Iconic Golf Courses to Add to Your Bucket List

golf courses

Did you know that golf dates all the way back to the days of Julius Caesar?

Golfing is one of the world’s most popular sports, with nearly 60 million people around the world playing on a regular basis. It’s easy to see why: it’s a great way to experience the natural beauty, and each course has its own unique design and feel.

With so many golf courses to choose from, which ones are worth visiting?

Golf Courses

There are about 35,000 golf courses around the world, and nearly half of them are in the United States. With so many courses to play, how do you decide where to go? Having a list of some of the most beautiful and well-regarded golf courses can help steer you in the right direction.

Each course on this list was chosen for its distinct features: strategic layout, visual experience, varied holes, water hazards, and unique obstacles. There is a balance of challenge and playability that can cater to different budgets and golfing abilities.

Check out some of the most amazing golf courses created, and consider stringing a few of them together by planning an epic golf vacation.  

Royal Hawaiian Golf Club

When most people imagine paradise, they picture Hawaii.

Tropical, lush, and with world-famous beaches along with heavenly weather, playing a course in Hawaii should be something every lover of golf experiences at some point during their lives.

Royal Hawaiian Golf Club boasts some of the most stunning views imaginable. The majestic emerald greenery of Mount Olomana and Ko’olau Mountain is on clear display throughout the entire course.

The course is only 20 minutes away from Waikiki and was redesigned by hall-of-fame golfer Greg Norman.

Expansive views of royal palms, banana trees, and flowing streams are sure to keep you in good spirits as you wander the green. On top of this, there’s a 45,000 square-foot clubhouse on-site that offers you everything you could need.

Pine Valley Golf Club

Nestled in the sandy pine barrens of southwest Jersey, Pine Valley Golf Club is well-known for being one of the most beautiful and challenging golf courses in the world.

Pine Valley Golf Club blends different schools of golf design. This means that golfers experience a wide range of challenges that are sure to keep everyone engaged.

With beautiful views and tons of surprises, each hole on Pine Valley is considered a masterpiece. In order to experience the exclusive privilege of playing Pine Valley, golfers either need to become a member or be invited and accompanied by another member.

Pacific Dunes

Pacific Dunes at Bandon Dunes Resort is one of America’s greatest public golf courses.

Located along the rugged coast of Southern Oregon, each hole on Pacific Dunes feels naturally carved out of its breath-taking landscape. Stunning ocean views along with rolling greens, treat golfers to natural beauty every step of the way.

The trick to playing Pacific Dunes is in mastering the wind, which can vary from day-to-day and hole-to-hole. There’s a healthy mix of challenges that will have you using every club in your bag along the way.

Streamsong Resort Red 

Located in Central Florida, Streamsong Resort Red was designed by the legendary architect team of Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw.

Streamsong Resort Red serves up a solid challenge along with a visual buffet of Florida’s world-famous landscape. With subtle dips and dramatic views of rolling hills, along with plenty of sand and fresh water, it’s no wonder this course is consistently ranked as one of the best in Florida.

The site also offers excellent dining options and other recreational sports like archery and bass fishing. Situated between Tampa and Orlando, Streamsong Resort Red is also a short distance from some of Florida’s most famous tourist destinations.

Whispering Pines 

Located on the edge of the Trinity River in Texas, Whispering Pines is another course that’s guaranteed to bring tons of fun and leave you satisfied.

Whispering Pines is a bit off the beaten path, making it a great place for a quiet, peaceful game. Most of the fairways are wide and naturally blended in with interesting marshlands, shrubs, and sandy soil.

The course also offers private cabins, making it an ideal place to soak in the beauty of Texas’ natural landscape.

Gatlinburg Golf Course

Gatlinburg Golf Course is situated on the edge of the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, just south of Knoxville.

The course is lined with jaw-dropping mountainous views and beautifully wooded landscapes. It is open year-round and has a fully-equipped pro shop and excellent dining options.

The course only has a couple of water hazards on the back nine, so you don’t have to worry about your ball going for a swim. The course is well-maintained, and the fresh mountain air will leave you feeling invigorated.

Gatlinburg caters to golfers of every skill level, offering a decent challenge to well-seasoned golfers while still being accessible to beginners.

Wilderness Club

Located just minutes from National Forest land, Wilderness Club sits along an exceptionally pretty stretch of land in Montana.

There’s plenty of beauty to behold in Wilderness Club: amazing mountain views, expansive grasses, lakes, and streams. Designed by Sir Nick Faldo, Wilderness Club is another course that caters to golfers at every stage.

The resort sits on 555 acres and offers a wide range of all-season outdoor activities for families of all sizes as well as luxury accommodations. Wilderness Club has a clubhouse with a grill, a water park, luxury cottages, group cabins, and resort suites. 

Wilderness Club is one of the most gorgeous golf courses in America and has something for everyone.

Take Action

With so many wonderful golf courses to experience, why wait to get started?  

Take action and start planning your trip today.

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