Ultimate Golf Bucket List: 10 Unforgettable Courses to Play Before You Die

From Classic Icons to Modern Masterpieces: The Definitive Collection of Golf's Greatest Challenges and Most Breathtaking Landscapes

For passionate golfers, having a bucket list of dream courses is almost as essential as having a favorite driver. Whether you're just starting to compile your must-play destinations or looking to update your existing list, we've curated the ultimate collection of golf's most spectacular venues.

1. Augusta National, Georgia, USA

Golfing perfection has a name, and it's Augusta National. Home to The Masters, this immaculate course remains the most exclusive and desired tee time in golf.

While securing a tee time remains incredibly challenging, the course's beauty, history, and pristine conditions make it worth pursuing every possible connection. And if playing proves impossible, attending The Masters as a patron offers an unforgettable alternative.

Augusta National is well-known throughout the golfing world for its immaculate conditioning, presenting impeccably manicured playing corridors.
Augusta National is well-known throughout the golfing world for its immaculate conditioning, presenting impeccably manicured playing corridors.

2. St Andrews (Old Course), Scotland

No golf bucket list is complete without the undisputed Home of Golf. The Old Course continues to be golf's most historically significant venue.

The iconic Swilcan Bridge, the Road Hole (17th), and Hell Bunker have challenged golfers for over 600 years. Unlike many bucket list courses, St Andrews offers genuine accessibility through its advanced ballot system – making this dream achievable for determined golfers.

The Old Course at St Andrews is the most famous golf course in world golf and the Mecca to which every golfer aspires to make pilgrimage at least once in a lifetime.
The Old Course at St Andrews is the most famous golf course in world golf and the Mecca to which every golfer aspires to make pilgrimage at least once in a lifetime.

3. TPC Sawgrass (Stadium Course), Florida, USA

Home to golf's most photographed hole – the island green 17th – TPC Sawgrass continues to test the world's best players at The Players Championship. Since its 2021 renovation, the Stadium Course has only enhanced its reputation as one of America's most challenging yet fair tests of golf.

The course's accessibility as a public venue makes it a must-play for serious golfers looking to test their nerve on the infamous par-3 17th, where over 120,000 balls find the water annually.

THE PLAYERS Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass was built in 1980 to be the permanent home of THE PLAYERS Championship.
THE PLAYERS Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass was built in 1980 to be the permanent home of THE PLAYERS Championship.

4. St Andrews Links Trust (Dumbarnie Links), Scotland

The newest addition to our bucket list, Dumbarnie Links has rapidly established itself as one of golf's most spectacular modern courses since opening in 2020. Now under St Andrews Links Trust management, this Clive Clark design offers breathtaking views across the Firth of Forth with its ingenious two-tier layout.

Consistently ranked among Europe's top 25 courses since 2022, Dumbarnie provides the authentic links experience while remaining playable for golfers of all abilities.

Dumbarnie Golf Links has been the most anticipated golf course opening in Scotland since the inauguration of Castle Stuart over ten years ago.
Dumbarnie Golf Links has been the most anticipated golf course opening in Scotland since the inauguration of Castle Stuart over ten years ago.

5. Pine Valley, New Jersey, USA

Maintaining its position as the world's #1 ranked course for over two decades, Pine Valley represents the ultimate golfing challenge. Its combination of beauty, difficulty, and exclusivity makes it the most coveted invitation in golf.

While access remains extremely limited, the course occasionally opens its gates to the public for the final round of its annual club championship – perhaps your best chance to walk these legendary fairways.

Pine Valley shares some characteristics with the Australian Sandbelt and there is very little rough on the course.
Pine Valley shares some characteristics with the Australian Sandbelt and there is very little rough on the course.

6. Tara Iti, New Zealand

Since its 2015 opening, this Tom Doak masterpiece has revolutionized what golfers expect from a modern links experience. Set against the stunning backdrop of New Zealand's Hauraki Gulf, Tara Iti has climbed to #3 in world rankings.

The 2024 addition of a second course (Te Arai Links) has made this remote golfing paradise more accessible to international visitors, with limited public tee times now available through select luxury travel partners.

Tara Iti is without doubt the best modern golf course built in the Southern Hemisphere, and maybe anywhere in the world.
Tara Iti is without doubt the best modern golf course built in the Southern Hemisphere, and maybe anywhere in the world.

7. Cape Kidnappers, New Zealand

Perched dramatically on cliffs high above Hawke's Bay, Cape Kidnappers delivers one of golf's most visually spectacular experiences. The Tom Doak design features several holes where errant shots might literally plummet into the Pacific Ocean below.

Following its hosting of the 2024 New Zealand Open, the course has cemented its reputation as a bucket-list essential that combines jaw-dropping scenery with world-class architecture.

Cape Kidnappers was one of the first of the new wave of top courses built in New Zealand and has been a regular fixture in the world top 100 ever since.
Cape Kidnappers was one of the first of the new wave of top courses built in New Zealand and has been a regular fixture in the world top 100 ever since.

8. Bandon Dunes (Old Macdonald), Oregon, USA

The Bandon Dunes golf resort has revolutionized American golf, and while all five courses merit consideration, Old Macdonald stands out for its authentic links experience and spectacular ocean views.

Following the 2025 addition of the sixth course (Bandon Moor), securing tee times has become increasingly competitive, making advance planning essential for this bucket-list destination.

Bandon Dunes Golf Resort is located on the western coast of Oregon, 2.5 hours south of Eugene, Oregon and 45 min south of North Bend.
Bandon Dunes Golf Resort is located on the western coast of Oregon, 2.5 hours south of Eugene, Oregon and 45 min south of North Bend.

9. Royal County Down (Championship Course), Northern Ireland

Consistently ranked among the world's top three courses, Royal County Down offers perhaps the most authentic links challenge in golf. Set against the backdrop of the Mountains of Mourne, its blind shots, punishing bunkers, and gorse-lined fairways provide the ultimate test.

Royal County Down is located in one of the world's most naturally beautiful links settings in the Murlough Nature Reserve.
Royal County Down is located in one of the world's most naturally beautiful links settings in the Murlough Nature Reserve.

10. Cabot Cliffs, Nova Scotia, Canada

The newest entry on our list, Cabot Cliffs has rapidly ascended world rankings since its 2015 opening. This Coore & Crenshaw design, perched dramatically along the Gulf of St. Lawrence, offers a breathtaking mix of clifftop holes, dunes, and woodland settings.

The course's 16th hole—a par-3 played across a yawning chasm—rivals TPC Sawgrass' 17th for drama, while being set against one of golf's most spectacular natural backdrops.

Exquisitely carved out of the breathtaking Cape Breton landscape, with postcard-worthy panoramas vying for your attention and rich, rolling fairways.
Exquisitely carved out of the breathtaking Cape Breton landscape, with postcard-worthy panoramas vying for your attention and rich, rolling fairways.

Ready to start checking these courses off your bucket list?

Whether you're planning your next golf adventure or simply dreaming of future rounds, Hole19's GPS app is your perfect companion at over 38,000 courses worldwide. Track your performance, measure distances with precision, and capture your memories at these bucket-list destinations.

What courses are on your ultimate golf bucket list? Join the conversation and share your dream destinations with us on our social channels!

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