Best golf courses in the World

We couldn’t possibly make this list without including the iconic Old Course, otherwise known as the ‘Home of Golf’ at St Andrews Golf Links. Host to The Open more times than any other venue, home of the European Tour’s Dunhill Links and arguably the most famous course in the world, it’s honours are unmatched by any other. The Old Course is a must play course located in one of the most densely populated areas for golf in Scotland.

Said to have one of the most breathtaking views in golf, Pebble Beach® is another world-renowned course on every golfer’s wish list in California. Opened for play in 1919, Pebble Beach has since hosted multiple US Opens, a PGA Championship and numerous PGA Tournaments. Located on the beautiful Monterey Peninsula, south of San Francisco, Pebble Beach is surrounded by a selection of incredible courses, but this picture-perfect links is the pick of the bunch.

It’s one in the biggest mysteries in golf as to why Royal County Down has never hosted an Open Championship, but perhaps this only adds to its allure. Designed by the legendary Tom Morris in 1900 and later altered in 1926 by Harry Colt, County Down was always destined for greatness.

The two courses, Annesley and Championship links, are situated in Northern Ireland beneath the Mountains of Mourne overlooking the Irish Sea. County Down is as beautiful as it is difficult, but don’t let its toughness intimidate you, the views more than make up for a potentially damning scorecard!

It may not have the history of St Andrews, or the fear factor of Carnoustie, but the Ailsa Course at Turnberry remains the most scenic course on the Open Championship schedule. Critically acclaimed by anyone who steps foot on this hallowed turf, since its renovation in 2016, Turnberry has gone from strength to strength and is rightfully named one of the best courses in the world.

Golf was first played at Royal Dornoch as early as 1616, making it the 3rd oldest course in history. This is as natural as links golf comes, with a classic out-and-back design and stunning vistas overlooking the coastline and Dornoch Firth on the Struie and Championship course. The Championship course has become famous for its raised greens and gorse, a must play for any golfer in Scotland.

Situated in the South West of Ireland, Ballybunion was founded in 1983 on some of the most breathtaking links land golfers will ever likely set their eyes on. There are many things that make Ballybunion special – the towering dunes, the coastal views and of course, the architecture. Tom Watson once described the Old Course as “a course which many golf architects should live and play before they build golf courses” – a fitting testament from one of the greats!

Royal St George’s is one of the most natural links layouts in the world and with 15 Open Championships to its name, is no stranger to the limelight. The course plays along the idyllic Sandwich Bay in Kent, with large rolling sand dunes, undulating fairways and plenty of bunkers to contend with. Plus, when visiting this corner of England, visitors can also play Princes and Royal Cinque Ports – two former Open Venues.

Last but certainly not least – Royal Portrush’s famous Dunluce Course. Raised atop a rocky headland on the Antrim Coastline to the north of Northern Ireland, this 2019 Open Championship host provides a stern links test like no other. Since its inception in 1888, Portrush has undergone several transformations over the years from Harry Colt, and more recently Mackenzie and Ebert to prepare the course for The 2019 Open.