These are the most stunning golf courses open to the public. They boast scenery with dramatic hills, majestic waterways, and splendid greenery.
Unlike most other types of sports arenas, there’s a whole lot more to golf courses than just the game of golf. They are often beautiful venues in their own right, and some are just downright breath-taking. Hosting world-class golfing events only happens every once in a while, so for the most part of the year they may be open to the public, giving you opportunity to hone your game over whilst enjoying the amazing surroundings.
So without any further ado, here are some bucket list golf courses from around the world, for an unforgettable game.
#1
Sand Hollow Resort
Utah, USA
An 18-hole layout nestled in between the dramatic red rocks and flaming canyons of the southern Utah deserts, Sand Hollow resort is a masterpiece of nature combined with magnificent man-made construction. Sand Hollows is the brainchild of former touring heavyweight John Fought. He first acquired a small property on the desert strip, then cleared out the desert brush to build out vast fairways. Today, Sand Hollows is multi-award winning minimalist golf resort.
#2
The Old Course
St Andrews, Scotland
One of the oldest golf courses in the world, The Old Course at St. Andrews is arguably the birthplace of Golf. Today, it combines the ancient charm of 15th century architecture with a host of other iconic features like the Kohler Waters Spa, and a spectacular 18-hole links course running alongside the north sea.
#3
Green Monkey
Barbados
Riddled with dazzling visual elements, including the famous Green Monkey feature in a huge bunker, this golf course has captured the imaginations of innumerable golfing fans across the globe. It’s an 18-hole golf course designed by Tom Fazio, carved out of an old limestone quarry.
#4
Long Thanh Golf Resort
Vietnam
Long Thanh Golf resort is home to the most beautiful course in Vietnam and is certainly one of the most beautiful resorts in Asia. It’s a stunning 18-hole hilly course sprawled over a spectacular tropical landscape with seemingly endless rows of palm trees, scenic pools and lakes, and even majestic waterfalls.
#5
Mauna Lani
Hawaii, USA
Mauna Lani hosts the most photographed hole in the world, with a course that’s situated right by the pacific ocean on the coast of Hawaii’s Big Island. The course is designed for both professional and amateur play, with dramatic scenery and a terrain that’s easy to walk around.
#6
Barbougle Golf Links
Tasmania, Australia
The recipient of multiple global awards, Barbougle Golf Links is a golfing haven tucked away down-under, on Tasmania’s north east coast. The 18-hole course boasts a lush combination of fescue and bent grasses, and is flanked by onsite facilities like the clubhouse restaurant, bar, and a conference room.
#7
The K Club
Ireland
The K Club resort sprawls over 550 acres of landmass, featuring a luxurious hotel, spa and a massive 36-hole golf course. Founded over 25 years ago, the resort has played host to several world-class tournaments, the most notable being the 2006 Ryder Cup and the 2016 Irish Open.
#8
T Poniente Golf Club
Mallorca, Spain
One of the oldest and renowned golf clubs in Spain, T Poniente is nestled in a breathtaking landscape just a few kilometers away from the centre of the city of Palma. It boasts of blissful scenery featuring breathtaking valleys, stunning hills, 7 majestic lakes, fabulous rows of pines, and 18-hole course with several bunkers.
#9
Saadiyat Beach
Abu Dhabi, UAE
This 18-hole course offers some of the most incredible golfing experience in the Middle East. Built in the middle of a desert with environmental conservation a major consideration, it features a host of natural elements including a wildlife area and the stunning backdrop of the Arabian Gulf.
#10
Clearwater Bay Golf & Country Club
Hong Kong
Clearwater is one of the top premium golfing clubs in Honk Kong and Mainland China. It’s couched over a fishhook-shaped peninsula, and provides a splendid view of Hong Kong’s Coastline. Besides its 18-hole course, it also features a driving range, gym, spa, outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts, and a football pitch.
#11
Cabot Links
Canada
Carved out of a dramatic seaside terrain, Cabot Links arguably offers the best links course experience in Canada. It was launched in 2011, but has quickly risen to global prominence thanks to its ingenious features, including the Panorama Restaurant, The Cabot Bar, and luxurious rooms.