Top 5 golf destinations for your next adventure: a golfer’s bucket list
Golf is more than just a sport; it’s an experience, especially when you venture out to play on courses that combine challenging layouts with stunning surroundings.
Whether you’re an pro golfer or just looking for inspiration for your next trip, we’ve rounded up five must-visit golf destinations that promise an unforgettable adventure.
St Andrews, Scotland – Where it all began
No golfer’s bucket list is complete without a trip to St Andrews, often called the home of golf. Located on Scotland’s rugged east coast, St Andrews Links features the legendary Old Course, a layout steeped in history and tradition. With its undulating fairways, deep bunkers, and the iconic Swilcan Bridge, it’s a place every golfer dreams of playing.
When you’re not on the course, the charming town of St Andrews offers plenty to explore, from its ancient cathedral ruins to cosy pubs. Just make sure to book your tee time well in advance; this spot is as popular as it gets.
Photo by Ryan Caven on Unsplash
The Old Course at St Andrews Links is hallowed ground for golfers. With records dating back to 1552, it’s one of the oldest courses in the world and widely regarded as the birthplace of golf. Walking in the footsteps of legends like Bobby Jones, Jack Nicklaus, and Tiger Woods is an unforgettable experience.
The course’s design reflects its age and natural evolution, featuring wide fairways, pot bunkers, and unpredictable coastal winds. The infamous Road Hole (17th) is one of the most challenging holes in golf, demanding precision and strategy. The Swilcan Bridge, a small stone structure on the 18th fairway, is an iconic photo spot.
St Andrews offers a variety of booking options, with green fees for the Old Course ranging from £98 (low season) to £315 (high season). Tee times are allocated by ballot or through special packages that include accommodation and access to other courses at the Links.
When visiting, prepare for the unpredictable Scottish weather by exploring our range of hats and jumpers to keep you warm on the course.
Pebble Beach, California – Golf with ocean views
Nestled along the dramatic coastline of California’s Monterey Peninsula, Pebble Beach Golf Links is famous for its breathtaking views and challenging play. Every hole offers a different perspective of the Pacific Ocean, with the seventh and eighteenth standing out as true postcard moments.
Photo by Patrick Konior on Unsplash
Pebble Beach Golf Links is a masterpiece that has hosted six U.S. Opens and countless other prestigious tournaments. Opened in 1919, the course hugs the Pacific coastline, offering jaw-dropping views and challenging play.
One of the standout features is the par-3 7th hole, perched on a cliff and often battered by ocean winds. The 18th, a par-5 finishing hole, is equally dramatic, with the ocean bordering its left side. Few experiences rival the thrill of standing on these iconic tees.
Green fees are steep, starting at $625, but the experience is worth every penny. Staying at one of the Pebble Beach Resorts ensures priority tee times. After your round, treat yourself to dinner at The Lodge, which offers stunning views of the course and coastline.
Pebble Beach isn’t just about golf; it’s about the experience. Take time to savour a post-round drink at the Lodge or explore nearby attractions like the scenic 17-Mile Drive. It’s the perfect blend of luxury and nature, making it a bucket list favourite.
Cabot Cliffs, Canada – Links with a twist
On the rugged coast of Nova Scotia, Cabot Cliffs is a relatively new player in the world of golf, but it’s already making waves. Designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, this links-style course offers dramatic elevation changes, stunning sea views, and a layout that feels both modern and timeless.
Cabot Cliffs, located in Inverness, Nova Scotia, is a striking links-style course built in 2016 by architects Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw. It quickly climbed the rankings to become one of the top courses in the world, blending natural beauty with architectural brilliance.
Every hole at Cabot Cliffs offers unique challenges, but the 16th stands out: a par 3 that requires a tee shot over a dramatic chasm to a green perched on the edge of a cliff. The 17th and 18th holes provide equally stunning finishes, with panoramic views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
Green fees range from CAD $150 in the low season to CAD $275 in peak season. Stay at the Cabot resort for convenient access and a chance to play the neighbouring Cabot Links course. Off the course, explore Cape Breton’s renowned hiking trails and local seafood restaurants.
Each hole here tells its own story, with the 16th—a par 3 perched on a cliff—being one of the most photographed in the world. Off the course, you can soak up Cape Breton Island’s natural beauty or enjoy a locally-sourced meal at the resort’s dining options.
Barnbougle Dunes, Australia – Down under golf magic
If you’re up for a long-haul adventure, Barnbougle Dunes in Tasmania offers a golfing experience like no other. Its windswept fairways, rolling dunes, and pristine beaches make it a true test of skill and strategy. The course’s minimalist design feels like it’s been shaped by nature itself, providing a unique challenge that will leave you wanting more.
Located on Tasmania’s remote north coast, Barnbougle Dunes is a purist’s dream. Opened in 2004, this links-style course was designed by Tom Doak and Mike Clayton to blend seamlessly into the natural landscape of dunes and grasslands.
The course is known for its rugged beauty and firm, fast fairways. Holes like the 4th, with its blind approach shot, and the 7th, a short par 3 overlooking the Bass Strait, offer both challenge and stunning scenery. Playing here feels like stepping back in time to golf’s earliest days.
Green fees are AUD $140, making Barnbougle one of the more affordable bucket-list courses. Accommodation options range from rustic lodges to luxury villas on-site, so you can stay close to the action.
Tasmania also offers plenty of off-course adventures, from hiking in national parks to sampling some of the world’s best whisky. For golfers seeking an escape from the ordinary, this is the destination to beat.
Royal Melbourne, Australia – Championship pedigree
Staying in Australia, Royal Melbourne is another must-visit for serious golfers. As one of the world’s top-ranked courses, it’s famous for its strategic design and immaculate conditioning. The fairways are wide, but the greens are fast and undulating, making it a true test for even the best players.
Royal Melbourne is Australia’s most famous golf course and has hosted numerous Presidents Cups and Australian Opens. The West Course, designed by Alister MacKenzie in 1926, is a masterpiece of strategic golf design.
The course is known for its wide fairways, which invite aggressive tee shots, but its fast and undulating greens demand precision. One of the most celebrated holes is the 6th, a par 3 with a devilishly tricky green surrounded by bunkers.
Green fees for international visitors start at AUD $350, and the course is exclusive, so booking well in advance is essential. Located just 30 minutes from Melbourne, it’s easy to combine a day of golf with the city’s famous food and arts scene.
Located near Melbourne’s vibrant city centre, you’ll find plenty to do beyond the course, including exploring the city’s renowned food and arts scene.
Plan your next adventure
Each of these destinations offers something unique, combining world-class golf with incredible landscapes and culture. When planning your trip, don’t forget to pack the right attire and gear to ensure you’re comfortable on the course.
Which of these spots would you add to your list?
Let us know your favourite golf destinations in the comments!