Up until just a few years ago, Golf course were soles the domains of Golfers. Now, however, their incredibly beautiful designs and landscape, not to mention their attachment to all inclusive resorts, makes these courses a destination for thousands of tourists yearly. Some are golfers, some are not. Below, we have listed 10 of the most beautiful and touted Golf Courses in the world. If you are an avid golfer, you would do well to make a goal of visiting a few of these before you hang up your clubs for good.
1. Cape Kidnappers (New Zealand) - This course, designed by American Architect Tom Doak, is a challenging and beautiful marvel to behold. It features sloped green and jagged ravines to challenge golfers of any skill level. Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Cape Kidnappers was built on a 2000-hectare sheep farm.
2. Royal County Down (Northern Ireland) - Number two on the list is Royal County Down. The green's shine in all their beautiful glory on this historic course that overlooks the Irish Sea. Beware the 7th and 12th holes...many a ball has been lost and a club been thrown on these incredibly challenging holes.
3. Pebble Beach (United States) - "If I had only one more round to play, I would choose to play it at Pebble Beach." -Jack Nicklaus Ok, that pretty much says it all. If Jack chooses his last round there, why not make this stop your NEXT round? The Golf Courses at Pebble Beach were recently voted #1 Golf Resort in America by Golf Digest Magazine in 2007. See what the pros already know...Pebble Beach is THE place to play in the States.
4. Leopard Creek (South Africa) - Membership by invitation only helps to make Leopard Creek the exclusive hotspot for golfers that it is. This course was funded and co-designed by banker Johann Rupert, and together with the help of pro golfer Gary Player, this course has become a destination for the world's elite golfers. A challenging course that was completely remodeled in 2000, this course is not only home to some of world's most incredible golfers, but crocodiles, hippos, and tigers can be spotted here as well. Be careful of the water hazards!
5. Green Monkey (Barbados) - Barbados...The Caribbean, those two words are probably enough to attract most golfers to check this out, but the addition of one name helps to cinch the deal: Tom Fazio. Credited as being the world's BEST golf course designer, Tom was at the helm of this 45 hole masterpiece. Part of the Sandy Lane Golf resort in the Caribbean, Green Monkey has enough beauty and challenge to make this destination a worthwhile investment.
6. Turnberry (Scotland) - Many of the great pros of the sport have won the Open here. Watson, Norman, Price, just to name a few. This world class resort resides in the home of our great sport, Scotland. That fact alone should help to make Turnberry a MUST VISIT on your list. The courses are undergoing renovation and should be completed early in 2009, just in time for the Open, hopefully to be hosted here again this year!
7. Valderrama (Spain) - Inaugurated in 1985, Valderrama is known for its breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. Meticulously cared for and manicured, the fairways and greens rate among the best in the world. The breathtaking beauty of Spain add to the atmosphere. THis course must be experienced to be believed.
8. St. Andrews Old Course (Scotland) - THIS, is the accepted birthplace of Golf. Six courses of varying levels of difficulty, including a 9 hole course for children and begginers. The history is rich here. A must visit Golf Resort.
9. Augusta National Golf Club (United States) - Augusta Masters is played at the Augusta National Golf Club. The course is not a difficult one at all, but some editions in the recent past have been marred by inclement weather, which makes conditions challenging for players.
10. Ballybunion (Ireland) - Located on the West Coast of Ireland, Ballybunion is considered one of the top 10 courses in the world, and boasts one of the toughest par 4's in the world as well. A favorite of Tom Watson among others, Ballybunion delivers in both beauty and challenging golf.
Obviously, there are many courses around the world, but these are bound to be found in many a top 10 list of the world's top pros. Good luck in your journeys, and I hope to see YOUR top 10 list in the near future!
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