Ranking the top golf courses in the world is a highly subjective task, as every golfer has their own preferences and priorities when it comes to course design and playability.
Based on various rankings and surveys conducted by golf publications and organizations, here are 10 of the most highly-regarded golf courses in the world:
- Augusta National Golf Club – Augusta, Georgia, USA Home of the prestigious Masters Tournament, Augusta National is known for its lush green fairways, challenging layout, and iconic landmarks like Amen Corner and Rae’s Creek.
- Pine Valley Golf Club – Pine Valley, New Jersey, USA Considered by many to be the most challenging and exclusive golf course in the world, Pine Valley is known for its rugged terrain, deep bunkers, and undulating greens.
- Royal County Down Golf Club – Newcastle, Northern Ireland Set against the stunning backdrop of the Mourne Mountains, Royal County Down is famous for its dramatic dunes, blind shots, and unpredictable weather.
- Cypress Point Club – Pebble Beach, California, USA Located along the rugged coastline of central California, Cypress Point is known for its breathtaking ocean views, challenging bunkers, and tricky par-3 holes.
- St. Andrews Links – St. Andrews, Scotland Considered the birthplace of golf, St. Andrews is a collection of seven public courses that offer a range of challenges and stunning views of the Scottish coastline.
- Muirfield Village Golf Club – Dublin, Ohio, USA Designed by legendary golfer Jack Nicklaus, Muirfield Village is known for its fast greens, deep bunkers, and challenging par-3 holes.
- Shinnecock Hills Golf Club – Southampton, New York, USA One of the oldest golf clubs in the United States, Shinnecock Hills is known for its rolling terrain, deep bunkers, and challenging wind conditions.
- Royal Melbourne Golf Club – Melbourne, Australia Considered one of the most beautiful and challenging courses in the world, Royal Melbourne is known for its rolling terrain, intricate bunkers, and challenging greens.
- Royal Portrush Golf Club – Portrush, Northern Ireland Host of the 2019 Open Championship, Royal Portrush is known for its scenic coastal views, challenging bunkers, and tricky dogleg holes.
- Pebble Beach Golf Links – Pebble Beach, California, USA One of the most iconic courses in the world, Pebble Beach is known for its stunning ocean views, challenging bunkers, and tricky greens that can make even the best golfers sweat.
If You Have It, You Can Make Anything Look Good
Of course, there are countless other outstanding golf courses around the world that could easily be included on this list, but these ten courses are widely regarded as some of the best and most challenging in the world.
