“While I don’t necessarily agree with this list, I do agree with the title. Although maybe that’s because I believe you should visit all of the golf courses before you die.”
Golfspan.com Guest Post: The 10 Best Golf Courses to Visit Before You Die
There are thousands of great golf courses worldwide that are considered top tier by the world's best golfers. But, some stand above the rest. Golf courses are as unique as snow crystals; some are more beautiful or special than others.
If you’re looking to conquer some of the greatest golf courses on the planet or just want a fun bucket list, here are the 10 best golf courses to visit before you die.
What Makes These Courses Special?
Some of our top picks are here simply because they have unique terrain to cover. Others were chosen for their stunning holes scenery and challenging holes.
Lastly, you may enjoy the pure luxury that some of these courses offer. From the best golf carts to premium clubhouses to matching hotels, it’s hard not to fall in love with some of these epic golf courses.
1. Emirates Golf Course The Majlis (Dubai)
The Majlis was once an oasis found amid hardwood and palm trees with tall looming skyscrapers in the background. It is constructed around the beautiful dunes maintaining the desert aura at the edge of Dubai.
It is a challenging par 72, 7301-yard layout with the Majlis, which means a meeting place between the 8th and 9th holes.
2. Pebble Beach Golf Links (California)
Any golfer worth their salt has heard of Pebble Beach Course. Located on the front of the Monterey Peninsula, the course gives a wonderful view of the Pacific. Designed by Jack Neville and Douglas Grant, it is the most visually impressive course in America. On the stunning California Coast, the course offers a meditative view and sounds of nature while you focus on your put.
3. Teeth of the Dog (Dominican Republic)
Its name is not the only cool thing about this golf course. Ranked as one of the top courses in the Caribbean, the Teeth of the Dog golf course is a fun course to test your mettle as a golfer. It sits along the Caribbean sea on the rugged-edged coral hence the name “Teeth of the Dog.”
Seven of the 18 holes are placed along the Caribbean sea, which might make them a bit of a windy challenge if you’re up for it.
4. St. Andrews Old Course (Scotland)
You cannot have a golf course bucket list without a course from the home of golf. St. Andrews Old Golf course is one of the most iconic courses, with old Scottish architecture as its backdrop.
The course was established in 1552 and designed by Daw Anderson and Old Tom Morris. This course offers the chance to play on 500 years of golf history. The winds here will challenge even the greatest player. With 7305 yards, it currently has 18 holes instead of its original 22.
5. Illesurf Golf Course (Mauritius)
Setting our sights off the East coast of Mauritius, on a privately owned Island, we have the Illesurf Golf Course. A stunning tropical-themed course with a fairway cutting across the island. From the casual golfer to the fairway fanatic, this course is sure to be exciting.
6. Cape Kidnappers (New Zealand)
Although its name sounds sinister, this golf course is quite the opposite, with wondrous greenery of the rolling farm hills. Located at the edge of the 500-foot cliff at Hawke’s bay New Zealand, this 18-hole course will have you feeling on top of the world.
The main feature of this course is the 15th hole, known as the Pirate’s Plank. If you love a challenge, then you should definitely visit Cape Kidnappers Golf Course. Just keep an eye out for the sheep.
7. Banff Spring (Canada)
Golf courses next to the beach aren’t the only beautiful courses. Banff Springs offers a scenic view of one of the world’s heritage sites, Canada’s Rocky Mountains.
The 4th hole, known as the Devil’s Cauldron, overlooks a stunning lake that might distract you from making a birdie. But don’t worry, the beautiful view will soothe your ego.
8. Legend Golf Course (South Africa)
The Legend Golf Course in South Africa will tick some boxes if you're looking for an exciting adventure.
The fairways on this course wind through the open grassland. Their hole 19 is probably one of the most challenging holes in the world. You need a helicopter to get to the 400-meter high box. No one has ever managed to make a hole in one, and there’s even a large prize for the first winner. You never know, it could be you!
9. Coeur D'Alene Golf Course (Idaho, USA)
This beautiful golf resort is a haven of luxury located in the lakeside city in Idaho.
The course is especially famous for its floating green, the only one of its kind. The green can be moved with computer rigging, and the size of the hole can also be changed. Rather than a cart, you’ll need a boat to get to this hole.
10. Merapi Golf Course (Indonesia)
If you consider yourself a daredevil, then you should visit the Merapi. The beautiful 18-hole golf course’s main feature is the view of the very active volcano right next to it. You may be lucky and get to see smoke from the top, and if you’re unlucky, it might erupt.