Best Jack Nicklaus golf courses

Situated in Palm Beach Gardens, northwest of West Palm Beach sits the fantastic five-star PGA National Resort. Opened in 1981, the course was originally designed by Tom and George Fazio before Nicklaus came in and redesigned the course in 2014.

Host of the annual Honda Classic on the PGA TOUR, the course’s toughest stretch of holes (15, 16, 17) are nicknamed “The Bear Trap” after the man himself. The par-3, par-4 and par-3 layout all have forced carries over water with wind playing a factor into shot making on each hole. The course in total plays less than 7,100 yards with water hazards and greenside bunkers prevalent throughout.

Located on Hilton Head Island and home to the annual RBC Heritage tournament on the PGA TOUR, Harbour Town was Nicklaus’s first golf course design, with the help of Pete and Alice Dye. Opened in 1969, the course has remained relatively unchanged over the years and has become a huge travel destination for golfers worldwide.

The terrain on the island is relatively flat and only plays 7,100 yards from the back tees. The fairways throughout the course are relatively narrow with bunkers guarding the greens on every hole. The famous red and white lighthouse stands tall in the background behind the 18th green and has become the signature symbol of the course.

Located in the heart of the Palm Springs desert stands the PGA West complex comprised of three public courses and one private course, all designed by different people. The Nicklaus Course was opened in 1987 and co-hosts the annual American Express tournament on the PGA TOUR.

The course is laid out with generous fairways, large fairway bunkers, and strategically placed greenside bunkers. Water plays a significant role throughout the course with over half the holes having hazards in play. At just over 7,200 yards from the tips and with six tees to choose from, this course is a must play on a trip to Palm Springs.

Located 17 miles off the strip of Las Vegas in the serene Nevada desert sits SouthShore Country Club. This 18-hole course was opened in 1996 and was the first private Nicklaus course opened in Nevada. Situated next to another Nicklaus design (Reflection Bay) on Lake Las Vegas, the course plays sub-7,000 yards from the furthest tees and offers golfers a challenging yet enjoyable round of golf.

The layout has wide fairways that are shaped by large bunkering both in and off the fairway. In true Nicklaus fashion, every green is guarded by large, strategically placed bunkers however, less than half of the holes have water hazards in play. Due to the location of the course, there is a good amount of elevation changes throughout and plenty of scenic views to enjoy during your round.

Opened in 2006, the Punta Espada Golf Club is located outside Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. Built along the east coast of the island, eight of the holes play either over or along the coastal waters of the Caribbean offering spectacular views throughout the island.

Punta Espada has been ranked “#1 Best golf course in the Caribbean and Mexico” by GolfWeek as well as #35 on Golf Digest’s best courses in the world. Playing a touch under 7,400 yards from the back tees, the course uses the natural landscapes of the area to cater to golfers of all skill levels. Due to the natural waste areas surrounding the holes, the bunkering mostly shapes the fairways and guards the greens. The fairways are fairly generous with large landing areas off the tee, but approach shots need to be placed well to avoid hazards.

Nicklaus hasn’t done a ton of design work in Scotland, but one of the few he did complete was the PGA Centenary Course at Gleneagles Resort, located 50 miles outside of St. Andrews. The resort itself was opened in the early 20th century with two great courses, Queen’s Course and King’s Course, operating as the only golf on property until 1993 when Nicklaus built the PGA Centenary Course.

Since its opening, the course has hosted the 2019 Solheim Cup and the 2014 Ryder Cup, both of which were won by Team Europe. This course is certainly a challenging layout and is longer than both its sister courses measuring 7,300 yards from the far tees.

The layout is a little different than others Nicklaus designs. Tee shots are narrower, bunkers are mostly next to the fairways instead of in them, and there is very little water coming into play. With a location in the Scottish hills, the fairways and greens are rather undulating with many slight elevation changes from tees to fairways to greens.

The two courses at Kent's London Club fall under the Nicklaus design group, with the Heritage Course designed by Nicklaus himself. Dramatic tee shots and daunting approaches make this course a challenging but truly memorable one. The International Course was designed by Ron Kirkby, member of the Nicklaus design team, and his creation is now undoubtedly one of the finest downland courses in Europe. Punctuated with exciting risk and reward, the fast undulating fairways and numerous shots over water make for an exhilarating round of golf.

This masterful design at PGA West permeates all of Jack Nicklaus’ design philosophies, with challenge, beauty and drama present throughout. The Nicklaus Tournament Course boasts not one but two island greens, and the course calls for ball striking from the first tee to the last green. With numerous water hazards and bunkers, the 7,204-yard California course is one you won’t forget in a hurry.

Combining a simply magnificent course with the ultimate in service, Monte Rei Golf Resort offers an experience like no other. The unique layout sees water come into play on no fewer than 11 of the 18 holes, so make sure you bring enough golf balls. Its setting in the foothills of the Eastern Algarve, between the mountains and ocean, rewards guests with a tranquil and relaxing golf break.

The Nicklaus Course at Carden Park was a father and son combination design, with Jack and his son Steve creating an excellent course that all golfing enthusiasts will enjoy. The course runs alongside the onsite vineyard and offers beautiful views of the Welsh hills, before leading your game around the front of the Cheshire country estate. The strategic golfer will score well here, especially on holes seven and 15 that offer a choice of fairways from which to approach the green.

The 18-holes at Le Robinie Golf Club were amended and corrected by Jack to create a challenging field that is not punitive and accessible to all standards of golfer. The great variety in design opens up numerous ways to play the course, whether you prefer to attack holes or play strategically. This is Nicklaus’ only design in Italy and it can be appreciated by amateurs and professionals alike.

The Nicklaus Course at St Mellion International Resort is among the finest golf courses in Europe, with Jack himself quoted as saying: “I knew it was going to be good, but not this good.” Unique water hazards, cleverly-placed bunkers and its very own Amen Corner make it no wonder this course is on many UK golfer’s bucket lists.