Golf is more than just a game—it’s an experience that blends sport with nature. Some golf courses offer breathtaking scenery, transforming a round of golf into an unforgettable journey through lush forests, towering mountains, and stunning coastlines. Whether you’re a casual player or a serious golfer, these ten scenic courses are a must-see for their incredible landscapes.
1. Pebble Beach Golf Links (USA)
Nestled along the rugged California coastline, Pebble Beach is a bucket-list destination for golfers. Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, its cliffside fairways and crashing waves create a stunning backdrop. The iconic 7th hole, a short par-3 with the ocean as its hazard, is one of the most photographed holes in golf.
2. St. Andrews Links (Scotland)
Known as the “Home of Golf,” St. Andrews offers more than just history. The Old Course features vast rolling greens, deep bunkers, and a dramatic coastal setting. Playing on this legendary course, with the North Sea in the distance, feels like stepping into the heart of golf’s origins.
3. Augusta National Golf Club (USA)
Famous for hosting The Masters, Augusta National is a paradise of lush greenery, towering pine trees, and blooming azaleas. The picturesque Rae’s Creek, which flows through Amen Corner, adds to the course’s beauty, making it one of the most visually stunning venues in the sport.
4. Cape Kidnappers Golf Course (New Zealand)
Perched on dramatic cliffs in New Zealand, Cape Kidnappers offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. The fairways sit atop sheer cliffs that drop nearly 500 feet into the sea, creating a thrilling and visually spectacular round of golf.
5. Banff Springs Golf Course (Canada)
Set in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Banff Springs provides golfers with jaw-dropping mountain views. The course winds through pine forests, alongside the Bow River, with snow-capped peaks in the background. It’s a perfect blend of natural beauty and world-class golf.
6. Cabot Cliffs (Canada)
Located in Nova Scotia, Cabot Cliffs features dramatic seaside cliffs, rolling dunes, and panoramic ocean views. Every hole offers a breathtaking perspective, especially the par-3 16th, where golfers must hit their shot over the rugged coastline.
7. Lofoten Links (Norway)
One of the most unique courses in the world, Lofoten Links is located above the Arctic Circle. Set against the backdrop of mountains and the Norwegian Sea, golfers can even play under the Midnight Sun in summer or witness the Northern Lights in winter.
8. Sentosa Golf Club (Singapore)
With views of the Singapore skyline and the South China Sea, Sentosa Golf Club offers a blend of natural and urban beauty. The Serapong Course, home to the Singapore Open, features rolling fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and stunning waterfront holes.
9. Kauri Cliffs Golf Course (New Zealand)
Another gem from New Zealand, Kauri Cliffs sits high above the Pacific Ocean with panoramic sea views. The course winds through native forests and farmland, with six cliffside holes offering some of the most spectacular scenery in golf.
10. Old Head Golf Links (Ireland)
Jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean, Old Head is a breathtaking course that feels like it’s floating on water. Almost every hole offers ocean views, and the dramatic cliffs create an exhilarating experience, making it one of the most picturesque golf courses in the world.
Final Thoughts
These courses prove that golf is not just about skill and competition—it’s also about experiencing some of the world’s most stunning landscapes. Whether you prefer mountain backdrops, coastal fairways, or historic greens, these destinations offer more than just a game; they provide an unforgettable journey through nature’s finest scenery.