Tee Off in Paradise: A Golfer’s Ultimate Bucket List of Must-Play Courses

From off-the-beaten-path gems to some of the most luxurious resort courses, these golf destinations offer not only exceptional golfing experiences but also a chance to explore diverse landscapes and cultures! So, pick up a pen and start checking these courses off your list!

---

PAYNE’S VALLEY AT BIG CEDAR LODGE
Hollister, Missouri
Designed by Tiger Woods, Payne’s Valley weaves through the Ozarks, making it a hidden gem for golfers seeking beauty and a test of skill. BigCedar.com

PETE DYE COURSE AT FRENCH LICK
French Link, Indiana
This Hoosier Hills course offers a demanding layout that combines strategic design with breathtaking surroundings. FrenchLick.com

WHISTLING STRAITS
Sheboygan, Wisconsin
This Pete Dye masterpiece along Lake Michigan features dramatic cliffs, rolling dunes and challenging links-style play. DestinationKohler.com

QUIVIRA GOLF CLUB
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Carved into the rugged Baja Peninsula, Quivira is a hidden treasure for golf enthusiasts. QuiviraLosCabos.com

KAPALUA GOLF
Maui, Hawaii
Ocean views and world-class courses create an idyllic setting that captures the essence of the Hawaiian Islands. GolfatKapalua.com

SHADOW CREEK GOLF COURSE
Las Vegas, Nevada
Tucked away in a secluded oasis, Shadow Creek’s meticulously designed holes offer an exclusive experience. ShadowCreek.com

EMIRATES GOLF CLUB
Dubai, UAE
Against a backdrop of desert splendor and city skyline, Emirates Golf Club delivers a blend of tradition and innovation. DubaiGolf.com

TRUMP TURNBERRY
Ayrshire, Scotland
With stunning views of Ailsa Craig and the Isle of Arran, Trump Turnberry gives golfers a championship experience alongside fine accommodations. TrumpTurnberry.com

TEETH OF THE DOG AT CASA DE CAMPO
La Romana, Dominican Republic
Designed by Pete Dye, Teeth of the Dog beckons golfers to play along the azure Caribbean waters. CasaDeCampo.com

BANDON DUNES GOLF RESORT
Bandon, Oregon
Bandon Dunes delivers a rugged Pacific Northwest golf experience with wind-swept fairways, dramatic dunes and breathtaking ocean views. BandonDunesGolf.com

TORREY PINES GOLF COURSE
La Jolla, California
Perched atop SoCal’s coastal bluffs, Rees Jones’ redesigned South Course is a golfer’s paradise. TorreyPinesGolfCourse.com

KIAWAH ISLAND GOLF RESORT
Kiawah Island, South Carolina
Kiawah Island boasts five championship courses, including the famed Jack Nicklaus-renovated Ocean Course. KiawahResort.com

PINEHURST NO. 2
Pinehurst, North Carolina
A masterpiece by Donald Ross, Pinehurst No. 2 is the quintessential golf course. Its storied fairways and greens are where golf legends are made and memories are forged. Pinehurst.com

PEBBLE BEACH GOLF LINKS
Pebble Beach, California
Majestic cliffs, pristine greens and the famous 7th hole make Pebble Beach an iconic destination and offer a golfing experience like no other. PebbleBeach.com

REAL CLUB VALDERRAMA
Sotogrande, Spain
With a challenging layout and a rich Ryder Cup history, Valderrama is a golfer’s dream. Test your skills at this prestigious course against the backdrop of Spain’s beauty. Valderrama.com

ST. ANDREWS LINKS
St. Andrews, Scotland
The “Home of Golf” has a long history dating back to the 15th century. Golfers who tread its hallowed fairways experience a profound connection to the sport’s roots. The Old Course, with its Swilcan Bridge and Hell Bunker, is a timeless destination for golf enthusiasts. StAndrews.com

BALLYBUNION GOLF CLUB
Ballybunion, Ireland
Founded in 1893, this world-renowned course is a thrilling challenge, with its rolling dunes and captivating Irish landscape. It’s a Mecca for golfers seeking history, beauty and true adventure. BallyBunionGolfClub.com

ROYAL BIRKDALE GOLF CLUB
Southport, England
Royal Birkdale offers a classic links experience with challenging fairways and undulating greens that have witnessed the triumphs of golf’s greatest players. Tee off amid history and natural beauty at this legendary Open Championship venue. RoyalBirkdale.com