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.

Course Facts Length: - Back tees: 6,670 - Front tees: 6,037 Par: 72 Architect: Old Tom Morris, Alister MacKenzie Founded: 1850 Course type: Links

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.

Course Facts Length: - Back tees: 6,817 - Front tees: 5,210 Par: 72 Architect: Jack Neville, Douglas Grant Founded: 1919 Course type: Links

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!

Course Facts Length: - Back tees: 7,186 - Front tees: 6,249 Par: 71 Architect: Old Tom Morris, H S Colt Founded: 1889 Course type: Links

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.

Course Facts Length: - Back tees: 7,489 - Front tees: 5,406 Par: 71 Architect: Mackenzie Ross, Martin Ebert Founded: 1946 Course type: Links

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.

Course Facts Length: - Back tees: 6,754 - Front tees: 5,336 Par: 70 Architect: Old Tom Morris, George Duncan Founded: 1877 Course type: Links

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!

Course Facts Length: - Back tees: 6,739 - Front tees: 5,486 Par: 71 Architect: Tom Simpson, Graeme Webster, Tom Watson, Caspar Grauballe Founded: 1893 Course type: Links

One of the most natural links layouts in the world and with 15 Open Championships to its name, Royal St George’s 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.

Course Facts Length: - Back tees: 7,204 - Front tees: 5,801 Par: 70 Architect: Donald Steel, Tom MacKenzie, Martin Ebert, Frank Pennink Founded: 1887 Course type: Links

Widely regarded as one of the most prestigious golf clubs in the United Kingdom is Royal Birkdale. Since World War II, it has hosted more Championship and International events than any other course globally. Established in 1889 and granted the distinguished 'Royal' title in 1951, Birkdale maintains a steady position among the top 10 courses in the UK and the top 50 globally. In 1954, it debuted as a venue for the Open Championship, where the legendary Australian golfer Peter Thomson clinched his initial victory of five Claret Jugs.

Course Facts Length: - Back tees: 7,156 - Front tees: 5,793 Par: 70 Architect: Donald Steel, Tom MacKenzie, Fred Hawtree, Martin Hawtree, John Henry Taylor, Ken Moodie Founded: 1897 Course type: Links

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.

Course Facts Length: - Back tees: 7,319 - Front tees: 6,097 Par: 72 Architect: H S Colt, Martin Ebert Founded: 1888 Course type: Links