The Ultimate Golfer’s Bucket List: 24 Courses You Need to Play

For golf enthusiasts, there is nothing quite like playing on a world-class course. The thrill of stepping onto the tee box, the challenge of navigating around the hazards, and the sense of accomplishment after sinking that final putt make for an unforgettable experience. With so many incredible courses around the world, it can be tough to decide where to start. Here are 24 golf courses that every golfer should have on their bucket list, including the legendary Pinehurst.

1. Augusta National Golf Club, Augusta, Georgia Home of the Masters tournament, Augusta National is one of the most exclusive and highly-regarded courses in the world. With its iconic azaleas, Amen Corner, and green jacket, this course is a must-play for any golfer.

2. St. Andrews Links, Fife, Scotland As the birthplace of golf, St. Andrews is steeped in history and tradition. Golfers have been playing on this course since the 15th century, and its Old Course is widely regarded as the home of golf.

3. Pebble Beach Golf Links, Pebble Beach, California Perched on the rugged coast of California, Pebble Beach offers stunning ocean views and challenging terrain. It’s no wonder it has hosted numerous U.S. Opens and other major tournaments.

4. Royal Melbourne Golf Club, Melbourne, Australia With its beautiful sandbelt terrain and stunning views of the city, Royal Melbourne is considered one of the world’s most beautiful courses. Its challenging layout will test even the most skilled golfers.

5. Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, Southampton, New York Located on Long Island, Shinnecock Hills is one of the oldest golf courses in the United States. Its rolling terrain and challenging greens have made it a favorite among golfers for over a century.

6. Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, Bandon, Oregon Set along the rugged coast of Oregon, Bandon Dunes offers a links-style experience reminiscent of the courses in Scotland. With its stunning natural beauty and challenging terrain, it’s a must-play for any serious golfer.

7. Cypress Point Club, Pebble Beach, California With its stunning ocean views and challenging holes, Cypress Point is one of the most exclusive and sought-after courses in the world. Its 16th hole, a par-3 over the ocean, is widely considered one of the best holes in golf.

8. Royal County Down Golf Club, Newcastle, Northern Ireland Nestled in the shadow of the Mourne Mountains, Royal County Down is considered one of the most beautiful courses in the world. Its challenging layout and stunning scenery make for an unforgettable golfing experience.

9. Muirfield Village Golf Club, Dublin, Ohio Designed by legendary golfer Jack Nicklaus, Muirfield Village is considered one of the finest courses in the United States. Its challenging layout and beautiful setting make it a favorite among golfers.

10. Pinehurst Resort, Pinehurst, North Carolina With its storied history and challenging terrain, Pinehurst is a must-play for any golfer. Its legendary No. 2 course, designed by Donald Ross, has hosted numerous U.S. Opens and other major tournaments.

11. Royal Portrush Golf Club, County Antrim, Northern Ireland Located on the rugged coast of Northern Ireland, Royal Portrush is considered one of the best links courses in the world. Its challenging terrain and stunning scenery make for an unforgettable golfing experience.

12. Winged Foot Golf Club, Mamaroneck, New York With its narrow fairways and challenging greens, Winged Foot is considered one of the toughest courses in the world.

13. Valderrama Golf Club, Sotogrande, Spain Located on the sunny coast of Spain, Valderrama is a challenging course with tight fairways and small greens. Its stunning setting and world-class facilities make it a favorite among European golfers.

14. Whistling Straits, Kohler, Wisconsin Set along the shores of Lake Michigan, Whistling Straits offers a links-style experience with stunning views of the water. It has hosted numerous major tournaments, including the PGA Championship.

15. Royal Birkdale Golf Club, Southport, England With its challenging bunkers and undulating terrain, Royal Birkdale is considered one of the best courses in England. Its beautiful setting and rich history make it a favorite among British golfers.

16. Torrey Pines Golf Course, San Diego, California Located on the cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Torrey Pines is one of the most stunning courses in the United States. Its challenging layout and beautiful scenery make it a must-play for any golfer.

17. The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island, Kiawah Island, South Carolina Set along the Atlantic coast of South Carolina, The Ocean Course is a challenging links-style course with stunning ocean views. It has hosted numerous major tournaments, including the PGA Championship.

18. Ballybunion Golf Club, County Kerry, Ireland Located on the rugged west coast of Ireland, Ballybunion is considered one of the best links courses in the world. Its stunning scenery and challenging terrain make for an unforgettable golfing experience.

19. Carnoustie Golf Links, Angus, Scotland With its narrow fairways and challenging bunkers, Carnoustie is considered one of the toughest courses in Scotland. Its beautiful setting and rich history make it a must-play for any golfer.

20. Shadow Creek Golf Course, Las Vegas, Nevada Located in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip, Shadow Creek offers a unique and luxurious golfing experience. Its beautiful setting and world-class facilities make it a favorite among high-rolling golfers.

21. Casa de Campo Resort & Villas, La Romana, Dominican Republic With its stunning Caribbean setting and world-class facilities, Casa de Campo is a favorite among golfers. Its challenging Pete Dye-designed course, Teeth of the Dog, offers stunning ocean views and challenging terrain.

22. Kauri Cliffs Golf Course, Matauri Bay, New Zealand Located on the stunning North Island of New Zealand, Kauri Cliffs offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and challenging terrain. Its beautiful setting and world-class facilities make it a must-play for any golfer.

23. Ocean Course at Cabo del Sol, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico Located on the sunny coast of Mexico, the Ocean Course at Cabo del Sol offers stunning ocean views and challenging terrain. Its world-class facilities and beautiful setting make it a favorite among golfers.

24. Royal Troon Golf Club, South Ayrshire, Scotland With its stunning setting and challenging terrain, Royal Troon is considered one of the best links courses in Scotland. Its beautiful coastline and rich history make it a must-play for any golfer.

These 24 golf courses offer some of the most beautiful and challenging experiences a golfer can have. Whether it’s the history and tradition of St. Andrews or the luxurious setting of Shadow Creek, each course offers something unique and unforgettable. So, add these courses to your bucket list and start planning your dream golf vacation.