Outstanding Golf Courses around the world

Golf is the ultimate holiday sport where you can enjoy fresh air and beautiful surroundings.

October 2022
Winnie-the-Pooh author A. A. Milne sagely observed that golf is so popular simply because it is the best game in the world at which to be bad. Golf is the ultimate holiday sport where you can salve your soul in fresh air and beautiful surroundings, while simultaneously challenging your mind and body. Here are some of the world’s most remarkable courses.
Donald Trumps golf court in Miami
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Presidential course in Miami

Blue Monster Trump National Doral Miami

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4400 NW 87th Ave
Miami
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In the city where the sun shines especially brightly on those who enjoy the good life, you’ll find a resort worthy of a president. Donald Trump is the 16th of the last 19 US presidents to play golf. He has also spent huge sums (ca. $250 million) on revitalizing the Trump National Doral Miami, which offers a clubhouse, overnight accommodation, spa and restaurants, plus several golf courses. The most famous is the 7,590-yard Blue Monster, which hosted the Doral Open on the PGA Tour from 1962 to 2006. The course was designed by Dick Wilson and Raymond Floyd in 1961, and updated by Gil Hanse in 2014. Hanse was also behind the 2016 Rio Olympics course, the first since 1904.

Classic Royal Musselburgh Golf Club outside of Edingburgh.
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Golf in a historic setting

Royal Musselburgh Golf Club

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Prestongrange House
Prestonpans
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The sixth oldest golf club in the world (originating in 1774) is less than a half-hour drive from Edinburgh. Traditions hang heavy over the Royal Musselburgh Golf Club, yet it offers everything you could expect of a modern golf course. It may not be the longest course in the world, many of the holes being no longer than 400 yards, but there are plenty of surprises in store here.

Killeen Castle in Ireland
Photo: Killeen Castle

On legendary turf

Killeen Castle Golf Club

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Killeen Castle
Dunsany
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Killeen Castle, a short drive from Dublin, was the seat of Irish kings for over 800 years. Today, the area boasts a golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus, perhaps the world’s preeminent golfer and course designer. Who could say no to a round in such a famous setting, designed by such a legend? The 2011 Solheim Cup was held here in this lush green area, genuine Game of Thrones country. If you’re not a member, you’ll need to book at least one week in advance.

Furnace Creek Inn & Ranch Resort in the desert of California.
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How low can you go?

Furnace Creek Inn & Ranch Resort

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California 190
Death Valley
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Within easy reach of Las Vegas and Los Angeles, the golf course at Furnace Creek is a popular stopping point. The world’s lowest course, 214 feet below sea level, is in the middle of the desert where temperatures well above 50°C have been recorded. They say you have to be mad to play here, where the scorching temperatures are brutal and leave you soaked in sweat. However, it appeals to golfers looking for a challenging course in extraordinary conditions. You can dive into a swimming pool at the ranch afterwards.

Golf Club at Chelsea Piers in New York
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Course with a view

Golf Club at Chelsea Piers

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59 Chelsea Piers
New York
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Naturally, the city that never sleeps can offer numerous golf opportunities, but if it’s your first trip to the Big Apple, we recommend heading to a driving range with possibly the world’s best view. Drive, chip and putt with the iconic Hudson River and Manhattan as your backcloth. The photographs speak for themselves here. The area is ultra-modern in all respects with the latest thing in virtual simulators and technology, and everything you could ask for in terms of facilities to exercise, play or simply admire the spectacular horizon.

Walton Heath Golf Club in Surrey.
Photo: Walton Heath Golf Club

Traditions in London

Walton Heath Golf Club

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Deans Lane
Surrey

Few cities have such a density of different golf clubs as London. Each one offers its own history, atmosphere and unique elements. Walton Heath is no exception and Edward VIII (Prince of Wales) himself was the club’s first captain. Sir Winston Churchill was also a member. The Old Course regularly appears on lists of the best courses in the world. In 1981, it hosted the Ryder Cup, and in 2001, The Senior Open Championship.