Golf has been around for ages, and for a sport that seems just a tad calmer than all the other ball games, it’s still pretty popular. We believe it’s more than just the social status that comes with the territory. It must be all that green, and the way the fairways just seem to take every stressor out of the picture. Below are the top six golf courses you should visit in this lifetime.
Top 1: Pine Valley Golf Club
Location: Clementon, New Jersey
Specifics: Par 70 ~ 6,755 yards; Crump/Colt (1918)
The Pine Valley is the Holy Grail equivalent for golfers simply because it’s quite a challenge to locate and the property itself is exclusive. You’d have to go through a lot of pins and needles just to play here unless of course you’re a VIP. This golf course is located in the Pine Barrens in New Jersey, and those who were lucky (and experienced) enough to play in its fairways claim that it’s the world’s best golf course to date.
The golf course was founded in 1913 and it started off with only 184 acres. Later on, 416 acres of woodlands, which add sheer vibrancy to the place, was bought by the property owners.
Top 2: Cypress Point Club
Location: Pebble Beach, California
Specifics: Par 72 ~ 6,536 yards; Mackenzie (1929)
Even if you’re not familiar with the golfing world, you would have heard about the Cypress Point Club in Pebble Beach. It’s one of the most mentioned golfing destinations in the movies, media, etc. and you can be sure that it’s not overrated. This is also one of the most private golf courses in the world, so once you have a chance to play in its green, try not to miss it. You might not get the chance again.
Aside from the exclusivity, the golf course also gives you a prime vantage point of the Pacific Ocean. What else can you expect from a golf course that’s located at Big Sur, California? The Cypress Point Club boasts of an 18-hole golf course designed by the famed Alister Mackenzie who was also responsible for the Augusta National Golf Club.
Top 3: Muirfield Village Golf Club
Location: Gullane, Scotland, United Kingdom
Specifics: Par 71~7,221 yards; T. Morris (1889)
Of course, this won’t be a list of the most beautiful golf courses if we ignored Scotland. The Muirfield Village Golf Club has been home to the world’s pioneering community in the sport. It’s definitely one of the oldest, most well kept golf courses in the world, having been open since 1744. Of course the improvements it underwent over 200 years later were pretty dramatic.
Historically, the golf course is also very iconic. This is where the famous Jack Nicklaus attained his very first British Open. Located near Edinburgh, a good number of golfers also consider the golf course a fine test of their skills in the game.
Top 4: The Old Course in St. Andrews
Location: St. Andrews, Scotland, United Kingdom
Specifics: Par 72~7,279 yards
Any serious golfer wouldn’t let his/her lifetime pass without setting foot and playing at the Old Course of St. Andrews, Scotland. In terms of fame and popularity, this golf course certainly takes the trophy. The game has been played in these greens since the 15th Century, so you can just imagine the historical and sentimental value of the place. For something that’s literally ancient, the patch of grass is impressively well-kept.
Aside from the impressive greens of the Old Course, St. Andrews is also home to four other 18-hole golf courses and one more 9-hole course. There is also a practice center for beginners who would like to try their swings first before playing out in the open.
The good news is that all of these golf courses are open to the public (which probably explains St. Andrews’ fame) but there’s a slight setback. You will have to make reservations if you want to play here. Among all of the golf courses, the Old course is the toughest. This particular golf course is set in the dunes of the North Sea. If you don’t think you can play like the great Tiger Woods, you might want to start with the Strathtyrum course first.
If you’re a beginner, or if you’re playing with children, the nine-hole golf course (Balgrove) is recommended.
Top 5: Pebble Beach Golf Links
Location: Pebble Beach, California
Specifics: Par 72~6,737; Neville/Grant (1919)
The Pebble Beach Golf Links might have missed the top spot among the most beautiful golf courses in the U.S.A. but it certainly is the most popular. Like its more exclusive counterpart, the Cypress Point Club, it boasts of a fine view of the Pacific Ocean. While it’s true that the golf course’s narrow fairways are tough to complete, it will do you good to take a short breather. The view of the horizon is always spectacular.
It’s no wonder people keep on coming back to this golf course to play the game. Watch out for the view once you reach the 18th hole. Don’t get too distracted, though, because at this point, the wind’s bound to play tricks on you. Make sure that you pick the right club so you can make the hole with a clean shot.
Top 6: Royal Melbourne Golf Club
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Specifics: Par 72~6,598 yards to the East; 6,589 yards to the West; Mackenzie/Russel (1926)
The sixth most beautiful golf courses in the world is located in Melbourne, Australia. The Royal Melbourne Golf Club boasts of two 18-hole courses running opposite each other. The 18-hole golf course to the East is slightly larger than its twin to the West, but both are tourney-ready. In fact, the Royal Melbourne Golf Club (which is the most exclusive golf club Downunder) plays host to the major golf events in the country.
It was also the site of the Canada Cup, having been around since 1959. The Canada Cup is what we know now as the World Cup.
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