Golf is an elite sport with many fans around the world. Modern golf has been played since the 15^th century in Scotland and has since risen to become one of the most popular sports in the world. Most golf courses offer stunningly manicured and evergreen grass, breath-taking views and of course, stellar company to enjoy the sport with. Here is our selection of some of the best golf courses in the world.

1. Royal County Down Golf Club

The Royal County Down is in Newcastle, the northern parts of Ireland. This luxury golf course is over 100 years old and was designed by Tom Morris. Royal County Down’s field is lined up along the shoreline, looking out over the Irish Sea.

2. Andrews (The Old Course)

The Old Course in St Andrews is situated in Scotland. This ethereal golf is where the loved game was born. As a birthplace of golf, it also forms part of the most famous golf courses in the world.

3. Royal Melbourne Golf Club

The Royal Melbourne is in Australia. This two 18-hole golf course provides players with a variety of obstacles on their serene courses. The golf course was designed by the American architect, Dr Alister Mackenzie.

4. Pine Valley Golf Club

Pine Valley Golf Club is in New Jersey, United States. The golf course is in an arid landscape; however, it appears like an oasis that’s surrounded by palm trees. Pine Valley manages to seamlessly blend numerous course layouts such as Penalty, Heroic and Strategic.

5. Cypress Point Club

Cypress Point Club is located in California along the Pebble Beach and was designed by the architect, Dr Alister Mackenzie. One of the characteristics that make this golf course striking is its surroundings. Cypress Point has an amazing ocean scenery that offers a fresh breeze.

6. Shinnecock Hills Golf Club

Shinnecock Hills Golf Club is in an area of the Town of Southampton on Long Island, New York in the United States. It was designed by William Shinnecock G.C. and has a unique terrain with variable winds and a green area bunker.

7. Oakmont Country Club

Oakmont Country Club is in Pennsylvania and was designed by an avid golfer by the name of Henry Fownes in the year 1903, long before the online pokies NZ we enjoy today were around. This golf course provides undulating greens, drainage ditches and a deep roughness that definitely puts the skills of most pro golfers to the test.

8. Royal Dornoch

Royal Dornoch is located at the northern tip of Scotland’s Highlands. Golf used to be played at this course since around 1616, making it the 3^rd oldest golf course in history. Their championship course has become well known for its elevated greens.

9. Augusta National Golf Club

Augusta National Golf Club is in Georgia, United States and was designed in 1932 by Bobby Jones and Dr Alister Mackenzie. The golf course has been improved throughout the years by numerous architects.

10. Pebble Beach Golf Links

Pebble Beach Golf Links is located in California, United States and is America’s first major public seaside golf course. What makes this golf course stand out is their inclusiveness, anyone can play there, it isn’t restricted to only club members.