The 100 Best Golf Courses in the World: Our 2026 Golfer’s Guide
The World’s Best Golf Courses
At Premier Golf, we have the privilege of helping golfers experience some of the world’s most iconic courses. With decades of expertise in planning unforgettable golf journeys, we’ve combined our knowledge of the game’s greatest destinations to create our definitive list of the Top 100 Golf Courses in the World for 2026.
Whether it’s the thrill of Royal Melbourne, the unforgettable views at Pebble Beach, or the undeniable history of Scotland’s links, every course featured on our list has earned its place through our expert’s evaluation. Drawing on more than two decades of luxury golf travel expertise, our team combines firsthand course visits, thousands of our guests’ experiences at many of these courses, and the deep industry knowledge to identify the courses that deliver truly exceptional golf.
How We Curate This List
Selecting the world’s greatest golf courses requires looking beyond reputation alone. Our list considers everything that defines an exceptional golf experience: design, course conditioning, enjoyment of play, heritage and history, and the complete experience beyond the fairways, including culture and hospitality. These are all routine factors when helping guests choose the perfect destination.
Most importantly, this list is shaped by firsthand experience from our experts and feedback from our guests who have played these courses around the world. This ensures our rankings reflect the views of passionate golfers and travelers, not simply just an internal assessment.
Of course, no list of the world’s best golf courses is ever final. Courses evolve, and new destinations continue to make their mark on the game. Our revised 2026 list represents our current view of the courses that stand among the most remarkable golf experiences in the world.
The Top-10 Courses in the World
1. Royal County Down (Championship) – Ireland
Few golf courses offer an experience as complete as Royal County Down. Set along the shores of Dundrum Bay in Ireland and complemented by the backdrop of the Mourne Mountains, the scenic views are a large part of why Royal County Down is widely regarded as the top golf course in the world. Here, the best traditions of golf are on display. Blind tee shots and deceptive angles are on full display. The challenge of the natural bunkering and contoured greens forces players to bring their most creative rounds to the course.
Many courses have memorable holes, but Royal County Down is a journey that stretches all 18. At the halfway point of the round, the Mourne Mountains rise behind the green, creating one of the most stunning views in golf. Golfers will experience the complete golf experience from the Irish hospitality in the clubhouse to the history that unfolds on every hole.
Opened: 1889
Par: 71
Length: 7,204 yards
Designers include: Old Tom Morris, Harry Vardon, and Harry Colt
2. Royal Dornoch Golf Club (Championship) – Scotland
Royal Dornoch represents links golf in its purest form. Its legendary greens and natural layout, combined with the breathtaking Highland setting, create one of the world’s most authentic golfing experiences. The experience on the course can feel as if you have stretches all to yourself, as you are only accompanied by the Scottish Highlands’ soundtrack of seabirds and waves along the Firth.
The land at Royal Dornoch feels undiscovered, as you won’t find any tournament infrastructure or overdeveloped routing. Golf has been played on these links for more than 400 years, and many historians believe the course represents one of the finest examples of golf coexisting with its landscape.
Opened: 1877
Par: 70
Length: 6,748 yards
Designers Include: Old Tom Morris and George Duncan.
3. Royal Melbourne Golf Club (West) – Australia
When it comes to the Southern Hemisphere, few courses can rival the West Course at Royal Melbourne. Widely regarded as the finest golf course in Australia, and by many as the best outside the United Kingdom and Ireland, it showcases the very best of the famed Melbourne Sandbelt. The sandy terrain produces fast-running conditions that reward creative shot-making in a way few courses elsewhere can replicate.
Designed by Alister MacKenzie, the West Course is a masterclass in architecture. For many golfers, a round at Royal Melbourne isn’t simply about playing one of the world’s best courses; it’s about experiencing one of the finest forms of strategic golf.
Opened: 1931
Par: 72
Length: 6,579 yards
Designers Include: Alister MacKenzie
4. Pebble Beach Golf Links – California
In the United States, there are few courses more iconic than Pebble Beach. The shores have long been a revered layout worldwide, with 7 holes playing directly along the Pacific Ocean. As a six-time host of the US Open and host of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, Pebble Beach has become one of golf’s ultimate bucket-list experiences.
Pebble Beach is more than a course; it is an experience. You will watch waves crash against the coastline from your hotel room, practice beside the Pacific, and finishing on the famous 18th creates an experience few destinations can match.
Opened: 1919
Par: 72
Length: 7,075 yards
Designers include: Jack Neville, Douglas Grant
5. Royal Portrush Golf Club (Dunluce)
The Dunluce Links at Royal Portrush has firmly established itself among the world’s greatest championship courses. Set along Northern Ireland’s spectacular coast, it combines dunes and views of the Atlantic Ocean with a thrilling links layout that recently hosted the 148th and 153rd Open Championship.
While its recent championships have showcased its championship pedigree, the course remains immensely enjoyable for visiting golfers thanks to its variety, memorable holes, and breathtaking setting.
Opened: 1888
Par: 72
Length: 6,845 yards
Designers Include: Harry Colt, with updates by Martin Ebert
6. Muirfield – Scotland
Home to The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, Muirfield has hosted The Open Championship 16 times and is celebrated for its impeccable conditioning, design, and timeless traditions.
The course is filled with undulating greens and strategic bunkering, making it a fixture in the Open Championship rotation and a course that remains at the heart of Scotland’s golfing heritage. Jackets and ties remain part of the clubhouse culture, and visitors experience one of golf’s oldest institutions.
Opened: 1891
Par: 71
Length: 7,245 yards
Designers include: Old Tom Morris, Harry Colt, and Tom Simpson
7. St Andrews Links (Old) – Scotland
With over 600 years of history, no course has shaped the game more than the Old Course at St Andrews. Called the “Home of Golf,” it is the game’s ultimate test. With its iconic double greens, landmarks, and the ever-present coastal winds, it has hosted The Open Championship more times than any other course, offering a challenge and experience like no other in the world of golf.
This is a true pilgrimage for serious golfers. Few experiences in the game compare to standing on the 1st tee, taking on the legendary Road Hole, widely considered as one of the greatest par 4s ever designed. Then finally, crossing the iconic Swilcan Bridge on the walk to the 18th green. Every step is steeped in more than six centuries of golfing history.
Opened: 1552
Par: 72
Length: 7,305 yards
Designers include: Old Tom Morris
8. Sunningdale Golf Club (Old) – England
Hidden in the heart of England is one of England’s greatest courses. The Heathland and architecture mix, where heathland beauty and strategic design combine to create one of the most revered layouts in the world.
What truly sets Sunningdale apart is its elegance. Far from the crowds and spectacle of championship venues, it offers a refined, authentic English golf experience defined by its impeccable conditioning, hospitality, and a layout that many architects and accomplished golfers consider among the most enjoyable rounds in the world.
Opened: 1900
Par: 70
Length: 6,627 yards
Designers include: Willie Park Jr., Harry Colt
9. Ballybunion Golf Club (Old) – Ireland
The Old Course at Ballybunion is one of golfs most exhilarating links experiences. Widely considered among the world’s greatest golf courses, it delivers the kind of adventurous golf that has captivated visitors for generations. Every hole has its own distinct feel and the next hole feels unpredictable.
A round at Ballybunion is just as much exploring as simply playing a golf course. One hole may demand a perfectly placed drive, while the next asks for imagination around a green hidden among the dunes.
Opened: 1936
Par: 71
Length: 6,802 yards
Designers include: P. Murphy (1893), Tom Simpson (1936)
10. Royal St George’s Golf Club – England
No course outside of Scotland has hosted The Open Championship more than Royal St George’s. Crafted to be a southern rival of St Andrews, the course has its own charm and pace that make it one of the greatest experiences in golf. This is a true, authentic links course.
From the opening tee shot, Royal St George’s demands attention. The blind shots, uneven lies, and strategically placed hazards create a feeling of discovery throughout the round, with holes often revealing themselves only as you navigate the course. The famous 4th hole, with its intimidating fairway bunker, and the dramatic closing stretch showcase the course’s ability to test even the best golfers.
Opened: 1894
Par: 70
Length: 7,204 yards
Designers include: Dr. Laidlaw Purves
11-50: Signature Courses
11. The Dunas at Terras da Comporta
Offering one of the most beautiful blends of white sand and fescue grass, The Dunas at Terras da Comporta, designed by David McLay Kidd, spans 200 acres of coastal dunes, stretching alongside Praia do Pego and the Atlantic Ocean.
Opened: 2023
Par: 71
Length: 7,268 yards
Designers include: David McLay-Kidd
12. Trump Turnberry (Ailsa) – Scotland
The Ailsa Course at Trump Turnberry, situated along Scotland’s dramatic Ayrshire coastline, is a true masterpiece of links golf, offering sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean and the rugged cliffs of the region.
Opened: 1906
Par: 71
Length: 7,489 yards
Designers include: Willie Fernie, Mackenzie Ross, and Martin Ebert
13. Lahinch Golf Club (Old) – Ireland
The Lahinch Old Course, often referred to as the “St. Andrews of Ireland,” is a captivating links layout that combines natural beauty with strategic challenges that is set against the wild Atlantic coastline.
Opened: 1892
Par: 72
Length: 6,774 yards (6,194 meters)
Designers: Old Tom Morris, Charles ‘Mo’ Gibson, Alister McKenzie, Martin Hawtree
14. Kingston Heath Golf Club – Australia
Kingston Heath Golf Club, a true jewel of Melbourne’s renowned Sandbelt, seamlessly blends with the natural Aussie landscape, creating a layout that is both visually stunning and mentally demanding.
Year: 1909
Par: 72
Length: 6,987 yards
Designers include: Alister MacKenzie (enhancements in 1928)
15. Bandon Dunes Golf Resort (Pacific Dunes) – Oregon
Pacific Dunes, the standout course at Bandon Dunes, is a prime example of Tom Doak’s ability to integrate strategy with natural landforms. Though relatively short, Pacific Dunes is rugged and unforgiving, with the coastal winds requiring precise approach shots.
Opened: 2001
Par: 71
Length: 6,633 yards
Designers: Tom Doak
16. North Berwick Golf Club (West) – Scotland
The West Links at North Berwick, one of the most iconic courses in Scotland, delivers a rich and exhilarating test of links golf, combining history, character, and scenic beauty.
Opened: 1877
Par: 71
Length: 6,420 yards
Designers include: Ben Sayers (course alterations in 1932)
17. Royal Birkdale Golf Club – England
Royal Birkdale, situated on England’s stunning Sefton Coast, is a world-renowned links course with a deep history, having hosted the Open Championship nine times.
Opened: 1897
Par: 71
Length: 7,156 yards
Designers Include: George Low, J.H. Taylor, Fred Hawtree, Frederic William Hawtree, Martin Hawtree
18. Cruden Bay Golf Club (Championship) – Scotland
The Championship Course at Cruden Bay Golf Club, nestled along Scotland’s rugged northeast coastline, is a captivating and often overlooked gem in the world of links golf. Highlights include the long par-4 15th, where a strategically placed drive is crucial to avoid the swirling winds and treacherous rough.
Opened: 1899
Par: 71
Length: 6,748 yards
Designers Include: Tom Morris, James Braid
19. Barnbougle (The Dunes) – Australia
Barnbougle Dunes, located on the rugged northern coast of Tasmania, is a captivating links course that has quickly earned a reputation as one of the most challenging and scenic in the world.
Opened: 2004
Par: 71
Length: 6,732 yards
Designers include: Tom Doak and Mike Clayton
20. Pinehurst (No.2) – North Carolina
Pinehurst No. 2 is one of golf’s most iconic courses, known for its challenging layout and famous turtleback greens. Designed by Donald Ross, Pinehurst has hosted numerous U.S Opens.
Opened: 1907
Par: 70
Length: 7,565 yards
Designers include: Donald Ross (Original), Re-designs by R.T. Jones, Bill Coore, and Ben Crenshaw
21. Carnoustie Golf Links – Scotland
Carnoustie Golf Links, often referred to as “The Beast of the East,” is one of the toughest and most revered courses in the world, located on Scotland’s rugged northeastern coast with a history dating back to 1842.
Opened: 1850
Par: 71
Length: 7,402 yards
Designers: Old Tom Morris, James Braid, Tom MacKenzie, Martin Ebert
22. Morfontaine (Grand Parcours) – France
Grand Parcours at Golf de Morfontaine, located just outside Paris, is one of France’s most prestigious and sought-after golf courses, renowned for its serene beauty and challenging design.
Opened: 1927
Par: 71
Length: 6,758 yards
Designers Include: Tom Simpson, Kyle Phillips (modernization)
23. Hirono Golf Club – Japan
Hirono Golf Club, established in 1932, is often considered the crown jewel of Japanese golf, blending a rich history with a challenging, world-class layout. Designed by the legendary Charles H. Alison, the course is set against the stunning backdrop of the Rokko Mountains.
Opened: 1932
Par: 72
Length: 7,169 yards
Designers include: Charles H. Alison
24. Kiawah Island Golf Resort (Ocean) – South Carolina
Host of multiple PGA Championships, the beautiful Ocean Course at Kiawah Island remains one of the most revered tests of Golf in the U.S., especially when the Atlantic winds pick up.
Opened: 1991
Par: 72
Length: 7,356 yards
Designers Include: Pete Dye
25. Cabot Cliffs – Canada
A Coore and Crenshaw design never disappoints, which is why Cabot Cliffs consistently finds itself amongst the top courses in the world. There is no lack of challenge with the course’s cliff-top tee shots and fast, undulating greens.
Opened: 2015
Par: 72
Length: 6,817 yards
Designers Include: George Lowe Jr. (1889), Fred Hawtree (1932)
26. Cape Wickham Golf Links – Australia
The opening of Cape Wickham in 2015 put the remote Australian island of Tasmania on the golfing map, offering a perfect addition to a tour downunder that includes the famed Melbourne sandbelt.
Opened: 2015
Par: 72
Length: 6,839 yards
Designers Include: Bill Coore, Ben Crenshaw
27. Kingsbarns Golf Links – Scotland
With views of the North Sea from every point of the course, Kingsbarns is a spectacular links located in St Andrews, “The Home of Golf”. Designed by Kyle Phillips and opened in 2000, the course seamlessly blends traditional links elements with contemporary design.
Opened: 2000
Par: 72
Length: 7,200 yards
Designers Include: Kyle Phillips
28. The Lido – Wisconsin
The new Tom Doak course at Sand Valley Golf Resort in Wisconsin used old maps and photographs to recreate the old CB Macdonald links course in New York that closed in WWII. It’s a wide-open swath of land and requires lots of imagination and trust in your caddie!
Opened: 2023
Par: 72
Length: 6,782 yards
Designers include: Tom Doak
29. New South Wales Golf Club – Australia
New South Wales Golf Club, perched on the cliffs of Sydney’s eastern coastline, offers one of Australia’s most spectacular golfing experiences with stunning views of the Tasman and Botany Bay.
Opened: 1928
Par: 72
Length: 6,773 yards
Designers Include: Alister MacKenzie
30. Shanqin Bay Golf Club – China
Shanqin Bay Golf Club, located on the stunning southern coast of Hainan Island, was designed by the renowned duo Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore offering a remote location, pristine conditions, and focus on minimalist design.
Opened: 2014
Par: 72
Length: 7,204 yards
Designers Include: Tom Doak
31. Rosapenna (St Patrick’s) – Ireland
Rosapenna’s St. Patrick’s Links, located on the stunning Donegal coast of Ireland, is a modern links course that has quickly become one of the country’s must-play destinations.
Opened: 2021
Par: 71
Length: 6,930 yards
Designers Include: Tom Doak
32. Royal Lytham & St Annes – England
Sitting along the short stretch of coastline containing the three English ‘Royals’, not a typical Links, quirks include a trainline and a par 3 opening hole.
Opened: 1886
Par: 70
Length: 7,118 yards
Designers include: George Lowe and Harry Colt
33. Cabot Highlands Castle Stuart – Scotland
Soon to be joined by a second Cabot Highland’s course, ‘Old Petty’, the Castle Stuart course offers a dramatic combination of holes that form the centrepiece of a Highlands golf trip.
Opened: 2009
Par: 72
Length: 7,190 yards
Designers Include: Gil Hanse, Mark Parsinen
34. Whistling Straits (Straits) – Wisconsin
Headling of Kohler, Wisconsin’s spectacular golf and spa resort, the Straits is a challenging yet spectacular layout on the shores of Lake Michigan. Host of the 2021 Ryder Cup and multiple major championships.
Opened: 1998
Par: 72
Length: 7,790 yards
Designers Include: Pete Dye
35. Bandon Dunes (Bandon Trails) – Oregon
North America’s most sought-after golfing paradise offers 5 full courses including Bandon Trails, which combines huge sand dunes and native forest, a nod to the historic linksland courses of the UK & Ireland.
Opened: 2005
Par: 71
Length: 6,611 yards
Designers Include: Bill Coore, Ben Crenshaw
36. Royal Troon – Scotland
The Old Course opened in 1878 and now stretches to almost 7400 yards for the Open Championship, last staged here in 2024 when Xander Schauffele closed with a flawless final round to claim his second major title of the season and earn the title of Champion Golfer of the Year. A true “nine out and nine in” links, the wind off the sea will be your biggest challenge.
Opened: 1878
Par: 71
Length: 7,175 yards
Designers include: Willie Fernie and Alister MacKenzie
37. Bethpage (Black) – New York
Host of the 2025 Ryder Cup, Long Island’s iconic ‘muni’ is a brutal but beautiful challenge for the amateur golfer. Fans crowded in as the United States mounted a thrilling comeback versus Europe, before falling just short.
Opened: 1936
Par: 71
Length: 7,459 yards
Designers Include: A.W. Tillinghast
38. Royal Aberdeen Golf Club (Balgownie) – Scotland
The front 9 at Royal Aberdeen is often considered one of the finest golf courses. The layout meanders along the North Sea coastline, with dramatic undulation changes offering stunning views.
Opened: 1888
Par: 71
Length: 6,757 yards
Designers Include: Archie Simpson, Tom Morris
39. Bandon Dunes Golf Resort (Bandon Dunes) – Oregon
This first course and namesake of the iconic resort, Bandon Dunes opened in 1999 to much acclaim. Designed by David McLay Kidd the course sits on native dunes that tower above the Pacific Ocean.
Opened: 1999
Par: 72
Length: 6,646 yards
Designers Include: David McLay Kidd
40. Swinley Forest Golf Club – England
Swinley Forest Golf Club, nestled in the heart of Berkshire, is a hidden gem renowned for its traditional heathland design and serene woodland setting. With its intimate, members-only atmosphere and storied history, Swinley Forest remains one of the most exclusive and revered courses in England.
Opened: 1893
Par: 69
Length: 6,435 yards
Designers Include: Harry Colt
41. St George’s Hill (Red & Blue) – England
Not to be confused with Open venue Royal St Georges, St Georges Hill in South West London is a relative hidden gem and a highlight of the ‘Surrey Sandbelt’.
Opened: 1912
Par: 70
Length: 6,546 yards
Designers Include: Harry Colt
42. Ardfin – Scotland
Located on the isle of Jura, part of Scotland’s Inner Hebrides, Ardfin utilizes the extreme beauty of the landscape to form one of the most breathtaking wilderness golf experiences you will find.
Opened: 2017
Par: 72
Length: 7,142 yards
Designers Include: Bob Harrison
43. Royal Liverpool – England
Also called “Hoylake” after the local English village, this Open Championship rota club is among the most exclusive in England. Past Open winners here include Walter Hagen, Bobby Jones, Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, and Brian Harman most recently in 2023.
Opened: 1869
Par: 71
Length: 7,383 yards
Designers Include: Robert Chambers and George Morris
44. Te Arai South – New Zealand
Following in the footsteps of private Tara Iti, Te Arai on New Zealand’s north island, this Coore and Crenshaw layout includes a number of holes right on the Pacific Ocean.
Opened: 2022
Par: 72
Length: 6,843 yards
Designers Include: Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw
45. Lofoten Links – Norway
You can’t get much more remote than Norway’s Lofoten Links, perched on the edge of a peninsula which is covered in snow for large parts of the year. However, due to its northern setting, inside the Arctic Circle, golf can be enjoyed 24 hours a day during the summer months.
Opened: 2007
Par: 72
Length: 6,453 yards
Designers Include: Thomas Bjørn
46. Woodhall Spa Golf Club (Hotchkin) – England
Hidden away in the east-English county of Lincolnshire, Woodhall Spa is a classic British heathland course. Gauze, woodland, and springy fairways are the signature of this timeless classic.
Opened: 1905
Par: 71
Length: 7,023 yards
Designers Include: Harry Vardon, J.H. Taylor (original design), Tom Doak (recent redesigns)
47. Te Arai North – New Zealand
Equally as enjoyable and beautiful as its sister course, the South, the North course opened in 2023 is a Tom Doak design that offers more inland typography among the native forest, still offering its fair share of coastal beauty
Opened: 2023
Par: 71
Length: 6,931 yards
Designers Include: Tom Doak
48. Utrechtse Golfclub De Pan – Netherlands
Reminiscent of a British heathland, given its geographical proximity, Utrecht’s popular Harry Colt layout may not be the longest, however, proves very challenging, thanks to tight fairways and punishing rough.
Opened: 1899
Par: 71
Length: 6,662 yards
Designers Include: Harry Colt
49. Cabot Links – Canada
Perched on the remote Nova Scotia coastline, this unique layout is an authentic links and one of the best you will find on the North American continent. Enjoy the views and crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean on every hole.
Opened: 2011
Par: 72
Length: 6,675 yards
Designers Include: Rod Whitman
50. Mammoth Dunes – Wisconsin
David McLay Kidd’s entry at the Sand Valley resort includes, as the name suggests, huge sloping sandscapes. With his characteristic large greens, and wide fairways to boot, this may be the most enjoyable of the Sand Valley courses.
Opened: 2018
Par: 73
Length: 6,988 yards
Designers Include: David McLay Kidd
51-100: Outstanding Courses
51. Cape Kidnappers – New Zealand
Undoubtedly one of the most dramatic settings for golf you will find, the cliff-top holes of Cape Kidnappers on New Zealand’s north island, this Tom Doak design sits up 450ft above the Pacific Ocean below.
Opened: 2004
Par: 71
Length: 7,119 yards
Designers Include: Tom Doak
52. Sand Valley – Wisconsin
A Coor and Crenshaw masterpiece in the mold of Bandon Dunes, Sand Valley, the headline of four full 18’s on the resort, has quickly become the home of pure golf among Wisconsin’s extensive and growing list of exceptional courses.
Opened: 2017
Par: 72
Length: 6,913
Designers Include: Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw
53. Naruo – Japan
The mountainous layout of Naruo, on the outskirts of Osaka, is one of Asia’s top courses. Deep bunkers and undulating fairways create a true test, while small, circular greens sitting on hilltops offer a little unique character.
Opened: 1929
Par: 71
Length: 6,703 yards
Designers Include: C.H. Alison
54. Casa de Campo (Teeth of the Dog) – Dominican Republic
Long considered the No. 1 golf course in the Caribbean, despite increasing competition, the spectacular oceanfront holes of Casa de Campo’s Teeth of the Dog make it a timelessly enjoyable golfing experience.
Opened: 1971
Par: 72
Length: 7,471 yards
Designers Include: Pete Dye
55. TPC Sawgrass – Florida
Among the most difficult golf courses in North America, this Pete Dye layout in Florida required precise shots all around, especially on the famous 17th island green. Sawgrass is a thrill ride that you should play at least once in your lifetime.
Opened: 1980
Par: 72
Length: 7,275 yards
Designers Include: Pete and Alice Dye
56. Royal Porthcawl Golf Club – Wales
Set along the south Wales coastline, between Cardiff and Swansea, Porthcawl is widely regarded as the no.1 course in Wales. Combining characteristics of true links and heathland, Royal Porthcawl has been tipped as a potential Open venue.
Opened: 1891
Par: 72
Length: 7,015 yards
Designers Include: Herbert Fowler
57. Barnbougle (Lost Farm) – Australia
While Australian golf may be best known for the Melbourne Sand Belt, some of the finest courses can be found on the state island of Tasmania. Coore and Crenshaw’s design is in fact a par 20, including two bonus par 3s.
Opened: 2010
Par: 72
Length: 6,746 yards
Designers Include: Bill Coore, Ben Crenshaw
58. Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club – England
Neighboring Open venue Royal St. Goerges on England’s southeast Kent coastline, affectionately known as ‘Deal,’ the true links of Cinque Ports, is a former Open host (1909 & 1920) and continues as a qualification venue to this day.
Opened: 1892
Par: 71
Length: 7,002 yards
Designers Include: Herbert Fowler
59. Kawana Hotel (Fuji) – Japan
Kawana Hotel’s Fuji Course, located along the Izu Peninsula, is one of Japan’s most iconic golf destinations, offering sweeping views of Mount Fuji and the Pacific Ocean.
Opened: 1936
Par: 72
Length: 7,077 yards
Designers Include: Charles H. Alison
60. Sunningdale Golf Club (New) – England
The standout heathland course of England’s Surrey Sandbelt, Harry Colt’s beautiful heather-lined New Course has been a golfing must-play for over a century.
Opened: 1923
Par: 70
Length: 6,634 yards
Designers Include: Harry Colt
61. Real Club Valderrama – Spain
Spain’s most famous golf course, Valderrama has played host to numerous tournaments, including the 1997 Ryder Cup. One of the most challenging layouts in continental Europe.
Opened: 1985
Par: 71
Length: 7,031 yards
Designers Include: Robert Trent Jones Sr.
62. Trump International Aberdeen – Scotland
Martin Hawtree’s masterpiece on the Aberdeen coastline offers views of the North Sea from every hole; this is a majestic modern links.
Opened: 2012
Par: 72
Length: 7,400 yards
Designers Include: Dr. Martin Hawtree
63. Spyglass Hill – California
The toughest golf course in Pebble Beach, Spyglass Hill, was designed by RT Jones Sr. and was once called “a 300-acre unplayable lie” by famed LA Times writer Jim Murray. Yes, it is hard, but it is absolutely beautiful and a must-play on the Monterey Peninsula!
Opened: 1966
Par: 72
Length: 7,026 yards
Designers Include: Robert Trent Jones Sr.
64. Koninklijke Haagsche Golf & Country Club – Netherlands
An exclusive links course on the coast in The Netherlands, perhaps the best-kept secret in European golf, along with some other great Dutch courses. Harry Colt assisted with the design and it’s one of the best courses in Continental Europe.
Opened: 1893
Par: 72
Length: 6,901 yards
Designers Include: Harry Colt
65. Shadow Creek – Nevada
The expensive enclave in Las Vegas for the big gamblers or splurge vacationers, it will never fail to impress. Here they created an undulating pine forest golf course in the middle of the flat desert, so well done that sometimes you forget where you are!
Opened: 1990
Par: 72
Length: 7,560 yards
Designers Include: Thomas Fazio and Steve Wynn
66. Harbour Town – South Carolina
Always one of the PGA Tour’s most popular stops, this Dye-Nicklaus design has withstood the test of time since it opened in 1969. The moss hanging off the oak trees and low country coastal vibe make Harbour Town the best golf experience on Hilton Head.
Opened: 1969
Par: 71
Length: 7,099 yards
Designers Include: Pete Dye, Jack Nicklaus
67. Walton Heath – England
A classic southern England healthland layout that’s both gorgeous and a delight to walk. With loads of Ryder Cup and other professional tournament history, it’s fascinating that James Braid was the club professional from the 1904 opening until 1950.
Opened: 1938
Par: 72
Length: 7,406 yards
Designers Include: Herbert Fowler
68. Portmarnock Golf Club (Championship) – Ireland
The pride of Dublin, Portmarnock is the must-play when staying in the capital city, with the closing holes being some of the most popular of any course. Lending itself to tournament play, Portmarnock has hosted multiple tournaments.
Opened: 1894
Par: 72
Length: 7,443 yards
Designers Include: William Pickeman
69. Pasatiempo – California
When Dr Alister MacKenzie was in the area working on Cypress Point Club in Pebble Beach, he ventured to the other side of Monterey Bay and completed Pasatiempo which opened in 1929. A thrilling layout where MacKenzie built his home along the 6th hole and died in 1934.
Opened: 1929
Par: 70
Length: 6,075 yards
Designers Include: Alister MacKenzie
70. Dumbarnie – Scotland
Former English professional Clive Clark designed this new links in the St Andrews area and visitors love the experience on and off the course. Another great golf addition to the area in the modern genre, which like nearby Kingsbarns, warrants another day in Fife.
Opened: 2020
Par: 72
Length: 7,620 yards
Designers Include: Clive Clark
71. Erin Hills – Wisconsin
It’s not often that a new course opens and within four years is announced by the USGA as the site of a US Open. Such is the great accomplishment of building this brute of a course in the Wisconsin farmland that rolls up and down hills and challenges all levels of players.
Opened: 2006
Par: 72
Length: 7,735 yards
Designers Include: Michael Hurdzan, Dana Fry, and Ron Whitten
72. Carne – Ireland
This is the classic remote course that if more people played it, or if it was located closer to a city, it would be much higher ranked by the pundits. But much of the charm is in the effort to get there and the pride of the local citizens who literally built this outstanding links by hand.
Opened: 1992
Par: 72
Length: 6,702 yards
Designers Include: Eddie Hackett
73. Ballyiffin Glashedy – Ireland
In a small village at the far northern tip of Ireland, Pat Ruddy designed what many call “the Dornoch of Ireland”. It’s a challenging links course across a stunning landscape that after a day here, and also playing its sister Old Course, you’ve found a place where you could spend the rest of your life.
Opened: 1947
Par: 72
Length: 7,486 yards
Designers Include: Pat Ruddy
74. Bluffs Grand Ho Tram – Vietnam
A modern links-style course by Greg Norman is about 2.5 hours from Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, and completely worth the effort to get there. Amazing views of the South China Sea and thrilling holes through the white sand dunes make for a memorable golf experience.
Opened: 2010
Par: 71
Length: 7,001 yards
Designers Include: Greg Norman
75. Gamble Sands – Washington
The State of Washington’s latest contribution to world-class golf sits on natural sand-based prairie land with natural fescue grasses about a 4-hour drive from Seattle. David McLay Kidd designed this fantastic destination resort course with a 2nd one on the way in 2025.
Opened: 2014
Par: 72
Length: 7,169 yards
Designers Include: David McLay Kidd
76. Punta Espada – Dominican Republic
One of the most beautiful tropical courses on earth, this Jack Nicklaus designed oceanfront layout in the Dominican Republic is a feast for the eyes. When visiting Punta Cana or Casa de Campo, this is a must-play golf course on the island.
Opened: 2006
Par: 72
Length: 7,396 yards
Designers Include: Jack Nicklaus
77. Costa Navarino Bay – Greece
Not the hardest of the four Costa Navarino courses in Greece, but it is probably the best experience due to the stunning views of the sea from every hole. Bring a phone charger because you’ll take many, many photographs on this RT Jones Jr beauty.
Opened: 2011
Par: 71
Length: 5, 614 yards
Designers Include: Robert trent Jones II
78. Oitavos Dunes
The best course in the Lisbon area, built across sand dunes near the Atlantic Ocean. Arthur Hills designed the layout that architecture aficionados have appreciated since it opened in 2001, wandering through the pines with refreshing ocean breezes and enough challenge for anyone.
Opened: 2001
Par: 71
Length: 6,372 yards
Designers Include: Arthur Hills
79. Chambers Bay – Washington
After Bandon Dunes took the world by storm in Oregon, neighboring Washington State added Chambers Bay by RT Jones Jr, and it quickly hosted the US Open in 2015. It plays firm and fast and the green complexes are as challenging as they come.
Opened: 2007
Par: 72
Length: 7,585 yards
Designers Include: Robert Trent Jones II
80. Streamsong Red – Florida
Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw designed this walking-only links in central Florida and it’s generally recognized as the best layout at Streamsong. Fair off the tee, the challenge lies on the greens where Mr Crenshaw was always particularly astute.
Opened: 2012
Par: 72
Length: 7,110 yards
Designers Include: Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw
81. St Enodoc (Church) – England
Cornwall, located on England’s southwestern tip, is home to some of the best golf in the British Isles. While access to this remote corner of the UK may be difficult, this lesser-known James Braid links is worthy of its high ranking.
Opened: 1891
Par: 69
Length: 6,557 yards
Designers Include: James Braid
82. Pinehurst #10
The newest addition to the Carolina sandhills when the course opened in spring 2024. Tom Doak fashioned a par 70 course that requires a caddie to help navigate the various pin positions and approach angles. Many now consider #10 to be second only to the historic #2 course at Pinehurst.
Opened: 2024
Par: 70
Length: 7,020 yards
Designers Include: Tom Doak
83. Blackwolf Run River – Wisconsin
Pete Dye’s River course in Kohler is always immaculate and there are no secrets to it: hit a good shot and be rewarded. Hit a bad shot and reload. Host of the Women’s US Open in 1988 and 2012, it’s the second best course at Kohler after the famed Whistling Straits.
Opened: 1988
Par: 72
Length: 7,404 yards
Designers Include: Pete Dye
84. Prestwick – Scotland
You could say that Prestwick is historic, but that would be an understatement for the course which hosted the first Open Championship in 1860, the same year Abraham Lincoln was elected US President. It hosted every Open from 1860 to 1872, when they finally gave St Andrews a chance. Prestwick’s 24 Opens is now second only to The Old Course with 30.
Opened: 1860
Par: 71
Length: 6,908 yards
Designers Include: Tom Morris
85. Forest Dunes (Loop) – Michigan
The Loop is a clever, reversible course by Tom Doak that can be played either clockwise (Black loop on even numbered days) or counterclockwise (Red loop on odd numbered days). Both loops are par 70 and can stretch to about 6700 yards, and players are never shorted out of the fun factor at Forest Dunes.
Opened: 2016
Par: 70
Length: 6,704 yards
Designers Include: Tom Doak
86. Lawsonia Links – Wisconsin
Another gem in Wisconsin and possibly the best green fee value in America. Designed in 1930 by William Langford, the creative layout gives old school design vibes of National Golf Links of America and even has a train boxcar buried under a green for undulation effect.
Opened: 1930
Par: 72
Length: 6,853 yards
Designers Include: William Langford and Theodore Moreau
87. Kapalua Plantation – Hawaii
The prettiest real estate on Maui features the Coore-Crenshaw Plantation Course that kicks off the PGA Tour each year in The Sentry (Tournament of Champions). Up and down the lush hills with views for miles and warm ocean breezes makes for a most enjoyable day in Hawaii, but don’t get lost in the ambience because the course has plenty of bite.
Opened: 1991
Par: 73
Length: 7,596 yards
Designers Include: Bill Coore & Ben Crenshaw
88. Hoiana Shores – Vietnam
RT Jones Jr carved this superb linksy course about 90 minutes south of Danang, Vietnam. A truly special waterfront piece of property with top notch conditioning and first class amenities. Many compare the experience to the great Kiwi courses at Tara Iti or Te Arai.
Opened: 2019
Par: 71
Length: 7,000 yards
Designers Include: Robert Trent Jones II
89. International Olympic Academy – Costa Navarino
Two-time Masters Champion Jose Maria Olazabal admits “it’s among the most beautiful places I’ve ever been” and his Olympic Academy course is big and bold with dramatic, spectacular views.
Opened: 2022
Par: 72
Length: 6,961 yards
Designers Include: José María Olazábal
90. Sheep Ranch – Oregon
Bandon Dunes newest course is another Coore-Crenshaw beauty on the tallest cliffs and with the windiest conditions on resort. Once just a casual collection of random greens and teeing areas, the new 2020 layout is unique in that it has no sand bunkers and appears simple to the eye, but is a great challenge to play every day due to the elements.
Opened: 2020
Par: 72
Length: 6,636 yards
Designers Include: Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw
91. Pine Needles – North Carolina
This 1927 Donald Ross gem in the golf-rich Pinehurst area is the feature of the quaint Pine Needles Lodge and Golf Club. On three different occasions the USGA selected Pine Needles to host the US Women’s Open, and it is a wonderful walk and great layout.
Opened: 1927
Par: 71
Length: 7,062 yards
Designers Include: Donald Ross
92. Streamsong Blue – Florida
A challenging Tom Doak design that gets your attention from the opening elevated tee shot, the Blue is fun, whimsical and quite a great walk. Caddies compliment the day and steer you toward the best landing areas, so that you can best approach the multi-tiered or rolling greens.
Opened: 2013
Par: 72
Length: 7,276 yards
Designers Include: Tom Doak
93. Paraparaumu Beach – New Zealand
The original true Kiwi links opened in 1949 with rolling, bumpy fairways and well bunkered greens. Located an hour outside of Wellington, this was considered the top course in New Zealand until visionaries Julian Robertson and Ric Kaine developed their collection of world class courses.
Opened: 1949
Par: 71
Length: 6,014 yards
Designers Include: Alex Russell
94. Jack’s Point – New Zealand
Stunning Queenstown on the South Island of New Zealand features this 2008 feast for the eyes with views for miles of the “Remarkables” mountains and beautiful Lake Wakatipu. You really need to view photographs to truly appreciate the splendor of this course which is among the most ravishing in the world.
Opened: 2008
Par: 72
Length: 6,388 yards
Designers Include: John Darby
95. Machrihanish – Scotland
At the end of the “Long and Winding Road” on Scotland’s Mull of Kintyre peninsula is this Old Tom Morris 1879 routing of pure, windy, links golf. The opening hole is perhaps the most famous first tee in golf with a forced carry over the beach and sea.
Opened: 1876
Par: 70
Length: 7,082 yards
Designers Include: David McLay Kidd
96. Jasper Park Lodge – Canada
Just another reason to visit the lovely Canadian Rockies, this 1925 Stanley Thompson design has withstood the test of time. Whereas there are more difficult courses, this Lac Beauvert frontage layout is delightful and you might see elk or even bear in the fairway.
Opened: 1925
Par: 71
Length: 6,663 yards
Designers Include: Stanley Thompson
97. Sedge Valley – Wisconsin
Things just keep getting better at Wisconsin’s Sand Valley and this Tom Doak is more reminiscent of England’s heathland courses than pure links. Whereas only par 68 and 6,200 yards, like Swinley Forest in Surrey, it is plenty of challenge for anyone!
Opened: 2024
Par: 68
Length: 6,159 yards
Designers Include: Tom Doak
98. Banff Springs – Canada
Many might flip-flop Banff Springs with Jasper, but neither is necessarily wrong, they are both incredibly beautiful. Stanley Thompson was busy designing some of Canada’s best public access golf courses. Banff Springs is a course that guests will return to play multiple times, often taking a tour through the Canadian Rockies.
Opened: 1927
Par: 71
Length: 6,938 yards
Designers Include: Stanley Thompson
99. Kauri Cliffs – New Zealand
Julian Robertson’s first development in New Zealand, with an eye dropping David Harman cliffside layout overlooking the Pacific. With just 25 exquisite bedrooms onsite, this destination may be “the best little golf resort in the world”.
Opened: 1999
Par: 72
Length: 7,139 yards
Designers Include: David Harman
100. Ardglass – Ireland
You can’t have a top 100 most enjoyable list without including Ardglass, the once hidden gem of Northern Ireland. The secret is out now, and if you go play the giants like Royal Portrush and Royal County Down without including Ardglass, then you’ve not quite completed your mission.
Opened: 1896
Par: 70
Length: 6,268 yards
Designers Include: Alister MacKenzie
Best Golf Courses by Region
The world’s greatest golf courses are spread across every corner of the globe, from historic links in the British Isles to modern masterpieces in New Zealand and beyond. Explore how the Top 100 courses are represented by region and discover where the world’s most celebrated golf destinations are located.
| Region | Courses in the Top-100 | Top Destinations |
| UK / Ireland | 45 | St Andrews, Royal County Down, Royal Dornoch, Sunningdale |
| Continental Europe | 10 | Real Club Valderrama, Costa Navarino, The Dunas at Terras da Comporta |
| United States | 29 | Pebble Beach, Bandon Dunes Pinehurst, Kiawah Island |
| Australasia | 12 | Royal Melbourne, Te Arai, Cape Kidnappers |
| Rest of World | 4 | Cabot Cliffs, Cabot Links, Casa de Campo |
With so many world-class courses located within close proximity, the opportunity to experience multiple Top 100 courses on a single vacation is well within reach. Take a Northern Ireland golf tour and play both Royal County Down and Royal Portrush, or journey to Spain and Portugal to play continental Europe’s best.
How to Play the World’s Best Courses
As you explore this list of the world’s top courses, you may naturally begin to wonder how you can experience them for yourself. Many of the courses featured are private clubs or have limited public access, meaning playing them requires more than simply booking a tee time. Arranging a luxury golf itinerary and understanding the right approach can make the difference between a challenging and successful experience.
This is where Premier Golf makes a difference. We specialize in helping golfers navigate access requirements and build itineraries around the world’s most sought-after courses. Through decades of experience and trusted relationships with many of the world’s greatest clubs, we offer access to iconic courses and experiences that are often difficult to arrange independently. We offer a range of bespoke experiences and hosted tours. Our trips showcase the best of each destination beyond the golf course as well, combining world-class golf with authentic local experiences. From the wildlife and wine regions of our South Africa Golf Safari to the culture, cuisine, and landscapes that make each destination unique, we create journeys that extend far beyond the fairways.
These courses are not just for scratch golfers. In fact, many golfers discover that some of their most memorable (and sometimes their best) rounds come on Top 100 courses. A great golf course is not defined simply by its difficulty. The best courses challenge players of all skill levels. Difficulty does not always equal quality; the greatest courses provide an unforgettable experience for every golfer.
Ready to experience the world’s greatest golf courses? Our team has firsthand knowledge of every course on this list, including many private clubs and exclusive venues that aren’t available through public booking. Let us help turn your bucket list into an unforgettable journey. Contact us to begin your experience.
FAQs
This list was curated through expert evaluation, considering everything that makes a golf course truly exceptional, including design, history, playability, and cultural significance. Our rankings draw on the firsthand experience of our staff, along with insights and feedback from guests who have traveled the globe in search of the world’s best golf.
The short answer is yes.
While a handicap isn’t always required for casual play, prestigious courses, particularly those overseas, may ask for a verified handicap or enforce a maximum limit, especially at world-renowned locations like St Andrews.
To avoid any surprises, it’s always a good idea to check the course’s specific policy before booking your tee time.
A links course is a type of golf course commonly located along coastal areas, featuring natural terrain shaped by wind, rain, and the sea. The term “links” comes from the Scottish word hlinc, meaning “rising ground” or “ridge,” which describes the landform on which many of these courses are built.
Some of these golf courses require a caddie or a forecaddie; Premier Golf will inform you of this ahead of booking. We always recommend tipping a caddie as you would in any service industry.
All of Premier Golf’s packages include accommodations and green fees. We are also able to book private transportation, meals, sightseeing activities, and much more upon request.
To manage jet lag effectively on an international golf trip, the best approach is to gradually adjust your sleep schedule before departure, prioritize exposure to natural light once you arrive, and stay well-hydrated during the flight.
Upon arrival, avoid naps—especially if you land during the day—and try to adapt quickly to the local time zone. If necessary, consider using melatonin supplements to help with sleep regulation.
Share this:
