Top Golf Courses Every Golfer Should Play At Least Once
For golf enthusiasts, certain courses represent the pinnacle of the game—iconic layouts that offer breathtaking scenery, historic significance, and unforgettable challenges. At Torah Pines, we believe that playing golf is about creating lasting memories, and there are some courses that every golfer should experience at least once in their lifetime.
Whether you’re dreaming of walking the same fairways as the pros or simply looking for the most scenic and enjoyable rounds, here are some of the top golf courses every golfer should play at least once.
1. Augusta National Golf Club (USA) – The Home of The Masters
📍 Augusta, Georgia
Arguably the most famous golf course in the world, Augusta National is home to The Masters and is known for its stunning azaleas, lightning-fast greens, and iconic holes like Amen Corner (holes 11-13). While it's a private course and incredibly difficult to access, getting an invite to play here is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Why Play Here?
✅ Walk the same fairways as Tiger, Jack, and Arnie
✅ Experience the pristine conditions and legendary greens
✅ Soak in the beauty of Magnolia Lane and Rae’s Creek
2. St. Andrews – The Old Course (Scotland) – The Birthplace of Golf
📍 St. Andrews, Scotland
If golf has a spiritual home, it’s The Old Course at St. Andrews. Golf has been played here since the 1400s, and it remains one of the most iconic venues in the game. From the Swilcan Bridge on the 18th hole to the Road Hole (17th), every step at St. Andrews is a walk through history.
Why Play Here?
✅ Play where golf began
✅ Challenge the famous deep pot bunkers
✅ Feel the history as you cross the Swilcan Bridge
3. Pebble Beach Golf Links (USA) – Oceanfront Perfection
📍 Pebble Beach, California
With stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, Pebble Beach is widely considered one of the most scenic golf courses in the world. Hosting multiple U.S. Opens, the course is open to the public (though pricey), making it one of the most accessible legendary courses to play.
Why Play Here?
✅ Experience world-class views on holes like the par-3 7th and par-5 18th
✅ Test your game against one of the most challenging public courses
✅ Walk in the footsteps of the greats, from Nicklaus to Woods
4. Royal County Down (Northern Ireland) – The Ultimate Links Challenge
📍 Newcastle, Northern Ireland
Consistently ranked as one of the top courses in the world, Royal County Down offers pure links golf with stunning views of the Mountains of Mourne and the Irish Sea. With blind tee shots, undulating fairways, and deep bunkers, this course is as beautiful as it is demanding.
Why Play Here?
✅ Test your game on one of the toughest links courses
✅ Experience breathtaking coastal scenery
✅ Play on a course that regularly ranks #1 in the world
5. Pinehurst No. 2 (USA) – Donald Ross’ Masterpiece
📍 Pinehurst, North Carolina
Designed by Donald Ross, Pinehurst No. 2 has hosted multiple U.S. Opens and is known for its turtleback greens, which challenge even the best putters in the world. The course’s natural beauty and history make it a must-play for any golfer.
Why Play Here?
✅ Test your short game on the infamous turtleback greens
✅ Experience a course rich in tournament history
✅ Soak in the charm of Pinehurst, known as the “Cradle of American Golf”
6. Carnoustie Golf Links (Scotland) – The Toughest Test in Golf
📍 Carnoustie, Scotland
Known as "Carnasty" for its brutal difficulty, Carnoustie is one of the most demanding Open Championship courses. If you want to truly test your skills on a historic and rugged layout, this is the place.
Why Play Here?
✅ Experience one of the most challenging courses in the world
✅ Face the infamous Barry Burn on the closing holes
✅ Walk the same fairways where greats like Hogan, Watson, and Molinari triumphed
7. Whistling Straits (USA) – A Taste of Scotland in America
📍 Kohler, Wisconsin
Designed by Pete Dye, Whistling Straits mimics a rugged Scottish links course but sits on the shores of Lake Michigan. It has hosted multiple PGA Championships and the 2021 Ryder Cup, making it a modern classic.
Why Play Here?
✅ Experience a links-style course without crossing the Atlantic
✅ Face the daunting bunkers and winds off the lake
✅ Play a course that has tested the world’s best in major championships
8. Cape Kidnappers (New Zealand) – A Hidden Gem on the Cliffs
📍 Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand
Not as well known as some of the other courses on this list, Cape Kidnappers offers one of the most breathtaking golf experiences in the world. Sitting atop dramatic cliffs that drop into the Pacific Ocean, every hole is a masterpiece.
Why Play Here?
✅ Enjoy one of the most scenic courses on Earth
✅ Experience cliffside golf unlike anywhere else
✅ Play a Tom Doak-designed masterpiece
Final Thoughts: Which One Will You Play First?
Each of these courses offers a unique experience that every golfer should dream of playing at least once. Whether it’s the historic links of St. Andrews, the dramatic views of Pebble Beach, or the legendary greens of Augusta National, these courses provide the ultimate test and beauty of golf.
At Torah Pines Golf, we’re all about creating unforgettable golf experiences—and playing any of these legendary courses is a bucket-list moment for every golfer.
Which course is at the top of your list? Let us know in the comments!
— The Torah Pines Team ⛳
