The world’s most famous golf courses

Golf is a unique sport in that no two venues, in this case courses, are ever the same. Every course has its own character, challenges, and personality. Yet when the question “What are the most famous golf courses in the world?” is asked, a select few legendary courses consistently rise to the top.

Below is an infographic, followed by a brief explanation of what makes each course legendary and unique.

1.     Augusta National Golf Club

Located in beautiful Augusta, Georgia, Augusta National Golf Club is best known as the iconic home of the Masters Tournament. Renowned for its immaculate fairways, vibrant azalea blooms, and meticulously crafted design, the course offers a playing experience that is as challenging as it is breathtaking.

Over the years, Augusta has served as the stage for some of golf’s most iconic moments such as Jack Nicklaus’s historic triumphs, Tiger Woods’s unforgettable wins, and Scottie Scheffler’s rise to dominance, each contributing to the club’s prominent legacy.

2. St. Andrews Links (Old Course)

Nestled along the rugged coastline of St. Andrews, Scotland, the Old Course is widely known as the birthplace of golf and is one of the most storied venues in the sport. Known for its rolling links, unpredictable winds, and timeless landmarks like the Swilcan Bridge and Road Hole, it offers a playing experience that is both historic and demanding.

For generations, the Old Course has been the backdrop for some of golf’s most defining moments from Bobby Jones’s legendary victories to Tiger Woods’s dominant Open Championship performances, cementing its status as a landmark course in the game’s history.

3. Pebble Beach Golf Links

Set along the coastline of the Monterey Peninsula in California, Pebble Beach Golf Links is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful golf courses in the world. Its cliffside fairways, ocean views, and difficult shot making requirements create an experience that is unmatched.

Throughout its storied history, Pebble Beach has hosted many U.S. Open tournaments which created some of golf’s most unforgettable moments such as Jack Nicklaus’s 1-iron off the flagstick, Tom Watson’s miraculous chip-in, and Tiger Woods’s record-shattering U.S. Open victory in 2000.

4. Royal Melbourne Golf Club (West Course)

Located in Melbourne, Australia, Royal Melbourne’s West Course is widely regarded as a masterpiece of design and natural beauty. Known for its firm, fast fairways, bold bunkers, and brilliantly contoured greens, it offers a test of precision and creativity that challenges even the world’s best players. Over the decades, Royal Melbourne has been the stage for many famous golf highlights including Presidents Cup tournament battles, iconic performances by legends like Gary Player and Tiger Woods, and team victories that showcased the course’s unmatched strategy.

There are Plenty of Famous Golf Courses

There are many more famous golf courses in the world, these are just a select few that consistently are talked about when people ask about or talk about the most famous golf courses in the world.