Most famous golf courses

The beauty and uniqueness of golf is the opportunity to experience and walk on the same hallowed turf as the best golfers in the world. There is nothing quite like recreating your favourite shots and playing on a course that you’ve watched a thousand times on TV, or even during a game of Tiger Woods PGA TOUR.

If you want the ultimate experience on your next golf holiday, then why not book a trip to one of the most famous golf courses in the world below? Who knows, you may even run into a few famous faces along the way!

A course that needs no introduction, the Old Course at St Andrews Links typifies the word legendary amongst golfers with so much history, iconic tournament moments and golfing memorabilia captured on its 18 holes.

A 30-time host of The Open Championship, the Old Course has had the honour of staging golf’s oldest major the most, which is a testament to its quality and renowned status within the golf community.

Measuring 6,670 yards for a par-72, the Old Course is considered short by modern standards, however, its main defence is the numerous pot bunkers and whatever the weather throws at you, with many golfers citing that they received ‘all 4 seasons in a day’.

With iconic landmarks like the Hell Bunker, the Road Hole, and the Swilcan Bridge to name a few, every hole has its own story to tell and golfers can feel the history pouring out of every blade of grass. Its timeless allure continues to captivate golf enthusiasts, making it a pilgrimage site for all players worldwide.

A symbol of excellence, exclusivity, and traditional golfing values, Augusta National continues to captivate a global audience when it stages The Masters every year. Its meticulously manicured fairways, fiery-quick greens, sweeping elevation changes, and unique course design, encapsulated in the beautiful Georgia pines, adds to allure of this special course.

The brainchild of Bobby Jones and Alistair MacKenzie, Augusta National presents a unique challenge measuring in at 7,555-yards. The course is brutally long and features a plethora of challenges with tree-lined fairways, numerous water hazards, lightning-fast greens, elevation changes, undulations across fairways and greens, and the mysterious winds that whip through the pines.

While extremely rare for any golfer to ever be given the opportunity to play Augusta, you can visit the grounds and watch the yearly Masters tournament with Golfbreaks. Witness the world’s best players tackle Augusta for the allusive Green Jacket while enjoying an unparalleled spectacle at the tournament that made this course what it is today!

Home of the PGA TOUR’s THE PLAYERS Championship, TPC Sawgrass embodies everything a special golf course should and offers golfers the ultimate experience from start to finish. From the moment you drive up and enter the famous clubhouse, you’ll be met with plenty of PGA TOUR memorabilia, extensive TOUR-standard hospitality, upscale amenities, and an award-winning golf shop.

Once you start playing this Pete Dye masterpiece, you’ll soon realise what a fabulous course this is, with incredible year-round conditioning, pristine fairways, strategic bunkering and water hazards, and undulating terrain to contend with.

Plus, with plenty of memorable holes as seen during THE PLAYERS like the world-famous 17th Island Green hole and the equally challenging 18th to enjoy, TPC Sawgrass stands as a must-play venue!

A classic US venue, Pebble Beach stands as one of the best coastal golf resorts in the world, with seven 18-hole courses onsite including the famed Pebble Beach Golf Links. Renowned for its breathtaking vistas of the Pacific Ocean and iconic landmarks like the picturesque 7th hole and the majestic Lone Cypress, this course offers an unparalleled experience for golf enthusiasts.

A 6x U.S. Open host and a PGA Championship host, Pebble Beach offers a challenging layout, undulating fairways, and small, lightning-fast greens to test players' skills, while the awe-inspiring scenery creates an unforgettable backdrop for every round.

Arguably one of the toughest golf courses on this list, Carnoustie Golf Links commands respect as one of the best and most historic courses in Scotland. An eight-time host of The Open, showcasing its challenging layout and unforgiving nature, and host to the European Tour’s Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, the iconic Championship Course is renowned worldwide.

Carnoustie was the site of Jean Van de Velde’s infamous meltdown on the 18th hole where a double bogey would’ve secured him his maiden major victory, only for him to find the ‘Barry Burn’ and proceed to make a triple bogey and lose the resulting playoff to Paul Lawrie.

Measuring 7,400-yards par-71, Carnoustie demands respect from anyone who plays it with unpredictable weather, strategy, mental fortitude, and precision across the course the key to scoring well. Its championship pedigree and rich heritage attracts golfers worldwide, seeking to test their skills against the same challenges faced by golfing legends throughout history on this hallowed Scottish links course.

Located in Newcastle, Northern Ireland, Royal County Down is often considered by golfers as one of the best golf courses in the world. The renowned championship links stretches along the shores of Dundrum Bay offering golfers incredible views of the magnificent Mountains of Mourne whilst providing a stellar golf experience.

Measuring in at 7,200-yards par-71, the course is brutishly long requiring precision, finesse, and power in equal supply to ensure that you score well. Not to mention that like most links courses it has very changeable weather conditions meaning the course can play very tough. With its rich history, stunning views and legendary status, the course is a must-visit for golf enthusiasts.

One of the toughest courses on this list, Bethpage Black has a renowned status amongst golfers for its challenging layout and demanding terrain. A past host of numerous major tournaments including the U.S. Open, and the 2025 Ryder Cup, golfers from around the world are drawn to Bethpage Black for its lush fairways, interesting course design, strategic bunkering, and undulating greens, which present a test of skill for even the most seasoned players.

The course's signature par-4s and par-5s offer strategic challenges, while its intimidating length adds to the allure. Bethpage Black stands as a symbol of excellence, attracting golf enthusiasts eager to experience its legendary difficulty firsthand.

A historic gem located in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, Royal Portrush is a top-quality links course located right alongside the Atlantic coastline – a dramatic setting for one of the UK’s best courses! Renowned for its fantastic layout, incorporating natural dunes, deep bunkers, fast greens, and utilising weather conditions in its defence, Royal Portrush has all the hallmarks of a classic links.

The host of the 2019 Open Championship, won by Shane Lowry, Royal Portrush captivated golf fans thanks to its unique blend of interesting course design and beauty. Royal Portrush stands as a testament to the rich tradition of golf in Ireland, attracting players from far and wide.

A 10-time host to The Open Championship, Royal Troon is a classic that exudes the same tradition, history, tough design and beautiful scenery that you’d expect from a top Scottish links course.

The iconic 8th hole at Royal Troon, the fabled ‘Postage Stamp’ green, is easily one of the most famous holes in golf and is a true marvel to behold. Whilst only just over 120-yards in length and slightly downhill from the tee box, the hole appears to be simple on the surface, being the stroke index 18 hole. However, nothing could be further from the truth, as if weather conditions aren’t in your favour it could turn what should be a comfortable shot with a wedge into an all-out shot with a wood.

But it’s not just about the ‘Postage Stamp’, the rest of Royal Troon’s Old Course is equally memorable requiring strategy, precision striking and expert putting, not to mention a bit of luck!

Another 10-time host of The Open Championship, Royal Birkdale is often touted as possibly the finest links course in England, promising all golfers who tackle it a remarkably majestic, challenging and varied experience. Located in Southport the course boasts famous neighbouring courses (Hillside, Southport & Ainsdale), a rich history dating back to 1889, and even held a Ryder Cup in 1969!

Measuring in at just under 7,200-yards par-70, it is a stern test of golf with the course lengthened or shortened by the characteristic winds. No other hole really captures Royal Birkdale’s unforgiving yet rewarding nature more than the par-4 18th hole. A straight drive is absolutely paramount followed by a precise approach, and more than a bit of luck to navigate the undulating green.

Known for its stunning coastal setting, Kiawah Island is a classic US tournament-hosting venue, which blends immense views of the Atlantic with a tough Pete Dye course design that requires 100% attention from golfers to score well.

Kiawah Island is renowned as the host of the famous 1991 Ryder Cup nicknamed the ‘War by the Shore’, possibly one of the hottest fought Ryder Cup’s in recent memory. Not only has Kiawah hosted the Ryder Cup but also several PGA Championships and has more than earned its reputation as one of the USA’s best courses.

Measuring in at a whopping 7,360-yards par-72 the course has immense length to support its already intricate design meaning golfers will need both power and finesse on hand to score well.

What can be said about The Belfry which hasn’t been mentioned before? The course is a legendary status steeped in golf history, conveniently located in the middle of the country meaning that golfers from all over can access this superb venue.

Renowned as the spiritual home of the Ryder Cup, it has hosted this prestigious tournament on four occasions. Designed by Dave Thomas, the Brabazon Course presents a formidable challenge with its strategic layout, water hazards, and trademark bunkering. Its iconic closing stretch, including the famous 10th, 17th, and 18th holes, has witnessed numerous unforgettable moments. Beyond its championship pedigree, The Belfry offers luxury amenities, including spa facilities and elegant accommodations, ensuring a memorable golfing experience.

Situated in Dubai, UAE, Emirates Golf Club has more than earned its place as one of the top clubs in the world.

The Majlis Course, designed by Karl Litten and opened in 1988, is renowned for hosting the Omega Dubai Desert Classic, attracting top-tier golfers worldwide. Its challenging layout, highlighted by lush fairways and scenic desert landscapes, offers a test of precision and skill.

The Faldo Course, its sister course, provides a distinctive challenge with its undulating terrain and strategic bunkering. With both being must-plays on your next winter sun trip to the UAE!