Top 10 Must-Play Golf Courses Around the World for Aficionados

1. Augusta National Golf Club

Nestled in the heart of Georgia, the Augusta National Golf Club is a veritable shrine to the game of golf. Home to the prestigious Masters Tournament, this course is steeped in history and tradition, offering a golfing experience that’s as challenging as it is beautiful.

Augusta’s immaculate fairways and lightning-fast greens demand precision and skill, making it a true test for even the most seasoned golfers. Here’s a quick glance at what makes Augusta National stand out:

Iconic Amen Corner
Blooming azaleas and dogwoods
Exclusive membership
Unparalleled course maintenance

The beauty of Augusta National is matched only by its exclusivity. It’s not just a golf course; it’s a symbol of golfing excellence that continues to captivate the imagination of golfers around the world.

2. St. Andrews Old Course

Stepping onto the St. Andrews Old Course is like walking through the pages of golf history. Known as the ‘Home of Golf‘, this iconic course has witnessed some of the most memorable moments in the sport. Every golfer dreams of playing here, where the game has been nurtured and celebrated for over six centuries.

Founded in 1552, it’s the oldest and most revered golf course in the world.
The course is public, allowing anyone the chance to follow in the footsteps of legends.
Famous for its unique double greens, 112 bunkers, and the perilous ‘Hell Bunker’.

The Old Course at St. Andrews is not just a golf course; it’s a pilgrimage destination for every golf aficionado. Its undulating fairways and challenging layout demand respect, while the winds off the North Sea add an unpredictable element to every round.

Playing at St. Andrews is more than a round of golf; it’s an experience steeped in tradition and camaraderie. From the iconic Swilcan Bridge to the imposing Road Hole, the course offers a test of skill and character that is unmatched anywhere in the world.

3. Pebble Beach Golf Links

Nestled along the rugged coastline of Monterey, California, Pebble Beach Golf Links is a symphony of golfing perfection. Every hole tells a story, with the Pacific Ocean crashing against the cliffs, creating a backdrop that’s as challenging as it is breathtaking.

The 7th hole, a short par-3, offers a test of precision against the ocean winds.
The iconic 18th hole, a par-5, runs along the coastline, demanding strategic play to finish on a high note.

The beauty of Pebble Beach is matched only by the test it poses to golfers of all levels. Its place in golf lore is cemented by the numerous prestigious tournaments it has hosted, including multiple U.S. Opens.

With a history dating back to 1919, Pebble Beach isn’t just a golf course; it’s a pilgrimage for the true aficionado. The blend of natural beauty, strategic design, and golfing history makes it a must-play for anyone with a love of the game.

4. Royal County Down Golf Club

Nestled in the shadows of the majestic Mourne Mountains and hugging the shores of Dundrum Bay, the Royal County Down Golf Club offers a golfing experience like no other. The course is renowned for its natural beauty and challenging links.

Founded in 1889, it has a rich history and a reputation for its hospitable welcome.
The Bearded Pines and ‘gorse-clad’ dunes provide a stunning backdrop and a formidable challenge.
The 9th hole is particularly famous, offering breathtaking views and a test of skill that is both thrilling and daunting.

The blind shots and bunkers that blend seamlessly with the natural landscape make every round an adventure in strategic play.

With a layout that changes direction at every hole and winds that can transform a benign course into a beast, Royal County Down demands respect and thoughtful play. It’s a course that both humbles and inspires, leaving an indelible mark on all who walk its fairways.

5. Shinnecock Hills Golf Club

Nestled in the scenic dunes of Southampton, New York, Shinnecock Hills Golf Club is a true testament to the timeless beauty of links golf. This historic course has challenged golfers since 1891, making it one of the oldest and most revered courses in the United States.

Founded: 1891
Designers: Willie Davis, C.B. Macdonald, Seth Raynor, William Flynn
Major Tournaments: U.S. Open (5 times)

With its undulating fairways and slick greens, Shinnecock Hills demands precision and strategic thinking at every hole. The course’s reputation for firm and fast conditions means that every shot counts, and the coastal winds can redefine the game day by day.

The club has hosted the U.S. Open multiple times, and each championship has etched a new chapter in golf history. The blend of tradition, challenge, and natural beauty makes Shinnecock Hills a bucket-list destination for golf aficionados worldwide.

6. Pine Valley Golf Club

Nestled in the pine barrens of New Jersey, Pine Valley Golf Club is a sanctuary for purists of the sport. Its exclusive nature and challenging layout have consistently placed it at the top of the world’s best golf courses. Every hole is a distinct masterpiece, demanding strategic play and rewarding precision.

Location: Clementon, New Jersey, USA
Established: 1913
Designer: George Crump and H.S. Colt

Golfers often speak of Pine Valley in hushed tones, as if it were a mythical destination. The course’s natural beauty is matched only by the intricacy of its design, which seamlessly blends into the surrounding landscape.

The essence of Pine Valley lies in its variety; no two holes feel the same, offering a fresh challenge at every turn.

While it’s tough to secure an invitation to play, those who do are treated to an unforgettable round of golf, where every shot counts and the true spirit of the game is alive and well.

7. Royal Melbourne Golf Club

Nestled in the heart of Australia’s sandbelt, the Royal Melbourne Golf Club is a masterpiece of golfing terrain. Its courses, designed by the legendary Alister MacKenzie, offer a blend of strategic play and natural beauty that is unmatched.

The West Course is particularly renowned, often ranking as the best in the country. Golf aficionados will appreciate the challenging holes and the impeccable course conditioning that make every round a memorable experience.

The Composite Course, used for major tournaments, combines the best holes from the East and West courses.
The club has hosted numerous prestigious events, including the Presidents Cup.
With its slick greens and strategic bunkering, Royal Melbourne demands skill and thoughtful play.

The experience at Royal Melbourne is more than just golf; it’s a journey through the history and tradition of the game in Australia.

8. Muirfield Village Golf Club

Nestled in the heart of Ohio, the Muirfield Village Golf Club offers a blend of beauty and challenge that beckons golf aficionados from around the globe. Designed by golf legend Jack Nicklaus, it’s a course that demands precision and rewards strategic play.

Jack Nicklaus himself has described the course as a ‘total examination of one’s game’, and it’s easy to see why. With its rolling fairways and fast, undulating greens, Muirfield Village is a test of both skill and wit.

The hallmark of Muirfield Village is its meticulous conditioning and the memorable experience it provides, regardless of your score.

Here’s a quick rundown of what makes this course special:

Host of the prestigious Memorial Tournament
A regular feature in the top 100 courses worldwide
Known for its hospitable and welcoming atmosphere

Whether you’re looking to challenge your game or simply enjoy a round in a serene setting, Muirfield Village should be on your list.

9. Cypress Point Club

Nestled on the rugged coastline of California’s Monterey Peninsula, Cypress Point Club is the epitome of scenic splendor in golf. The course meanders through dunes, forests, and cliffs, offering a blend of natural beauty and golfing challenge that is unmatched.

Alister MacKenzie, the legendary architect, designed this masterpiece in 1928, and it has been mesmerizing golfers ever since. With its exclusive atmosphere and breathtaking views, Cypress Point is more than a golf course—it’s a spiritual experience for the true aficionado.

Cypress Point is not just about the golf; it’s about the journey. Each hole tells a story, and the Pacific Ocean provides a dramatic backdrop that can both inspire and intimidate.

Here are a few reasons why Cypress Point stands out:

The 16th hole, a par-3 over the Pacific, is one of the most iconic in the world.
The seamless integration of the course with its natural surroundings.
The sense of exclusivity and tranquility that pervades the club.

10. Oakmont Country Club

Nestled in the rolling hills of Pennsylvania, Oakmont Country Club is a true test of golfing prowess. With slick greens and the infamous ‘Church Pews’ bunker, this course demands precision and patience. Oakmont has hosted more combined USGA and PGA championships than any other course in the U.S., making it a historical beacon for golf enthusiasts.

Oakmont’s challenges are not just physical but also mental, as the course’s design punishes even the slightest error. Here’s what to expect:

Deep bunkers and hard, fast greens
A course layout that has remained largely unchanged since 1903
The iconic 8th hole, a par-3 with a devilish green

Embrace the challenge of Oakmont; let the course’s rich history and demanding layout inspire your best game.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or an aspiring amateur, Oakmont Country Club is a must-play for any serious golfer. Its reputation is built on a foundation of tradition, excellence, and unrelenting difficulty. When you walk the fairways of Oakmont, you walk in the footsteps of legends.