15 Best Golf Courses in the World Ranked

While golf is one of the most popular sports in the world, the golf course itself also plays a significant role in my enjoyment of a round.

Playing well is obviously one of the primary drivers of joy on the golf course, but I’m perfectly happy to chunk a chip or two if the conditions are pristine and the sightlines are stunning. 

With that in mind, let’s dive into my rankings of the 15 best golf courses in the world.

15 Best Golf Courses in the World Ranked

What Are the Best Golf Courses in the World?

1. The Old Course at St Andrews — Fife, United Kingdom

No golf course in the world has the history or stature of The Old Course at St Andrews, which is aptly nicknamed “The Home of Golf.”

The sport has been played at St Andrews since the 15th century, making it a must-play venue for the avid golfer. Making a trek to Scotland to see The Open Championship isn’t a bad idea, either.

“I could take out of my life everything except my experiences at St. Andrews, and I would still have had a rich and full life.”
– Bobby Jones

I hope to one day be able to say the same. pic.twitter.com/4XMorOoBjU

— LinksGems (@LinksGems) May 16, 2025

2. Cypress Point Club — California, United States

Think Pebble Beach, but private and more dramatic. 

Cypress Point is arguably the most beautiful golf course in the world, and its final few holes, perched right up against the Pacific Ocean, provide a stern test.

3. Royal County Down Golf Club — County Down, Northern Ireland

There are plenty of stunning views at Royal County Down, a majestic links golf course located on the banks of the Irish Sea.

If heaven has a golf course, I hope it looks like Royal County Down… pic.twitter.com/BFT0EBsVPc

— Jamie Kennedy (@jamierkennedy) November 22, 2024

4. Augusta National Golf Club — Georgia, United States

No list of the world’s best golf courses is complete without Augusta National, the annual home of the Masters Tournament.

In April, Rory McIlroy was a popular PGA Tour betting pick prior to winning his first Green Jacket and completing the career Grand Slam.

5. Pine Valley Golf Club — New Jersey, United States

Pine Valley Golf Club is renowned for its distinctive bunkers, which are deep, large, and prevalent throughout the southern New Jersey property.

The 368yd par-4 2nd at Pine Valley is an awe-inspiring golf hole, and the blind approach to a rolling green atop a wall of menacing bunkers is an unforgettable shot. pic.twitter.com/NiKuNyWcfh

— LinksGems (@LinksGems) May 27, 2022

6. Shinnecock Hills Golf Club — New York, United States

Long Island, New York, is home to a handful of great golf courses, and Shinnecock Hills is chief among them. 

The notoriously challenging U.S. Open venue will host the major championship for the sixth time in 2026.

GM….from Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, home to many US Open Championships. Southampton, NY pic.twitter.com/Su8vDY53Ag

— Joanna L Steidle (@HamptonsDrone) July 19, 2024

7. Royal Melbourne Golf Club — Victoria, Australia

The West course at Royal Melbourne hosted the 2019 Presidents Cup, won by the United States 16-14 in a close contest with the International team.

8. Oakmont Country Club — Pennsylvania, United States

Oakmont Country Club will host the 2025 U.S. Open in mid-June, and reports have already surfaced about the expected length and density of the rough.

Pair that with fast and undulating greens, and the world’s best golfers will be in for a tough test.

9. Royal Portrush Golf Club — County Antrim, Northern Ireland

Royal Portrush will host the final major championship of 2025 in July. When this links golf gem last hosted The Open in 2019, Ireland’s own Shane Lowry overcame his 50-1 golf odds to capture the Claret Jug.

We're so proud to call this place 'home'. pic.twitter.com/gJqlPUAc35

— Royal Portrush G.C. (@royalportrush) November 4, 2024

10. Muirfield — East Lothian, Scotland

Like St Andrews, Muirfield is a majestic links golf venue situated on the Scottish coast and has a long history of hosting The Open Championship.

Muirfield has hosted the tournament 16 times, two of which were played before the turn of the 20th century.

11. Merion Golf Club — Pennsylvania, United States

Merion has hosted the U.S. Open on five occasions, with Justin Rose winning the most recent edition in 2013. The major championship will return to Haverford Township in 2030.

A few more from a magnificent Spring day at Merion Golf Club.

I’ve seen @MerionGolfClub in every season and as the host to the U.S. Open, Curtis Cup, U.S. Amateur, and Walker Cup, and I can’t recall the course ever looking or playing better than it is right now. Simply stunning. pic.twitter.com/FEgMOYcbr1

— LinksGems (@LinksGems) May 11, 2023

12. National Golf Links of America — New York, United States

Located just minutes down the road from Shinnecock Hills, the National Golf Links of America is a pristine yet exclusive links-style course situated along the Peconic Bay.

13. Hirono Golf Club — Miki, Hyogo, Japan

Golf is one of the most popular sports in Japan, so it’s no surprise that the country possesses some of the world’s best courses. 

Best course in Asia – Hirono Golf Club, near Kobe, Japan. pic.twitter.com/RuJOUrhOI6

— Andrew Thomson (@newsfromkyushu) December 1, 2019

14. Turnberry Golf Club — South Ayrshire, Scotland

Turnberry has hosted The Open Championship on four occasions. The first event in 1977 is remembered as the “Duel in the Sun,” which saw Tom Watson fend off Jack Nicklaus by a stroke to claim his second of five Claret Jugs. 

15. Cabot Cliffs — Nova Scotia, Canada

Cabot Cliffs stands alone as Canada’s top golf course, thanks to its stunning links-style setup, elite waterfront views, and pristine conditions.

From cliff to cliff, across rolling sand dunes, Cabot Cliffs is golf at its finest. Carved out of the most breathtaking landscape on Cape Breton Island, it's easy to lose yourself in just one round.

📷: @Golficity pic.twitter.com/en0ARUxXiv

— Cabot Cape Breton (@CabotCapeBreton) August 25, 2024