13 Bucket List Golf Courses (You Must Play!)
One of the best things about golf is the huge variety of different golf courses with each one having its own unique feel to it.
You can go all the way from beautiful woodland to spectacular, 400 feet tall, cliff-side courses that are truly breathtaking.
But what are the ones you HAVE to visit?
Well, I’ve created this list with the 13 best golf courses in the world that you need to play before you “kick the bucket.”
Let’s get started.
13 Bucket List Golf Courses
1. Real Club Valderrama, Spain
Par 71 | 6951 yards
Europe has many outstanding golf courses but one that really stands out is the Real Club Valderrama in Spain.
Known as “the Augusta of Europe” Valderrama was the host of the 1997 Ryder Cup where Europe was declared champions.
Beautiful sceneries surround the club and the course is kept in such immaculate condition that it’ll feel like you’re the first person ever to play there.
And whilst Valderrama is a private members club, visitors can also play for a fee of €300 ($295). But I have to warn you, Valderrama is a very challenging course!
2. Siam Country Club Old Course, Thailand
Par 72 | 6553 yards
Located in Pattaya, this stunning course was designed by Japanese architect I. Izumi.
The Siam Country Club has hosted many prestigious competitions such as the Thailand Open and has also been the venue for the Honda LPGA Thailand tournament.
It is said to be extremely challenging with lots of bunkers but has excellent fairways that are in immaculate condition.
3. Royal Melbourne Golf Club, Australia
Par 72 | 6598 yards
The Royal Melbourne Golf Course was designed by architect Alister MacKenzie who also designed the world-famous Augusta National so you know it is guaranteed to be an incredible golf course.
The Royal Melbourne Golf Club has two 18-hole courses, East and West.
Located in Melbourne, Australia this golf course is widely regarded as the best golf course in Australia. The landscape and rolling hills mixed with the native Australian bush create a wonderful setting for golf.
But make sure you start saving up as you’re looking at paying around A$900 ($570) to play a round of golf here!
4. Royal St. George’s Golf Club, England
Par 70 | 7196 yards
Royal St George’s was the first English course to host the Open Championship and most recently hosted the 2021 Open.
This beautiful links course, which is located in Sandwich, England, offers a challenge for any golfer with its uneven terrain and deep bunkers. And with there being no trees, the wind offers another challenge you have to battle against.
But let me tell you, nothing beats the stunning sunrises you get over this golf course.
5. Emirates Golf Club, UAE
Par 72 | 7301 yards
Opened in 1988, Emirates Golf Club was the first grass golf course to be constructed in the Middle East.
If you’re looking for a more modern-feeling golf course then I’d recommend the Emirates Golf Club. It has a unique feel with the tall city skyline contrasted with the desert bush which offers an incredible setting.
The course is kept in excellent condition and is a great challenge for any golfer.
6. St. Andrews Old Course, Scotland
Par 72 | 7279 yards
It’s impossible to create a golf course bucket list without including St. Andrews Old Course.
Known as the home of golf, this beautiful golf club in Scotland gives a sense like no other. With its beautiful, long, and unique fairways and double greens that have been played on since the early 15th century, it really lives up to the name.
St. Andrews has been played on by all the greats of the game and has held a record 30 Open Championships, making it one of the most historic golf courses in the world.
If you’re a golfer, you have to experience this golf course at least once in your lifetime.
7. Pebble Beach Golf Links, USA
Par 72 | 7080 yards
If you’re a golf fan, then you’ll know Pebble Beach Golf Links.
This beautiful golf course has hosted the U.S. Open Championships six times and has one of the most famous holes in the game: the par-3 7th.
Opened in 1919, Pebble Beach is built on a rugged but beautiful coastline with long, sloping greens that will be a challenge for any golfer!
But make sure you start saving up as a round at Pebble Beach will set you back $595.
8. Pine Valley Golf Club, USA
Par 70 | 7188 yards
Carved out through a forest of pine trees, Pine Valley Golf Club is definitely something to behold.
With natural sand dunes, the course is a real test for any golfer. But paired with the beautiful surroundings, this course definitely has a unique feel to it.
This course has a very mysterious feel to it due to its location and extreme exclusiveness making it really intriguing. So if you get the chance to play here, do not turn it down!
9. Cape Kidnappers, New Zealand
Par 71 | 7180 yards
Opened in 2004, Cape Kidnappers really is an incredible golfing experience.
The fairways are set 400 feet above the sea on the side of a cliff giving a view like no other. And you can walk all the way up to the edge!
Designed by world-renowned course architect Tom Doak, Cape Kidnappers is truly one you have to see to believe.
10. Ile aux Cerfs Golf Club, Mauritius
Par 72 | 6752 yards
Built on a private Island in the Indian Ocean, there aren’t many golf courses that can compare to Ile aux Cerfs Golf Club.
With pristine greens surrounded by beautiful scenery, this truly is a golfer’s paradise. But make no mistake, this course will still give you a challenge.
Also with this course being in Mauritius, you are certain of good weather! A round here won’t break the bank either with the green fee price at Ile aux Cerfs being between MUR 6,000 – MUR 7,000 ($135-$160).
11. Chambers Bay Golf Course, USA
Par 71 | 7690 yards
The Chambers Bay Golf Course is a truly breathtaking course that all golfers should play at least once.
Originally a quarry, this golf course offers a unique experience with a great view over the Puget Sound. With no trees around, this course gets a very links-like feel.
Chambers Bay also hosted the U.S. Open in 2015, where a lot of the players said about how strange the course layout was, but for me, I think this makes it even more intriguing to play on.
12. Bandon Dunes, USA
Par 71 | 6686 yards
Designed by Tom Doak, Bandon Dunes is set on a long stretch of coastline that has a very natural feel to it.
The huge, 60-foot sand dunes and rugged terrain make it a very challenging course. Mixed with the wind, you will be put to the test playing here.
Bandon dunes is home to 6 links courses with the most famous being Pacific Dunes.
Depending on whether you are staying at the resort or just playing as a day guest, a round of golf at Bandon Dunes will cost anywhere from $100-$350.
13. Augusta National Golf Club, USA
Par 72 | 7600 yards
Of course, we had to include Augusta National Golf Club in this bucket list.
Designed by Alister MacKenzie, this course is home to The Masters and is arguably the most iconic golf course in the world alongside St. Andrews.
It is set amongst beautiful woodland, with the iconic pink azaleas adding a special touch to the course. Augusta is also home to 3 of the sport’s toughest and most famous holes: 11th, 12th and 13th which are known as “Amen Corner.”
If you get the opportunity to play here, don’t you dare turn it down.
