Golf Courses & Venues
Scenic Golf Courses in the World: Stunning Locations for Your Next Round
Sep
For golf enthusiasts, the thrill of a challenging course is only enhanced by breathtaking views. From coastal cliffs to dramatic mountains and lush forests, some of the world’s most beautiful golf courses offer not only a great game but also stunning scenery. Whether you’re an avid golfer planning your next trip or simply dreaming of teeing off in paradise, these scenic golf courses are sure to inspire you. Here’s a look at some of the most stunning golf destinations across the globe.
1. Pebble Beach Golf Links – California, USA
Located along the rugged coastline of California’s Monterey Peninsula, Pebble Beach Golf Links is one of the most iconic and scenic golf courses in the world. The course hugs the Pacific Ocean, offering golfers dramatic cliffs, crashing waves, and wide ocean vistas. Famous for hosting numerous U.S. Opens, Pebble Beach has a combination of challenging holes and unparalleled views.
Highlights:
- Oceanfront holes: Several holes are perched on cliffs overlooking the Pacific, including the famed 7th and 18th holes.
- World-class resort: Pebble Beach is part of a luxury resort, offering top-tier accommodations and dining.
- Play where the pros do: Pebble Beach is a regular stop for PGA tournaments, allowing golfers to walk in the footsteps of legends.
Why it’s a must-play: The combination of its challenging design and the stunning coastal scenery makes Pebble Beach a bucket-list destination for any golfer.
2. St. Andrews Links – Scotland
Known as the “Home of Golf,” St. Andrews Links in Scotland is steeped in history and tradition. The Old Course at St. Andrews is one of the oldest and most famous courses in the world, set against the backdrop of the North Sea and the historic town of St. Andrews. Golfers will experience windswept dunes, undulating greens, and the feeling of playing on sacred golfing grounds.
Highlights:
- Historic significance: St. Andrews is the birthplace of golf and has been played on for over six centuries.
- Unique features: The Old Course has the iconic Swilcan Bridge and the treacherous Road Hole.
- Challenging conditions: Coastal winds and deep bunkers add to the difficulty of this classic links course.
Why it’s a must-play: Playing at St. Andrews is a pilgrimage for golfers, combining the sport’s rich history with spectacular seaside scenery.
3. Cape Kidnappers – Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand
Set on towering cliffs that plunge into the Pacific Ocean, Cape Kidnappers in New Zealand offers a golf experience like no other. The course is located on a stunning headland with rugged landscapes, breathtaking ocean views, and dramatic elevation changes. The natural beauty of the surrounding terrain and the challenges presented by the winds off the Pacific make Cape Kidnappers a truly unique destination.
Highlights:
- Cliff-edge holes: Many holes are situated along cliffs with sheer drops to the ocean below, creating both scenic beauty and nerve-wracking shots.
- Secluded location: Cape Kidnappers offers a peaceful, remote setting, far from the hustle of urban life.
- Luxury accommodations: The nearby lodge provides five-star amenities for a complete luxury golf experience.
Why it’s a must-play: The combination of jaw-dropping cliffside views and a course that’s both scenic and demanding makes Cape Kidnappers one of the world’s most remarkable golf experiences.
4. Cabot Cliffs – Nova Scotia, Canada
Perched along the Gulf of St. Lawrence in Nova Scotia, Cabot Cliffs is a relatively new course that has quickly gained a reputation as one of the most scenic golf destinations in North America. The course is carved into dramatic coastal cliffs and rolling dunes, with several holes offering panoramic ocean views.
Highlights:
- Clifftop views: Many holes are situated on cliffs, offering sweeping vistas of the Atlantic Ocean.
- Natural design: Cabot Cliffs blends seamlessly into the rugged landscape, with holes winding through dunes, forests, and along the shoreline.
- Challenging play: The natural elements, including strong coastal winds, add to the challenge of this world-class course.
Why it’s a must-play: Cabot Cliffs offers a perfect combination of stunning scenery, challenging play, and a true connection to nature, making it a must-visit for golfers seeking both beauty and adventure.
5. Tara Iti – Mangawhai, New Zealand
Located on New Zealand’s North Island, Tara Iti is a private golf club that has quickly earned a reputation as one of the best new courses in the world. Designed by renowned architect Tom Doak, Tara Iti is set within sand dunes overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The minimalist design allows the natural beauty of the course to shine, with sweeping views of the ocean from nearly every hole.
Highlights:
- Dune landscapes: The course winds through natural sand dunes, creating a visually stunning and challenging layout.
- Ocean vistas: Nearly every hole offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, making for an unforgettable backdrop.
- Exclusivity: As a private club, playing Tara Iti offers an exclusive and luxurious experience for those fortunate enough to visit.
Why it’s a must-play: Tara Iti’s combination of world-class design and breathtaking ocean scenery makes it a top destination for golfers seeking both beauty and a top-tier playing experience.
6. Lofoten Links – Gimsøya, Norway
If you’re looking for a golf course in one of the world’s most unique and dramatic locations, look no further than Lofoten Links in Norway. Located above the Arctic Circle, Lofoten Links offers a golfing experience like no other, with stunning views of the Northern Lights in winter and the Midnight Sun in summer. The rugged landscape, with its mountainous backdrop and coastal scenery, creates a one-of-a-kind setting.
Highlights:
- Arctic landscape: The course is surrounded by mountains, fjords, and the open sea, offering a spectacular and remote golfing experience.
- Unique daylight conditions: In the summer, golfers can play under the Midnight Sun, while winter offers the chance to witness the Northern Lights.
- Challenging play: The exposed, coastal nature of the course means that the elements—especially wind—add to the difficulty of play.
Why it’s a must-play: Lofoten Links offers an unforgettable experience for golfers who want to combine the thrill of the game with the beauty of one of the most remote and scenic locations in the world.
7. Old Head Golf Links – County Cork, Ireland
Set on a narrow headland jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean, Old Head Golf Links in Ireland offers some of the most breathtaking views of any course in Europe. Surrounded by water on almost all sides, this cliffside course offers dramatic ocean vistas, rolling terrain, and the historic Old Head Lighthouse.
Highlights:
- Cliffside holes: Many holes are perched on cliffs high above the Atlantic, creating a dramatic and scenic experience.
- Rich history: The course is situated on a site with ancient ruins and a 17th-century lighthouse, adding to its allure.
- Challenging elements: The exposed nature of the course means wind and weather play a big role in the difficulty of each round.
Why it’s a must-play: The combination of stunning coastal scenery and the rich history of the location makes Old Head one of the most unforgettable golf courses in Europe.
Conclusion: Elevate Your Golf Game with Stunning Scenery
Golf courses set in some of the world’s most beautiful locations offer a chance to enjoy not just the game, but the experience of nature’s beauty. From the cliffs of California’s Pebble Beach to the Arctic vistas of Norway’s Lofoten Links, these scenic golf courses are more than just a place to play—they’re destinations that will leave you with lasting memories of both the game and the views.
