I’ve Golfed Over 180 Courses, These Are My 25 Favorite Courses On Earth

Golfers dream of teeing off at courses that blend stunning landscapes, rich history, and thrilling challenges. These 25 destinations shine in 2025 as must-play courses, offering unforgettable experiences for players of all levels. From coastal links kissed by ocean breezes to mountain fairways framed by dramatic peaks, each course delivers a unique adventure.

1. St Andrews Old Course, Scotland

The Old Course at St Andrews, the birthplace of golf, delivers a timeless links experience along Scotland’s North Sea coast. Its historic fairways, played by legends like Bobby Jones and Tiger Woods, challenge with deep pot bunkers and swirling winds that test every club. Iconic landmarks like the Swilcan Bridge on the 18th and the Road Hole’s notorious bunker create memories that last a lifetime. Public tee times are available through a ballot system or guided golf packages, though demand is high, so plan months ahead. The course’s firm turf and unpredictable weather demand strategic play, especially on the shared greens. After your round, explore St Andrews’ charming pubs, like The Dunvegan, serving hearty Scottish fare. Visit the British Golf Museum nearby to dive into the sport’s 600-year legacy. The town’s cobblestone streets and historic vibe add to the experience. Pair your trip with a stay at the Old Course Hotel for luxury overlooking the links. Every swing here feels like a step into golf’s soul.

2. La Iguana Golf Course, Costa Rica

Nestled in the lush Los Sueños Resort, La Iguana Golf Course offers an exotic 18-hole, par-72 adventure designed by Ted Robinson. Its 6,698-yard layout weaves through a tropical rainforest with Pacific Ocean views, where monkeys, macaws, and iguanas roam the fairways. Holes like the par-4 17th, with water guarding the green, blend challenge with stunning scenery. Public access through the resort makes it easy to book, with tee times available year-round via their online system. The course’s 73.4 rating and 145 slope test all skill levels, from beginners to pros. PGA-certified instructors and a vast driving range enhance the experience. After golfing, relax at the Marriott’s oceanfront suites or dine at ZOÉ for fresh seafood. The nearby Herradura Beach offers surfing or sunset strolls. Visit in the dry season (December-May) for ideal conditions. This tropical gem delivers a bucket-list round unlike any other.

3. Pebble Beach Golf Links, California

Pebble Beach Golf Links captivates with Pacific Ocean vistas framing every hole, making it a bucket-list must for its sheer beauty. The par-3 7th, a short shot over crashing waves, and the par-5 18th along the coast are iconic in golf lore. Hosting six U.S. Opens, its links-style layout demands precision on tight fairways and small greens. Public access is available through the resort, though tee times cost upwards of $600 and book fast, so reserve early. The course’s dramatic cliffs and ocean winds create a sensory thrill. Pair your round with a scenic drive along 17-Mile Drive to spot seals and cypress trees. Stay at The Lodge at Pebble Beach for luxury steps from the 18th green. Post-round, savor Monterey’s seafood at Old Fisherman’s Grotto. The course’s history, with wins by Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods, adds prestige. Golfers leave with stories of conquering one of America’s finest.

4. Streamsong Resort, Florida

Streamsong Red, designed by Coore and Crenshaw, transforms Florida’s phosphate mining land into a dramatic public course. Its rolling dunes, deep bunkers, and vast greens evoke classic links, with the par-4 7th offering a thrilling risk-reward shot. The resort’s three courses make it a golfing haven, but Red stands out for its bold design and playability. Book tee times through Streamsong Resort, where packages include lodging and access to all courses. The sandy terrain and open layout challenge strategy while showcasing Florida’s unique landscape. Stay at the modern Streamsong Lodge for sleek comfort and lake views. Dine at SottoTerra for Italian-inspired cuisine after your round. The course’s accessibility and world-class status make it a must for 2025. Visit in spring for mild weather and vibrant scenery. Golfers revel in its blend of beauty and challenge.

5. Erin Hills, Wisconsin

Erin Hills, a public course in Wisconsin’s Kettle Moraine, offers a sprawling links-style layout that hosted the 2017 U.S. Open. Its fescue-lined fairways and massive greens, like the par-5 18th, test distance and precision amid rolling hills. Public tee times are available through the resort, with rates varying by season, so book early for summer slots. The course’s open terrain and strong winds mimic Scottish links, creating a thrilling challenge. Stay at the on-site lodge for rustic charm and easy course access. Nearby Hartford offers local diners serving hearty Midwestern meals. The course’s natural beauty, with wildflowers and kettle lakes, enchants players. Visit in June for ideal conditions and long daylight. Pair your trip with a brewery tour in Milwaukee. Erin Hills delivers a bucket-list round with wide-open drama.

6. Sand Hills Golf Club, Nebraska

Sand Hills, a public-access gem in Nebraska’s Sandhills region, redefines remote golfing with its minimalist Coore-Crenshaw design. Its rolling prairie dunes and wind-swept greens, like the par-3 8th, blend seamlessly with the landscape. Tee times are available through the club’s reservation system, though its isolated location requires a trek. The course’s natural routing and lack of water hazards create a pure, strategic challenge. Stay at the on-site cabins for a rustic golf retreat immersed in nature. Local dining is limited, so pack for self-catering or enjoy the club’s simple fare. The solitude and vast skies make every round feel epic. Visit in late spring for mild weather and lush fairways. Sand Hills’ raw beauty and accessibility make it a hidden bucket-list star. Golfers leave awed by its untouched grandeur.

7. Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, New York

Shinnecock Hills, a U.S. Open stalwart, combines rolling dunes with fierce coastal winds for a classic links test. Its tight fairways and slick greens, like the par-4 10th, demand pinpoint accuracy. Limited public access is available through select packages, making it a prized bucket-list round. The historic clubhouse, one of America’s oldest, adds a timeless vibe. Stay in Southampton for upscale inns and fresh seafood at The Lobster Inn. The course’s exposed layout and heathland feel challenge every shot. Pair your visit with a Hamptons beach day for relaxation. Book well in advance, as slots are competitive. The 2025 season promises vibrant conditions after recent upgrades. Shinnecock’s legacy and playability make it a must-play.

8. Bandon Dunes, Oregon

Bandon Dunes delivers a raw, windswept links experience on Oregon’s Pacific coast, evoking Scotland’s finest courses. The original Bandon Dunes course, with its rugged dunes and ocean views, remains a purist’s dream for its natural design. Public access through the resort ensures tee times, though booking months ahead is wise for peak seasons. Five world-class layouts offer variety, but the namesake course shines for its authenticity. Stay at the resort’s Chrome Lake rooms for cozy, course-side lodging. Dine at McKee’s Pub for local seafood and craft beer. The course’s firm turf and howling winds test every skill. Visit in summer for long days and dramatic sunsets. Pair your trip with a coastal hike nearby. Bandon Dunes is a pilgrimage for golf lovers.

9. Whistling Straits, Wisconsin

Whistling Straits, perched on Lake Michigan, mimics Irish links with sandy dunes and over 1,000 bunkers. The Straits Course, a PGA Championship host, challenges with holes like the par-3 17th, “Pinched Nerve,” over water. Public access through the Kohler resort makes it reachable, with tee times bookable online. Its 2021 Ryder Cup fame adds allure, drawing golfers worldwide. Stay at The American Club for luxury and spa relaxation. Dine at the resort’s Immigrant Restaurant for fine dining. The course’s rugged beauty and relentless winds create epic rounds. Visit in late summer for ideal conditions. Pair with a tour of Kohler’s design center for a unique outing. Whistling Straits is a bucket-list triumph.

10. The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island, South Carolina

Kiawah’s Ocean Course, a Pete Dye masterpiece, stuns with Atlantic views and brutal winds. Famous for the 1991 Ryder Cup, its exposed layout, like the par-3 17th, tests nerve and skill. Public access via the resort makes it bookable, though early reservations are key. The course’s oceanfront holes and Lowcountry charm create a thrilling experience. Stay at The Sanctuary for oceanfront luxury and Southern hospitality. Savor shrimp and grits at the resort’s Atlantic Room. The 2025 season brings upgraded facilities for guests. Visit in spring for mild weather and vibrant marshes. Pair with a Charleston day trip for historic charm. This course is a coastal must-play.

11. Pinehurst No. 2, North Carolina

Pinehurst No. 2, a Donald Ross classic, has hosted more championships than any U.S. course. Its turtleback greens and sandy wastes, like the par-4 5th, demand creative shot-making. Public access through the resort allows golfers to walk in legends’ footsteps, with tee times bookable online. The Sandhills setting, with pine-lined fairways, feels serene and timeless. Stay at the historic Carolina Hotel for old-world charm. Dine at the 1895 Grille for upscale Southern fare. The course’s subtle slopes and firm greens challenge every club. Visit in fall for crisp weather and colorful foliage. Explore Pinehurst village for golf history tours. This course is American golf royalty.

12. Royal Melbourne, Australia

Royal Melbourne’s West Course, an Alister MacKenzie design, ranks among the world’s best for its strategic brilliance. Sandy terrain and bold bunkers, like the par-4 6th, blend with Melbourne’s natural landscape. Public access is available via select golf tours, making it reachable for international travelers. The 1998 Presidents Cup showcased its challenging layout and timeless appeal. Stay in Melbourne’s vibrant city center for world-class dining at Attica. The course’s fast greens and clever routing reward smart play. Visit in Australia’s summer (January-February) for ideal conditions. Pair with a Great Ocean Road drive for stunning scenery. The course’s global prestige makes it a bucket-list essential. Golfers leave inspired by its artistry.

13. Royal County Down, Northern Ireland

Royal County Down dazzles with Mourne Mountain views and classic links terrain. Blind shots and gorse-lined fairways, like the par-3 4th, challenge even seasoned players. Public tee times are available, though booking through the club’s system is advised. The course’s rugged beauty and deep bunkers evoke golf’s golden age. Stay in Newcastle for cozy pubs like Percy French. Dine on local seafood at Mourne’s restaurants. The 2025 season brings enhanced visitor facilities. Visit in summer for long daylight and vibrant scenery. Pair with a Belfast city tour for history. This Irish gem is a links lover’s dream.

14. Ballybunion Old Course, Ireland

Ballybunion’s Old Course winds through towering dunes and Atlantic cliffs for a thrilling links round. The par-4 11th, hugging the ocean, delivers wind-swept drama praised by Tom Watson. Public tee times make it accessible, with bookings available through the club’s website. Its rugged terrain and unpredictable winds make every shot a gamble. Stay in County Kerry for traditional Irish pubs like McMunns. Enjoy fresh fish and chips at local spots. The course’s raw beauty and challenging layout captivate players. Visit in late spring for mild weather. Pair with a Ring of Kerry drive for scenic adventure. Ballybunion is worth crossing oceans for.

15. Royal Troon, Scotland

Royal Troon, an Open Championship host, tests precision with tight fairways and the famous Postage Stamp 8th. Its deep bunkers and coastal winds, especially on the par-4 11th, demand focus. Public tee times are available through the club, though early booking is essential. The Scottish charm, from the clubhouse to Ayrshire’s seaside towns, enhances every visit. Stay in Troon for cozy inns like Piersland House. Dine on local haggis or seafood nearby. The 2025 Open preparations add buzz to the course. Visit in summer for optimal conditions. Pair with a whisky tasting tour in Glasgow. This course is a historic must-play.

16. TPC Sawgrass, Florida

TPC Sawgrass, home of The Players Championship, is famed for its island green 17th, a heart-pounding par-3. Pete Dye’s design, with narrow fairways and water hazards, tests every shot. Public access through the resort ensures tee times, though they book fast. The stadium-style layout immerses players in PGA Tour excitement. Stay in Ponte Vedra for beachside resorts like the Marriott Sawgrass. Dine at Vernon’s for upscale coastal cuisine. The course’s tricky greens and iconic moments thrill golfers. Visit in spring for mild Florida weather. Pair with a St. Augustine tour for history. TPC Sawgrass is a bucket-list triumph.

17. Cape Kidnappers, New Zealand

Cape Kidnappers, perched on cliffs above the Tasman Sea, stuns with dramatic views and bold design. Tom Doak’s layout, with holes like the par-5 15th along the edge, blends challenge with beauty. Public access through the resort makes it bookable, though early reservations are advised. The remote Hawke’s Bay setting adds adventure, with luxury lodges for comfort. Stay at The Farm at Cape Kidnappers for stunning views. Dine on local lamb and wines at the resort. The 2025 season brings upgraded facilities. Visit in New Zealand’s summer (January-February). Pair with a winery tour in Napier. This course is a trans-Pacific masterpiece.

18. Barnbougle Dunes, Australia

Barnbougle Dunes, on Tasmania’s wild coast, rivals Scotland’s links with its rolling dunes and firm greens. Tom Doak’s design, like the par-3 7th, feels untouched by time and nature. Public access through the resort ensures tee times, bookable online. The course’s raw beauty and strategic holes captivate players of all levels. Stay in the resort’s ocean-view cottages for rustic charm. Savor Tasmanian oysters and wines at the clubhouse. The 2025 season promises vibrant conditions. Visit in Australia’s summer for long days. Pair with a coastal hike or seafood tour. Barnbougle is a hidden gem for global golfers.

19. Torrey Pines South Course, California

Torrey Pines South, above the Pacific, boasts U.S. Open pedigree and sweeping coastal views. Its long fairways and bunkered greens, like the par-5 18th, challenge all players. Public tee times are available through the city’s system, but book months ahead. The San Diego setting adds surf, tacos, and sun to your trip. Stay at The Lodge at Torrey Pines for craftsman-style luxury. Dine at A.R. Valentien for farm-to-table cuisine. The course’s history, with Tiger Woods’ 2008 win, adds prestige. Visit in winter for mild weather. Pair with a La Jolla kayaking adventure. This course is coastal golf at its finest.

20. Bethpage Black, New York

Bethpage Black, a public course, is a brute with long fairways and deep bunkers. Its PGA Championship history and “extremely difficult” warning sign scare and thrill players. The par-4 5th and 18th demand power and precision, making every round epic. Tee times are competitive but bookable through New York’s park system. Stay in Farmingdale for budget-friendly hotels. Enjoy classic New York pizza at local spots like La Piazza. The course’s tough layout and public access make it a bucket-list star. Visit in fall for crisp weather. Pair with a Long Island brewery tour. Bethpage Black tests grit and skill.

21. Muirfield, Scotland

Muirfield, an Open Championship venue, offers a classic links layout with ever-changing winds. Its unique circular design shifts challenges on every hole, like the par-4 9th. Public access is limited but available through golf packages or direct bookings. The course’s tight fairways and small greens demand precision and patience. Stay in Gullane for cozy inns like The Golf Inn. Dine on local seafood at The Bonnie Badger. The 2025 season brings upgraded visitor amenities. Visit in summer for long daylight. Pair with an Edinburgh castle tour. Muirfield is a cornerstone of golf history.

22. Pasatiempo Golf Club, California

Pasatiempo, an Alister MacKenzie design, blends strategic holes with Santa Cruz mountain views. Its wild greens and deep bunkers, like the par-3 18th, thrill players of all levels. Public access offers affordable elite golf, with tee times bookable online. The laid-back Santa Cruz vibe, with beaches and breweries, completes the experience. Stay at the Chaminade Resort for scenic views. Dine at The Penny Ice Creamery for local treats. The course’s clever routing and history draw golfers. Visit in spring for vibrant wildflowers. Pair with a Monterey Bay aquarium visit. Pasatiempo is a West Coast treasure.

23. Harbour Town Golf Links, South Carolina

Harbour Town’s tight fairways and small greens, designed by Pete Dye, test accuracy in the Lowcountry. The iconic 18th, with its lighthouse backdrop, shines during the PGA Tour’s RBC Heritage. Public access through Hilton Head resorts ensures tee times, bookable online. The course’s strategic layout rewards smart play over power. Stay at the Sea Pines Resort for coastal luxury. Savor shrimp and grits at Hudson’s Seafood. The 2025 season brings fresh upgrades. Visit in spring for blooming marshes. Pair with a Savannah day trip for history. Harbour Town blends charm and challenge.

24. Chambers Bay, Washington

Chambers Bay, a modern links course, stuns with Puget Sound views and sandy dunes. Its 2015 U.S. Open showcased dramatic elevation changes, like the par-3 15th. Public access and a walkable layout make it a bucket-list favorite, bookable online. The course’s firm greens and open terrain test adaptability. Stay in Tacoma for urban hotels like the Hotel Murano. Dine at Duke’s Chowder House for fresh seafood. The 2025 season promises vibrant conditions. Visit in summer for sunny days. Pair with a Seattle Pike Place Market tour. Chambers Bay is a Pacific Northwest gem.

25. Kapalua Plantation Course, Hawaii

Kapalua’s Plantation Course, a Coore-Crenshaw design, hugs Maui’s hills with Pacific vistas. Its par-73 layout, host of the PGA Tour’s Sentry event, uses elevation and trade winds for drama. The par-5 18th, dropping toward the ocean, is a bucket-list finish. Public access through the resort makes it bookable, though rates are high. Stay in Lahaina for tropical resorts like the Westin Maui. Dine at Mama’s Fish House for island flavors. The course’s lush fairways and bold design thrill players. Visit in winter for warm weather. Pair with a Haleakalā sunrise tour. Kapalua is golfing paradise.

This article was written by Will and edited with AI assistance.