Happiness Is A Long Walk With A Putter: 8 Courses Everyone Should Play

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Traveling the world without the want or need of a destination is one of the most amazing things anyone can do with their time, but traveling the world with the purpose of playing golf on the greatest courses to ever be dreamed up and designed is on a whole other level. Sure, you may have just started to conquer your local 18-holes, but there is something truly magical about jetting off to a faraway destination to swing the clubs; it’s just something that makes the whole experience feel more, well, professional. Yeah, traveling to one of the best courses around the globe will make you feel like you’re one of the pros, even if you still swing like an amateur. With that in mind, we have done our research, spoken to some pros and keen hobbyists and pulled together a collection of courses that everyone should play; courses that are challenging, intriguing, exciting, designed with the utmost consideration, situated in the most stunning locations, boast mind-boggling histories and are rich with magnificent vistas.

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So, whether you have a few coins hidden in your piggy bank or you need to look into taking out a couple of short term loans, here are the top golf courses that everyone should move mountains to play. Trust us, you won’t regret it, and you’ll be smiling so much you probably won’t be able to hear your kids cursing at you for spending their inheritance.

St. Andrews, Scotland

If you are looking to play on a course that is loaded with history and boasts an illustrious career, then you need to head to Scotland (possibly with a translator) and play St. Andrews because this is one of the oldest and most-loved, especially on the professional circuit. The thing you need to be aware of, though, is frustration. Why? Simple. The Old Course at St Andrews is a challenge that can put even the most accomplished golfers to the test, which is partly due to changing weather conditions and partly due to the incredible design, each hazard making your approach that much tougher. That’s why your drive towards the green is so important. Still, the chance to play on a course that has been enjoyed since the 15th Century is not one you should turn your nose up at, especially as it is one of the most famous courses to keep its doors open to the public.

Pebble Beach, California

This course has long been held up to the skies like a glistening jewel and was even name d the number one public golf course by the much respected Golf Digest. Of course, as with most things, the chance to enjoy greatness comes with a rather hefty price tag and Pebble Beach in Monterey, California is no different. To give it to you straight, you probably won’t get any change from $500, and that is just for a single round. However, much like your St. Andrews experience, playing Pebble Beach is a rite of passage for all golfers. In case you are looking for a little bit of social proof to our claims, though, then just take these words from the great Jack Nicklaus who not only said this was probably the greatest course in the world, but also stated that, if he was given just one more round to play, he would play Pebble Beach. It’s hard to disagree with him too. The location alone - winding cliffs, views of the Pacific Ocean and the soft roar of waves - is enough to make even the grumpiest golfer smile.

Monte Rei Golf Course, Portugal

We have known about the astounding courses littered across the Algarve since we were two feet high thanks to our grandfather’s tri-annual pilgrimage to the south of Portugal and, well, the Monte Rei course is the number one. What makes this one so utterly delightful, especially for the golfer with a conscience, is that the Algarve makes for a wonderful family holiday with plenty to do for everyone. There are the gorgeous towns of Faro, Olhao, Monte Gordo and Tavira, while the long stretch of beaches is some of the best in all of Europe. So, now that we have covered your back and given you some words to repeat to your wife verbatim, what about the course itself? To put it bluntly, it was designed by none other than legend Jack Nicklaus, and quickly became celebrated as one of the best courses in the world. The weather is delicious, the fairways are fantastic, the greens gorgeous and the five lakes make for a truly special day of golf, as does the on-site driving range.

Dubai Creek, Dubai

Anything that gets slapped with the nickname ‘Golfer’s Paradise’ will surely prick the ears of bucket list makers, and that is exactly what has happened here. But, unlike a lot of places that don’t live up to the expectation, Dubai Creek really is mesmerizing. It’s the panoramic views, perfectly groomed fairways, manicured greens, the adjacent yacht club and the challenge. Oh, yes, the challenge. All of this is what has seen it garner so much global attention over recent years. Of course, if you are not the most accomplished golfer, the more forward tees can make this rather punishing course a lot easier to navigate. Basically, it has a lot to offer everyone, not to mention that it is only five minutes away from the city center of Dubai, making it more than a little convenient for the golfer who holiday’s with his family.

Port Royal, Bermuda

Despite popular belief, you can head to Bermuda and get out again, which is why you should head there for a few days of truly astounding golf. Located in Southampton, this course offers something most other courses don’t, and that is a sea view from almost every single hole. The pick of the bunch, however, is the 16th. That is because the tee is located on a cliff edge that overlooks some of the most disarmingly blue waters. It is like being in a dream. In fact, the 16th is widely considered to be one of the most premier Par 3 hole’s in golf, offering up a clear shot across the ocean to the green, which is situated on a beautiful coastal peninsula. What’s more, the renovation of this club is one that really deserves to be appreciated with your own ideas because not even Instagram could do this place justice.

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Legend Golf & Safari Resort, South Africa

This is the “Home of the Extreme 19th”. If you are a golfing or travel enthusiast, then you may well have heard of this before. If not, though, what makes the Extreme 19th so extreme is the fact it is the world’s longest Par 3 that is situated on top of the Hanglip Mountain and is accessed by a helicopter. That is just one of the reasons why this has long been championed as one of the most renowned courses in the world. Another reason is that this world-in-one golf course saw each of its eighteen holes get designed by a different golfing legend from around the world. What’s more, it also caters for everyone; holiday makers, golfers, business people, safari goers and more. This is an absolutely must-have adventure that demands at least week of your time.

Old Head Golf Links, Ireland

This stunning spot in County Cork is one of the most outrageous gold locations on the planet. Not because it offers 365 days of sunshine, white sandy beaches or a cityscape to admire, but because it is built on 220 acres of land that darts out into the Atlantic Ocean. That is what really adds to the atmosphere of this place. You have a challenging course that can be upset by temperamental wind conditions, only for it to all be worth it because, well, you get the feeling that you are playing golf on your own little private island. It is just so secluded and quiet, the surrounding vistas of ocean, jagged cliffs boxing you in and numerous caves that run under you all adding to the occasion. There is even a well-maintained lighthouse to draw breath from you that little bit more.

Wolf Creek Golf Club, USA

This golf course, neatly tucked away in Mesquite, Nevada often graces the lists of must-play courses for the simple fact it offers every golfer something totally unique; the chance to play in a canyon setting. It is like being in a virtual reality simulator, it is that unbelievable at times. You just can’t quite believe anywhere like this could actually exist as you play a round on some of the most luscious fairways, each one splitting the rough terrain, the unspoiled views and elevation changes absolutely stunning to look at. As a course, it is quite challenging to play. This is because nothing lies easily; the unfamiliar slopes, the well-positioned water hazards, awkward bunkers and sprouting canyons all requiring a little more calculation than you are perhaps used to on an approach. Still, it is worth taking on the challenge regardless of your ability and it is worth taking a visit just because it is special to see.