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Top international golf courses worth traveling for

Contributor

Are you someone who packs their golf clubs before their socks? Yes? Thank your stars because you are in for a treat. In this guide, we are outlining some of the very best international golf courses that are truly worth traveling for.

No matter in which corner of the globe you reside, you must play in these perfect fairways at least once in your lifetime to be called a true golf lover. 

Ready or not, here’s the list. 

  • St Andrews (Old Course), Scotland

No list of international golf courses is complete without the St Andrews Old Course because this is the course that started it all. Steeped in rich history and tradition, it is the home of the game. For true-blue golf enthusiasts, walking over the Swilcan Bridge is a rite of passage. 

What makes this place special isn’t just the history; it’s the fact that it’s a public park. On Sundays, the course closes to golf, and locals walk their dogs across the fairways.

According to historical archives from the St Andrews Trust, golf has been played on this land since the 15th century. It’s accessible, historic, and undeniably magical. 

Do you know what the Road Hole (the 17th) is famous for?  It is known for being one of the hardest par-4s in existence, requiring a blind tee shot over a corner of the Old Course Hotel. Up for the challenge? 

  • Black Mountain Golf Club, Thailand

When we look toward Asia, the landscape changes from rugged dunes to vibrant, emerald hills. Thailand has quietly become a global powerhouse for golf tourism, growing into a multi-billion dollar industry according to 2026 market data.

While there are over 250 to 300 golf courses nationwide, Black Mountain Golf Club in Hua Hin is, without a doubt, one of the best golf courses in Thailand. This golf course offers a full sensory experience as it is built into a valley surrounded by huge black granite rocks (hence, the name!). The course’s layout is both challenging and breathtaking. An interesting fact is that the course has hosted multiple Asian Tour events. 

The caddies are an absolute pleasure here, the greens are like glass, and the clubhouse offers stunning views. 

You’ll run out of reasons not to come here! 

  • Pebble Beach Golf Links, USA

Heading over to the California coast, Pebble Beach offers what many consider the most beautiful vistas in the sport. Holes 6, 7, and 8 are legendary, hugging the rugged cliffs of the Pacific Ocean. 

The 7th hole is a tiny par-3 that can play like a beast if the wind is whipping off the water. While it is expensive, standing on the 18th fairway with the waves crashing beside you is a feeling you won’t soon forget. It remains the No. 1 public course in the United States for a reason, and it is waiting for you. 

  • Royal County Down, Northern Ireland

Don’t you just love the raw, wild beauty of a traditional links course? You cannot miss playing golf at the Royal County Down. This course is a gold standard. 

Located in Newcastle, it sits right beneath the Mourne Mountains. The bearded bunkers here are world-famous, featuring overhanging lips of marram grass and heather that can swallow a ball whole. The first nine holes are particularly spectacular as they run along the Irish Sea with high dunes that hide the fairways from view until you’re standing right on top of them.

  • Royal Melbourne (West Course), Australia

Australia’s Sandbelt region is home to some of the most strategic golf on the planet, and Royal Melbourne’s West Course is the leader of the pack. Designed by the legendary Dr. Alister MacKenzie (the same man who designed Augusta National), the course is famous for its massive, rugged bunkers and lightning-fast greens.

What makes Royal Melbourne special is the way that it is laid out. It is very much aligned with the terrain and requires you to think about your shot each time. It’s not just about having a long shot but landing it in a particular place so that you can have a good angle.

  • Tara Iti, New Zealand

New Zealand has become a must-visit for golfers in the last decade, and Tara Iti is the reason why. It is incredibly exclusive, but for those who manage to secure a tee time, it offers a purely minimalist experience. There are no paved cart paths or manicured tee boxes; the whole course is essentially one giant sand dune covered in fescue.

It feels like playing golf at the edge of the world. The views of the Pacific Ocean and the offshore islands are so distracting that it’s a miracle anyone finishes their round. Don’t believe us? Visit and see for yourself. 

  • Emirates Golf Club (Majlis), UAE

Dubai has transformed into a luxury playground, and the Emirates Golf Club is its crown jewel. The Majlis course was the first grass course in the Middle East, and the contrast between the lush green fairways and the surrounding desert dunes is striking. 

Playing here feels like a futuristic adventure, with the iconic Dubai skyline, including the Burj Khalifa, serving as your backdrop. It’s a masterclass in how to build a world-class course in a challenging environment.

So, there you have it! Grab your passport, book that tee time, and go see what makes these international tracks so special!Â