I’ll always remember enjoying Hampton Cove in Huntsville, Alabama for the primary time. It’s one of the vital iconic stops on the Robert Trent Jones golf path, and the view from every tee field appears like a postcard.
After that first spherical on the Cove, I got here to the conclusion that each severe golfer wants a bucket listing. Nonetheless, realizing which golf programs to place on your bucket list is usually a tall order.
There are over 38,000 golf programs on the earth, so it’s robust to know which of them to decide on. Our objective is that can assist you with that.
Listed here are 25 golf programs that must be on each golfer’s bucket listing.
1. The Outdated Course at St. Andrews, Scotland
The No. 1 spot on our listing is a no-brainer for all golfers. Saint Andrews gave a start to the sport of golf over 600 years in the past, which is why we from around the globe make their solution to this unbelievable venue. The Outdated Course opened in 1850 and is commonly the house of The Open Championship.
- Iconic Moments: Bobby Jones turned the primary Beginner golfer to win back-to-back Open Championship titles in 1927. Seve Ballesteros outdueled Tom Watson and Bernhard Langer right here at the Open Championship in 1984. Jack Nicklaus performed his remaining Open Championship at St. Andrews in 2005.
- Value: Round $300 Per Spherical
- Greatest Time of Yr to Play: Winter (November by means of March)
2. Augusta Nationwide Golf Membership (Augusta, Georgia)
Even informal golf followers gained to be shocked to see Augusta Nationwide close to the highest of our bucket listing golf programs. The nice Bobby Jones designed this course, which hosts one of the vital prestigious golf tournaments of the yr, The Masters. It’s arduous to get a tee time at this beautiful golf course, but it surely’s value visiting even for those who can’t discover a solution to play it.
- Iconic Moments: The late nice Arnold Palmer birdied holes 17 and 18 in 1960 for the primary time in Masters’s historical past to say his second of 4 inexperienced jackets. Jack Nicklaus, identified to the world as The Golden Bear gained his fifth of 6 Masters titles by nailing a 40-foot putt on gap 16. That clutch putt helped Nicklaus narrowly defeat Johnny Miller and Tom Weiskopf.
- Value: Have to be a member, which carries a preliminary charge of $20,000 to $40,000. In case you occur to know a member of August Nationwide, you’ll be able to merely pay a visitor cost of $40 per spherical.
- Greatest Time of Yr to Play: Any tee time you may get!
3. Muirfield Village Golf Membership (Columbus, Ohio)
Talking of The Golden Bear, why not go to his residence course at Muirfield Village? Some avid golf followers say that this course is simply barely behind Augusta Nationwide as the most effective golf course in the US. The PGA Tour makes an annual cease at this course for The Memorial Event.
- Iconic Moments: Tiger Woods made a virtually inconceivable flop shot that even acquired Mr. Nicklaus fired up again in 2012. That iconic shot helped Woods save his fifth title at The Memorial. One other well-known second occurred right here in 1977 when Nicklaus gained his match.
- Value: $175 per spherical (Should know a member)
- Greatest Time of Yr to Play: July by means of October
4. TPC Sawgrass (Ponte Vedra Seashore, Florida)
Since we’re making an inventory of the most effective golf programs on the earth, we have now to say TPC Sawgrass, which hosts The Gamers Championship every year. Sawgrass was designed by legendary golf architect Pete Dye. This means that you’ll get one of many best challenges of your {golfing} life by attempting to navigate tons of water and sand.
- Iconic Moments: In 2000, Hal Sutton bested Tiger Woods on the final gap of the match by nailing a phenomenal strategy shot into the inexperienced with a 6-iron. Woods acquired revenge the subsequent yr, nevertheless, as he birdied gap 17 to win his first Gamers Championship. Rickie Fowler got here from 5 pictures down to beat Kevin Kisner and Sergio Garcia at The Gamers in 2015, probably the greatest come-from-behind win in the match’s historical past.
- Value: $450 (June to August); $600 (September by means of Could)
- Greatest Time of Yr to Play: Summer season if you’d like the $150 per spherical discounted fee
5. Bethpage Black Course (Farmingdale, New York)
Are you a talented low-handicapper in want of a severe problem? Bethpage Black is certainly one of your greatest choices within the nation! This expansive course is persistently ranked as one of many hardest on the earth, primarily due to its plethora of insanely deep bunkers.
- Iconic Moments: Lucas Glover fought off Mike Weir, Ricky Barnes, and Mom Nature to win the 2009 US Open at Bethpage Black. Glover shot an unbelievable 64 throughout Spherical 2 to get him to inside one shot of Barnes.
- Value: $70 for New York Residents / $140 for Non-Residents
- Greatest Time of Yr to Play: October or November
6. Pebble Seashore (California)
No golf course bucket listing could be full without Pebble Seashore! In case you’re a hardcore golfer who additionally likes being a seaside bum after your spherical, this place is heaven on earth. It prices a reasonable penny to play at Pebble, but it surely’s a type of distinctive experience you’ll be able to share along with your grandkids in the future.
- Iconic Moments: Tom Watson wins his first and solely US Open title with a miraculous chip shot on gap 17 to carry off Jack Nicklaus. Johnny Miller captured his third AT&T Pebble Seashore Professional-Am in 1994 at 46 years outdated.
- Value: $635
- Greatest Time of Yr to Play: September and October
7. Pinehurst Resort No. 2 Course (North Carolina)
Right here’s one other splendid bucket listing spot, particularly for those who’re in search of a location that has several programs. There are 10 beautiful golf programs in Pinehurst, however, none is extra lovely than No. 2. It was designed by Donald Ross in 1907 and later restored by the good Ben Crenshaw in 2010.
- Iconic Moments: Payne Stewart drained a 15-foot putt to seize the 1999 US Open title on gap 18 of Couse No. 2. Pinehurst later constructed a bronze statue of this occasion, which patrons flock to very often for photos.
- Value: $329 to $389
- Greatest Time of Yr to Play: September to November
8. Riviera Nation Membership (Pacific Palisades, California)
We head again out west for our subsequent choice with Riviera Nation Membership. The PGA Tour makes an annual cease at this location as a part of its West Coast swing. Avid golfers will love and adore the well-known Gap 10, which is a reachable par 4 for low-handicappers.
- Iconic Moments: Ben Hogan gained the 1948 US Open title right here at Riviera. Tiger Woods made his PGA Tour debut at this course in 1992 as a 16-year-old.
- Value: $350 (plus caddie charges and tip), and you will need to know a member
- Greatest Time of Yr to Play: Anytime
9. Kiawah Island Ocean Course (South Carolina)
Right here’s a perfect selection for golfers who need to guide a trip close to the Atlantic Ocean. Pete Dye created this beautiful course, so you understand every gap can be lovely however difficult. Come ready to cope with some severe wind coming off the ocean’s shore.
- Iconic Moments: The Ocean Course is most well-known for internet hosting the 1991 Ryder Cup, which is called the “Battle on the Shore.” It was on this prestigious occasion that Group USA ended an 8-year Ryder Cup drought when Bernhard Langer surprisingly missed a six-foot putt on gap 18.
- Value: $383
- Greatest Time of Yr to Play: Summer season
10. Whistling Straights (Kohler, Wisconsin)
Golfers who stay anyplace close to Lake Michigan know all about Whistling Straights. Pete Dye designed 2 programs in this small Wisconsin city, and so they’re each unbelievable! For incredible hyperlinks to golf expertise within the North, look no additional than the Straights Course or the Irish Course.
- Iconic Moments: Whereas this course has had numerous massive moments, none evaluate the 2015 PGA Championship. That’s the place Jason Day carded a -20 rating to take down Jordan Spieth by 3 pictures.
- Value: $555
- Greatest Time of Yr to Play: June by means of October
11. Royal St. George’s Golf Membership (Sandwich, Kent, England)
Right here’s probably the greatest worldwide golf program on the earth. The Open Championship has been performed at Royal St. George 14 instances. In typical hyperlinks course vogue, golfers can be challenged with loopy dunes, deep bunkers, and roughs that’ll make you cuss.
- Iconic Moments: Greg Norman gained the 1993 Open Championship at this course. It was The Shark’s second profession’s main title. Norman shot an insanely low 64 within the remaining spherical to barely maintain off Nick Faldo by two strokes.
- Value: $347
- Greatest Time of Yr to Play: March by means of Could
12. Kapalua Resort Plantation Course (Maui, Hawaii)
In case you ever get the luxury of vacationing in Hawaii, that is the course you simply need to play! Golfers can be handled to beautiful views of each the Pacific Ocean and the West Maui Mountains. Every tee shot is breathtaking, and the fairways are extensive and sufficient for even excessive handicappers.
- Iconic Moments: Ernie Els gained at this course with an outstanding rating of -31 for the match again in 2003. Jonathan Byrd hit the PGA Tour’s first 400-yard drive at this course in that very same match.
- Value: $395
- Greatest Time of Yr to Play: Winter
13. Loch Lomond Golf Membership (Glasgow, Scotland)
Do you know that Scotland presents extra to golfers than only links-style expertise? This membership is extremely unique, so getting a tee time could also be robust. Nonetheless, of us who get the privilege of enjoying Loch Lomond can be handled with 5-star service at a clubhouse that resembles a citadel.
- Iconic Moments: The Scottish Open was held right here from 2001-2010. PGA Tour stars like Ernie Els, Martin Kaymer, and Retief Goosen loved victories at this course for that occasion.
- Value: Varies (Should know a Member or Take part in a Charity Occasion)
- Greatest Time of Yr to Play: Anytime You Can
14. Fancourt Resort (South Africa)
Whenever you consider South Africa, you in all probability suppose extra unique safaris as a substitute for unbelievable golf programs. Nonetheless, this resort has 3 pristine programs on the property. One in every one of them (Hyperlinks Course) was created by Gary Participant and Phil Jacobs.
- Iconic Moments: The Hyperlinks Course served as the house of the Presidents Cup in 2003. The occasion resulted in a tie after Tiger Woods and Ernie Els had been useless even after 3 playoff holes.
- Value: $478 (Should know a Member or Keep on the Resort)
- Greatest Time of Yr to Play: Spring
15. Bandon Dunes (Oregon)
Would you like real hyperlinks golf expertise without having to cope with the pains of a worldwide journey? Bandon Dunes could be an ideal bucket listing location for you! You’ll get difficult gap areas, rugged terrain, and a few breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean!
- Iconic Moments: The USGA has been internet-hosting novice tournaments right here since 2006. The latest of those was the 2022 US Junior Beginner. Perhaps in the future, the PGA Tour will make a cease at certainly one of these programs.
- Value: $295 (Summer season) and $100 (Winter)
- Greatest Time of Yr to Play: September
16. Championship at Royal County Down (Northern Eire)
For extremely beautiful hyperlinks expertise, you’ll be able to pass over Northern Eire. The Championship Hyperlinks is nestled within the coronary heart of the Mountains of Mourne. Making sure to convey your digicam as a result of every gap would make an exceptional postcard.
- Iconic Moments: The course hosted The Senior Open Championship from 2000 to 2002. PGA Tour Corridor of Famers Gary Participant, Arnold Palmer, and Jack Nicklaus performed on these occasions.
- Value: $322
- Greatest Time of Yr to Play: April by means of October
17. Merion Golf Membership (Ardmore, Pennsylvania)
Do you like programs with some shorter Par 4 holes? What golfer doesn’t? Merion is without doubt one of the greatest hidden gems within the USA. It presents the proper mix of inauspicious holes and enjoyable scoring alternatives.
- Iconic Moments: Bobby Jones gained the 1930 US Beginner at Merion to finish the Grand Slam. Ben Hogan gained the 1950 US Open at Merion, certainly one of his most iconic victories.
- Value: $525 (Should know a Member)
- Greatest Time of Yr to Play: Spring or Fall
18. Royal Melbourne (Australia)
Why not guide a bucket listing trip whereas enjoying one of the vital beautiful programs on the planet? Most golfers are wooed by Royal Melbourne’s excellent course structure. This place has been one of many highs in Australia because it was in-built 1931.
- Iconic Moments: This course hosted the 1998 Presidents Cup, which was the primary time the occasion had been held exterior of the USA. Ernie Els shot a 60 through the Heineken Traditional at this course in 2004.
- Value: $350 (Should know a Member)
- Greatest Time of Yr to Play: September to Could
19. Championship Course at Carnoustie (Scotland)
This is without doubt one of the high programs within the UK, which makes it good for your golf bucket listing! PGA Tour star Padraig Harrington calls it “probably the greatest on the earth.” It’s also called “Golf’s Biggest Take a Look at”.
- Iconic Moments: This course has been the house of The Open Championship on 8 events. Francesco Molinari gained the 2018 Open Championship, which made him the primary participant from Italy to win a serious.
- Value: $322
- Greatest Time of Yr to Play: April by means of October
20. Cape Kidnappers (New Zealand)
Right here’s one other bucket-listing golf course that provides gorgeous views of each gap. The services are top-notch, and people will love among the brutally difficult water holes.
- Iconic Moments: Legendary architect Tom Doak created this one-of-a-kind {golfing} expertise. Golfers come from all around the world to play the sport they love on this secluded 500-foot cliff in paradise.
- Value: $429
- Greatest Time of Yr to Play: Spring or Fall
21. Royal Troon (Scotland)
Royal Troon has been serving the Scottish golf neighborhood since 1878. Guests get the selection of enjoying both the Outdated Course and the Portland Course. Regardless of which you wind up enjoying, you’ll cope with the whipping wind, rugged terrain, and deep roughs that make hyperlinks golf each maddening and exhilarating.
- Iconic Moments: Greg Norman, Wayne Grady, and Mark Calcavecchia went to a playoff at this course through the 1989 Open Championship. “Calc” went on to seize his sole main title that day and took residence the grand prize of $128,000.
- Value: $378 (Outdated Course), $126 (Portland)
- Greatest Time of Yr to Play: April to September
22. Nationwide Golf Hyperlinks of America (Southhampton, NY)
Do you intend on vacationing within the Hamptons sooner or later? In that case, you must discover a solution to get a tee time at NGLA. It’s one of many high locations within the US to take pleasure in real hyperlinks golf expertise.
- Iconic Moments: Bobby Jones performed a spherical on this course in 1924. Although he shot a 73, he informed Basic Dwight D. Eisenhower that it was essentially the most satisfying spherical of golf he’d ever performed. For a legendary icon like Jones, that’s saying one thing!
- Value: $350 (Should know a Member)
- Greatest Time of Yr to Play: Summer season
23. Quivira Golf Membership (Cabo San Lucas, Mexico)
Quivira doesn’t get a ton of hype, but it surely’s undoubtedly a bucket-list-worthy course for those who’re ever on a trip to Cabo San Lucas. Golfers will marvel at how some holes are tucked close to the ocean whereas others are sandwiched in between mountains.
- Iconic Moments: Professional golf has but to be performed at Quivira. Don’t let that deter you, although. Jack Nicklaus designed this course, and it’s one of many high resort areas on the earth.
- Value: $233-$380 (Should know a Member or Keep at Resort)
- Greatest Time of Yr to Play: Fall
24. Peachtree Golf Membership (Atlanta, Georgia)
Augusta Nationwide will get much of the consideration in Georgia, and rightfully so. Nonetheless, this unique course in Atlanta is a bucket-listing golf vacation spot in its proper. Bobby Jones and some of his associates created this course, so that tells you all that you must know.
- Iconic Moments: You’ll need to create your personal. The PGA Tour has by no means performed at this unique membership.
- Value: Not publicly obtainable (Should Be Invited)
- Greatest Time of Yr to Play: Spring or Fall
25. Valderrama Golf Membership (Sotogrande, Spain)
How lovely is this royal golf course in South Spain? It’s lovingly known as the “Augusta of Europe”. Valderrama is persistently ranked as one of many High 100 golf programs on the earth.
- Iconic Moments: This beautiful course hosted the 1997 Ryder Cup. Europe gained the occasion with a remaining rating of 14.5 to 13.5. Colin Montgomerie cleared the path for Group Europe by scoring 3.5 factors.
- Value: $292
- Greatest Time of Yr to Play: February to July
