Golf courses outside of the United States offer a diverse range of landscapes, designs, and challenges that cater to golf enthusiasts worldwide. In Scotland, the birthplace of golf, historic links courses like St. Andrews Old Course provide players with a unique experience amidst rugged coastal terrain and unpredictable weather. Moving to the heart of Europe, countries like Ireland boast lush greenery and dramatic seaside cliffs, with courses like Royal County Down offering breathtaking views and intricate layouts. Down under in Australia, golfers can tee off against panoramic backdrops of rugged outback or pristine coastline, exemplified by courses such as Royal Melbourne. Each golf course outside the United States offers its own distinctive charm, embracing the natural beauty and cultural heritage of its respective region while providing an unforgettable golfing experience.
- St. Andrews Links (Old) – St. Andrews, Scotland
- Overview: The inception of where golf all started, St. Andrews is the home of golf.
- Signature Hole: Par-4 17th, “Road Hole”.
- Tournaments Hosted: The Open.
- Facilities: Iconic Course, Clubhouse, Swilcan Lounge.
- Location: W Sands Rd, St Andrews KY16 9XL, United Kingdom.
- Contact Details: +44 1334 466666
2. Royal County Down G.C. – Newcastle, N. Ireland
- Overview: Nestled amidst the picturesque Murlough Nature Reserve in Northern Ireland, golfers discover a stunning links course that ranks among the world’s most naturally beautiful setting, framed by the majestic Mountains of Mourne,
- Signature Hole: Par-4 9th, challenged by its blind shots.
- Tournaments Hosted: Senior British Open, Walker Cup, Irish Open.
- Facilities: Clubhouse, Murlough Bar, Dining room.
- Location: 36 Golf Links Rd, Newcastle BT33 0AN, United Kingdom.
- Contact Details: +44 28 4372 3314
3. Muirfield – Gullane, Scotland
- Overview: A golfing challenge highly regarded on an international scale, consistently ranked among the premier courses globally, celebrated for its demanding layout and exceptional design.
- Signature Hole: Par-5, 5th, one of the most difficult holes on the course with five bunkers surrounding the green.
- Tournaments Hosted: In rotation for The Open Championship
- Facilities: Clubhouse, dining facilities.
- Location: Muirfield, Duncur Rd, Gullane EH31 2EG, United Kingdom
- Contact Details: +44 1620 842123
4. Royal Melbourne G.C. (West) – Melbourne, Australia
- Overview: The West Course stands out for its dramatic contours, rugged natural appearance, and prominent bunkers, creating a unique and memorable experience for golfers.
- Signature Hole: Par-3, 5th, one of the most exciting and difficult par three’s in the world.
- Tournaments Hosted: Australian Open, The Presidents Cup, Women’s Australian Open.
- Facilities: Multiple courses, clubhouse, dining facilities.
- Location: 88 Cheltenham Rd, Black Rock VIC 3193, Australia.
- Contact Details: +61 3 9599 0500
5. Valderrama G.C. – Sotogrande, Spain
- Overview: #1 golf course in Spain.
- Signature Hole: Par 5, 17th, challenging green, framed by bougainvillea studded gabion walls.
- Tournaments Hosted: Andalucia Masters, Volo Master on the DP World Tour.
- Facilities: Two restaurants at the clubhouse: Valderrama Restaurant and Spike bar.
- Location: Av. los Cortijos, s/n, 11310 Sotogrande, Cádiz, Spain.
- Contact Details: +34 956 79 12 00
6. Hirono G.C. – Hyogo, Japan
- Overview: Intensely private course,
- Signature Hole:Par-4, 14th, hilly with a lot of hazards.
- Tournaments Hosted: Japan Open.
- Facilities:Clubhouse, restaurant, bar/lounge.
- Location: 7 Chome-3 Shijimicho Hirono, Miki, Hyogo 673-0541, Japan.
- Contact Details: +81 794-85-0123
7. Cabo Del Sol (Ocean) – Los Cabos, Mexico
- Overview: Breath-taking ocean front views.
- Signature Hole: Par-3, 17th, beautiful view of the ocean.
- Tournaments Hosted: Senior Slam.
- Facilities: Multiple courses, clubhouse, resort accomodations.
- Location: México 1 km 10.3, del Sol, 23410 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico.
- Contact Details: Contact the Four Seasons Resort and Residences for more information.
8. Kauri Cliffs – Northland, New Zealand
- Overview: Has 15 holes that have spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean.
- Signature Hole: Par-3, 7th, An awe-inspiring one-shot hole situated on the cliff’s edge overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the 7th combines raw power with stunning beauty.
- Tournaments Hosted: Various regional tournaments.
- Facilities: Clubhouse, 19th tee dining room.
- Location: Unnamed Road, Matauri Bay 0478, New Zealand.
- Contact Details: +64 9 407 0060
9. Sunningdale G.C. (Old) – Sunningdale, England
- Overview: The Old Course at Sunningdale is recognized as one of England’s top golf courses and is often considered the premier inland course in all of Europe.
- Signature Hole: Par-4, 10th, considered the signature hole of England, Players face the task of maneuvering past a trio of fairway bunkers bordering the driving zone, with the central bunker typically beyond the reach of most players.
- Tournaments Hosted: News of the World Professional Match Play, The European Open, Ladies Open Championship, The Walker Cup, The Open Championship International Final Qualifying.
- Facilities: Multiple courses, Clubhouse.
- Location: Ridgemount Rd, Ascot SL5 9RR, United Kingdom.
- Contact Details: +44 1344 621681
10. G. de Morfontaine – Morfontaine, France
- Overview: Renownedly know for its exclusiveness to its members and their guests, however acceptions can be made.
- Signature Hole: Par-4, 16th, Golfers encounter a band of heather crossing the fairway within range from the tee, while a demanding uphill approach is required to reach a meticulously guarded green.
- Tournaments Hosted: European Senior Men’s and Ladies’ championship.
- Facilities: Multiple courses, clubhouse.
- Location: Golf de Mortefontaine, 1 Le Golf de Mortefontaine, 60128 Mortefontaine, France.
- Contact Details: + 33 344 546 827
