15 of the Most Famous Golf Courses Around the World

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The World's Most Iconic Golf Courses

From legendary championship venues to breathtaking coastal links, these are 15 golf courses that have shaped the game and earned a place on golfers' bucket lists around the world.

Some golf courses are simply great places to play. Others become part of golfing history.

Whether it’s the venue of a major championship, the setting for an unforgettable sporting moment or a layout that has challenged the world’s best players for generations, the most famous golf courses have earned their reputations for good reason. From the rolling links of Scotland to championship layouts in the USA, Portugal and Dubai, these courses continue to inspire golfers of every ability.

Many have hosted golf’s biggest tournaments, while others are celebrated for their spectacular scenery, iconic holes and remarkable course design. Playing them isn’t just about the scorecard – it’s about experiencing places that have helped shape the game itself.

At Golf Escapes, we’ve spent decades helping golfers discover some of the world’s finest courses. Whether you’re planning the trip of a lifetime or simply looking for inspiration for your next golf holiday, these 15 legendary courses deserve a place on every golfer’s wish list.

Why These Courses Stand Above the Rest

These iconic golf courses have earned worldwide recognition through their history, championship pedigree and unforgettable playing experiences.

Play Where Legends Have Played
Walk the same fairways as the greatest names in golf, with courses that have hosted iconic championships and created some of the sport’s most unforgettable moments.

Experience World-Class Course Design
From historic Scottish links to modern championship layouts, these courses showcase exceptional design, unique challenges and spectacular settings around the world.

Tick Off Your Golfing Bucket List
Whether it’s crossing the Swilcan Bridge at St Andrews, taking on famous championship venues or discovering a new golf destination, these are experiences every golfer dreams about.

Fairway with building in the background on a sunny day

Golf Courses That Made History

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1. St Andrews Old Course, Fife, Scotland

Few golf courses can match the history, reputation and worldwide appeal of St Andrews Old Course. Known as the Home of Golf, this legendary links has welcomed golfers for centuries and remains one of the most famous courses in the world.

The par-72 course follows in the footsteps of golfing greats, with iconic features including the Swilcan Bridge and the challenging Hell Bunker recognised by players across the globe. Despite its prestigious status, the Old Course remains open to the public, making it one of the most sought-after golfing experiences.

2. The King’s Course, Gleneagles, Scotland

Often regarded as one of the finest moorland courses in the world, The King’s Course at Gleneagles has long been a favourite among amateur and professional golfers.

Designed by James Braid, this classic layout blends beautifully into the Perthshire landscape, creating a memorable round surrounded by spectacular scenery. With natural beauty, clever design and plenty of challenge, it remains one of Scotland’s most celebrated courses.

3. The Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass, Florida, USA

Its famous par-three 17th hole is known around the world, with the island green creating unforgettable moments at The Players Championship. It may be the shortest hole on the course, but with water surrounding the green, it continues to challenge even the world’s best players.

4. Oakmont Country Club, Pennsylvania, USA

Opened in 1903 and designed by Henry Fownes, Oakmont was created to provide one of the toughest tests in golf.

Known for its lightning-fast greens, demanding layout and famous Church Pews bunker, the course rewards accuracy and punishes mistakes. Over the years, Oakmont has hosted numerous major championships and remains one of America’s most respected golf courses.

5. Augusta National Golf Club, Georgia, USA

If the beautiful surroundings don’t impress you, the history certainly will. Designed by Bobby Jones and Alister MacKenzie, Augusta National has been home to The Masters Tournament since 1934.

With iconic areas such as Amen Corner, immaculate fairways and a long list of unforgettable golfing moments, Augusta is one of the most famous and exclusive golf courses in the world.

6. Trump International Golf Links, Aberdeenshire, Scotland

Set among dramatic sand dunes along the Aberdeenshire coastline, Trump International Golf Links offers a memorable links golf experience.

Designed by Dr Martin Hawtree, the course combines rugged coastal scenery with carefully crafted holes and spectacular sea views. Opened in 2012, it has quickly become one of Scotland’s most talked-about modern links courses.

7. Cypress Point Club, California, USA

Located on the stunning Monterey Peninsula, Cypress Point is regularly recognised as one of the most beautiful golf courses in the world.

Designed by Alister MacKenzie, the course follows the natural coastline, with dramatic ocean views and unforgettable holes. The famous 16th hole, played across the Pacific coastline, is one of golf’s most photographed challenges.

8. Pine Valley Golf Club, New Jersey, USA

Pine Valley has built a reputation as one of the most challenging and highly regarded courses in the world.

Created by George Crump, the course opened in 1918 and is known for its strategic design, dramatic hazards and variety. Every hole provides a different test, making it a favourite among golf course enthusiasts.

9. Royal County Down Golf Club, Northern Ireland

With rugged landscapes, coastal winds and spectacular surroundings, Northern Ireland provides the perfect setting for links golf.

Located beneath the Mourne Mountains, Royal County Down combines natural dunes, beautiful views and a challenging layout. Dating back to 1889, it remains one of the most admired links courses in the world.

10. Kingsbarns Golf Links, Scotland

Just along the coast from St Andrews, Kingsbarns Golf Links delivers a classic Scottish links experience with breathtaking views over the North Sea.

Opened in 2000, the course has quickly established itself among the world’s best modern links layouts. It also co-hosts the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship alongside St Andrews and Carnoustie.

11. Monte Rei Golf & Country Club, Algarve, Portugal

Set in the beautiful Eastern Algarve, Monte Rei is one of Portugal’s most highly regarded golf courses.

Designed by Jack Nicklaus, the North Course features immaculate fairways, scenic surroundings and a layout that offers both beauty and challenge. Combined with excellent facilities and service, it provides a truly memorable golf experience.

12. Muirfield, East Lothian, Scotland

Muirfield is one of golf’s great historic venues and the home of The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers.

Having hosted The Open Championship many times, this traditional links course has welcomed some of the biggest names in golf. Known for its clever routing and strategic challenge, Muirfield remains one of Scotland’s finest courses.

13. Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, Dubai

Opened in 1993, Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club has become one of the UAE’s most recognisable golf courses.

Famous for its striking clubhouse, immaculate fairways and views across Dubai Creek, the course provides an enjoyable challenge for a range of golfers. Its location close to the city also makes it a fantastic choice for a Dubai golf holiday.

14. Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, New York, USA

Located on Long Island, Shinnecock Hills is one of the oldest and most prestigious golf clubs in America.

Founded in 1891, the course is known for its natural landscape, links-style characteristics and major championship history. Having hosted multiple U.S. Opens, it remains one of the great names in American golf.

15. Corballis Links Golf Club, Dublin, Ireland

Situated less than 30 minutes from Dublin, Corballis Links offers a traditional Irish links experience in a fantastic location.

With natural dunes, coastal views and plenty of character, this historic course provides an enjoyable test of golf while allowing visitors to experience everything Dublin has to offer.

Legendary Links Golf

From the historic fairways of St Andrews to the dramatic coastlines of Royal County Down and Kingsbarns, links golf has created some of the most famous courses in the world. Natural landscapes, changing conditions and centuries of tradition all combine to deliver a truly memorable golfing experience.

Fairway at Annesley Links at Royal County Down with hills in distance

World-Class Golf in Stunning Destinations

From the Algarve coastline to the impressive skyline of Dubai, many of the world’s most famous golf courses combine exceptional layouts with unforgettable surroundings. These destinations prove that a great golf holiday is about more than the course, with luxury resorts, year-round sunshine and incredible experiences waiting beyond the fairways.

Tee box on a lake with a bridge connecting to the fairway, with a cityscape in the background

Start Planning Your Bucket-List Golf Holiday

From historic links courses to spectacular championship layouts around the world, the most famous golf courses offer unforgettable experiences both on and off the fairways.

Whether you dream of walking in the footsteps of golfing legends at St Andrews, experiencing Ireland’s dramatic links or discovering world-class golf in destinations such as Portugal and Dubai, Golf Escapes can help create your perfect golf holiday.

With expert advice, hand-picked hotels and access to incredible courses worldwide, your next unforgettable round could be closer than you think.

FAQs

St Andrews Old Course is widely regarded as the most famous golf course in the world thanks to its history as the Home of Golf. Augusta National and TPC Sawgrass are also among the sport’s most iconic venues.

Yes. The Old Course is open to the public, although tee times are extremely popular and should be booked well in advance or entered through the daily ballot.

Augusta National is a private members’ club. Most golfers experience it by attending The Masters Tournament, although members may invite guests to play.

TPC Sawgrass in Florida is home to the iconic par-three 17th hole, widely known as the Island Green.

Scotland and the USA are home to many of golf’s best-known venues, while Ireland, Portugal and the UAE also boast courses that regularly feature on golfers’ bucket lists.