The world’s best golf courses are renowned for their stunning landscapes, challenging designs, and rich histories. The Top 5 golf courses ranking list is where every golf facility would love to appear. Here are the top 5 golf courses globally.

1. Augusta National Golf Club – August, Georgia, USA

When we say “Augusta National” it immediately reminds people of the Masters Tournament, as both these words are pretty much synonymous. The gold course was designed by Alister MacKenzie and Bobby Jones, and can be defined as a masterpiece of strategic design and natural beauty. The flora and fauna that surrounds the golf course is impeccable, and the trees and grass are as green as can be. The course has signature holes, such as the par -3 12th over Rae’s Creek and the challenging par -5 13th, known as “Azalea”, demand precision and nerve. The atmosphere goes deep into tradition, from the famed Magnolia Lane entrance to the Butler Cabin where green jackets are awarded to champions.

2. Pinehurst No. 2 – Pinehurst, North Carolina, USA

This spectacular golf course was designed by Donald Ross and is famous for its sandy waste areas, wiregrass roughs, and crowned, turtleback greens. The golf course is set among the pine trees of North Carolina’s Sandhills region and hosted multiple US Opens, revealing its strategic layout and challenging pin positions. The golf course requires precision in shot-making and a deft touch around the greens, where subtle slopes and run-off areas punish errant shots. Each hole is unique, with par-4 5th and the par-3 9th standing out for their natural beauty and testing approach shots. 

3. Royal County Down Golf Club – Newcastle, Northern Ireland

The Royal County Down Golf Club is situated between the Mourne Mountains and the Irish Sea, offering players mesmerising views and challenging golf simultaneously. This masterpiece golf course was designed by Old Tom Morris and later refined by Harry Colt. It features surging fairways, towering dunes, and slick greens that make it one of the toughest tests in golf. The blind shots over dunes, unpredictable coastal winds, and natural hazards like the famed “Sleeper” bunker on the 4th hole demand precision in shots and strategic play. Every hole at Royal County Down offers a unique challenge and a glimpse of the stunning Northern Irish landscape.

4. Royal Melbourne Golf Club (West Course) – Melbourne, Australia

This golf course in Melbourne was designed by Dr. Alister MacKenzie and is globally regarded as one of the finest examples of golf course architecture in the world. Located between the sand belt terrain near Melbourne, the course features undulating fairways lined with native vegetation, strategic bunkering, and greens that require precision putting. The layout offers players a challenge as it is made up of firm surfaces, natural hazards, and deceptive slopes. During major championships the golf course is known to showcase the best holes from both the East and West Courses to create a memorable tournament experience.

5. Pebble Beach Golf Links – Pebble Beach, California, USA

Pebble Beach Golf Links is synonymous with dramatic coastal views and championship golf. Designed by Jack Neville and Douglas Grant, the course winds along the rugged coastline of Monterey Peninsula, offering stunning ocean views and challenging play. Holes like the par-3 7th and the iconic par-5 18th, where the fairway hugs the Pacific Ocean, test even the most skilled golfers. The small, sloping greens and strategically placed bunkers add to the course’s difficulty and charm. Pebble Beach has hosted numerous US Opens and other prestigious tournaments, facilitating its status as a bucket-list destination for golfers worldwide.