Photo by Wikimedia Commons 2.0
While sometimes pigeonholed as a game for the wealthy and the elite, the appeal of golf remains as present as ever, across the world.
At the sharp end of the game, luscious green landscapes adorn almost every course on the PGA, European and LIV Tours every week yet for regular golfers, there are a plethora of incredible golf courses available.
From the unmistakable links courses in the UK and Ireland, to the pristine tracks serves up in America and Asia, international climes play a part in how golf courses are formed.
Being categorised as scenic is of course a subjective issue, yet golfers don’t have to be experts of the game to appreciate beauty when it comes to golf course infrastructure.
Professionally, golfers worldwide are fortunate enough to experience some of the most beautiful golf courses on the planet, which only adds to the scrutiny around major golfing tournaments and events.
All punters and golf betting sites are fully invested in all of the biggest events on the global golfing calendar and how each course plays is always factored in by golf betting enthusiasts.
With golf course technology continuing to expand and the global reach of the game in a better state than ever before, the sport is continuing to evolve in a previously unseen way.
How the future of the game will look in years to come remains to be seen but the appeal of aesthetically pleasing golf courses remains as strong as ever worldwide.
Here is a look at five of the most scenic golf courses in the world:
5. St Andrew’s Old Course – Scotland
A course as synonymous as any with the whole sport of golf, St Andrew’s and specifically the Old Course, is often overlooked for its beauty.
Iconic moments across the sport of golf have adorned this remarkable golfing Mecca, with Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods and Seve Ballesteros having all etched their name into golfing history on the East Coast of Scotland.
Yet, the course itself holds its own as one of the most scenic and instantly recognisable in the sport of golf and is beauty is unquestionable.
Dating back to the 1500’s as a playable golf course, St Andrew’s is in a league of its own when it comes to golfing grandeur and history.
Few features capture the imagination more than the Swilcan Burn and Swilcan Bridge, which are hallmarks of golf in Scotland and of course St Andrew’s.
Set on the stunning coastline of Fife, St Andrew’s holds its own as one of the most remarkable and historical courses in the game of golf.
4. Kauri Cliffs – New Zealand
When it comes to areas of outstanding natural beauty, New Zealand more than punches above its weight, with some incredible landscapes on both the north and south island.
Kauri Cliffs, situated at the very north tip of New Zealand has long been recognised as one of the most beautiful golf courses on the planet.
With a third of the course played (as the course name would suggest) along the cliff tops in Matauri Bay and with breathtaking views of the Pacific ocean, Kauri Cliffs is a bucket list golfing destination for many.
Playability is retained at Kauri Cliffs, despite the obvious challenges that come with playing on coastal terrain and the par 72 championship course attracts golfing enthusiasts from all over the world.
3. Cabot Cliffs – Canada
Coastal views and golf are often synonymous but Cabot Cliffs in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia offers arguably some of the most incredible golfing vistas on the planet.
While eyes will naturally be averted to the iconic 16th hole, complete with a green hanging off the end of the peninsula, each of the 18 holes on the track are built with scenery and aesthetics in mind.
Designed by former major winner Ben Crenshaw, Cabot Cliffs offers picturesque views across the Atlantic Ocean and it’s finishing holes are often regarded as the most beautiful in the game of golf.
Another bucket-list golfing destination, Cabot Cliffs holds an allure with American, Canadian and international players but it is only open between March and October, due to the drop in temperatures in Nova Scotia in the winter.
The limited scheduling only adds to the intrigue around Cabot Cliffs, which is often referred to as one of the best golf courses on the planet.
2. Royal County Down – Northern Ireland
Links golf holds a special place in the heart of each and every golfer and at Royal County Down, few places on the planet can provide the unique links challenge and views that players experience.
Set in Murlough Nature Reserve, Royal County Down was designed and created by the legendary golfing figure Old Tom Morris, back in the late 1800’s.
Created with golfing acumen and stunning landscapes in mind, Royal County Down has become one of the most iconic courses in Ireland over the past century and it continues to be a must-play for any golfing purist.
The Championship Links course sprawls across miles of sand dunes and shoreline up in Newry, with every spot on the course offering incredible views of the Irish Sea and beyond.
1. Pebble Beach – USA
The combination of championship hosting golf courses with municipal values aren’t always easy to come by but Pebble Beach in California manages to combine just that in style.
Set along the magnificent coast line, on the scenic Monterrey peninsula, Pebble Beach has long been established as one of the most jaw-dropping golf courses on the planet.
Having first opened back in 1919, Pebble Beach was regarded as one of the most beautiful public courses in America, before becoming a host course for many big events on the American and global sporting calendar.
Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods have both clinched US Open titles at the infamous Pebble Beach links, and it continues to hold an allure with golfers worldwide, for its outstanding beauty and unmistakable course setup.
