You have seen those golf photos that look more like screensavers than actual courses. Ocean cliffs, mountain backdrops, and fairways glowing in the sunrise make it all seem impossibly beautiful. The good news is that many of these jaw-dropping courses welcome traveling golfers with open arms. You do not need a member connection or a six-figure initiation fee. Let’s find them.

Why Scenic Golf Travel Is Booming

Travelers are discovering the joy of taking golf along for the journey. Golf tourism hit roughly $25 billion globally in 2024 and shows no signs of slowing down. Golf travel continues to attract players of all ages and skill levels worldwide.

What’s driving it? People want experiences, not just rounds. With the right approach to planning golf getaways, even bucket-list courses become accessible. Many world-ranked courses operate as resort destinations or public facilities. All you need is a passport, some flexible vacation days, and a reliable rain jacket.

North America’s Showstoppers

Pebble Beach Golf Links – California

Every golfer’s bucket list starts here. The stretch from holes 4 through 10 hugs the Pacific coastline so dramatically that photographers have made careers shooting it. The 7th hole plays just 100 yards, but standing on that tee with crashing waves behind the green makes distance irrelevant.

Green fees run around $600, but you are walking fairways that have hosted multiple U.S. Opens. Book well in advance as tee times disappear quickly.

Cabot Cliffs – Nova Scotia, Canada

Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw created something extraordinary on Cape Breton’s coastline. The routing moves between rolling sand dunes, forested highlands, and clifftop holes that make your hands shake on the takeaway.

Hole 16 has become one of golf’s most photographed par-3s – you’re hitting across a deep chasm to a green perched above the Atlantic. Between rounds, serious golfers often sharpen their game using indoor simulators from Golfbays to practice shots they’ll face on challenging coastal courses. This gives golfers a chance to refine their skills indoors.

Bandon Dunes Golf Resort – Oregon

This isn’t one course – it’s an entire destination carved into Oregon’s rugged southern coastline. Pacific Dunes runs along clifftop bluffs overlooking the ocean. Sheep Ranch feels like playing on the edge of the world.

The whole vibe channels Scottish links golf without the transatlantic flight. For golfers looking into smarter travel, Bandon offers world-class links without the international logistics. Walking is encouraged, the turf plays firm and fast, and you’ll learn to love the wind.

European Classics

Royal County Down – Northern Ireland

This course is widely regarded for its natural beauty and challenging layout. Many architecture experts and golf course ranking publications consider this the finest course on the planet. The Mountains of Mourne rise dramatically behind the links while you navigate blind shots over purple heather-covered dunes. The par-4 9th, with the mountains framing the green, can stop people mid-swing.

Turnberry (Ailsa Course) – Scotland

The iconic lighthouse stands guard over holes hugging Scotland’s Ayrshire coastline. Views stretch to Ailsa Craig rock and the Isle of Arran on clear days. This is where Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus battled in the famous 1977 ‘Duel in the Sun.’ For golfers dreaming of walking these historic links, The Open’s return to St Andrews in 2027 offers another reason to plan a Scottish golf pilgrimage. The stunning scenery and rich golfing history make this area one of the most celebrated in the sport.

Old Head Golf Links – Ireland

Picture a narrow peninsula jutting two miles into the Atlantic, barely connected to mainland Ireland. Now put a golf course on it. Multiple holes run along 200-foot cliffs with nothing between you and the ocean below. Wind makes things genuinely difficult, but you won’t care.

Southern Hemisphere Gems

Cape Kidnappers – New Zealand

Tom Doak created something unlike anything else in golf here. The back nine plays across narrow finger ridges extending toward the Pacific, with deep ravines dropping away on both sides. Fairways sit 140 meters above sea level.

Balls that miss left or right do not find rough; they seem to disappear into eternity. Green fees run around $500 USD, but this is truly bucket-list territory.

Royal Melbourne (West Course) – Australia

Alister MacKenzie designed this sandbelt classic in the 1920s. The golden-era bunkering punishes lazy shots while rewarding thoughtful play. It’s hosted multiple Presidents Cups and Australian Opens.

Tropical Paradise Options

Manele Golf Course – Lanai, Hawaii

Jack Nicklaus routed this along Lanai’s dramatic southern coastline, with three holes playing directly above ocean coves. The par-3 12th is so scenic that Bill Gates reportedly got married nearby. You’ll basically have the place to yourself – rounds move quickly with minimal crowds.

Kapalua Plantation Course – Maui

The annual PGA Tour season opener happens here for good reason. Massive elevation changes drop fairways through the West Maui Mountains while Molokai appears across the channel. This feels like big golf – long carries, wide fairways, and views that don’t quit.

Planning Your Scenic Golf Trip

Booking Strategy

Start early. Popular destinations book out months in advance during peak seasons. Many courses offer stay-and-play packages bundling accommodation with guaranteed tee times – these often provide better value than booking separately.

Consider shoulder seasons. Scotland in early October or New Zealand in late March can deliver excellent conditions with fewer crowds and lower rates.

What to Pack

Scenic courses are often located in exposed areas where the weather can change rapidly. Essentials include:

• Rain gear – Waterproof jacket and pants are non-negotiable for links golf
• Waterproof shoes – At least two pairs for multi-day trips
• Layers – Conditions shift quickly on coastal courses
• Quality travel cover – Protect your clubs during flights
• Rangefinder or GPS – Helps navigate unfamiliar layouts

Many international courses require walking, as carts may not be available or cost extra. Ensure your fitness level matches your ambitions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the most scenic golf course in the world?

Cape Kidnappers in New Zealand consistently tops lists for dramatic clifftop scenery. Pebble Beach, Cabot Cliffs, and Royal County Down all compete for that crown, depending on personal preference.

Can average golfers play these famous courses?

Most courses on this list welcome players of all skill levels. A few require handicap verification, but many world-ranked courses operate as resort destinations designed specifically for traveling golfers.

How far in advance should I book?

For bucket-list destinations like Pebble Beach or Cabot, book 3-6 months ahead during peak season. Off-peak periods offer more flexibility.

Are premium green fees worth it?

Most golfers who’ve splurged on a true bucket-list round say it was money well spent. These aren’t everyday rounds – they’re experiences that stick with you for decades.

Key Takeaways

• Many world-ranked scenic courses welcome traveling golfers through public access or resort packages
• North America offers bucket-list options from Pebble Beach to Cabot Cliffs without passport requirements
• Scotland and Ireland continue to be the spiritual homes of scenic links golf, offering numerous courses that welcome visitors.
• Book early for peak season and consider shoulder months for better availability
• Always pack rain gear for exposed coastal courses
• Working with experienced golf tour operators simplifies logistics for international trips