The Most Scenic Golf Courses in the World You Can Actually Play

There’s nothing like standing over a tee shot with a view that takes your breath away. On the most scenic golf courses in the world, the landscape is as memorable as the game itself. Featuring clifftop greens, ocean vistas, desert canyons, and lush coastal jungles, the courses make every round unforgettable.

I’ve had the chance to play several of these awe-inspiring courses myself, and the experience always sticks with me. Others remain high on my list, recommended by golf experts, architects, and fellow travelers who know what makes a course truly special.

This guide features the most scenic golf courses; whether you’re planning a bucket-list trip or just dreaming from your desk, these are the best golf courses for scenic views across the globe.

1. Pebble Beach Golf Links (California, USA)

I still remember walking up to the tee at Pebble Beach’s iconic 7th hole, barely 100 yards but framed by crashing waves and sheer cliffs. Designed by Jack Neville and Douglas Grant in 1919, Pebble Beach is more than a golf course – it’s a pilgrimage. The Pacific Ocean crashes against the rocky shore as you wind through dramatic coastal holes, especially the 18th, which hugs the edge of the sea all the way to the green.

Pebble has hosted multiple U.S. Opens and the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, but it remains open to the public, making it a rare chance to walk in the footsteps of champions. Don’t forget to snap a photo at Seal Point or the 18th fairway as sea otters play offshore.

2. Cape Kidnappers (New Zealand)

Perched on 500-foot cliffs above Hawke’s Bay, Cape Kidnappers is among the most remote and visually arresting courses in the world. Designed by Tom Doak in 2004, the layout stretches across fingers of land that jut dramatically toward the Pacific.

Signature hotels like the 15th, aptly named “Pirate’s Plank”, test both your game and your nerve as you stare down sheer drops on either side. The views are nothing short of cinematic. Getting there may require a helicopter ride or a winding coastal drive, but the limestone cliffs and nesting gannet colonies make the journey part of the adventure.

3. Old Head Golf Links (County Cork, Ireland)

Few places compare to the drama of Old Head. Set on a narrow two-mile peninsula reaching into the Atlantic, this course features 300-foot cliffs, a lighthouse, and holes so close to the edge you can hear the waves crash below. I played on a windy morning, which added both challenge and atmosphere.

Opened in 1997 by a team including Joe Carr and Eddie Hackett, Old Head is a sensory overload. The par-3 12th, with the lighthouse in view, is a shot I’ll never forget. It might be the most dramatic clifftop setting in all of golf.

4. Banff Springs Golf Course (Alberta, Canada)

There’s a sense of quiet awe when you tee it up at Banff Springs. Framed by the Canadian Rockies and bordered by the Bow River, this Stanley Thompson-designed course from 1928 is postcard-perfect. Wildlife sightings are common; you may see elk, deer, or even a bear.

The par-3 4th, “Devil’s Cauldron,” is nestled in a mountain amphitheater and might be one of the most photographed holes in Canada. Located inside a national park, Banff is best played from late spring through early fall, when the peaks are still snow-capped and the air crisp.

5. Le Touessrok Golf Course (Mauritius)

A tropical dream, Le Touessrok on Île aux Cerfs off the coast of Mauritius blends luxury with jaw-dropping scenery. Designed by Bernhard Langer in 2003, it features coral reef carries, ocean breezes, and volcanic mountain views.

The par-3s over turquoise lagoons are equal parts thrilling and intimidating. Bring your camera and maybe a few extra balls.

What Makes a Golf Course Truly Scenic

Scenic golf is all about being immersed in the landscape. These courses combine natural topography, ocean views, and drastic elevation changes. There is manicured beauty, and then there is raw, natural splendor—and it’s the latter that leaves a lasting impression.

I’ve found that these views can elevate your game and your mindset. There is beauty in the silence before a shot, the sunset over the ridge, and the unexpected wildlife you encounter. These are the moments that linger long after the scorecard fades.

Regional Scenic Showcases

Beyond the bucket-list icons, there are exceptional scenic golf courses scattered across the globe that are just as captivating and often more accessible. These hidden gems offer stunning landscapes, rich character, and, in many cases, more affordable green fees and easier tee time availability.

In this section, I explore scenic golf across three standout regions: Europe’s rugged coastlines, the Asia-Pacific’s lush tropics and dramatic landscapes, and America’s diverse scenic backdrops. Each region delivers its own unique style, whether it’s classic links, remote island escapes, or high-desert marvels.

Many of these destinations also offer the chance to immerse yourself in local culture, explore historic sites, and enjoy world-class food and wine alongside unforgettable golf.

European Coastal Gems

1. Royal County Down (Northern Ireland)

Set against the Mountains of Mourne, Royal County Down is one of the most scenic and revered links courses in the world. Designed originally by Old Tom Morris in 1889 and later refined by Harry Vardon, it features blind shots, wild dunes, and postcard-worthy vistas. The par-4 9th, with the mountains rising behind the green, is unforgettable.

2. Turnberry Ailsa Course (Scotland)

The Ailsa Course, renovated by Martin Ebert in 2015-16, is a jewel of Scotland’s west coast. Its iconic lighthouse, sweeping Ayrshire coastline, and views of Ailsa Craig create a cinematic backdrop. The 9th hole, now a clifftop par-3, is a showstopper. Few spots combine golf history and natural beauty so effortlessly. The Ailsa Course is also home to Tom Watson’s famous chip-in at the 1977 Open Championship.

3. Sunningdale Old Course (England)

Just outside London, Sunningdale’s Old Course is a heathland classic opened in 1901 by Willie Park Jr. It’s hosted the Walker Cup, European Open, and Women’s British Open, yet feels timeless and serene.

The course’s beauty lies in its natural setting with rolling terrain lined with mature pines and blooming purple heather. In late summer, it’s like walking through a painting. The par-4 10th winds through banks of heather, while the par-3 13th is both scenic and demanding. A pure inland experience, best enjoyed on foot and in full bloom.

Asia-Pacific Wonders

1. Nirwana Bali Golf Club (Indonesia)

Opened in 1997 and designed by Greg Norman and Bob Harrison, Nirwana Bali quickly became one of Asia’s most photogenic courses. Set along the Indian Ocean, it offered unforgettable views of the Tanah Lot temple, an ancient Hindu shrine perched on a rocky outcrop.

The par-3 7th is the signature hole, featuring a cliff-edge green across an ocean inlet with the temple in full view. The course uniquely blended tropical golf with cultural heritage, creating a one-of-a-kind experience.

2. Shanqin Bay Golf Club (China)

Opened in 2014, Shanqin Bay was crafted by Coore & Crenshaw with a minimalist philosophy that lets the land speak for itself. Set on Hainan Island’s rugged east coast, it offers raw coastal beauty and total seclusion.

Clifftop holes overlook the South China Sea, weaving through volcanic rock formations and windswept terrain. Its remote location and untouched natural setting make it one of the most exclusive and scenic golf experiences in Asia.

3. Royal Melbourne (Australia)

Opened in 1926 and designed by Alister MacKenzie and Alex Russell, Royal Melbourne’s West Course is a golden-age gem set in the heart of Australia’s Sandbelt. It has hosted the Presidents Cup and multiple Australian Opens, earning its place among the world’s elite.

What makes it scenic is its natural setting featuring rolling sandy terrain, native vegetation, and distant views of the Melbourne skyline. The par-3 5th is a standout, with brilliant bunkering and a green that demands precision. It’s a masterclass in strategic design, beautifully grounded in the land.

American Scenic Spectacles

1. Whistling Straits (Wisconsin)

Opened in 1998, Whistling Straits was Pete Dye’s bold vision to recreate an Irish links experience on the shores of Lake Michigan. Built on a reclaimed airfield, it’s a man-made masterpiece that feels timeless and wild.

With over 1,000 bunkers and sweeping lake views, it’s hosted three PGA Championships and the 2021 Ryder Cup. The par-3 17th clings to the lakefront and sets up one of the most dramatic finishes in American golf. It’s raw, rugged, and unforgettable.

2. Kiawah Island Ocean Course (South Carolina)

Opened in 1991, the Ocean Course at Kiawah Island is Pete Dye’s barrier island masterpiece, which was crafted for the dramatic “War by the Shore” Ryder Cup that same year. It has since hosted the 2012 and 2021 PGA Championships, with its coastal beauty and fierce winds leaving a lasting impression.

Ten holes run along the Atlantic, making it one of the most ocean-exposed courses in the world. The par-3 17th, over marshland into a swirling wind, and the tough 18th are unforgettable. Nearly every hole is shaped by the sea – visually stunning and endlessly challenging.

3. Shadow Creek (Nevada)

Opened in 1989, Shadow Creek is Tom Fazio’s audacious transformation of the flat Mojave Desert into a lush, secluded golf paradise. What was once barren land now features rolling fairways, waterfalls, streams, and thousands of imported trees; a fully man-made oasis that defies its surroundings.

Its beauty lies in the surreal contrast: pine-lined holes and sparkling water features set against the Nevada desert. It’s private and exclusive, but unforgettable if you get the chance to play.

4. Honourable Mention: Bandon Dunes Golf Resort (Oregon)

Bandon Dunes feels like stepping into Scotland on the Pacific. A Mike Keiser development with architect David McLay Kidd, it opened in 1999. Bandon Dunes is now a multi-course resort with clifftop holes, native grasses, and sea views from nearly every fairway. The wind and weather shift constantly, making every round a new adventure.

Booking & Playing Tips for the World’s Most Scenic Golf Courses

If you’re chasing scenic golf experiences, plan ahead. Courses in high demand often require bookings six months or more in advance. Time zone differences can also impact reservation windows, so set your alarm accordingly!

Green fees range from $300 to over $800 per round, with extras for caddies, carts, and rental clubs. International bookings often require deposits and credit card holds, so be mindful of currency fluctuations.

The best conditions vary: coastal courses shine in spring and fall, while mountain tracks like Banff are best in summer. Aim for tee times in the golden hour for unforgettable photos, just don’t forget to play ready golf when you’re stopping for selfies.

As golf architect Tom Doak once said, “A great golf hole is like a great painting—it draws you in, makes you look again.” That rings especially true when the canvas is the most scenic golf course in the world.

Start Planning Your Scenic Golf Adventure Today

Playing golf on the world’s most scenic courses is about creating stories, memories, and moments that stay with you. These destinations offer the chance to combine your love of golf with awe-inspiring beauty.

Premier Golf specializes in crafting custom golf vacations to the world’s most scenic and iconic courses. Whether you want to tour Scotland’s legendary coastline, explore New Zealand’s cliffs, or experience California’s coastal classics, our team builds unforgettable itineraries.

With group packages that include luxury transportation, tee times, and concierge service, it’s never been easier to play your dream round. Let us help you turn bucket-list dreams into real-life adventures.

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