10 Nov The Best Golf Destinations Around the World
The world is brimming with golf destinations and rich cultures. From Scotland to Barbados, you can find challenging fairways and beginner-friendly courses. While professionals play the links, you can walk the greens and soak in the travel experiences. Here are the five best golf destinations worldwide for travelers (approved by golf-lover, Stevo).
The Best Golf Destinations Around the World
Scotland
Scotland should top your bucket list because it’s where the sport started. Experts say golf first appeared in historical records around 1457, when King James II banned the game. However, Scots have embraced golf and built fantastic courses nationwide. From Cabot Highlands to Carnoustie, these facilities are worth a trip for travelers.
The golf world lauds the Old Course at St. Andrews as the sport’s home. These links have existed for centuries and let you walk the same greens as legendary golfers. While playing, you’ll see iconic landmarks like the Swilcan Bridge and Hell Bunker. The famed course is open to the public, making tee times more accessible.
Australia
If you enjoy scenic courses, Australia may be the destination for you. The Land Down Under offers mild weather year-round and scenic experiences from Sydney to Perth. The country has built a reputation for golf by hosting major international tournaments. Golfers from around the world visit for the Presidents Cup and the Australian Open.
Royal Melbourne Golf Club has some of Australia’s best golfing opportunities. The 36-hole course is famous for its course design, inspired by Alister MacKenzie. This English architect designed the West Course with natural bunkering and fast greens in mind. Your sessions let you appreciate the sandy soil and natural vegetation in Melbourne.
United States
American golf courses are famous for their varied terrain. Pebble Beach features hills and a rugged coastline as golfers play the legendary course. The Central California facility has hosted major golf tournaments, including the PGA Championship and the U.S. Open. Alternatively, you could head to Scottsdale, Arizona, for courses in a desert oasis.
Golfing in the U.S. provides unique golf opportunities regardless of your destination. For example, Telluride Golf Club in Colorado is located in the Rocky Mountains, with peaks reaching 14,000 feet and offering enjoyable outings. Higher elevations reduce resistance, making your drives even longer.
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland has rapidly become one of Europe’s most celebrated golf destinations. Its rugged coastline and lush countryside create a dramatic backdrop for world-class courses. Royal County Down, located in Newcastle, is frequently ranked among the best in the world for its stunning views of the Mourne Mountains and challenging design.
Nearby, Royal Portrush offers another spectacular experience, having hosted The Open Championship. Golfers will appreciate the region’s mix of history, hospitality, and pure links golf. After your round, unwind in a local pub with a pint and some traditional Irish fare.
Japan
You may associate golf with countries other than Japan. However, the Land of the Rising Sun has about 2,000 courses spread among the islands. Like American ones, Japanese courses offer varied terrain for your golfing adventure. You can play in front of Mount Fuji and admire cherry blossoms along the fairways.
Japan’s transit system means its courses are accessible by rail. For instance, you could take a train from Osaka or Kyoto and visit the Nara International Golf Club. This luxury resort has challenging course layouts and easier options for beginners. Experienced golfers embrace the difficulty as ocean winds blow on the back nine.
Barbados
If you’re looking for an underrated golf destination, book a trip to Barbados. This island nation boasts fairways lined with palm trees, overlooking turquoise waters. The go-to location in Barbados is Sandy Lane Resort, located in the Saint James Parish. Experts say the course has meticulous and challenging designs to provide fun for all golfers.
Another course to check out is Royal Westmoreland, a short drive from Sandy Lane. This facility is famous for its championship-level facility, villas and resort amenities. Besides golf, you can enjoy pickleball and tennis courts around the property. Barbados is warm year-round, so prioritize a trip during the dry season.
Portugal
Portugal’s Algarve region is a sunny paradise for golfers year-round. With over 30 top-tier courses, ocean views, and charming villages, it’s easy to see why it’s a European favorite. Quinta do Lago and Monte Rei are standout venues, both offering pristine greens and luxury facilities.
Beyond the fairways, Portugal tempts travelers with delicious seafood, fine wine, and a relaxed coastal lifestyle. Whether you’re chasing birdies or sunsets, Portugal delivers an unforgettable blend of sport and leisure.
Vietnam
Vietnam has quietly emerged as one of Asia’s most exciting golf destinations. Its coastline stretches for miles, offering stunning oceanfront courses and tropical backdrops. The Greg Norman–designed Bluffs Ho Tram Strip and the award-winning Ba Na Hills Golf Club near Da Nang are among the standouts.
What makes Vietnam special is its balance of golf and culture. Between rounds, travelers can explore ancient towns like Hoi An, cruise through Ha Long Bay, or sample world-class Vietnamese cuisine. It’s a destination that rewards both your game and your sense of adventure.
New Zealand
New Zealand is known for its dramatic landscapes, and its golf courses showcase that natural beauty at every turn. Cape Kidnappers, perched atop towering sea cliffs on the North Island, delivers breathtaking ocean views and a challenging layout. Kauri Cliffs and Jack’s Point are equally spectacular, combining pristine design with postcard-worthy scenery.
Beyond golf, New Zealand offers outdoor adventures from wine tasting to heli-touring. It’s the perfect place for golfers who appreciate nature, solitude, and unforgettable vistas with every swing.
South Africa
South Africa blends natural beauty and luxury in equal measure, making it a dream destination for golf travelers. It’s also where Stevo spent his youth learning the game and playing at 15 of the country’s best courses. Leopard Creek Country Club, overlooking Kruger National Park, delivers breathtaking views of wildlife along the Crocodile River, and yes, you might even spot elephants or hippos mid-round.
Another gem, Skukuza Golf Club, offers a more rustic experience within the park itself. It’s one of the few courses in the world where you might share the fairway with zebras or warthogs. Combine your golf holiday with a safari for a once-in-a-lifetime trip.
Morocco
For something different, Morocco blends North African culture with world-class golf. Marrakech and Agadir have become golfing hotspots, boasting lush courses framed by the Atlas Mountains and desert landscapes. Assoufid Golf Club and Royal Golf Marrakech provide a mix of challenging play and warm hospitality.
After your game, explore Morocco’s colorful souks, taste traditional tagine, or unwind in a luxurious riad. With year-round sunshine and a vibrant culture, Morocco offers an exotic twist to the typical golf holiday.
Emerging Golf Destinations
If you’re seeking something even more off the beaten path, consider places like Mauritius or Oman. Mauritius features ocean-edge courses surrounded by turquoise lagoons, while Oman offers desert golf with dramatic mountain views. Both combine outstanding hospitality with unforgettable natural beauty…proof that golf’s future is as global as ever.
Teeing Off on Global Golf Adventures
Why limit your game to the local course when the world’s best fairways are calling? Picture yourself sinking a putt beneath Mount Fuji or driving over turquoise waters in Barbados. Wherever you go, golf becomes more than a game…it’s an adventure! So pack your clubs, book that flight, and let your next round be one you’ll never forget.
Author bio: Cora Gold is a travel writer and editor of women’s lifestyle magazine, Revivalist, where she covers destination ideas, packing tips and travel advice for women. Connect with Cora on LinkedIn, Pinterest and X.
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