Golf is a truly global sport, played by millions of people from all corners of the globe. The idea of a golf getaway has long proved popular, seeing people travel all over the world to try their hand at some of the planet’s best golf courses.
Golf courses come in all kinds of shapes and sizes, ranging from Links, Parkland, Heathland, Championship/Stadium, Sandbelt and Par 3 courses. Trying to work out which are the best golf courses can be a daunting task, so we’re here to help. Below we have listed our top 5 golf courses which you should consider for your next trip or round in 2023.
1. The Old Course at St Andrews
No list of the world’s best golf courses would be complete without The Old Course at St Andrews. Often regarded as the home of golf, The Old Course is thought to be the oldest course on the planet, with the sport having been played there since the early 1400s.
The course remains one of the most popular golfing destinations, with the design and layout of the course itself having a significant influence on the way golf is played today. The idea of an 18-hole course originated at The Old Course, as did the layout of four single greens and seven double greens. The Old Course is the home of golf’s oldest championship tournament, The Open Championship, which recently celebrated its 150th at the iconic St Andrews course.
For all avid golfers this is clearly top of everyone’s bucket list to play. For many, playing The Old Course brings it’s own significance whether it be teeing it up at the first with all that rich in history, walking over the Swilcan Bridge, getting lost in the notorious deep pot bunkers or enjoying the experience of playing links golf with its panoramic views and battling conditions from the North Sea.
2. Augusta National Golf Club
The host of golf’s annual Masters Tournament, Augusta National Golf Club is one of the world’s most famous. The impeccable appearance, strict rules and regulations make Augusta National Golf Club one of the most reserved courses on earth. The grounds are impeccably maintained, with imported pine needles and bird song piped in through speaker systems, while mobile devices, running, and speaking loudly are all prohibited.
As for the course itself, don’t let the pleasant-sounding holes, each named after a plant or flower, deceive you. The August course is notoriously difficult, with an irregular layout, tricky greens and it’s iconic Amen’s Corner bring an abundance of drama through 11th, 12th and 13th holes, this certainly a place to play if given the chance and deserves to be second on this list.
Playing at Augusta is extremely difficult because it is a private members clubs which is consists of around 300 members and being invited by a member is really the only way to gain access to play this outstanding course.
3. Royal Portrush
Located in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, Royal Portrush was the first course to host The Open Championship outside of mainland Britain. It’s easy to see why it was selected, Royal Portrush combines breathtaking coastal views and classic links golfing.
The course has gone through a number of renovations over the years to both improve the facilities and the golf on offer. With it’s narrows fairways and undulating greens, Royal Portrush is a comprehensive golfing experience where you’re sure to need and use every club in your bag.
By having two exceptional link courses at your disposal,Dunluce Links and Valley Links, these courses will not only test your golf ability but also bring the wow factor with views to Dunluce castle and Atlantic Sea.
4. Cypress Point Club
You’d be hard pushed to find a more visually striking golf course than Cypress Point Club. Situated on the idyllic California coast with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, Cypress Point is regularly hailed as one of the world’s most picturesque golf locations.
Famed for its exclusivity, Cypress Point Club is a meandering course that works with the natural terrain rather than fighting against it. This makes for a unique golfing experience where players will have to battle the elements as well as the course itself. The 16th hole is famously tricky, with a 231-yard tee shot that requires the ball to sail over the ocean onto a bunker flanked mid-sized green, so make sure to stock up on golf balls before tackling this course.
Even though the course and location is idyllic, playing here isn’t so straight forward. Similar to Augusta, this is also a private members only club where knowing a member and getting an invite is the only chance to playing this famous course.
5. Hirono Golf Club
Founded in 1932 and designed by the legendary Charles Alison, Hirono Golf Club is a picturesque course located to the Northwest of Kobe, Japan. Regularly listed as the best course in Japan, and the wider Asian region, Hirono has hosted all of Japan’s major tournaments and is one of the hottest global golfing destinations.
