When great golf courses meet the world's most stunning land forms, it makes for the most epic experience in the game.
Golf is generally considered best along a cool coastline. But the game in the mountains, desert or along lakes is quite nice, too. The GolfPass Staff has determined the 50 most beautiful courses with public access. We've done our best to select courses around the world in a variety of settings, built in different eras by various architects and have different price points. Yes, some of these courses are actually reasonably affordable.
The greatest hubs for spectacular, beautiful golf? Hawaii is a good place to start. So is the Dominican Republic. Too warm? Grab a sweater and head to the west coast between Monterey and Bandon, or venture to Great Britain and Ireland. You can also point your compass towards either side of Lake Michigan.
We selected only golf courses that allow public, semi-private or resort-guest access, and sorted them from least expensive to most. That said, many of these courses offer seasonal discounts or stay-and-play package specials. A handful of these courses are partners of ours and we've provided links their stay-and-play packages currently on offer, or you can browse their online tee times. We've also made a note as to whether the round is walkable or not (after all, the world's greatest terrain is best experienced on foot).
Combing through the world's 30,000-plus golf courses for the most beautiful is a tough list to whittle down. After all, just about any course is vastly more scenic than the cubicle you're reading this from. Who have we snubbed? Let us know the most beautiful course you've ever played in the comments, or review it here.
We've sorted these courses from least expensive peak fee to highest.
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Pebble Beach Golf Links
Pebble Beach, California | Architect: Jack Neville, Chandler Egan
Green fees: $550 - $595 | Read reviews
Walking: Yes
What they're saying: "We watch it on TV, we hear the legend, but to play it in person is the single most breathtaking 18 holes in golf. It doesn't just live up to the hype, it exceeds it." - KiraKazantsevGAMonterey Peninsula Championship Courses Stay & Play Package
FROM $1117 (USD)MONTEREY, CA | Enjoy 3 nights' accommodations at The Lodge at Pebble Beach™ and 4 rounds of golf at Pebble Beach Golf Links™, Spyglass Hill™, Pasatiempo & Bayonet Golf Courses.49 Min ReadMay 3, 2021Oh, the places you can go in pursuit of all the pleasures golf has to offer. -
Manele Golf Course
Lanai, Hawaii | Architect: Jack Nicklaus
Green fees: ($225 - $485) | Read reviews
Walking: No
What they're saying: "This is simply the best golf course in Hawaii. There is never a crowd, you can play 18 holes in under 3 hours and you will never see another player. The golf course is picture perfect on every hole and every hole as an ocean view." - almitsi -
Ailsa course at Trump Turnberry
South Ayshire, Scotland | Architect: Willie Fernie
Green fees: $315-$470 | Read reviews
Walking: Yes
What they're saying: "But the scenic value, the tremendous caddie experience, the history of the place and the post-round beer at the lighthouse made it well worth it." - BrandonWebb -
Real Club Valderrama
Cadiz, Spain | Architect: Robert Trent Jones Sr.
Green fees: ($450) | Read reviews
Walking: Yes
What they're saying: "Amazing condition in a superb setting. I had heard many times about the great condition of Valderrama. Its even better than I thought!!" - Felipe9073926 -
Whistling Straits
Sheboygan County, Wisconsin | Architect: Pete Dye
Green fees: ($385 + $65 mandatory caddie fee) | Read reviews
Walking: Yes
What they're saying: "Visually, this course is just what you'd expect based on TV. It's beautiful, and just a little scary. OK... A LOT scary!" - toothysaw2, Texas Local Golf Advisor -
Ocean Course at Kiawah Island
Kiawah Island, South Carolina | Architect: Pete and Alice Dye
Green fees: ($354 - $397) | Stay-and-plays in Kiawah Island from $292
Walking: Yes
What they're saying: "The back nine is so cool. You start playing along some beach mansions and then finish 14-18 along the ocean." - dahlryan -
Teeth of the Dog at Casa de Campo
La Romana, Dominican Republic | Architect: Pete Dye
Green fees: ($195 - $395) | Read reviews
Walking: Yes
What they're saying: "Most known for the 'seven holes created by God', this seven hole stretch is remarkable. Rarely will you play holes that are so close to the water." - EthanZimmanGolf PackagesDOMINICAN REPUBLIC | Enjoy 4 nights' accommodations at Casa de Campo Resort & Villas and 3 rounds of golf at Casa de Campo - Teeth of The Dog, Dye Fore & The Links Courses. -
Kauri Cliffs
Matauri Bay, New Zealand | Architect: David Harman
Green fees: ($375)| Read reviews
Walking: Yes
What they're saying: "this is a bucket list golf course, and the resort is nice too. Seaside with beautiful views, it out-Pebbles Pebble Beach, easily." - picayune1 -
Cape Kidnappers
Hawke's Bay, New Zealand | Architect: Tom Doak
Green fees: $214-366| Read reviews
Walking: Yes
What they're saying: "Golfing Cape Kidnappers is a dream come true and a true Golfer's dream. I love this course because each hole is unique and the majority of them are signature holes." - Hbell2015 -
Dye Course at French Lick
French Lick, Indiana | Architect: Pete Dye
Green fees: $350 | Read reviews
Walking: Yes
What they're saying: "If I've ever played a better-conditioned course, I don't remember it. The Dye Course at French Lick is everything you expect a Pete Dye course to be. It challenges your eye. It provokes a little self-pity. The greens are almost impossible." - dwayneham -
Pacific Dunes
Bandon, Oregon | Architect: Tom Doak
Green fees: ($100 - $335) | Read reviews
Walking: Yes
What they're saying: "Pacific Dunes is one of the most beautiful courses I've ever seen ... The bunkering and minimal tree coverage make every hole look dramatic and long, even the par threes." - Plumlord, Michigan Local Golf Advisor -
Bandon Dunes
Bandon, Oregon | Architect: David McLay Kidd
Green fees: ( $100 - $335) | Read reviews
Walking: Yes
What they're saying: "We found this to be the most fun of the 4 courses. The greens were in amazing shape and you could spray it without getting into too much trouble. Holes along the ocean were great (especially 16). Playing late in the day the finish is great for views/photos etc." - salim -
Bay Harbor Golf Club
Bay Harbor, Michigan | Architect: Arthur Hills
Green fees: $213-329 | Read reviews or browse tee times
Walking: No
What they're saying: "The scenery is gorgeous, unlike anything I've seen. I didn't think the course could get much better until I made the turn. The Quarry nine might be my favorite none holes of golf in Michigan." - plumlord, Michigan Local Golf Advisor -
Old Head Golf Links
Kinsale, Ireland | Architect: Paddy Merrigan
Green fees: ($225 - $325) | Read reviews
Walking: Yes
What they're saying: "The views and experience of Old Head made my 98 feel like a 75. I was smiling for all 18 holes." - mcnultyn1 -
Cabot Cliffs
Cape Breton, Canada | Architect: Bill Coore
Green fees: $265-320 | Read reviews
Walking: Yes
What they're saying: "There are cape holes, punchbowls, half pars, and a steady build to a climactic finish, which includes the 16th hole, one of the most fun, dramatic and spectacular par 3s in golf." - MattGinellaGA -
Quivira
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico | Architect: Jack Nicklaus
Green fees: ($233 - $323) | Read reviews
Walking: No
What they're saying: "Quirky? Maybe a little. But That easily gets overshadowed by the breathtaking views and immaculate course conditions." - agwade89 -
New South Wales
Sydney, Australia | Architect: Alister MacKenzie
Green fees: ($310 | Read reviews
Walking: Yes
What they're saying: "Fantastic course, very challenging with spectacular views. Great layout with all kinds of holes, doglegs, carries over waste areas, seaside holes." - picayune1 -
Plantation Course at Kapalua
Maui, Hawaii | Architect: Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw
Green fees: $189-300 | Read reviews
Walking: No | Join Matt Ginella in December for the upcoming Golf Advisor Getaway to Maui!
What they're saying: "Wow.... is my first word for this course. The course is in great conditions. Greens are fast....views are breathtaking." - Pask -
Edgewood Tahoe Golf CourseYou're ready to watch!You can now enjoy GolfPass videos and more.PlayCheck out Lake Tahoe's brand new Lodge at Edgewood
Stateline, Nevada | Architects: George & Tom Fazio
Green fees: $210-300 | Read reviews
Walking: Yes
What they're saying: "Top line: come for the lake views and high national ranking, stay for the unique architecture and variety of shots." - Bjsmith7533Kira Kazantsev's Ultimate Itinerary to Lake TahoeYou're ready to watch!You can now enjoy GolfPass videos and more.PlayUnlock your best golf ever.*Terms and conditions apply. Gift eligible after paid membership starts. -
Fuji Course at Kawana Hotel
Kawana, Japan | Architect: Charles Alison
Green fees: $250-300| Write a review of Kawana
Walking: Yes (caddie required)
Read more: Bradley S. Klein on Japan's famed Kawana Fuji course -
Punta Espada Golf Course
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic | Architect: Jack Nicklaus
Green fees: ($235 - $295) | Read reviews
Walking: No
What they're saying: "Nothing better in the Caribbean. Played great courses in Jamaica, Cancun, Bermuda and none compares to this. About 1/2 the holes are on the Caribbean, the other have are beautifully carved out of the sandstone and hills making this course visually incredible." - rayalfonso -
Princeville Makai Golf Club
Princeville, Hawaii | Architect: Robert Trent Jones Jr.
Green fees: $239-299 | Read reviews
Walking: Yes
What they're saying: "The spectacular scenic value of the ocean holes at Makai will give you pause, as will the shot value on these holes. To me, these holes are a poor man’s Cypress Point. The view you get playing the approach into the par-4 12th hole sets the stage." - BrandonWebb, Alabama Local Golf AdvisorBest of Kauai Package
FROM $687 (USD)KAUAI | Enjoy 4 nights' accommodations at Timbers Kauai Ocean Club & Residences and 2 rounds of golf at Princeville Makai Golf Club (GOLF Advisor's #1 ranked course in Kauai) and The Ocean Course at Hokuala. -
Royal County Down
Newcastle, Ireland | Architect: Old Tom Morris
Green fees: $150-290 | Read reviews
Walking onlyWhat they're saying: "The views throughout the course were spectacular and often made it hard to stay focused on your game. The course is a stunning sweep of rough land that has been meticulously carved to form imaginative and challenging holes." - jcech344
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Mid Ocean Club
Tucker's Town, Bermuda | Architect: Charles Blair Macdonald
Green fees: ($275) | Read reviews
Walking: Yes
What they're saying: "The setting, the views, the property, the excellent strategy and variety of holes are all excellent. The course is right on the ocean with beautiful views." - LICC, New York Local Golf Advisor -
Fairmont Banff Springs
Banff, Alberta, Canada | Architect: Stanley Thompson
Green fees: ($125 - $249) | Read reviews
Walking: Yes
What they're saying: "All in all, this place is magical, simple as that....it is a historic powerhouse with some of the best holes and scenery you will ever play." - Ienjoygolfing75, Minnesota Local Golf Advisor -
Great Waters at Reynolds Lake Oconee
Eatonton, Ga. | Architect: Jack Nicklaus
Green fees: $200-250 |
GolfPass Members: Get $100 off packages booked at Reynolds Lake Oconee
Editor's Note: Great Waters will reopen this fall following an extensive renovation by original architect Jack Nicklaus. -
South Course at Boulders Resort
Carefree, Arizona | Architect: Jay Morrish
Green fees: $ $69-259 | Read reviews or browse tee times
Walking: Yes
What they're saying: "There are rocks that look precariously perched and appear to defy gravity." - goofygolfermBest of The Boulders Package
FROM $277 (USD)PHOENIX/SCOTTSDALE | Enjoy 3 nights' accommodations at The Boulders Resort & Spa and 3 rounds of golf at Troon North Golf Club Pinnacle Course and The Boulders Golf Club -
Wolf Creek Golf Course
Mesquite, Nevada | Architect: Denis, John Rider
Green fees: $65 - $230 | Read reviews
Walking: No
What they're saying: "I wish I could play here every week. The course has very high elevation changes with incredible 360 degree views." - Titaniumhen, California Local Golf Advisor -
Tralee Golf Club
Kerry, Ireland | Architect: Arnold Palmer
Green fees: ($179 - $257) | Read reviews
Walking: Yes
What they're saying: "A course surrounded by the Atlantic with some of the most stunning beachscapes you will ever see from a golf course." - Reviewer IAN1196853 -
Fazio Course at Red Sky
Wolcott, Colorado | Architect: Tom Fazio
Green fees: $155-260 | Read reviews
Walking: No
What they're saying: "The scenery and fun of the closing stretch that plays so dramatically downhill sets the Fazio apart from the Norman." - JasonDeeganGA
GolfPass Members: Get $100 off packages booked at Red Sky -
Bay Course at Costa Navarino
Costa Navarino, Greece | Architect: Robert Trent Jones Jr.
Green fees: $164-204 | Write a review
Walking: Yes -
Championship Course at Royal Dornoch
Dornoch, Scotland | Architect: Old Tom Morris/George Duncan
Green fees: $125 - $225 |Read reviews
Walking: Yes
What they're saying: "There are not enough good things to say about Royal Dornoch. The only other places that I've ever felt what I felt at Royal Dornoch are Augusta National and Pebble Beach." - CaptWillard -
Bluffs Course at Arcadia Bluffs
Arcadia, Michigan | Architect: Warren Henderson
Green fees: ($90- $215 | Read reviews
Walking: Yes
What they're saying: "An amazing course that will absolutely live up to expectations. You cannot beat the views here, and the design and layout are top-notch." - ajpalmer2 -
Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
Alberta, Canada | Architect: Stanley Thompson
Green fees: ($109 - $209) | Read reviews
Walking: Yes
What they're saying: "JPL might be golf's most stress-free round. All you do is just hit shots and marvel at Mother Nature and the mountains." - JasonDeeganGA -
Royal Isabela
Isabela, Puerto Rico | Architect: David Pfaff
Green fees: $125-200 | Book tee times here
Walking: Yes
What they're saying: "I was blown away with the views on the course, so many holes with Ocean views but hole 17 was incredible. The course has a great layout. Truly amazing." - Frank1089032 -
East Course at Jockey Club Kau Sai Chau
Hong Kong | Architect: Robin Nelson, Neil Haworth
Green fees: $$110-187
Walking: Yes -
TPC Danzante Bay
Loreto, Mexico | Architect: Rees Jones
Green fees: ($79 - $179) | Read reviews
Walking: No | Play unlimited golf (or spa!) at Danzante Bay
What they're saying: "Spectacular views on nearly every hole and #17 is every bit as special as any ocean course anywhere." - nmalden -
Oitavos Dunes
Cascais, Portugal | Architect: Arthur Hills
Green fees: ($82 - $174) | Read reviews
Walking: Yes
What they're saying: "Very challenging greens, and you need to drive it straight. Beautiful ocean views from several holes." - mmcneill -
Black Jack's Crossing
Terlingua, Texas | Architect: Lanny Wadkins
Green fees: ($125 - $175) | Read reviews
Walking: no
What they're saying: "There are highlights on both nines, but the holes on the back nine that overlook the Rio Grande are especially a treat. No. 14 showcases the river, Lajitas peak in the distance and the border of the national park to the left. It's a most surreal moment on course that serves up many of them." - BrandonTuckerGA -
Ardglass Golf Club
County Down, Northern Ireland | Architect: David Jones
Green fees: ($88 - $163) | Book a tee time or read reviews
Walking: Yes
What they're saying: "What a course! Absolutely amazing from start to finish. The views are spectacular, and I believe you can see the coast from every tee and green - truly a wonder to be hold!" - RyanAdams18 -
Hamilton Island Golf Club
Whitsundays, Queensland, Australia | Architect: Peter Thomson
Green fees: ($110 - $160) | Read reviews
Walking: No
What they're saying: "It is a five-star setting on its own island (you take a short boatride from the resort to get there). There really aren't many more scenic courses I've ever played, and I was on the course on a cloudy day." - BrandonTuckerGA -
Cape Wickham LinksYou're ready to watch!You can now enjoy GolfPass videos and more.PlaySpectacular Cape Wickham in Australia
King Island, Australia | Architect: Mike DeVries
Green fees: $119-156 | Write a review of Cape Wickham
Walking: Yes -
Jack's PointTour Jack's Point on New Zealand's South Island
Queenstown, New Zealand | Architect: John Darby
Green fees: ($102 - $159) | Read reviews
Walking: Yes -
Church Course at St. Enodoc Golf Club
Rock, Wadebridge, UK | Architect: James Braid
Green fees: ($63 - $145) | Read reviews
Walking: Yes
What they're saying: "St. Enodoc provides an almost spiritual golfing experience, from the famous 6th hole with Himalayan bunker, to the stunning views over the Camel estuary and St. Enodoc's church adjacent to the 10th green." - Chris7734818 -
Top of the Rock
Ridgedale, Missouri | Architect: Jack Nicklaus
Green fees: ($80 - $135) | Read reviews
Walking: Yes
What they're saying: "Great course. It was in pristine condition. Scenery is awesome." - Mike8927905 -
Thracian Cliffs
Bozhurets, Bulgaria | Architect: Gary Player
Green fees: $59-109| Write a review of Thracian Cliffs
Walking: Yes
What they're saying: "From 1st hole (on), this course is simply amazing, beautiful, challenging." - Czexican -
Lofoten Links
Gimsoyand, Norway | Architect: Jeremy Turner
Green fees: $55-100 | Have you played Lofoten Links? Leave a review here! -
Golf Club at Redlands Mesa
Colorado | Architect: Jim Engh
Green fees: $60-87| Read reviews
Walking: No
What they're saying: "Constant scenery of the Grand Mesa, the Book Cliffs Mountains, the Colorado National Monument and desert canyons accompanies players throughout the round." - JasonDeeganGA -
Nefyn & District Golf Club
Gwynedd, Wales | Architect: Howard Swan
Green fees: ($33 - $78) | Browse tee times or read reviews
Walking: Yes
What they're saying: "This course is a unique/quirky special place. One of the better meetings of land and sea. If it was in the States, you would be paying triple." -JeffArenson, Colorado Local Golf Advisor -
Pinnacle Point
Mossel Bay, South Africa | Architect: Peter Matkovich
Green fees: $55-65 | Read reviews
Walking: Yes
What they're saying: "Simply put, this course will blow you away. There are views of the Indian Ocean from every hole, and it isn't just the views. The holes are pretty well designed, too." - MikeBaileyGA
Tobacco Road? North Carolina.
Pebble Beach?? What a con! Awful golf course. Awful hotel. How much did someone get paid for that glowing review? Yuck!
The Samoset Resort course in Maine is also a hidden gem.
Totally agree - my cousin is the head free sleeper so I’m biased but go there every year and am never disappointed!!
Bethpage Black?
Have you considered the White Witch in Jamaica or Arrowhead in CO?
Definitely. Arrowhead narrowly missed out. Liked Redlands' low green fee a little more
Great article. Have played 13 of these courses. It gives me something else to shoot for!
I would put Cruden Bay, Castle Stuart or the Castle Course at St. Andrews way ahead of Old Head.
Cabo del Sol Ocean Course is missing
You might consider adding Öland Golf Links in Sweden. I played it a few weeks ago and not only was it an enjoyable course, it was incredibly beautiful. After my round, I only had to walk back to my "stuga" or cabin located in the middle of the course. It was a magical experience and although I wouldn't put it in the top 10, I think it deserves consideration for your list. Oh - the price? About $45 US.
Donald Ross did not design the championship course at Royal Dornoch.