24 amazing golf destinations around the world

The birthplace of modern golf, St. Andrews is the oldest course in the world. It’s hosted international tournaments for centuries, but it isn’t just for the pros. Visitors can have the ultimate golf getaway in an adorable Scottish seaside village.

Whistler might be best known as a ski destination, but in the summer, travelers come to golf. The Whistler village is an idyllic spot to stay, with plenty of shopping and dining options. As a bonus, most accommodation provides shuttles to the surrounding courses.

The Caribbean isn’t one endless sparkling beach; there are some fantastic golf options in the islands. One of the best, though, is Casa de Campo in the Dominican Republic. The full-service resort offers villas as well as sea and riverside views.

France isn’t your typical golf destination, but Terre Blanche will make you rethink that! Located in lovely Provence, east of Cannes, the resort pairs perfectly with a French Riviera vacation. For the non-golfers on the trip, the spa offers an array of treatments and services.

Cabo isn’t just for spring breakers, or at least, your typical ones. Diamante resort is located on the tip of the Baja Peninsula, and the views are worth every penny. And who doesn’t love a round followed by a relaxing nap on the beach?

Ireland has no shortage of great golf options, so much so that it can be overwhelming to try and choose a spot. For visitors to Co. Cork, the numerous course options are enhanced by the coastal views and quaint Irish towns in the area.

The Garden Route is South Africa’s most famous road trip, but it holds a lot of interest for golfers as well. The sprawling estate has three courses, high-quality dining options, and a spa for non-golfing travel partners.

Okay, Patagonia is still largely a backpacking, hiking, and camping destination. However, Patagonia Virgin Frutillar, a newer course north of Puerto Montt, is a golfer’s dream. Tee off with epic lake views at the end of the world!

The city isn’t exactly known for golf, but the surrounding area has some of the best courses in the world. As a bonus, with reversed seasons, you can head to the southern hemisphere for a few rounds while courses back home are still covered in frost.

Denmark is a small country, but it still manages to produce some top golfers. It also houses some great courses, like the Himmerland Golf and Spa resort, which is in the heart of the Danish countryside but not too far from the water.

The name itself has made the course quite recognizable in its lifetime. But, beyond that, Ballyliffin is just a stunning destination. Right on Ireland’s northernmost tip, the coastal breeze can be a bit strong, but you won’t experience another location like it.

Once you get past the college kids and family resorts in Cancun, the Riviera Maya has so much more to offer! The possibilities for great golf rounds are endless, and resorts are happy to shuttle visitors.

Wine and golf often go together, so it’s no surprise that Argentina’s premier wine destination would welcome golfers. Numerous courses are available, all with sweeping mountain views and located close to some of the best vineyards in the world!

An hour and a half from Belfast, Portrush feels a world away. The Northern Irish village has many storied courses nearby and lush greenery that feels like something out of a golf magazine.

This small British overseas territory is actually closer to the Carolinas than England, and the courses reflect that. Play any of the fantastic options, most with ocean views, and then retire to the beach for the day!

The Rocky Mountains don’t make building golf courses all that easy, but Alberta figured it out and is now a premier Canadian golf spot. Base yourself in any of the national parks and enjoy some of the most beautiful courses in the world, including Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Course and Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge Golf.

The island has shown major resilience since the 2017 hurricane, and it’s now welcoming visitors of all kinds. That goes for golfers as well, who will enjoy the options near the Ritz-Carlton and Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve.

Two hours from London and you’re in England’s golf central. Three major courses, Royal St George's, Royal Cinque Ports, and Prince’s, make the perfect trifecta golf trip.

The “Land of Smiles” sure lives up to its name for golfers. Siam Country Club, Blue Canyon Country Club, and more welcome enthusiasts of the sport from all over. Golf in the morning, pad thai lunch, and beach in the afternoon? Sounds like the perfect vacation.

Best known as a fishing and road-trip destination, Nova Scotia also has a few great courses. Many of them are located on the beautiful Cape Breton Island, where the scenery is beautiful no matter the season.

Americans take golf getaways to Arizona and Florida, while Europeans head to Spain! It’s called the Sunshine Coast for a reason: Like favorite golf destinations stateside, a round is always a possibility in southern Spain!

The South Pacific is a favorite vacation destination for all types, usually dive and watersports enthusiasts. But don’t sleep on its golf scene! Home to dozens of great courses, the main island even has a few championship-level ones.

The island nation in the Indian Ocean is perfect for travelers looking for a postcard-worthy destination. A lesser-known feature, though, is its golf courses, which now number in the double digits!

We couldn’t round out the list without including at least one American destination. Augusta, home to The Masters, there are also plenty of other tournaments to watch and public courses to tee up at throughout the year.