There are more than 35,000 golf courses in the world and each one is good in its own way. But just like in other areas of life, golf courses vary in size, landscape and design. Today we’re going to introduce you to the best golf courses around the world!
Royal County Down Golf Club (Northern Ireland, UK)
Northern Ireland’s nature was made for this exquisite and tranquil sport. The Murlow National Park, near the Morne Mountains, is home to one of Northern Ireland’s most picturesque golf clubs, Royal County Down. Sandhills and heathland lined with greenery, heather and bramble are carefully preserved by the government to preserve the area’s wilderness character.
Back in 1889 a Belfast businessman founded the golf club that survives to this day. The grounds include two golf courses, a dining room and bar. There is a strict dress code for club members. Failure to follow the dress code means you are banned from the course. A list of clothing that is not permitted as uniform for play on the course:
- Jeans and denim jackets.
- Sleeveless and collarless shirts.
- Short shorts.
- Printed clothes.
- Sport suits.
But this club is special not only for its demands along with its players, but also for the championships held on its premises. The Royal County Down course has been selected to host the Walker Cup and Curtis Cup, the Irish Open for amateurs and professionals. In addition, the club holds annual golf championships for players of varying skill levels.
Old Course (St Andrews Links, Scotland)
The oldest golf course, dating back to the 15th century! According to Tiger Woods, the Old Course is worthy of the title of “the most important” course as it has been used by the kings of golf. The course is designed by nature and has not changed much over the past 600 years. It was the course that hosted the oldest and most prestigious Open Championship.
The golf club is located on the campus of the University of St Andrews. It is also home to the hotel, restaurant and guest shop. In order to respect the natural landscape, the layout of the holes is highly unusual, as the emphasis was on the natural features of the terrain.
Although the golf course is very well known, it is still accessible to the public. To enjoy this beautiful place for the game you just need to book in advance on the official website.
Teeth of the Dog (Casa de Campo, Dominican Republic)
This field does not have as long a history as the predecessors on our list. Teeth of the Dog was opened for play in 1971. It took Pete Dye more than two years to turn the Dominican Republic’s coral coastline into one of the finest and most spectacular golf courses in the world. The mild tropical climate and magnificent views of the sea make the game of golf more than just fun.
Most of the holes in this golf course are located on the coastline. This proximity can enchant you with the beauty of the surroundings and create a bit of a challenge because of the sea breeze. But this will only encourage the true lover of the game.
Quinta do Lago (Algarve, Portugal)
One of Portugal’s most luxurious golf clubs is owned by the renowned Quinta do Lago resort. The courses are set in a nature reserve in the Algarve. The area offers all the necessary facilities for a good holiday, including luxury five-star hotels, restaurants and sports clubs. There is also a coastline with a sandy beach nearby.
Showbiz stars, athletes and other celebrities are often seen at this golf club. Madonna herself is often spotted playing golf at the Quinta do Lago. Her home is in the neighbourhood of it.
The courses are known for their challenging course obstacles and hole plans. For this reason it is the best option for advanced players, but can be enjoyed by all golfers. The main thing is to make a reservation.
Championship Course (The Address Montgomerie Dubai, UAE)
Most golf courses in this world have been created from nature’s creation: a unique landscape complemented by natural greenery. In such places, it was enough to place the holes and maintain the right conditions to maintain the green.
But the people of Dubai decided to create a perfect golf course from scratch, where nothing like it existed before. In the upmarket Emirates Hills area of Dubai, there is a unique oasis course that beckons players from everywhere. But it is most in demand amongst players in the Middle East.
The architects Colin Montgomerie and Desmond Muirhead designed The Address Montgomerie Dubai. Although the club has been in operation since 2006, interest has not been lost but is growing.
Terravista Golf Courses (Brazil)
The course designer for Teravista Golf Courses was Dan Blankenship. Since 2004, the location has opened its courses to players from all over the world. The unique landscapes combined with the original layout of the holes made the name of the club fairly quickly.
What can golfers expect when heading to play at this club?
- Holes 1-9: situated in an area of rainforest, enveloped by the sound of birdsong and the rustle of trees
- Holes 10-18: Located closer to the coast and sometimes bathed in the gentle breeze and sound of the surf.
But the most popular hole is hole 14, situated 150 metres above sea level at the very edge of the cliff.
