Top 10 Most Exclusive Golf Resorts Around the World

1. Augusta National Golf Club

Nestled in the heart of Georgia, the Augusta National Golf Club is not just a golf course; it’s a hallowed ground for golf enthusiasts. Home to the prestigious Masters Tournament, this exclusive club is steeped in tradition and beauty. With its immaculately manicured greens and the famous Amen Corner, Augusta National is a symbol of golfing excellence.

Founded in 1933 by Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts
Designed by Dr. Alister MacKenzie
Known for its strict membership policy and privacy

Augusta National is synonymous with the spirit of golf, where each swing echoes the legends who have walked its fairways.

The club’s exclusivity is not just about its membership; it’s about the experience it offers. From the blooming azaleas to the whispering pines, Augusta National provides a golfing experience that is both serene and challenging, making it a bucket-list destination for golfers around the world.

2. Pebble Beach Golf Links

Perched on the rugged coastline of California’s Monterey Peninsula, Pebble Beach Golf Links offers more than just a game of golf; it’s an experience that transcends the ordinary. The breathtaking views of Carmel Bay on the finishing holes are simply unmatched, making every swing feel like a moment from a postcard.

Host to six U.S. Open Championships
Scheduled to host its seventh in 2027
Celebrated its centennial in 2019

With its rich history and iconic status, Pebble Beach isn’t just a golf course—it’s a national treasure that continues to challenge and inspire golfers from around the world.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or an enthusiastic amateur, the course demands strategic play, especially with the ever-present ocean winds. The blend of natural beauty and golfing challenge is what keeps players coming back for more.

3. St. Andrews Links

Nestled in the quaint town of St. Andrews, this Scottish gem is often referred to as the ‘Home of Golf.’ St. Andrews Links boasts a history that dates back to the 15th century, making it a pilgrimage site for golf enthusiasts worldwide.

With seven public courses, including the legendary Old Course, golfers of all levels can experience the hallowed fairways where the game’s greats have walked.

Here’s a quick glance at what St. Andrews Links offers:

The Old Course: The most famous of them all, with iconic landmarks like the Swilcan Bridge.
The Castle Course: Known for its dramatic views and challenging layout.
The New Course: An understated classic that’s often overshadowed by its older sibling but is equally revered among aficionados.

Whether you’re looking to soak in the history or challenge your skills on the links, St. Andrews provides an unforgettable golfing adventure.

4. Pine Valley Golf Club

Nestled in the pine barrens of New Jersey, Pine Valley Golf Club is a sanctuary for purists of the sport. Consistently ranked as one of the top courses in the world, its exclusivity and challenging layout make it a bucket-list destination for avid golfers.

The course is renowned for its architectural brilliance, designed by George Crump and H.S. Colt. It’s a true test of golf, demanding both strategy and skill to navigate the natural hazards and rugged terrain.

Hole 5: Known as the ‘Devil’s Aperture’, a par-3 with a treacherous green.
Hole 10: A par-4 that requires a precise tee shot to avoid sandy wastelands.
Hole 18: A finishing hole that sums up the Pine Valley experience, with a demanding drive and an approach over water.

Pine Valley does not just challenge the golfer, it challenges the soul, making every round an unforgettable experience.

5. Royal Melbourne Golf Club

Nestled in the heart of Australia’s sandbelt, the Royal Melbourne Golf Club is a bastion of golfing excellence. With its two courses, the West and the East, designed by the legendary Alister MacKenzie, this club has hosted numerous prestigious tournaments, including the Presidents Cup.

The West Course is often ranked as the number one course in Australia, and for good reason. Its challenging holes and strategic design demand precision and skill, offering an unrivaled golfing experience.

The West Course features undulating fairways and slick greens.
The East Course, while slightly more forgiving, still presents a formidable test.
The composite course, used for major tournaments, combines the best holes from both courses.

The Royal Melbourne Golf Club is not just a golf course; it’s a heritage that has shaped the game in Australia.

Membership is highly exclusive, and the club’s rich history is palpable as you walk down the fairways where the game’s greats have left their mark. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or an avid fan, a visit to Royal Melbourne is a pilgrimage to one of the sport’s hallowed grounds.

6. Shinnecock Hills Golf Club

Nestled in the scenic Hamptons, the Shinnecock Hills Golf Club is a true gem of American golf. With a history dating back to 1891, it’s one of the oldest and most revered courses in the nation. The club’s exclusivity and rich heritage make it a bucket-list destination for avid golfers.

Founded: 1891
Location: Southampton, New York
Hosted U.S. Opens: 5 times

The course is renowned for its challenging links-style layout, which tests the skills of even the most seasoned players. The windswept dunes and undulating greens add to the allure, creating a golfing experience that is both demanding and unforgettable.

Membership at Shinnecock Hills is highly coveted and shrouded in secrecy, with a clubhouse that exudes old-world charm. The club continues to evolve, blending tradition with modern enhancements to maintain its status as a premier golfing destination.

7. Cypress Point Club

Nestled on the rugged coastline of California’s Monterey Peninsula, Cypress Point Club is the epitome of exclusivity. This golfing paradise is not just about the game; it’s an experience that transcends the ordinary. The course’s dramatic holes that skirt the Pacific Ocean are a testament to Alister MacKenzie’s design genius.

The 16th hole, a 231-yard par-3, is one of golf’s most photographed and challenging holes.
Members enjoy unparalleled privacy and a sense of seclusion.
The club maintains a strict invitation-only policy, adding to its allure.

Cypress Point is more than a golf club; it’s a sanctuary where the elite come to escape the clamor of the outside world.

With its limited membership and high-profile guests, securing a tee time at Cypress Point is as elusive as a hole-in-one on a misty morning. The club’s storied history and breathtaking views make it a bucket-list destination for the golfing elite.

8. Muirfield Village Golf Club

Nestled in the lush, rolling hills of Dublin, Ohio, Muirfield Village Golf Club stands as a testament to the genius of golf legend Jack Nicklaus. Designed by Nicklaus himself, this exclusive club is more than just a golf course; it’s a shrine to the sport’s elegance and complexity.

Membership at Muirfield Village is as coveted as a ticket to the Masters, with its members enjoying not just the challenge of the course, but also the prestige that comes with belonging to such an illustrious club. The course is known for its meticulous upkeep and the annual Memorial Tournament, which attracts the world’s top golfers.

Year Founded: 1974
Designer: Jack Nicklaus
Signature Hole: 12th – Par 3

The undulating greens and strategic bunkering demand precision and a deft touch, making every round at Muirfield Village a masterclass in golf.

Whether you’re savoring the serene views or strategizing your way through the Nicklaus-designed hazards, Muirfield Village offers an unparalleled golfing experience that leaves an indelible mark on all who play its course.

9. 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 that is as picturesque as it is challenging. Golfers from around the world flock to this Northern Ireland gem for its blend of natural beauty and golfing pedigree.

Established in 1889, the club has a storied history and a course layout that demands both skill and strategy. The fairways are lined with native gorse and heather, adding to the course’s character and the challenge it presents.

Championship Course – Ranked among the world’s best, it’s a test for even the most skilled golfers.
Annesley Links – A shorter course, but no less captivating, offering stunning views and an enjoyable round.

The true essence of golf at Royal County Down is the blend of stunning scenery and the uncompromising challenge of links golf.

Membership at Royal County Down is highly exclusive, and tee times for visitors are limited, making it a coveted destination for serious golfers. The club’s adherence to tradition and its impeccable maintenance contribute to an unparalleled golfing experience.

10. The Old Head Golf Links

Perched dramatically on a rugged promontory in Kinsale, The Old Head Golf Links offers an unparalleled golfing experience. The views are as breathtaking as the play is challenging, with the Atlantic Ocean crashing against the cliffs on all sides.

The course is a par-72, and each hole provides a unique test, demanding a blend of power, precision, and strategy. Here’s a quick glimpse at what makes The Old Head stand out:

Location: Clifftop setting with 360-degree ocean views
Design: A mix of links and parkland holes
Exclusivity: Limited membership and visitor play

The Old Head is not just a golf course; it’s a testament to the natural beauty and the game’s enduring appeal.

Whether you’re navigating the undulating fairways or reading the subtle breaks on the greens, The Old Head is sure to leave an indelible mark on your golfing memory. Just remember, while the scenery is captivating, keep your eye on the ball!