10 Most Spectacular Golf Courses: A Bucket List Guide

Nov 08, 2024

According to a 2024 Golf Digest survey, 92% of avid golfers dream of playing at least one bucket-list course in their lifetime.

From iconic coastal links to challenging mountain layouts, these extraordinary venues represent the pinnacle of golf course architecture and natural beauty.

Legendary Coastal Courses

1. Chambers Bay (Washington)

This stunning Pacific Northwest course earned worldwide recognition hosting the 2015 U.S. Open.

Aerial view of Chambers Bay Golf Course showing undulating fairways and sandy waste areas along Puget Sound. The course's natural contours and fescue rough create a striking contrast with the calm waters of the sound stretching to distant mountains. — The links-style layout of Chambers Bay Golf Course in Washington state, site of the 2015 U.S. Open, showcasing its dramatic use of natural terrain and stunning views across Puget Sound.

A recent Golf.com player survey ranked it among the top 3 public courses in America, with 89% of golfers citing its dramatic Puget Sound views as "unforgettable".

For tips on playing challenging coastal courses, check out my guide to mastering golf bag essentials.

2. Pebble Beach Golf Links (California)

Consistently ranked #1 among public courses by Golf Digest since 2003.

Aerial view of a dramatic coastal golf course with emerald green fairways and white sand bunkers perched atop golden cliffs. Turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean crash against the rocky coastline below, creating a stunning contrast between land and sea. — The iconic coastline holes at Pebble Beach Golf Links, where the course dramatically meets the Pacific Ocean. The layout showcases some of golf's most photographed holes with small greens perched above crashing waves.

The course features some of golf's most photographed holes, with the par-3 7th being featured in over 1 million Instagram posts.

Learn what equipment you need for these prestigious courses in my article on what's in your golf bag: essentials and secrets.

3. Bandon Dunes Resort (Oregon)

Named "America's #1 Golf Resort" by Golf Magazine in 2024.

Aerial view of Bandon Dunes Golf Resort during a misty morning, showing emerald green fairways winding through natural dunes. Rolling fog dramatically spills over the coastal cliffs, creating a mystical atmosphere where the Pacific Ocean meets the rugged Oregon coastline. — The ethereal beauty of Bandon Dunes Golf Resort in Oregon, where morning marine layer creates a dramatic interplay between land and sea. This pure links-style layout showcases how modern golf architecture can honor the game's ancient Scottish roots along the Pacific coast.

The property's multiple courses, particularly Sheep Ranch and Pacific Dunes, offer pure links-style golf along 23 miles of dramatic Oregon coastline.

Modern Masterpieces

4. Cabot Cliffs (Nova Scotia)

Designed by the legendary duo of Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, this masterpiece features dramatic cliff-top holes where all 18 greens offer ocean views.

Dramatic aerial view of Cabot Cliffs golf course showing emerald fairways perched atop rugged red cliffs. The coastline stretches into the distance with pine forests inland and the Atlantic Ocean's blue waters meeting the rocky shore. — The breathtaking coastal holes at Cabot Cliffs in Nova Scotia, where dramatic cliff-edge greens and natural terrain create one of golf's most spectacular modern designs.

For a complete understanding of course timing, read my guide to 18 holes of golf.

International Masterpieces

5. Royal County Down (Northern Ireland)

Voted World's #1 Course by Golf Digest in 2024.

Morning view of Royal County Down Golf Course with dramatic sand dunes and undulating fairways in the foreground. A historic Irish town with prominent church spire sits nestled against misty mountains in the background. Golden morning light illuminates the links-style terrain while creating atmospheric shadows across the natural dunes. — The legendary Royal County Down Golf Club, where centuries-old architecture meets timeless links golf. Consistently ranked as the world's #1 course, its natural dunes and the backdrop of the Mourne Mountains create an iconic Irish golfing landscape that has challenged and inspired players since 1889.

The dramatic Mountains of Mourne backdrop and challenging layout have earned it a 98.8 rating from golf critics worldwide.

6. Old Head Golf Links (Ireland)

Built on a 220-acre diamond of land jutting into the Atlantic Ocean, Old Head offers perhaps the most dramatic setting in golf.

Aerial view of Old Head Golf Links in Ireland, showing a dramatic peninsula with emerald green fairways perched atop 300-foot cliffs. A distinctive black and white lighthouse stands at the point, surrounded by crashing Atlantic waves against rugged coastline. — The breathtaking Old Head Golf Links in Ireland, where a historic lighthouse marks the entrance to one of golf's most dramatically positioned courses, built on a 220-acre diamond-shaped headland extending into the Atlantic Ocean.

The course features nine holes played along cliff tops, with drops of up to 300 feet to the ocean below.

7. Lahinch Golf Club (Ireland)

Often called the "St Andrews of Ireland," this historic 1892 layout features two of golf's most famous blind shots - the "Klondyke" and "Dell" holes.

Evening view of Lahinch Golf Club's undulating links course with dramatic sand dunes in golden light. A historic Irish town with prominent church spire sits in the background against misty mountains, creating a quintessential Irish golf scene.Aerial view of Lahinch Golf Club showing emerald green fairways winding through natural sand dunes along a pristine beach. The dramatic Irish coastline stretches into the distance with turquoise waters meeting golden sand, while undulating links terrain creates a classic seaside golf landscape. — The timeless beauty of Lahinch Golf Club's coastal holes, where natural dunes and strategic bunkering have challenged golfers since 1892. The course's seamless integration with Ireland's dramatic Atlantic coastline exemplifies the purest form of links golf.

The course uniquely employs goats as natural weather forecasters, a tradition dating back over 100 years.

Hidden Treasures

8. Wolf Creek (Nevada)

Named "Most Dramatic Course in America" by Golf Magazine, featuring 300 feet of elevation changes and desert vistas that extend for 40 miles.

Aerial photograph of Wolf Creek Golf Club showing emerald green fairways and white sand bunkers dramatically woven through desert canyon landscape. Multiple water features reflect the blue sky amid the rocky terrain. — The stunning desert oasis of Wolf Creek Golf Club in Mesquite, Nevada, where dramatic elevation changes and desert canyons create one of golf's most photographed venues.

Discover more exceptional venues in my guide to hidden gem golf courses.

9. Tobacco Road (North Carolina)

Architect Mike Strantz's masterpiece has earned cult status among golf architecture enthusiasts, with Golf Week ranking it among America's top 50 modern courses.

Aerial view of a golf hole at Tobacco Road featuring dramatic sand waste areas, undulating green fairways, and pine forest surroundings. The late afternoon sunlight creates striking shadows across the sculptured terrain and bunkers. — The distinctive design of Tobacco Road Golf Club in North Carolina, where architect Mike Strantz created a masterpiece of strategic bunkering and natural terrain manipulation.

Learn from others' experiences in my article about four-putt bogey lessons.

10. Greywalls (Michigan)

Set among the rock formations of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, this unique course offers challenging greens and spectacular natural features.

View of a large undulating green complex at Greywalls Golf Course, surrounded by dense forest. The green's contours are highlighted by early evening light, showing the dramatic movement in the putting surface. — The challenging green complexes at Greywalls in Michigan's Upper Peninsula showcase the course's commitment to strategic golf architecture amid natural woodland setting.

Many consider it one of the most underrated courses in America.

Expert Insight

"The truly great courses don't just challenge golfers - they inspire them. Each of these venues represents the perfect marriage of natural beauty and architectural genius." - Tom Doak, renowned golf course architect

According to a 2024 study by the National Golf Foundation, playing bucket-list courses remains the #1 golf-related aspiration among serious players, with 78% willing to travel internationally for the experience.

For strategies on maximizing your golf experience, read my guide to strategies for golf club member experience.

And That’s It

The beauty of golf lies in experiencing these diverse and spectacular venues, each offering its own unique challenges and memorable moments.

Whether you're planning a golf trip or building your lifetime bucket list, these courses represent some of the finest golf experiences available anywhere in the world.

Hakan.

Founder, ParTalk Newsletter

ParTalk Newsletter