch Visitor Information

Visitors can play seven days a week, based on availability. Green fees for 2025/26 include:

• Single round: £50 per round
• Two-round package: Available with combination tickets
• Twilight rates: Offered for evening play

Booking ahead through the online system or reservations team works best. The club offers detailed facilities, including caddie services (£60 plus gratuity), club rentals, and practice areas.

Oakmont Country Club

_{Image Source: Oakmont Country Club}

Oakmont Country Club, 120 years old, stands as America’s oldest top-ranked golf course.

Oakmont Course Design

Henry Fownes built this masterpiece with 150 men and two dozen mule teams. He changed old farmland into a links-style course. The course has almost no water hazards and very few trees since 2007. It maintains a USGA rating of 77.5. The layout creates unique challenges with greens on holes 1, 3, 10, and 12 that pitch away from the fairway.

Oakmont Signature Holes

The legendary Church Pews bunker spans approximately 100 by 40 yards between the 3rd and 4th holes. This unique hazard shows off twelve grass-covered ridges that look like church pews. The course’s 8th hole went through changes in the late 1940s to make way for the Pennsylvania Turnpike. A 2007 renovation saw between 5,000 and 8,000 trees removed, bringing back the course’s original character.

Oakmont Access Guidelines

The club enforces strict rules for visitors:

• Players must finish rounds in four hours or less
• Players must walk and use the club’s strong caddie program
• Players need proper golf attire – no jeans, collarless shirts, or cargo shorts
• Players can use cell phones only in designated areas

Guests should arrive through the designated lane at the Security Booth. The Member Services team helps with bag drop ^[31]. The club allows tipping only for bag room and locker room attendants.

Sand Hills Golf Club

_{Image Source: GolfWRX}

Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw built a masterpiece in Nebraska’s remote sandhills that changed modern golf course design. The course opened in 1995 and needed just 4,000 cubic yards of earth moved during construction. This made it America’s most natural course since World War I.

Sand Hills Course Overview

The course covers 130 acres on rolling sand hills. Coore and Crenshaw found over 130 natural golf holes during their two-year survey. We focused on picking the best 18 holes from these natural formations. The property’s soil has perfectly round sand grains that match USGA greens mix. This eliminated the need for artificial drainage and helped keep construction costs at USD 1.2 million.

Sand Hills Playing Experience

The carefully planned routing creates exceptional variety. Key features include:

• Natural blowout bunkers that reach 50 feet deep
• Generous landing areas that work with various wind conditions
• Pure greens with exceptional putting surfaces
• One of golf’s finest closing stretches

Sand Hills Booking Information

The club limits membership to fewer than 200 people worldwide. Members usually fly into Denver, Omaha, or North Platte and stay at the on-site lodging that fits 55 guests. Ben’s Porch serves as the course’s gathering spot with panoramic views and full food and beverage service. The club stays closed up to eight months during winter. To book, call the club at (308) 546-2437.

Muirfield

_{Image Source: www.muirfield.org.uk}

Muirfield, one of Scotland’s finest golf courses, sets itself apart with its unique two-circle layout. The front nine circles clockwise around the outer edge, while the back nine flows counterclockwise inside.

Muirfield Course Features

The course layout brilliantly combines strategic challenges with natural beauty. The fairway bunkers require exact positioning from players, and getting caught in them usually lets you advance only a few yards. The course also features subtle yet challenging run-off areas at the edges of the greens.

Muirfield Playing Strategy

Players need smart course management to succeed at Muirfield. The uphill par-3s usually require an extra club. The greens are smaller than typical links courses and reward accurate approach shots to their center. Holes 2, 6, 9, and 17 present the toughest challenges with their strategic complexity.

Muirfield Visitor Access

Visitors can play on Tuesdays and Thursdays, except during public holidays. The club’s visitor guidelines are clear:

• Advance booking required through online calendar
• Green fee payment mandatory for booking confirmation
• Jacket and tie required for clubhouse dining
• Mobile phones restricted to aircraft mode for photography

Visitors get access to full practice facilities with complimentary range balls. Players can choose between meal options – a three-course carvery lunch for 36-hole players, or a two-course option at £30 for those playing 18 holes.

Pebble Beach Golf Links

_{Image Source: Pebble Beach Resorts}

Pebble Beach Golf Links ranks among the world’s best public courses. This magnificent course sits on California’s Monterey Peninsula, where dramatic coastal views meet world-class golf.

Pebble Beach Course Highlights

Nine spectacular holes run along oceanfront cliffs, creating an unmatched coastal golf experience. Golfers worldwide know the par-3 seventh hole as one of golf’s most photographed spots, stretching just over 100 yards from an elevated tee. The legendary par-5 eighteenth hole curves along Stillwater Bay and stands as golf’s finest finishing hole, giving players multiple strategic options.

Pebble Beach Playing Tips

Top players recommend these key strategies:

• Position shots below the hole on small, sloping greens
• Factor in marine air that cuts shot distances by up to 20 yards
• Let caddies guide you on ocean-facing slopes
• Stay clear of bunkers around the tight 3,500-square-foot greens

Pebble Beach Booking Process

Players need to plan ahead for a tee time. Resort guests can reserve up to 18 months early but must stay two nights minimum. Non-resort players get access to bookings just one day ahead, if spots remain. Green fees cost USD 595.00, with a planned increase to USD 625.00 in April 2025. Players get access to premium practice areas and free bag cleaning service. A caddie costs USD 150.00 plus gratuity, and the course strongly suggests taking one.

Royal Portrush

_{Image Source: www.royalportrushgolfclub.com}

Royal Portrush’s Dunluce Links stands proudly on Northern Ireland’s dramatic coastline. Harry Colt’s masterful design has made it one of the world’s finest courses.

Royal Portrush Course Design

The course, named after the nearby medieval Dunluce Castle, went through major changes between 2015 and 2019. Martin Ebert led the renovation that added five new greens, eight new tee boxes, and ten new bunkers. We added two new holes, the 7th and 8th, on former Valley Links land to boost the championship layout. The course’s soaring win as host of the 2019 Open Championship, which drew 237,500 spectators, proved its status as a premier venue.

Royal Portrush Notable Holes

Players face uniquely named holes that test their skills throughout the round:

• White Rocks (5th): A 374-yard par-4 that needs precise shot placement
• Calamity Corner (16th): A challenging 236-yard par-3 with a 75-foot chasm short and right of the green
• Purgatory (17th): A 408-yard par-4 that gives birdie chances to longer hitters

Royal Portrush Visitor Guidelines

Visitors can play seven days a week during peak season from April through September. Summer green fees cost £295, and the course closes during winter. Players should book tee times early through the club’s website. The course has strict handicap rules, so players must bring valid certificates when they arrive.

Merion Golf Club East

_{Image Source: Merion Golf Club}

Merion Golf Club East Course’s innovative wicker basket pins instead of traditional flags are proof of architectural ingenuity on merely 126 acres of land.

Merion East Course History

Hugh Wilson crafted this masterpiece from Ardmore land in 1911. The course opened on September 14, 1912, and players quickly recognized it as “the finest inland links in the country”. William Flynn, the club’s superintendent, got patent approval for his distinctive wicker basket design by summer 1915. The course’s historic character remains intact through careful preservation that matches present conditions with early photographs.

Merion East Signature Holes

Deceptive bunkering with unique “eyebrows” and grass peninsulas define the course’s character. Jack Nicklaus praised the layout and said it “may be the best test of golf in the world, acre for acre”. The championship legacy shines through Bobby Jones completing his Grand Slam in 1930 and Ben Hogan’s legendary one-iron shot during his 1950 U.S. Open victory.

Merion East Access Information

Players must follow these strict protocols:

• Walking mandatory except for medical necessities
• No yardage markers on course – trained caddies provide distances
• Four-hour pace of play strictly enforced
• Mobile devices restricted to designated areas

The club keeps intermediate rough year-round and preserves traditions like dunes grass and Scotch broom. The course ended up as a walking-only facility that shows its steadfast dedication to golf’s traditional values.

Tara Iti

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Tara Iti Golf Club took shape from transformed pine forest land in 2015 along New Zealand’s pristine coastline. The club quickly became one of the world’s most remarkable golf destinations.

Tara Iti Course Features

Tom Doak’s masterpiece sits on 570 acres of beachfront property, just 90 minutes northeast of Auckland. The course naturally winds through sand dunes with a green fescue carpet spread over rolling terrain. The land seemed perfect for a golf course, which meant very little earth needed to be moved during construction.

Tara Iti Playing Experience

Each hole brings its own unique challenges in this distinctive playing environment. Players can putt from almost anywhere on the fairways, which creates many strategic choices. The sound of crashing waves adds to the experience, and ocean views make it even better. The sixth hole runs right along the beautiful coastline. The clubhouse keeps things simple yet elegant, and features a three-hole whiskey loop that stays within fifty yards of the bar.

Tara Iti Visitor Policy

The club ended up as an exclusive private establishment with about 62 team members. They take a unique approach with their motto: “we have no rules, but if you break one, we’ll let you know”. You can access the course in these ways:

• Membership through invitation only
• Guest access when accompanied by a member
• A one-time visit chance with a club recommendation letter

Players can enjoy the course throughout the year, and winter temperatures stay above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. The green fees match other premium New Zealand courses like Kauri Cliffs and Cape Kidnappers.

Ballybunion Old Course

_{Image Source: Ballybunion Golf Club}

Founded in 1893, Ballybunion Golf Club started as a modest 12-hole layout. Financial difficulties forced its closure in 1898. The course came back to life in 1906 with a new nine-hole track and ended up expanding to its current 18-hole championship layout in 1927.

Ballybunion Course Overview

The Old Course weaves through some of the world’s most dramatic coastal dune systems that create a unique golfing experience. Players encounter the first six holes with an opening hole next to a cemetery. The second hole gives them a preview of the spectacular dunes ahead. The course shows its true character from the seventh tee onward where golfers face challenging shots along the water.

Ballybunion Playing Tips

Golfers face different challenges throughout their round:

• The stretch from holes 7 to 18 just needs precise shots between towering dunes
• Hole 11 stands out as the signature challenge as it runs along cliff edges through deep dunes
• A knife-edge ridge holds the 6th green that requires careful approach shots

Ballybunion Booking Details

Players can visit on weekdays from April to October, except Bank Holiday Mondays. The green fee costs €400 per person for 2025. Groups must have at least one caddie or fore caddie, with rates starting at €45 for one bag. Players should book through the club’s website and pay in advance for all reservations.

Kingston Heath

_{Image Source: www.kingstonheath.melbourne}

Kingston Heath Golf Club sits in Melbourne’s Sandbelt region. The club shows off strategic course design through its masterful bunkering system and compact layout.

Kingston Heath Design Elements

Dan Soutar designed the original layout in the 1920s. Alister MacKenzie later added detailed bunkering recommendations that created maybe even the world’s finest bunkering system. A major wildfire in 1944 cleared the course’s dense tea-tree and heavy undergrowth. The course’s distinctive character now comes from its so big areas of low-growing Heath grasses.

Kingston Heath Best Holes

The course features an impressive set of short holes. Players find a driveable third hole with a shallow green perfectly angled for precise pitch shots. MacKenzie’s signature 15th hole stands as one of the country’s great par threes. The opening hole stretches 395 meters and ranks among Australia’s most challenging first holes.

Kingston Heath Visitor Access

The club follows these visitor guidelines:

• Interstate and overseas visitors welcome Monday through Friday
• Green fees range from USD 450 to USD 800
• Mandatory Golf Australia club membership affiliation
• Detailed facilities including restaurant, shop, and car park

The course has hosted many prestigious events. We hosted nine Australian Opens and two Australian Masters. Kingston Heath ended up as a supreme test of golfing precision. Players just need absolute accuracy to score birdies, yet the course remains playable for all skill levels.

Cape Kidnappers

_{Image Source: Robertson Lodges}

Tom Doak created a masterpiece when he designed Cape Kidnappers in 2004. The course spans 6,569 meters of breathtaking cliff-edge terrain.

Cape Kidnappers Course Features

The par-71 layout starts inland before it reveals stunning ocean views. The course has subtle greens that follow the natural land contours and strategic bunkers that enhance the challenge. Players face firm and swift fairways that sit 140 meters above sea level, and they just need careful shot selection to succeed.

Cape Kidnappers Playing Experience

Each round brings unique challenges. The first few holes feel like a heathland course before you reach the spectacular oceanside section. The remarkable 15th hole, Pirate’s Plank, stretches over 650 yards from the back tees. Players must watch the wind conditions and choose their tees wisely.

Cape Kidnappers Travel Tips

The course lies in Hawke’s Bay on New Zealand’s North Island. You’ll drive 20 minutes from the entrance gate to reach the clubhouse. You can stay at:

• The on-site Rosewood Cape Kidnappers resort
• Various lodging choices in nearby Napier, known for its art deco architecture
• Local establishments offering fine dining and wine experiences

Green fees cost NZD 850 (approximately £425). The course accepts online bookings. Direct flights connect Napier to Wellington, Auckland, and Christchurch. The property covers a 6,000-acre working sheep and cattle station, and a 10-kilometer predator-proof fence protects it.

Sunningdale Old

_{Image Source: Sunningdale Golf Club}

Sunningdale Old Course changed the game of inland golf course design when it opened in 1901. The course proved that great golf could thrive away from the coast.

Sunningdale Old Course Design

Willie Park Junior created this masterpiece on terrain covered with heather, gorse, and pine. Harry Colt, the club secretary, later boosted the layout by moving the fourth, seventh, and twelfth greens. The course runs through dramatic undulations with big elevation changes that create a natural rollercoaster effect.

Sunningdale Old Notable Holes

The fifth hole is one of golf’s most captured scenes. It stretches 420 yards with a pond and four bunkers that guard the green. The pond holds a special place in golf history as the first manufactured water hazard. Critics praise the tenth hole as one of Britain’s finest, with its spectacular downhill drive to a fairway that looks narrower than it really is.

Sunningdale Old Visitor Information

Visitors can play from April through October, Monday to Thursday. Here’s what you need to know:

• Green fee: £325 for single round
• Day ticket: £550 for both courses
• Jacket and tie required for clubhouse dining
• Free practice facilities with range balls

We recommend booking in advance through the club’s online system. The famous halfway house sits after the tenth hole and serves their legendary sausage sandwiches – a true Sunningdale tradition. The club’s location just 47 minutes by train from London Waterloo makes it available to international visitors.

Pacific Dunes

_{Image Source: Bandon Dunes Golf Resort}

Tom Doak’s architectural genius comes alive at Pacific Dunes, which opened in 2001 and became Golf Magazine’s top-rated public course in America faster than expected.

Pacific Dunes Course Overview

Several holes of this stunning course sit right against cliffs overlooking the beach in the northernmost section of Bandon’s coastal property. Doak found the course rather than built it, which meant minimal earth movement was needed. Wide fairways, no internal water hazards, and short rough create a layout that emphasizes angles of play.

Pacific Dunes Playing Strategy

Players just need smart course management to navigate the undulating terrain. Key strategic elements make the course unique:

• Every shot offers multiple playing options
• Firm and fast conditions that call for careful shot selection
• Natural bunkers that reach depths up to 50 feet
• Greens run at reasonable speeds to improve playability

Pacific Dunes Booking Process

The resort has a well-laid-out reservation system for 2026 with three booking windows. The first window covers January through April and closes December 24. The second window for May through September bookings ends January 19, 2025. The final window for October through December reservations ended up closing April 20, 2025. Players get personal calls from the resort’s booking team based on their position in the random drawing.

Royal St George’s

_{Image Source: www.royalstgeorges.com}

Dr. Laidlaw Purves designed Royal St George’s in 1887, making it England’s first Open Championship venue. The course stands among the world’s finest links and has hosted the prestigious tournament 15 times.

Royal St George’s Course Features

Natural amphitheater-style terrain defines this championship layout that has almost no water hazards. Players need strategic thinking to navigate its undulating fairways and deep bunkers. The layout’s unique elements include greens that pitch away from fairways, which creates distinctive challenges. England’s highest bunker, the iconic Church Pews, sits on the 4th hole.

Royal St George’s Famous Holes

Several remarkable challenges await golfers throughout their round. The 6th hole, The Maiden, features a massive dune that serves as a natural viewing point. The 16th hole earned its place in history when Tony Jacklin scored the first televised hole-in-one in 1967. The 456-yard 18th hole concludes the finishing stretch, offering a classic championship test with its raised tee and strategic bunkering.

Royal St George’s Access Details

Visitors can play on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, following specific guidelines for group sizes. The club’s green fees for 2024 range from £165 in winter to £330 in summer. Players must have a handicap of 18.4 or below. The clubhouse follows traditional standards that require jackets and ties in the main lounge after 11:00 AM. Booking through the club’s website helps secure preferred tee times.

Hirono Golf Club

_{Image Source: Top 100 Golf Courses}

Hirono Golf Club stands as one of Asia’s premier venues, showcasing Charles Hugh Alison’s architectural brilliance near Kobe, Japan.

Hirono Course Design

Alison created this masterpiece in 1932 from his room at Kobe’s Oriental Hotel, where he spent a week perfecting the layout. The course spans 300 acres of rolling, sandy terrain with 130 feet of elevation changes. Martin Ebert’s extensive renovation in 2019 added expanded practice facilities and stretched the playing corridors to 7,275 yards.

Hirono Signature Holes

The par-3 seventh hole ranks among the world’s most iconic short holes, featuring Alison’s signature deep, sprawling bunkers. The par-4 12th hole went through changes from its original design and now extends 100 yards further back. Water comes into play on six holes, especially on two famous par-3s – the fifth and thirteenth holes.

Hirono Visitor Guidelines

The club follows strict protocols for access:

• Members hold full responsibility for visitor conduct
• Course etiquette guidelines require advance review
• Visitors can access through hosted golf tours
• Club facilities offer well-curated merchandise and practice areas

The course maintains exceptional conditions throughout the year. Its greens run faster than their posted 9.5 stimp rating. Even skilled players must navigate the immaculate fairways and strategic bunkers with precision.

Trump Turnberry Ailsa

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The Ailsa course at Trump Turnberry ranks tenth in Golf Digest’s World’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses. This magnificent Scottish links golf course went through extensive renovations in 2016.

Turnberry Course Overview

The course went through an eight-month makeover that changed every hole. We enhanced the coastal sections to create some of golf’s most spectacular par threes. The stretch from holes 4 through 17 offers an extraordinary sequence. Holes 8, 9, and 10 showcase the most dramatic coastal views. The iconic lighthouse serves as both a landmark and halfway house, showing the course’s architectural brilliance.

Turnberry Playing Experience

Players face distinctive challenges throughout their round:

• The par-3 4th gives players their first glimpse of Irish Sea views
• The 9th hole extends 248 yards from the back tees and requires a carry over coastal rocks
• The par-5 10th hugs the coastline before reaching the par-3 11th, which plays over water

The 17th hole presents a unique challenge at 449 yards from the yellow tees and over 500 from the championship markers. Players must place their shots on a slim fairway perfectly.

Turnberry Booking Information

Green fees range from £200 for winter weekday rounds to £495 for summer weekend tee times. Hotel guests get a £50 reduction on green fees. You can book through the online system, but calling directly might help you find more available tee times. The experience comes with access to premium practice facilities and the historic clubhouse. Players can enjoy both pre and post-round dining options.

Barnbougle Dunes

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Tom Doak and Mike Clayton transformed a potato farm into their masterpiece, Barnbougle Dunes, on Tasmania’s northeast coast in 2004.

Barnbougle Course Features

Anderson Bay’s dramatic dunes frame this championship layout with its wide fairways and strategic hazards. Natural contours guide play lines through sheltering saddles on the outward nine. Players enjoy striking views of the course, bay, and Bridport as they start the back nine. The fairways maintain their speed and accuracy while ground hazards direct balls away from intended targets.

Barnbougle Playing Tips

Players need solid preparation and smart strategy to excel at Barnbougle:

• Keep shots low to handle strong coastal winds
• Use course guides for blind tee shots, especially after the turn
• Stay ready for tough closing holes that face common winds
• Factor in wind direction when approaching undulating greens

Barnbougle Travel Planning

The resort sits 90 minutes from Launceston airport. Green fees vary seasonally, ranging from AUD 134 for Australian residents to AUD 235 for international visitors during peak times. Guests can choose from various accommodation options, including on-site lodges and Lost Farm rooms. A relaxed sports bar and restaurant complement the more refined Dunes clubhouse dining experience.

Comparison Table

Course Name	Location	Designer/Architect	Year Established	Access Type	Notable Features	Green Fee (2025)
Augusta National	Georgia, USA	Bobby Jones & Alister MacKenzie	1932	Private	SubAir System, Amen Corner sequence	N/A
Ballybunion Old	Ireland	Not mentioned	1893	Public	Dramatic coastal dunes, Cemetery hole	€400
Barnbougle Dunes	Tasmania, Australia	Tom Doak & Mike Clayton	2004	Public	Wide fairways through dramatic dunes	AUD 134-235
Cape Kidnappers	Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand	Tom Doak	2004	Resort	140m cliffs above sea level, 6,000-acre working farm	NZD 850
Cypress Point	California, USA	Alister MacKenzie	1928	Private	Three distinct environments, 16th hole ocean carry	N/A
Hirono	Kobe, Japan	Charles Hugh Alison	1932	Private	Deep sprawling bunkers, 7,275 yards length	N/A
Kingston Heath	Melbourne, Australia	Dan Soutar	1920s	Semi-Private	MacKenzie bunkering system	USD 450-800
Merion East	Pennsylvania, USA	Hugh Wilson	1912	Private	Wicker basket pins, 126-acre layout	N/A
Muirfield	Scotland	Not mentioned	Not mentioned	Semi-Private	Two-circle layout design	N/A
National Golf Links	Southampton, USA	Charles Blair Macdonald	1908	Private	Template holes from British courses	N/A
Oakmont	Pennsylvania, USA	Henry Fownes	1903	Private	Church Pews bunker, minimal water hazards	N/A
Pacific Dunes	Oregon, USA	Tom Doak	2001	Public	Coastal cliff holes, natural bunkers	Not mentioned
Pebble Beach	California, USA	Not mentioned	Not mentioned	Public	Nine oceanfront holes	USD 595-625
Pine Valley	New Jersey, USA	George Crump	1913	Private	No parallel holes, isolated hole design	N/A
Royal County Down	Northern Ireland	Not mentioned	Not mentioned	Public	Bearded bunkers, Mourne Mountains backdrop	£425
Royal Dornoch	Scotland	Old Tom Morris	1886	Public	Natural amphitheater layout	£50
Royal Melbourne West	Australia	Alister MacKenzie	1926	Private	Strategic doglegs, bold bunkering	AUD 850
Royal Portrush	Northern Ireland	Not mentioned	Not mentioned	Public	Dunluce Links, Calamity Corner	£295
Royal St George’s	England	Dr. Laidlaw Purves	1887	Semi-Private	England’s highest bunker	£165-330
Sand Hills	Nebraska, USA	Coore & Crenshaw	1995	Private	Natural golf holes, minimal earth movement	N/A
Shinnecock Hills	New York, USA	William Flynn	1931	Private	Links-style layout, Redan seventh hole	N/A
St Andrews Old	Scotland	Not mentioned	600+ years old	Public	Double greens, Road Hole	£270
Sunningdale Old	England	Willie Park Junior	1901	Semi-Private	First manufactured water hazard	£325
Tara Iti	New Zealand	Tom Doak	2015	Private	Revolutionized pine forest, whiskey loop	Not mentioned
Trump Turnberry Ailsa	Scotland	Not mentioned	Not mentioned	Resort	Lighthouse landmark, coastal holes	£200-495

Conclusion

These 25 exceptional golf courses showcase the best golf architecture and playing experience in the world. Each course challenges players differently. Pine Valley features isolated holes, while St Andrews boasts historic double greens.

Access to these prestigious venues varies by a lot. Skilled players can enjoy public courses like Pebble Beach and Royal County Down year-round. Augusta National and Cypress Point’s private clubs need strict invitations. Green fees start at £50 at Royal Dornoch and reach over USD 800 at premium spots.

Course designs reflect amazing variety. Links courses top the rankings. Merion East proves exceptional golf exists away from coastlines too. Kingston Heath features MacKenzie’s strategic bunkering, while Pacific Dunes shows off Doak’s minimalist design.

These courses ended up as living museums of golf history that embrace modern excellence. Strategic design, not excessive length, tests the world’s best players. Players find raw beauty in Ballybunion’s dunes or Augusta National’s manicured perfection. These venues provide memorable rounds that match their legendary status.