Top 10 Bucket-List Golf Courses Around the World

Every passionate golfer dreams of teeing off on the world’s most iconic fairways the places where legends walked, landscapes wow, and the game feels almost spiritual. Whether you’re chasing championship history or jaw-dropping scenery, this list of the top 10 bucket-list golf courses around the world is your ultimate guide to unforgettable rounds.

1. St Andrews Links – Old Course (Scotland)

Why it’s a must-play:
Known as the “Home of Golf,” St Andrews is where it all began. The Old Course dates back to the 1400s and offers not just history, but a strategic challenge framed by sweeping coastal winds.

• Location: St Andrews, Fife, Scotland
• Signature hole: The 17th (Road Hole)
• Pro tip: Book a year in advance or enter the daily ballot

2. Pebble Beach Golf Links (USA)

Why it’s a must-play:
Perched on the rugged California coastline, Pebble Beach offers views that rival any postcard. It’s hosted multiple U.S. Opens and continues to be a favorite among pros and amateurs alike.

• Location: Monterey Peninsula, California
• Signature hole: 7th a short but terrifying par 3 over the Pacific
• Pro tip: Stay at the resort to guarantee a tee time

3. Royal County Down (Northern Ireland)

Why it’s a must-play:
Often ranked No. 1 in the world, this links masterpiece blends beauty with brutal difficulty. The dunes, gorse, and blind shots make every hole a fresh challenge.

• Location: Newcastle, Northern Ireland
• Signature hole: 9th stunning views of the Mourne Mountains
• Pro tip: Prepare for unpredictable weather

4. Cypress Point Club (USA)

Why it’s a must-play:
Exclusive and nearly mythical, Cypress Point is a private gem that rarely makes public tee sheets. Its oceanfront holes are some of the most photographed in golf.

• Location: Pebble Beach, California
• Signature hole: 16th a 230-yard par 3 over crashing waves
• Pro tip: Befriend a member or win the lottery seriously

5. Cape Kidnappers (New Zealand)

Why it’s a must-play:
Imagine playing on a course that hugs sheer cliffs 500 feet above the ocean. Cape Kidnappers is a visual feast and a thrilling golf experience.

• Location: Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand
• Signature hole: 15th nicknamed “Pirate’s Plank”
• Pro tip: Schedule a helicopter transfer for the full experience

6. Royal Melbourne – West Course (Australia)

Why it’s a must-play:
Designed by the legendary Alister MacKenzie, this sandbelt classic is as strategic as it is beautiful. Host of Presidents Cups and revered by course architects worldwide.

• Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
• Signature hole: 6th a short par 4 with options galore
• Pro tip: Combine with the East Course for the full composite experience

7. Bandon Dunes (USA)

Why it’s a must-play:
Bandon Dunes is a pilgrimage site for purists a remote Oregon resort with six world-class courses, all walking-only and rooted in the spirit of links golf.

• Location: Bandon, Oregon
• Signature hole: 16th at Bandon Dunes cliffside drama at its best
• Pro tip: Stay several days to play multiple courses

8. Le Golf National – Albatros Course (France)

Why it’s a must-play:
Site of the epic 2018 Ryder Cup, Le Golf National is a modern design with stadium-style drama and water hazards that test even tour pros.

• Location: Guyancourt, near Paris
• Signature hole: 18th water left and right, pressure everywhere
• Pro tip: Easy train ride from Paris; combine with sightseeing

9. Cabot Cliffs (Canada)

Why it’s a must-play:
Perched along the cliffs of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Cabot Cliffs offers spectacular ocean views, rollercoaster terrain, and world-class course design.

• Location: Inverness, Nova Scotia, Canada
• Signature hole: 16th a dramatic par 3 over cliffs
• Pro tip: Play both Cliffs and Links courses for the full experience

10. Teeth of the Dog – Casa de Campo (Dominican Republic)

Why it’s a must-play:
This Caribbean gem by Pete Dye is a tropical paradise with ocean-hugging holes and year-round sunshine. It’s ranked as the top course in the Caribbean and Latin America.

• Location: La Romana, Dominican Republic
• Signature hole: 5th the first of the “Teeth” over the sea
• Pro tip: Best in winter when North America is in deep freeze

Conclusion

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just dreaming for now, these bucket-list golf courses represent the pinnacle of the game combining history, design, and natural beauty. Add them to your list, start planning, and get ready for the rounds of a lifetime.