13 Beautiful Golf Courses Around the World

Playing a round of golf can be both relaxing and fun, or even invigorating and demanding for those who take the game seriously. However, there's one element of golf that has nothing to do with the game itself. The beauty of many of the world's most sought-after courses simply cannot be overstated, not only due to the intrinsic and built-in features many of the best courses possess, but also for their well-manicured lawns and lush greenery.

Many of the world's most visually appealing golf courses offer views that are considered beyond belief, which are often of the ocean, the mountains or some other natural features nearby. Some golf courses are surrounded by protected forests or set on the side of a cliff, whereas others are flanked with palm trees and brimming with incredible wildlife

Whatever your golf tastes might be, you should know that some of the world's most celebrated courses are located in destinations like Anguilla, St. Lucia, Ireland, Scotland and even the U.S. state of Louisiana. If you're gearing up to travel for a good game of golf, consider these courses and all their destinations have to offer.

Recently opened in December of 2023, Cabot Saint Lucia is already considered one of the most naturally stunning golf courses in the world. With one of the most dramatic coastal settings imaginable along the Caribbean Sea, the 18-hole course features rolling valleys, jaw-dropping drop-offs, beach and sea views and an array of natural elements that make golf here challenging and fun.

The course itself is located within a new luxury resort and residential area in Saint Lucia that will eventually be home to world-class wellness and fitness facilities, luxurious residences and more.

Aurora International Golf Course is located on the tiny island of Anguilla, which is known for its unbelievable beaches, luxury boutique hotels and friendly locals. With proximity to the Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club, the course also offers views of what is arguably one of the most beautiful beaches in the world — Rendezvous Bay.

The Greg Norman designed course also features 18 exhilarating holes, including one of the most challenging finishing holes across all golf courses in the Caribbean.

 

Puerto Rico's TPC Dorado Beach is actually home to two unique golf courses, both of which feature natural beauty and exceptional holes that are bound to challenge even the most talented golfers. Offering a luxury golf experience with professional caddie service, these courses offer incredible scenery and mesmerizing ocean views.


Golfers who visit the area will also find plenty to explore along the shores of Dorado Beach. They can even stay at the only Ritz Carlton Reserve in the western hemisphere, which is located nearby.

Tasmania's Barnbougle Dunes offers three unique golf courses with rolling fairways, steep cliffs and dramatic scenery in every direction. The Dunes, the Lost Farm and Bougle Run all exist in a natural setting that aims to maintain the environment with minimal disruption while offering some of the best golf the world has to offer.

The Lost Farm in particular is especially unique since it boasts 20 holes that wind along the coast. 

French Lick, Indiana is known for its award-winning casinos and spas, its old world architecture and its historic hotels, yet many travelers who visit also make time to golf at Pete Dye Course, which was designed by the American golf course architect. Not only does this course offer incredible views of nearby Hoosier National Forest, but it boasts standout features like volcano bunkers and five sets of tees for golfers of every skill level.


Many travelers plan a game of golf here in the fall in order to take in the autumn foliage this area of the country is known for.

New Zealand's Te Arai Links features celebrated golf courses that are well known for their incredible golf and their extraordinary natural beauty. The South Course in particular features incredible coastal elements and views, with natural dunes and eight holes that directly border the sea.

This 18-hole, par 72 course was designed as a traditional walking links golf experience with surprises around every corner.

Pebble Beach Golf Links is an iconic California course that has played a role in golf history since 1919. This championship venue has hosted a range of the world's most memorable golf tournaments, including the 2023 U.S. Women’s Open. The course is also scheduled to host 9 future USGA championships, including the 2027 U.S. Open.

This award-winning course is also naturally beautiful due to its unbelievable sea views, dropoffs and mountain landscapes.

 

Stowe, Vermont is known for its natural beauty, especially in the autumn months when the fall foliage brings in visitors from around the world. The Lodge at Spruce Peak is a luxury resort that's located here, and it offers its Mountain Course at Spruce Peak for discerning guests. This golf course sits among a rolling landscape with an elevation that reaches as high as 1,800 feet and sweeping mountain views. 

Guests who want to stay a while can take a break from golf and visit the property's luxurious spa. Winter sports like skiing are also popular here since the Lodge at Spruce Peak is the only slopeside property with ski-in ski-out access to Stowe Mountain Resort.

Adare Manor is a stunning Irish estate and luxury hotel that offers its own golf course and club in the rolling hills of the Irish countryside. The 18-hole course offers a range of unique holes with dramatic backdrops, including 1st and 15 holes that feature the Desmond Castle (1200 AD) in the background and a Franciscan Abbey (1464 AD) that dominates the center of the course.

While Adare Manor prides itself in its exclusivity, the golf course is open to both members and visitors.

 

Located in Ponce, Puerto Rico, the Costa Caribe Golf & Country Club boasts 27 holes, many of which boast breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea. The course itself is also home to 14 man-made lakes with wildlife and manicured landscaping. 

This golf course is open to members and visitors, and it's frequently cited as one of the most beautiful and scenic in all of the Caribbean.

 

Recently opened in January of 2023, SCHLOSS Roxburghe is a country house estate just south of Edinburgh, Scotland. The estate offers luxury accommodations along with its own 18-hole championship golf course. With a location amongst rivers and woodlands, the course features incredible topography and stunning views of nature in every direction.

Those who want to golf should consider booking a stay at this World of Hyatt property, which offers finely-appointed rooms and suites along with 20 luxury cottages.

 

Louisiana's Money Hill Golf Course offers 18 challenging holes amongst a terrain of hills and valleys adjacent to an 186-acre spring-feed lake. Many holes feature surprising water features that test the skills of even the most talented golfers. 

This private golf club sits just north of New Orleans and offers not only a championship course, but also a clubhouse, tennis courts, a fitness center and pools.