Top 20 Golf Destinations / Golf Travel Resorts
Golf is more than just a sport—it’s a journey through breathtaking landscapes, world-class hospitality, and unforgettable culinary experiences. Whether you're looking for historic links courses, coastal masterpieces, or tropical escapes, these top 20 golf destinations offer a blend of elite golf, luxurious accommodations, and outstanding dining options.
1. St. Andrews, Scotland
Must-Play Course: St. Andrews Links (Old Course)
Known as the "Home of Golf," St. Andrews has hosted The Open Championship a record 30 times.
Top Restaurant: The Peat Inn – Michelin-starred Scottish cuisine.
Best Hotel: Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa – Luxurious accommodations with a spa, fine dining, and rooms overlooking the course.
2. Pebble Beach, California, USA
Must-Play Course: Pebble Beach Golf Links
Hosts the annual AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and has hosted the U.S. Open six times.
Top Restaurant: The Bench – Overlooking the 18th hole with wood-fired cuisine.
Best Hotel: The Lodge at Pebble Beach – Elegant rooms with ocean views, full-service spa, and fine dining options.
3. Augusta, Georgia, USA
Must-Play Course: Augusta National Golf Club (invite-only)
Home of The Masters, one of golf's four major championships.
Top Restaurant: Frog Hollow Tavern – Upscale Southern fare with an extensive wine list.
Best Hotel: The Partridge Inn Augusta, Curio Collection by Hilton – Historic hotel with modern amenities and Southern charm.
4. Bandon, Oregon, USA
Must-Play Course: Bandon Dunes Golf Resort
A collection of five top-tier courses, including Bandon Dunes, Pacific Dunes, and Sheep Ranch.
Top Restaurant: The Gallery Restaurant – Exceptional steak and seafood.
Best Hotel: Bandon Dunes Golf Resort Lodging – Cozy accommodations designed for golf enthusiasts.
5. Dubai, UAE
Must-Play Course: Emirates Golf Club (Majlis Course)
Hosts the Omega Dubai Desert Classic, a key event on the European Tour.
Top Restaurant: Pierchic – Overwater dining with stunning seafood.
Best Hotel: Burj Al Arab Jumeirah – Iconic seven-star hotel with opulent suites and world-class service.
6. Kiawah Island, South Carolina, USA
Must-Play Course: The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort
Hosted the 1991 Ryder Cup and 2012 PGA Championship.
Top Restaurant: The Atlantic Room – Fresh coastal cuisine with ocean views.
Best Hotel: The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort – Five-star oceanfront resort with a world-class spa.
7. Pinehurst, North Carolina, USA
Must-Play Course: Pinehurst No. 2
Hosted multiple U.S. Opens, including the historic back-to-back men’s and women’s Opens in 2014.
Top Restaurant: 1895 Grille – Classic Southern charm and fine dining.
Best Hotel: The Carolina Hotel, Pinehurst Resort – Elegant accommodations with historic charm.
8. Royal County Down, Northern Ireland
Must-Play Course: Royal County Down Golf Club
Hosted the Irish Open and Walker Cup.
Top Restaurant: Brunel’s – Modern Irish cuisine with locally sourced ingredients.
Best Hotel: Slieve Donard Resort & Spa – Elegant seaside hotel with a full-service spa.
9. Torrey Pines, California, USA
Must-Play Course: Torrey Pines Golf Course
Hosted multiple U.S. Opens and the annual Farmers Insurance Open.
Top Restaurant: George’s at the Cove – Coastal fine dining with panoramic ocean views.
Best Hotel: The Lodge at Torrey Pines – Craftsman-style luxury resort overlooking the course.
10. Cape Kidnappers, New Zealand
Must-Play Course: Cape Kidnappers Golf Course
A dramatic cliffside course ranked among the world’s best.
Top Restaurant: Black Barn Bistro – Farm-to-table dining with premium wines.
Best Hotel: The Farm at Cape Kidnappers – A five-star lodge with breathtaking views and luxury accommodations.
11. Maui, Hawaii, USA
Must-Play Course: Kapalua (Plantation Course)
Hosts the PGA Tour’s Sentry Tournament of Champions.
Top Restaurant: Mama’s Fish House – A legendary Hawaiian seafood experience.
Best Hotel: The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua – A luxurious beachfront retreat.
12. Le Golf National, France
Must-Play Course: Le Golf National (Albatros Course)
Hosted the 2018 Ryder Cup and the French Open.
Top Restaurant: Le Relais de l’Entrecôte – Famous for its steak-frites.
Best Hotel: Waldorf Astoria Versailles – Trianon Palace – Historic five-star luxury near Paris.
13. Whistling Straits, Wisconsin, USA
Must-Play Course: Whistling Straits (Straits Course)
Hosted multiple PGA Championships and the 2021 Ryder Cup.
Top Restaurant: The Immigrant Restaurant – Upscale American-European cuisine.
Best Hotel: The American Club – A historic, five-star resort with luxurious amenities.
14. Casa de Campo, Dominican Republic
Must-Play Course: Teeth of the Dog
A Pete Dye-designed masterpiece ranked among the Caribbean’s best.
Top Restaurant: La Piazzetta – Authentic Italian in a charming setting.
Best Hotel: Casa de Campo Resort & Villas – A luxurious all-inclusive golf resort.
15. Mission Hills, China
Must-Play Course: Mission Hills Golf Club
The world’s largest golf resort with multiple championship courses.
Top Restaurant: Jade Pavilion – Exquisite Cantonese fine dining.
Best Hotel: Mission Hills Resort – A five-star golf and spa retreat.
16. Valderrama, Spain
Must-Play Course: Real Club Valderrama
Hosted the 1997 Ryder Cup and the Andalucia Masters.
Top Restaurant: Restaurante Kabuki Raw – Michelin-starred Japanese fusion.
Best Hotel: Finca Cortesin Hotel – An ultra-luxurious golf resort in Andalusia.
17. Sun City, South Africa
Must-Play Course: Gary Player Country Club
Hosts the Nedbank Golf Challenge, a prestigious European Tour event.
Top Restaurant: The Grill Room – Premium steakhouse dining.
Best Hotel: The Palace of the Lost City – A five-star African-themed luxury hotel.
18. Royal Melbourne, Australia
Must-Play Course: Royal Melbourne Golf Club
Hosted the Presidents Cup and Australian Open.
Top Restaurant: Attica – A world-renowned fine dining experience.
Best Hotel: Crown Towers Melbourne – A high-end luxury hotel with premium amenities.
19. Lofoten Links, Norway
Must-Play Course: Lofoten Links
A stunning Arctic golf experience under the midnight sun.
Top Restaurant: Fiskekrogen – Famous for fresh Norwegian seafood.
Best Hotel: Lofoten Links Lodges – Cozy accommodations with spectacular views.
20. Barbados
Must-Play Course: Sandy Lane (Green Monkey)
An ultra-exclusive Tom Fazio design carved into a limestone quarry.
Top Restaurant: The Cliff – Fine dining with dramatic ocean views.
Best Hotel: Sandy Lane Hotel – A world-famous, five-star Caribbean retreat.
