Keen for a round of golf around the world? If you’re one of those people who love travelling so you can tick off teeing off at the world’s top golf courses, this one’s for you! The world’s top travel destinations have many attractions to explore, and for golf enthusiasts, new and exciting golf courses are a part of the experience.
In honour of National Golf Lovers’ Day on 4 October, Expat Explore has rounded up the best golf courses in the world! Read on if you’d like to get a taste of the top courses in the world’s top travel destinations before exploring them yourself!
Best golf courses in the world to honour National Golf Lovers’ Day:
Old Course, St Andrews, Scotland
Starting off strong, this one is probably on your list already. If it isn’t, maybe this is not the blog for you. That’s because the Old Course in Scotland is so old, so famed, so historic and so instrumental to the sport that some have gone as far as labelling it the Home of Golf. Whether you opt for the trickier courses or some of the more scenic ones, you’re in for a treat with spectacular views, top tees, burdensome bunkers and grand greens!
Related: Pick an excuse to visit among the top annual Scottish events.
Royal County Down, Northern Ireland
Equally as famous and perfectly picturesque in its own way, the Royal County Down course in Northern Ireland gives a lot for what it takes. While the blind shots, long fairways and hidden greens might be tempting, especially since this is one of the most spectacular courses you can play without a membership, it’s not for the faint of heart. Or even first-timers… If you’re braving the beast of RCD, you better bring along someone who’s survived it before!
Related: See the Best of the UK & Ireland on a hassle-free, guided coach tour!
Pebble Beach Golf Links, USA
It’s probably safe to say that the oceanside Pebble Beach Golf Links in California is the best of its kind in the USA. And that’s not only because it’s TV-famous thanks to Nicklaus in 1972 and Tiger in 2000. This incredible course along Carmel Bay is an enchanting experience from the first hole to the last. Try it for yourself and see why Nicklaus’ favourite shot in golf was on this course (top tip: it’s on the 8th).
Related: Speaking of greens, discover the top natural attractions in the USA.
Royal St George’s Golf Club, England
Located on the Kent coast and looking out over Sandwich Bay, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better links course in the United Kingdom. And that’s not just because of its striking looks. This course has a truly masterful layout and its top holes are some of the best in the world. Not to mention any golfer’s arch nemesis – the deepest bunker in all of England! Have a go at this course and say you’ve played the same holes as 15 Open Championship winners.
Related: The UK is also home to one of the world’s best-hidden beaches.
Fancourt Links, South Africa
Up next, we head over to South Africa for one of the country’s only links courses and a world-class one at that. Fancourt Links is located in the Western Cape province, a few hours’ drive from the stunning world city of Cape Town in the same province. This links course is special for a few reasons…
Firstly, it was designed by Gary Player, a South African golfer who is considered by many the greatest golfer of all time. Secondly, it’s kept in absolute pristine condition as it only hosts around 4,000 rounds a year. And finally, the rising green dunes and the Outeniqua Mountains in the background give it that classic, stunning Irish or Scottish course factor!
Related: Want to know more about this captivating country? Learn 10 interesting facts about South Africa!
Kawana Fuji, Japan
Kawana Fuji is not only a favourite of many golfers in Japan, but it also draws golfers from around the world due to its stunning scenery and quality holes. The entire back nine has Mount Fuji in the background to serve as the ultimate distraction. And speaking of challenges, this course’s winding fairways and flat greens have been giving local and international golfers alike a hard time since 1936 when it opened.
Related: Uncover when to see Japan’s top attractions at their best!
Real Club Valderrama, Spain
Last but certainly not least, Spain brings us a course straight out of a dream: well-kept, masterfully designed and just tricky enough! Don’t let the fairways fool you; if you land on the wrong side, you’ll have to navigate your way out of the cork trees. As if that wasn’t enough to combat a good score, the par-five 17th hole is famously protected by water. Will you risk it all and go for it or play it safe and lay-up?
Related: After the last hole, tuck into some of the top tapas in Spain.
Now that you’ve gained some more insights about the top golf courses of the world, it’s time to pack your clubs and get ready to tee off on an adventure of a lifetime!
If you’d like to visit any of the countries on this list, simply book a tour with Expat Explore! We offer hassle-free guided tours to the world’s top destinations, so you can sit back and experience it all.