Golf has always been the sport of prestige and refinement, and a lot of that reputation is based on where the sport occurs. Most famous golf courses are hidden behind exclusive country club gates, surrounded by pristine landscaping and gorgeous views.
These are more than mere sports venues: They are shrines to design, to tradition, and to our best efforts at excelling in this thing called life. Around the world, a few courses are destinations in their own right, renowned for their beauty, history, and challenge.
What Makes a Golf Course “Famous”?
Some courses earn it through centuries of history, others because of the championships they host or the beauty of their surroundings. A few become legends simply because of the stories told on their greens, rivalries, triumphs, and heartbreaks that live on long after the final putt.
For some, “fame” comes from exclusivity; for others, from their role in shaping the modern game. So while listing the famous and nicest golf courses in the world can never be objective, these stand out as icons for both players and fans.
St Andrews Old Course, Scotland, UK
Known as the “Home of Golf,” St Andrews has shaped the game for more than 600 years. Wind, history, and challenge meet here — it’s where every serious golfer hopes to play at least once. The bunkers are unforgiving, the weather unpredictable, and the feeling of standing on those fairways unmatched.
Augusta National Golf Club, Georgia, USA
If perfection had a color, it would be Augusta green. Designed by Bobby Jones and Alister MacKenzie, this course is the epitome of elegance. With immaculate fairways and blossoms that seem hand-painted, Augusta National remains one of the most private and revered clubs in the world. Membership is by invitation only, capped at roughly 300 members.
The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, Scotland, UK
Separate from the Old Course itself, the Royal and Ancient Golf Club represents golf’s spiritual core. Founded in 1754, it still holds immense influence over the game’s global governance and prestige. The clubhouse — a striking building of stone and glass — is as symbolic as the game it represents.
Morfontaine Golf Club, Paris, France
Built in 1913 for the Duke of Guiche, Morfontaine captures the romance of France in every hole. Nestled among pine forests, it offers a calm, private escape from the bustle of Paris. Each hole feels like a secret garden.
Nullarbor Links, Australia
You can’t talk about scale without mentioning Nullarbor. Stretching across 1,365 kilometers, it’s often called the biggest golf course in the world. Eighteen holes are scattered along the Eyre Highway, connecting small towns across two states — making it part road trip, part endurance test.
Pine Valley Golf Club, New Jersey, USA
Many professionals consider Pine Valley the ultimate challenge. With elevation shifts, sandy hazards, and greens that punish imprecision, it’s a test of nerve and creativity. It’s not for beginners, but it’s unforgettable for anyone who plays it.
Cypress Point Club, Pebble Beach, California
Cypress Point is legendary — and controversial. Once part of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am rotation, it lost that status in the 1990s over membership policies. Yet its beauty remains untouchable. Perched along the Pacific cliffs, it’s one of the nicest golf courses in the world and a dream setting for golfers who value natural drama over spectacle.
Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Abu Dhabi, UAE
A modern marvel. Its falcon-shaped clubhouse dominates the skyline, and its pristine fairways host major tournaments such as the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship. It represents how far the game has spread — from Scottish dunes to desert luxury.
Bethpage Black, New York, USA
For fans of televised golf, this course needs no introduction. The Black Course at Bethpage State Park has hosted multiple U.S. Opens and PGA Championships. Its warning sign — “The Black Course is an extremely difficult course which is recommended only for highly skilled golfers” — says it all.
Cape Kidnappers, Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand
Few places can rival the drama of Cape Kidnappers. Set atop seaside cliffs overlooking the Pacific, its layout makes every swing feel cinematic. Golfers come as much for the view as for the challenge.
Which Golf Courses Host the Most Tournaments?
Augusta National Golf Club leads the way, with more than 80 Masters tournaments and counting. Close behind is The Old Course at St Andrews, which has hosted over 30 Open Championships, each one adding another layer to its myth.
What is the #1-Rated Golf Course in the World?
Ask ten golfers about the nicest golf course in the world, and you’ll hear ten different answers. Some prize history and links-style austerity; others crave luxury and flawless greens. Many look east, where newer destinations — like Mission Hills Golf Club in Shenzhen, China — have earned recognition and even the Guinness World Record as the biggest golf course in the world
In the end, the answer depends on what golf means to you. Is it the quiet rhythm of walking a fairway that’s seen legends? The adrenaline of competing on the same course as your heroes? Or the simple joy of a perfect swing on a perfect day?
Whatever your answer, if you’re following the action beyond the fairway, you can find the latest golf odds at BetUS, covering every major tournament from the PGA Tour to international championships.