Golf's Greatest Destinations: Where To Play?

where golf is great

Golf is a sport that is enjoyed by millions of people around the world. Some of the world's most famous golf courses include St Andrews, Augusta, and the Pebble Beach Golf Links in California. The latter has hosted six US Opens, with a seventh to come in 2027, and it also appears on the PGA Tour each year with the Pebble Beach Pro-Am. The Black Course at Bethpage State Park in New York is also famous, having hosted two US Opens and featuring in the Tiger Woods PGA Tour video games. Great golf experiences include driving the Cabot Trail from one great course to the next and enjoying an indulgent midday meal after playing 18 holes on one of the finest links in the world. There are also some of the greatest golfers of all time, including Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, and Bobby Jones.

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The world's most famous golf courses

Golf is a sport that is enjoyed by many, from ultra-competitors to couples enjoying a leisurely game. There are some truly spectacular golf courses around the world, and here are some of the most famous.

St Andrews in Scotland is regarded as the 'home of golf' and is top of the list for many golfers' bucket lists. The Old Course has hosted many greats of the game, from JH Taylor to Tiger Woods. The 1st and 18th holes are two of the world's most famous, and the Road Hole 17th is a daunting challenge.

Augusta National Golf Club is another course that is revered by golfers worldwide. It is the only constant men's Major venue, with its stunning Georgia course beamed across the globe each April. It is notoriously exclusive and private, making it extremely difficult to get a tee time.

Pebble Beach in California is another famous course, hosting six US Opens, with a seventh to come in 2027. It also hosts a PGA Championship and features on the PGA Tour each year. The course boasts breathtaking vistas of the Pacific Ocean, with undulating fairways and small, lightning-fast greens.

Bethpage Black in New York is famous for its challenging layout and demanding terrain. It has hosted the US Open and will host the 2025 Ryder Cup. The course is renowned for its lush fairways, interesting course design, and undulating greens.

The Majlis Course at the Emirates Golf Club in Dubai is designed by Karl Litten and is known for hosting the Omega Dubai Desert Classic, attracting top golfers worldwide. The course is highlighted by lush fairways and scenic desert landscapes, offering a test of precision and skill.

These golf courses offer a mix of stunning locations, challenging layouts, and rich histories, making them famous among golfers and sports enthusiasts worldwide.

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America's 100 greatest golf courses

Golf Digest has been publishing America's 100 Greatest Golf Courses since 1966, making it the oldest and most respected ranking system in golf. The ranking is considered the leading symbol of golf course excellence. Golf Digest's ranking criteria include Shot Options, Challenge, Layout Variety, Aesthetics, Conditioning, and Character.

The Alotian Club, founded by Warren Stephens, is the first and only course in Arkansas to make the list. The club gives a glimpse of what Augusta National would have looked like if Bobby Jones had established his dream course on hillier terrain. The first tee shot drops 70 feet to a fairway below, with the approach playing back uphill.

The National Golf Links, a true links course, is another one of America's 100 Greatest Golf Courses. The course is a fusion of architect C.B. Macdonald's favourite features from British golf holes. Macdonald's designs are considered superior in strategy to the originals, and they continue to be studied by golf architects.

Seminole Golf Club in Juno Beach, Florida, is also featured on the list. Designed by Donald Ross, each hole at Seminole encounters a new wind direction.

Jimmie James, a retired ExxonMobil executive, set out to become the first person to play America's top 100 golf courses in a year. His journey through the most exclusive and opulent courses in America is documented in his memoir, "Playing from the Rough: A Personal Journey through America's 100 Greatest Golf Courses".

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The ultimate golf to-do list

Golf is a special game that you can play for life. It is a privilege to play, and it can be a positive influence on your life in many ways. It is a great way to exercise, get outdoors, and meet new people. Golf can also be an excellent opportunity to strengthen business relationships or form new ones. Here is the ultimate golf to-do list:

Get Started with Lessons

If you are new to golf, the best way to begin is by taking lessons. Many golf courses offer lessons for all skill levels, taught by certified pros in a relaxed setting. You can learn the basics, improve your swing, and get tips on mastering the mental aspects of the game. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced golfer looking to fine-tune your skills, lessons can be a great addition to your golf journey.

Explore Different Courses

One of the joys of golf is the variety of courses available. From links to clifftop, prairie, parkland, desert, or coastal courses, the options are endless. Explore the top-ranked courses in America, such as the Milwaukee Country Club, Dallas National, or Pasatiempo, and experience the unique features each course offers. Each course presents its own set of challenges and visual delights, so you can enjoy discovering new layouts and testing your skills in different environments.

Compete and Socialise

Golf caters to a range of players, from ultra-competitive golfers to those seeking a leisurely game with friends or family. Compete in tournaments or friendly matches to test your skills and satisfy your competitive spirit. Alternatively, enjoy a casual round with your spouse, friends, or family, taking in the beauty of the course and creating lasting memories. Golf is a game that can be tailored to your preferences, whether you're seeking intense competition or a relaxing social outing.

Improve Your Health

Golf is an excellent form of exercise, as it involves a significant amount of walking. A typical round of golf can cover around 4 miles, helping you meet your daily step goals and improve your cardiovascular health. Spending time outdoors and soaking up the sunshine also boosts your vitamin D levels, which has numerous health benefits, including improved bone health. Golf provides a fun and enjoyable way to enhance your physical and mental well-being.

Make New Friends

Golf is a fantastic way to meet new people and expand your social circle. Head to the course alone or join groups, and you'll find yourself connecting with like-minded individuals who share your passion for the game. Golf fosters camaraderie and provides a neutral ground to forge new friendships and strengthen existing relationships. So, whether you're teeing off with strangers or familiar faces, you're sure to enjoy the social aspect of this sport.

Host a Business Outing

Golf is a popular sport among businessmen and professionals. Consider hosting a business outing or taking your colleagues and bosses for a round of golf. The golf course provides a relaxed and neutral environment to foster relationships, make deals, and strengthen professional connections. It's a unique way to entertain clients, build rapport, and showcase your skills both on and off the course.

With its ability to challenge, inspire, and connect people, golf offers a wealth of experiences that can enrich your life. So grab your clubs, step out onto the course, and start ticking off items on your ultimate golf to-do list!

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The greatest golfers of all time

Golf is a sport that has witnessed some legendary athletes over the years. The greatest golfers are often those who have dominated the sport for long periods, showcasing exceptional skill, determination, and influence on the game. Here is a list of some of the greatest golfers of all time:

Jack Nicklaus

Nicklaus is often regarded as the greatest golfer in history. With an impressive 18 major wins and 117 professional victories, his body of work is unparalleled. Known for his kind and gracious demeanour, Nicklaus is a true gentleman of the sport.

Tiger Woods

Woods is another strong contender for the title. With 15 major wins and 106 professional victories, Woods was the most dominant and talented golfer of his generation. Many believe that injuries and scandals prevented him from surpassing Nicklaus. Woods expanded the appeal of golf, attracting new audiences and creating a professional scene where even mediocre golfers could thrive.

Gary Player

Player is considered golf's first great international ambassador, with victories spanning across the globe. He is one of only five men to have won all four majors, amassing nine major titles in total. His dramatic comebacks, such as during the 1978 Masters, are legendary.

Bobby Jones

Jones is a fascinating figure who walked away from competitive golf at just 28 years old. In an eight-year window, he played in 31 major championships, winning 13, including the 1930 Grand Slam. Jones' popularity as an amateur golfer influenced the perception of the sport, and he founded the Masters tournament in 1934.

Arnold Palmer

Palmer is credited with bringing charisma, flamboyance, and sex appeal to the game. His influence on the public conception of golf was immense, and he played a pivotal role in elevating the status of the "Open" Championship.

These golfers have left an indelible mark on the sport, with their achievements, personalities, and contributions shaping golf into the beloved game it is today.

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The best golf experiences

Golf is a special game that can be played for life and offers a variety of experiences. It can be a leisurely pursuit to enjoy the outdoors, or an intense competition requiring devotion. Golf is a great leveller, bringing people of different ages and interests together. It is a great way to make new friends and business connections, and to improve your health.

For those looking for the best golf experiences, there are several options. The US, for example, offers geographic diversity and splendour, with courses in Wisconsin, Florida, Texas, South Carolina, Georgia, and beyond. Wisconsin, in particular, has seen a rise in popularity, with golfers flocking to its glacial moraines and large swaths of sand.

For those seeking renowned courses, Golf Digest's ranking of America's 100 Greatest Golf Courses is a good place to start. The 2025-2026 ranking is based on nearly 88,000 evaluations across a range of categories. Notable courses include Milwaukee Country Club, with its classic design and surprisingly hilly holes, and Dallas National, with its rugged, cedar-dotted terrain.

Pasatiempo in California is another stand-out course, featuring elaborate greens and spectacular bunkering, as well as five daunting yet delightful par 3s. The course has hosted two USGA championships and received a Golf Digest Green Star environmental award for its measures to address drought.

Ultimately, the best golf experiences are subjective and depend on individual preferences. Whether it's the beauty of the course, the challenge of the game, or the company of friends, golf has something unique to offer everyone.

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Frequently asked questions

Some of the world's most famous golf courses include St Andrews, Augusta, Pebble Beach, Abu Dhabi GC, and the Black Course at Bethpage State Park, New York.

Some of the best golf experiences include driving the Cabot Trail, playing at a course in Wales with sheep roaming in the fairways, and enjoying an indulgent midday meal after playing 18 holes.

Some of America's greatest golf courses include Milwaukee Country Club, Dallas National, Aronimink, and Pasatiempo.

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