▲

Golf is one of the oldest sports in the world, with very large courses to play on in contrast to sports such as baseball and soccer. It's a sport that people enjoy for the game itself and the natural scenery that comes with it. Meanwhile, those who yearn for more of a challenge seek to travel to golf courses that offer it. Well, we've got you covered!

In this gallery, we'll show you the top 30 golf courses in the world, ranked in order. Click on to discover them all.

▲

The Royal St George's Golf Club in England embodies the rich tradition and elegance of the sport, nestled within the idyllic setting of Sandwich, Kent. Known for its historical relevance and impeccably maintained greens, it provides golfers with a challenging yet charming terrain, often hosting prominent championships such as The Open.

▲

Valderrama Golf Course in Spain is a world-class golfing paradise renowned for its mesmerizing beauty and meticulously designed landscapes. Its revered fairways, bathed in history and precision, narrate tales of legendary contests and unrivaled beauty.

▲

Next we have the pristine Chicago Golf Club! The Club in Illinois is among America's pioneering golf sanctuaries, having been established in 1892. Renowned for its classic and timeless Charles Blair Macdonald design, the course consistently ranks among the nation's elite. Its rich history and iconic layout make it an emblematic figure in American golf heritage.

▲

Nestled in the heart of San Francisco, the California Golf Club boasts an exquisite layout cherished by enthusiasts worldwide. Its meticulously curated landscapes echo with the rhythms of challenge, strategy, and historic charm. A testament to golfing excellence, it perpetuates a legacy of refined sport amid California's captivating landscapes.

▲

Kauri Cliffs, where New Zealand’s resplendent landscapes embrace golfing artistry, is a sanctuary of breathtaking beauty and exhilarating play. Its spectacular ocean views and meticulously crafted greens offer a captivating symphony of challenges and aesthetic marvels. A global paragon, Kauri Cliffs weaves the spirit of the game with nature's majesty, defining the pinnacle of golfing excellence.

▲

Boston Golf Club, a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation, illuminates the world of golf with its extraordinary design. Graced with the honor of being among the best golf courses globally, it stands as a testament to architectural brilliance and the sport's purity. In its embracing contours and challenging landscapes, every golfer finds an unparalleled communion with the essence of golf.

▲

Carnoustie Golf Links, a legendary canvas of history and challenge, resides in Scotland’s heart, embodying golf's timeless spirit. Revered as one of the world’s best, its hallowed grounds whisper tales of epic contests and golfing sagas. Carnoustie's formidable beauty and relentless test of skill enchants those who seek golfing’s ultimate rewards.

▲

North Berwick Golf Club, with its enchanting Scottish landscapes, weaves a rich tapestry of golfing tradition and excellence. Standing proudly after being rated among the best golf courses, it offers a captivating journey through historic fairways and creative design. A treasure in the world of golf, North Berwick beckons enthusiasts to embrace its unique charm and legendary challenges.

▲

The National Golf Club of Canada unfolds as a masterpiece, manifesting meticulous design and operating as an unwavering testament to golfing excellence. Each stroke within its domain is a celebration of strategic brilliance, captivating landscapes, and the sport's intrinsic challenges. In the theater of golf’s finest, the National stands illustrious, echoing with the ethos of tradition and premier craftsmanship.

▲

Chambers Bay, a majestic testament to modern golf architecture, unfolds along the vast embrace of Washington state’s rugged coastline. Previously graced with the title of the best golf course in the world, it echoes with the whispers of the sea and legendary competitions. Each swing unveils a symphony of natural beauty and inspired design, marking a timeless rendezvous with golfing excellence.

▲

Pinehurst, an emblem of golfing heritage, blooms amidst the Carolina pines, cultivating traditions and mastery. The course has many tales of historic championships and timeless elegance. In Pinehurst’s embrace, one discovers a sanctuary where the sport’s heart beats in every corner, fairway, and green.

▲

The Royal Melbourne Golf Club, a magnificent symphony of design precision and natural beauty, resonates with the aura of golfing excellence. Its impeccable layout and strategically cultivated challenges ensure a captivating and triumphant golfing experience. The course’s enduring quality and refined presentation solidify its status among the world's most prestigious golfing sanctuaries.

▲

Ballybunion Golf Club, where Ireland’s rugged coastline meets the artist’s imagination, is a masterpiece of golfing tradition and natural splendor. Its enchanting dunes and powerful ocean winds craft a dynamic and unforgettable golfing challenge. In its embrace, the essence of pure golf resonates, making Ballybunion an undeniable luminary in the world’s constellation of premier courses.

▲

Trump Turnberry, a beacon of luxury and excellence, unfolds along Scotland's magnificent coastline, blending heritage with breathtaking beauty. Its iconic lighthouse and sweeping sea views create a theatrical stage for golf's most memorable dramas. A living testament to the sport’s grandeur, Turnberry’s hallowed grounds invite a timeless dance of strategy, challenge, and passion.

▲

The Barnbougle Dunes Golf Links, where Tasmania's rugged beauty embraces the spirit of golf, unfolds as a canvas of nature's majesty and architectural ingenuity. The course’s harmonious weave of dunes, sea breezes, and native fauna creates a ballet of challenges and allure. In its raw and captivating landscapes, Barnbougle Dunes shines as a global epitome of golfing purity and design brilliance.

▲

Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, cradled by Oregon’s rugged coastline, blossoms as a sanctuary where land and sea converge in golfing harmony. Its windswept fairways and undulating greens whisper the game's lore, inviting mastery and adventure. In embracing its natural splendor and crafted excellence, Bandon Dunes celebrates the soul and tradition of golf’s timeless journey.

▲

Pebble Beach Golf Links, where the Californian coast meets unparalleled golfing elegance, stands as an icon of global admiration. Its majestic ocean vistas and meticulously curated design craft a sublime odyssey of beauty and challenge. A cherished destination, Pebble Beach enshrines the spirit of golf, offering players a canvas of extraordinary moments and timeless memories.

▲

Royal Portrush Golf Club, nestled along Northern Ireland’s dramatic coastline, is a tapestry of natural grandeur and golfing tradition. Its majestic dunes and compelling layouts craft a narrative of history, challenge, and elegance. A testament to golfing mastery, Royal Portrush resonates as a global sanctuary where the sport's heart and heritage brilliantly converge.

▲

Augusta National Golf Club, hallowed grounds in the realm of golf, blossoms with tradition, beauty, and masterful design. Its iconic azaleas and meticulously sculpted fairways compose a ballet of color, strategy, and challenge. Augusta's timeless elegance and the lore of the Masters echo through its pines, immortalizing its place as a zenith in the golfing world.

▲

Muirfield Village Golf Club, a living canvas of golfing excellence, thrives in Ohio’s embrace, reflecting Jack Nicklaus' masterful vision. Its thoughtful design, strategic challenges, and impeccable conditions forge a realm where tradition and innovation converge. Muirfield Village stands as a sanctuary, celebrating the game's integrity, history, and enduring allure in each meticulously crafted fairway and green.

▲

Entering the top 10 on our list, we have the Cabot Cliffs Golf Course! Perched atop Nova Scotia's rugged cliffs, Cabot Cliffs offers an enthralling dance of land, sea, and golfing artistry. Its panoramic ocean views and dramatic elevations weave a breathtaking tapestry of challenge and beauty. Revered globally, Cabot Cliffs stands as a testament to nature's splendor, harmoniously intertwined with golf's finest craftsmanship.

▲

Punta Espada Golf Club, where the Caribbean’s embrace adorns every stroke, unveils a realm of exquisite beauty and formidable challenge. Its impeccable design seamlessly melds with breathtaking seascapes, crafting holes as awe-inspiring as they are strategic. Recognized globally, Punta Espada shines as a pinnacle of golf, where the harmony of nature and golfing genius majestically unfolds.

▲

The Old Course at St Andrews is a sacred tapestry woven with history, tradition, and the spirit of golf. Its legendary fairways and ancient greens narrate tales of icons, innovation, and immortal moments. The hallowed grounds, a living testament to golf’s enduring allure, remain a cherished crucible where the sport’s heart fervently beats.

▲

The Los Angeles Country Club, an oasis amidst the city’s vibrance, embodies elegance, exclusivity, and golfing excellence. Its pristine fairways and meticulous design orchestrate a harmonious ballet of challenge and beauty. Revered among golf’s finest, this sanctuary melds historic grace with contemporary brilliance, affirming its stature in the world’s golfing pantheon.

▲

Royal Dornoch Golf Club is a revered canvas in Scotland’s highlands where nature’s majesty meets golfing tradition. Its timeless links, kissed by ocean breezes, offer a sublime fusion of history, challenge, and scenic splendor. In its embrace, Royal Dornoch unfurls a globally celebrated golfing experience, weaving tales of passion, precision, and the sport’s enduring essence.

▲

Hirono Golf Club, Japan's legendary realm, is a harmonious confluence of design mastery and nature's elegance. Its impeccable layout navigates through a rich tapestry of woods and water, cultivating a distinct and memorable golfing experience. Revered universally, Hirono’s ethereal landscape and strategic brilliance affirm its extraordinary presence in the global golfing symphony.

▲

Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, a historic gem, unfolds amidst the rolling terrains of Long Island, embodying the spirit of pure golf. Its windswept fairways and strategic design resonate with the essence of challenge, tradition, and enduring class. Shinnecock Hills’ revered legacy and architectural brilliance crown it as an undeniable luminary in the global constellation of elite golf courses.

▲

Royal County Down Golf Club, nestled amidst the natural grandeur of Northern Ireland, is a luminary in the constellation of golf’s greatest venues. Its windswept dunes and framed Mourne Mountains backdrop compose a captivating ballet of beauty and strategic allure. A masterpiece of design and tradition, Royal County Down perpetuates an enduring legacy of golfing excellence.

▲

The National Golf Links of America is a timeless tapestry woven with tradition, innovation, and golfing mastery. Its enchanting layout, inspired by the venerable courses of Britain, orchestrates a unique symphony of challenge and beauty. Within its historic embrace, the National gloriously stands, affirming its illustrious position amongst the world’s golfing crown jewels.

▲

Pine Valley Golf Club, a sacred realm where golf's virtues bloom amidst New Jersey’s serene woods, is an epitome of design brilliance and challenge. Its mysterious allure, unforgiving terrains, and exquisite composition herald it a masterpiece in the global amphitheater of golf. Revered and cherished, Pine Valley triumphantly reigns, embodying the pinnacle of the sport's majestic tapestry.

Sources: (Golf Digest) (Honest Golfers) (Golf.com) (Breaking Eighty)