Ever wondered where you can play golf at the highest elevation or on the hottest day? These five record-breaking golf courses push the boundaries of where and how the game can be played, creating unique challenges that standard courses simply can't match.
Where Golfers Chase Extreme Experiences
From breathtaking Himalayan heights to scorching desert floors below sea level, these courses offer more than just a round of golf—they provide bragging rights and unforgettable stories for adventurous players willing to test their skills in extraordinary conditions.
The Highest Golf Course in the World - Yak Golf Course, India
Standing at a breathtaking 13,025 feet above sea level, Yak Golf Course in Kupup, East Sikkim, India officially holds the Guinness World Record for the highest altitude golf course on Earth. This 6,025-yard track forms part of a military base nestled high in the Indian Himalayas.
As you might expect for a course touching the clouds, tee times are highly weather-dependent. The thin air at this elevation adds significant distance to your shots—though catching your breath between swings becomes its own challenge!
While Yak course holds the official record, La Paz Golf Club in Bolivia makes a compelling case as a contender. This centenarian course rises to 10,695 feet above sea level at its highest point—lower than its Himalayan rival but offering a more accessible extreme-altitude golfing experience.
The Oldest Golf Course - St Andrews Links, Scotland
When it comes to golfing history, no place holds more significance than St Andrews Links in Scotland. The Old Course officially ranks as the world's oldest golf course, with the first written record of golf directly referencing this historic layout.
Now affectionately known as the spiritual "home of golf," St Andrews stands as not only the oldest but also one of the most revered courses globally. It remains a regular fixture in The Open Championship rotation and a pilgrimage destination that even the world's best players approach with reverence.
The Hottest Golf Course - Furnace Creek, Death Valley
Originally named Death Valley Golf Course, Furnace Creek Golf Course in Inyo County, California sits in the location that recorded the highest reliably measured temperature on Earth. Summer temperatures routinely surpass 125°F (52°C), creating playing conditions unlike anywhere else.
Despite the extreme heat, the course remains open year-round, with management embracing their unique selling point by establishing the aptly named "Heatstroke Open" tournament in 2011. Remarkably, it attracted 48 competitors willing to test their skills—and endurance—in the scorching conditions.
The Lowest Golf Course - Furnace Creek, Death Valley
The records keep mounting for Furnace Creek, which also holds the distinction as the world's lowest elevation golf course. Officially recognized by Guinness World Records, it sits 214 feet (65m) below sea level.
This unique position creates fascinating playing conditions where greater gravitational force and higher barometric pressure affect ball flight. Golfers notice less carry distance and need to adjust their club selection accordingly—a rare experience of playing golf "below" the rest of the world.
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The Longest Golf Course - Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, China
When measuring from the championship tees, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in Lijiang, China claims the title of the world's longest golf course at a staggering 8,548 yards. Its longest hole stretches to a mammoth 711 yards—a par 5 that feels more like a par 6 for most players.
The breathtaking mountain backdrop of this gargantuan course isn't just for show—the resort also features challenging ski slopes for those looking to combine two sports in one extreme destination.
For those who prefer their "long" courses to involve actual travel, Nullarbor Links in Australia offers another kind of distance challenge. Its 18 holes spread across 1,875 kilometers (1,165 miles) along the Eyre Highway, with each hole located in a different town spanning Western and South Australia. A full round can take 3-4 days to complete!
Experience These Record-Breakers with Hole19
Whether you're planning an adventurous golf trip to challenge yourself at one of these extreme courses or simply looking to improve your game at your local track, the Hole19 app provides GPS distances, scoring, and statistics tracking to enhance your experience on any course.
