Golf is much more than a game. It’s a lifelong pursuit of the perfect swing, the elusive hole-in-one, and the dream of playing the world’s most legendary courses. And these bucket list golf courses aren’t just about the fairways and greens. They’re about the stories they tell, the history they hold, and the memories waiting to be made.
From the iconic links of Scotland to the sun-soaked fairways of Pebble Beach, these courses are the stuff of golf legend. So, if you’re ready to turn those dreams into reality, let’s take a look at the top bucket list golf courses every golfer should experience.
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U.S. Bucket List Golf Courses
Golf has remained a staple in the United States since its popularity soared in the early 20th century. Today, the U.S. is home to over 15,000 courses. But not all courses are created equal. The bucket list golf courses we’ve highlighted here are more than just places to play. They’re masterpieces of design set on some of the most dazzling real estate in the world. Each one honors the traditions of the game while showcasing the unique culture, history, and natural beauty of its location.
Trust us – you won’t regret adding any of these extraordinary destinations to your golf bucket list.
1. Pebble Beach Golf Links
Pebble Beach, California
Pebble Beach Golf Links is one of the most celebrated bucket list golf courses, whose name alone is synonymous with the sport. This links-style course has earned its place in golf history, and its reputation as the greatest public golf course in America only adds to its allure.
But it’s not just the history or the prestige that makes Pebble Beach so special. It’s the setting. Designed in 1919, this course may be old by American golf standards, but it’s far from outdated. Carved into the rocky California coastline, Pebble Beach brings elements into play like few other courses can. The prevalent ocean wind will test your mettle from the tee, while the nearby crashing waves will try to steal your focus. No wonder it’s regarded as “the greatest meeting of land and sea,” because here, nature doesn’t just surround you, it competes with you.
2. The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island
Charleston, South Carolina
The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island, perched right on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean along the South Carolina coast, is as breathtaking as it is challenging. With 10 seaside holes, more than any other course in the Northern Hemisphere, and eight more running parallel to them, the views here are nothing short of grand. Pete Dye, the mastermind behind the design, ensured that every hole offers an unobstructed view of the island’s coastline, allowing players to take in the beauty of the Atlantic at every turn.
The real test, however, comes from the wind. Both westerly and easterly winds whip across the island, and the course’s elevated design leaves players even more exposed. Dye anticipated this and cleverly incorporated a “two-sided” design, offering two distinct playing experiences depending on the wind’s direction.
As for service, you won’t be disappointed. Visitors rave about the quality of the course and practice facilities, the professionalism of the caddies, as well as the elegance of the club and restaurant, including the renowned Ryder Cup bar – one of the best 19th holes in golf. From the scenic drive to the course to the final seaside hole, this is an experience that belongs on every golfer’s bucket list.
3. Pinehurst No. 2
Pinehurst, North Carolina
Pinehurst Resort, tucked away in the heart of North Carolina’s Sandhills, is home to ten top-tier courses, but No. 2 is the undisputed star. A true granddaddy of American golf, this course was designed in 1907 by the illustrious Donald Ross, who spent the next 50 years perfecting it. Ross, a native Scotsman and an accomplished player himself, even lived in a cottage behind the third green, where he relaxed by tending to his championship roses. Talk about a life well-lived.
Pinehurst No. 2 has been carefully restored to preserve Ross’s original design, and it’s a course that demands your full focus from the first tee to the final putt. The sandy waste areas that line the fairways add a rugged, natural beauty, but they’re also a reminder that this course doesn’t give you anything easy. And the turtleback greens, with their subtle slopes and tricky contours, are as stunning as they are unforgiving. Don’t be surprised to see a well-struck shot roll off the front of one of these greens, followed by an endearing “F DR” (as in Donald Ross) – it’s a rite of passage here.
4. Bandon Dunes Golf Resort
Bandon, Oregon
The next best thing to playing links-style golf in Scotland or Ireland is teeing it up at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, home to seven distinct courses, each a bucket-list destination in its own right. The craggy terrain, hearty forests, and spectacular ocean views remain untouched by civilization. Here, you’ll master your ground game and become a methodical player, working with the ever-present winds that sweep across the dunes.
Bandon Dunes offers a range of courses that showcase the spirit of true links golf, from the classic, rolling layout of the original Bandon Dunes course to the dramatic, cliffside fairways of Pacific Dunes. The resort’s newest addition, “Shorty’s,” is a 19-hole par-3 course designed for creative play and a quick, fun round. Needless to say, Bandon really has it all.
5. The Plantation Course at Kapalua Resort
Lahaina, Hawaii
The Plantation Course at Kapalua Resort is consistently ranked as one of Hawaii’s premier golf courses, celebrated for its magnificent location and exceptional playability. Challenging for the pros, but also eminently playable for average golfers, the course’s 7,596 yards with a par-73 layout includes downhill tees (for the longest drives of your life), wide fairways, and large greens.
Come for the game, stay for the views. Snuggled up against the West Maui Mountains, Plantation offers ocean views and dramatic elevation changes throughout. And if you need another excuse to visit, it’s the home of the PGA TOUR’s season-opening event, The Sentry, held each January – prime time to trade winter blues for Maui greens.
6. Whistling Straits
Kohler, Wisconsin
Pete Dye’s genius shines at Whistling Straits, home to two exceptional courses: The Straits and The Irish. Hugging two miles of Lake Michigan’s rugged shoreline, The Straits course channels the spirit of traditional Irish links with towering sand dune bunkers, rolling terrain, and a windswept landscape that dares golfers of all levels. Eight holes flirt directly with the water, offering endless views and heart-pounding shots, while some of the most intriguing tests lie further inland.
Inland, The Irish course offers a striking contrast. Streams weave through grasslands and dunes, creating a layout that’s as scenic as it is strategic.
It’s hard to believe this masterpiece was once an abandoned airfield. With nearly 7,000 truckloads of dirt, Pete Dye transformed the flat expanse into a dramatic, undulating golfing playground that feels as though it’s always belonged. Anchored by a charming stone clubhouse that enhances the resort’s Old Country vibe, both courses strike the perfect balance of beauty and difficulty, consistently ranking among Wisconsin’s best.
7. The Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass
Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida
Speaking of Pete Dye’s brilliance, another of his notable designs takes center stage at the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass in beautiful Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. Designed in collaboration with then-PGA TOUR Commissioner Deane R. Beman, this course was established in 1982 as the permanent home of THE PLAYERS Championship. Their vision? To create a perfectly balanced course where no single playing style holds an advantage.
And what they created is something truly remarkable. The Stadium Course presents a new challenge with every round, ensuring that no two days on the course are ever alike. Dye and Beman designed it with fans in mind, too, so it’s one of the rare courses that impresses whether you’re swinging on the fairways or cheering from behind the ropes.
8. The Black Course at Bethpage State Park Golf Course
Farmingdale, New York
Bring your golfing chops to the Black Course, because it wasn’t built for the faint of heart. One of five courses at Bethpage State Park, the Black Course is a walking-only layout, demanding both physical endurance and strategic acumen. It has been ranked among America’s toughest public golf courses, with a course rating of 77.5 and a slope rating of 155 – the highest possible on the difficulty scale.
Bethpage Black has a storied history of hosting major tournaments, including the U.S. Open in 2002 and 2009, the PGA Championship in 2019, and is set to host the Ryder Cup in September 2025.
This course will make you carefully think through every hole, and your game will be better for it.
9. The Lido at Sand Valley
Nekoosa, Wisconsin
The Lido is no ordinary addition to this group of bucket list golf courses – it’s a literal resurrection. A legend, reborn. A faithful recreation of the mythic Lido Golf Club, originally designed by C.B. Macdonald in 1914 on Long Island, this course has been brought back to life in Nekoosa, Wisconsin. The original Lido, famous for its use of classic design templates like the Alps, Redan, and Eden, was once considered comparable to Pine Valley and National Golf Links. But after being demolished by the U.S. Navy during World War II, it faded into golf lore as one of the game’s great lost treasures.
Fast forward to 2023, when developers Mike Keiser and Michael Clayton set out to revive the spirit of the original. And they did just that. The new Lido blends timeless design with modern conditions, creating an experience that feels like stepping into a piece of golf history, without the time machine. Set on rolling terrain that mirrors the original layout, the course features intricate bunkering, complex greens, and hazards that make each round a thrilling adventure.
10. Pinehurst No. 10
Pinehurst, North Carolina
Pinehurst is a golf town through and through. So when Pinehurst No. 10 was unveiled in 2024, the excitement was palpable. Designed by the renowned Tom Doak, this latest addition to the Pinehurst Resort family was highly anticipated, and it’s already living up to every expectation.
Nestled in the heart of the rolling sandhills, Pinehurst No. 10 is a minimalist masterpiece that lets the land do the talking. With wide fairways and bold greens, the course offers a dynamic experience while delivering breathtaking views at every turn.
No. 10 has quickly earned its place on every golfer’s bucket list, further solidifying Pinehurst’s status as the “Cradle of American Golf.” If you haven’t experienced it yet, it’s time to add it to your list – because Pinehurst just got even better.
11. The Karoo Course at Cabot Citrus Farms
Brooksville, Florida
As Pinehurst No. 10 continues to make waves, there’s another rising star among bucket list golf courses. The Karoo Course at Cabot Citrus Farms opened in early 2025 to rave reviews. Located in Brooksville, Florida, this 18-hole masterpiece is part of the Cabot Citrus Farms development in Central Florida designed by Kyle Franz.
The Karoo Course is a striking blend of Florida’s natural beauty and Franz’s design brilliance. From its undulating fairways to the strategically placed sand dunes and vibrant citrus groves, every hole feels like a new adventure.
With its extraordinary location and thoughtful design, the Karoo Course is quickly becoming a must-play destination for golfers seeking something new, exciting, and undeniably memorable.
International Bucket List Golf Courses
Traveling beyond the U.S. opens the door to a whole new world of golf. Our international bucket list golf courses take you from the birthplace of golf in Scotland, to the towering cliffs of New Zealand and beyond. Get ready to experience golf like never before, on the courses where it all began.
12. Royal County Down Golf Club
Newcastle, Northern Ireland
Let’s go back to 1889. The Eiffel Tower opened, North and South Dakota became states, and Royal County Down, arguably the most incredible links course ever created, was established. Over a century later, that still holds true.
Set in the heart of the Murlough Nature Reserve, this course is as much about the scenery as it is about the golf. You’ll find tee boxes with jaw-dropping views of Dundrum Bay, the imposing Mourne Mountains in the distance, and a sea of purple heather and gorse that makes you want to stop and stare.
13. The Old Course at St. Andrews
St. Andrews, Scotland
As the birthplace of golf, it’s no surprise that our next pick is one of the most popular bucket list golf courses in the world. There are records suggesting golf was played at the Old Course at St. Andrews as early as the 15th century, making it the oldest golf course in the world.
So, as one would expect, the Old Course is home to some of the game’s most famous landmarks, like its double greens, the legendary Road Hole, and Swilcan Bridge, which is believed to be more than 700 years old. What’s truly remarkable, though, is that the course is closed on Sundays, transforming into a public park where locals come for picnics and dog walks. It’s hard to imagine such a historic place opening its doors to everyone, but that’s what makes St. Andrews so special.
14. Royal Troon Golf Club
Troon, Scotland
Royal Troon, ten-time host of The Open Championship, is home to two spectacular bucket list golf courses: the Old Course and the Portland Course.The Old Course is the epitome of the Scottish golf experience: the wind howls, the rough punishes, and every shot demands pinpoint precision. And then there’s the revered 8th hole, The Postage Stamp, a par-3 so small it’s a wonder anyone can find the green. But they do, and it’s part of what makes Royal Troon unforgettable.
The Portland Course, while shorter and more sheltered from the wind, doesn’t take anything away from its playability. It’s a worthy companion to the Old Course, offering its own set of obstacles and rewards.
15. Carnoustie Golf Links
Carnoustie, Scotland
Golf has deep roots in Scotland, and Carnoustie is no exception. The game was being played in the area as early as 1560, with parish records mentioning it under the old spelling, “gowff.” Carnoustie Golf Club itself was founded in 1842, with a 10-hole course designed by Allan Robertson, the first golf professional.
There are three courses at Carnoustie: the Championship Course, which has hosted many tournaments and championships and most recently hosted the 2018 Open; the Burnside, which, though sometimes overlooked, offers players an excellent game; and the Buddon, the newest course.
And while you’re there, be sure to ask the locals how Carnoustie got its name – it’s a story worth hearing.
16. Cape Kidnappers
Te Awanga, New Zealand
Cape Kidnappers is the only international golf course on our list that’s located in the South Pacific, but it more than holds its own among its British counterparts.
As you would expect from a New Zealand golf course, the surroundings are striking. You’ll play atop towering cliffs that overlook the sea within a ridge-and-valley landscape that might have been a national park if it wasn’t a golf course.
Designed by Tom Doak, Cape Kidnappers is a newer course built in 2004. So, it has all the modern amenities of a luxury club to go along with its remarkable location and supreme playability.
17. Ballybunion Golf Club
County Kerry, Ireland
Quaint Irish name aside, playing Ballybunion’s 36 holes will have you questioning whether the Scots were truly the early masters of the game. Ballybunion puts Ireland on the map as a golf destination, and its location makes it the perfect base for exploring nearby gems like Lahinch, Waterville, Old Head, and Tralee.
The Old Course and the Cashen Course are nestled along a stretch of sand dunes overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The Old Course, consistently ranked among the best golf courses in the world, offers a classic links experience with dramatic landscapes, rolling fairways, and winds that can change the course of your game in an instant. The Cashen Course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., offers a more modern challenge with stunning views.
18. Royal St. George’s Golf Club
Sandwich, England
If you’re a James Bond fan, visiting Royal St. George’s Golf Club is a must. While the iconic golf match between James Bond and Goldfinger in the 1964 film was actually filmed at Stoke Park Golf Club in Buckinghamshire, Royal St. George’s is featured in Ian Fleming’s original novel “Goldfinger” as the setting for their match. Teeing off here, you might just channel your inner 007 (but remember, no cheating!).
Royal St. George’s has hosted The Open Championship 15 times, most recently in 2021, along with numerous other prestigious tournaments.
Whether you’re chasing the windswept links of Scotland or the sunlit fairways of Hawaii, these courses offer more than just a round of golf. They promise memories that will last a lifetime. So, pack your clubs, book your tee times, and start checking off your bucket list.
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