Old Course at St Andrews
Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa
I grew up with a father who was heavily invested in golf. My childhood was spent living in a home on the 14th hole of a popular golf course in Northern California. I would spend hours practicing putting in the evenings when golfers left, and many weekends as a caddy for my Dad during pro-am tournaments. I learned a lot from that and have remained a fan of golf ever since. I have had the pleasure of personally visiting many of the most prestigious golf courses around the world, with quite a few of them allowing amateurs like me to play.
The new Golfweek list of the Best International Courses is a fantasy selection for golfers like me. They compiled their list with over 800 expert raters, highlighting the world’s top courses outside the United States, with a focus on design, playability, and unique settings.
Golfweek expert Jason Lusk tells me, “One of the best aspects of these top courses is that so many of them can be played by international guests. Royal County Down is a perfect example and Golfweek has it rated as the best international course, and it’s a private club of sorts, yet it welcomes players from around the world. In the U.S., it would be the equivalent of being able to book a tee time at Augusta National.”
A golfer crosses the Swilcan Bridge with his caddie at Old Course, St. Andrews as the sun rises. One of the few early tee off times available to the public.
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It is much easier for golf enthusiasts to enlist the services of a travel agent to create exceptional itineraries and gain access to hard-to-reach courses. Marty Carr, CEO of Carr Golf Travel Company, creates once-in-a-lifetime vacations for custom golf trips.
“There are many reasons to use an agent,” he told me, “Firstly, they have the experience to plan and execute a trip based on years of experience and relationships with the hotels and golf courses. They know what days the course allows play and can arrange a circuit around these restrictions. Then they add the secret sauce, such as a good driver, great caddies, special restaurants, and local knowledge. For golfers who are time poor, the time spent arranging the trip and on the trip is time that is best served leaving it to companies.”
For those of us who are leisure golfers who want to experience the best courses in the world, be forewarned that there are strict mandates and, of course, huge costs. Prestigious courses, such as the Old Course at St Andrews, require a handicap to manage the flow of play. All golfers must present proof of a valid handicap or a certificate from their club professional. This requirement helps prevent significant delays caused by players who might struggle to navigate the course’s difficulties.
Ballybunion Golf located in Ireland
Ballybunion Golf Club
Many of the top courses in Ireland and Scotland are also privately owned and run on a commercial basis, and in many cases include the option to book on-site accommodation. These include Turnberry and Carnoustie in Scotland and Old Head Golf Links, Doonbeg, and Waterville in Ireland. These courses also allow booking up to a year in advance.
“The Old Course St Andrews is unique in that St. Andrews Links Trust owns it and is essentially a public golf course,” explains Carr. “While there is an open application process for tee times and a daily lottery, the best way to guarantee a tee time at the Old Course is to book through an approved Tour Operator one to two years in advance. Demand exceeds supply here, so it’s important to book way in advance.”
Here are the top 10 courses from Golfweek to help craft your next golf vacation.
Club House at the Royal County Down Golf Course
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1. Royal County Down – Northern Ireland
This is one of the most beautiful courses in the world, with Dundrum Bay to the east and the Mourne Mountains to the south. The course design is credited to Old Tom Morris and has been refined over the last 120 years, most recently by Donald Steel. The greens are flat, but the rough terrain, blind shots, and bunkers are highlights for golfers.
How to play- While a private club, the public can submit a request to play in May of the previous year for a round of golf costing $600, with a mandatory $100 caddie service fee.
Slieve Donard Hotel
Marine & Lawn
Where to stay- Slieve Donard
One of the oldest hotels in Ireland, this Victorian-themed legend is located directly on the beach, adjacent to the Royal County Down golf course on one side and the town of Newcastle on the other. There is a fabulous spa and the destination restaurant J.J. Farrall’s, along with the cozy Wolf Bar.
2. St. Andrews Old Course – Scotland
The Old Course at St. Andrews is a legendary destination for golfers and is commonly referred to as the birthplace of golf, where the first game was played 600 years ago. The vast greens and strong winds make this a challenge, but trust me, as someone who has golfed here, it is a bucket-list experience, rain or shine. Even the most jaded golfers take selfies on the famed Swilcan Bridge.
How to play- While the Old Course is open for public play, you must display a current official handicap card or certificate that verifies your world handicap doesn’t exceed 36. Each fall, they accept applications for tee times on the Old Course for the following year. If you don’t book in advance, each day the Old Course holds a lottery, drawn two days before the date of play. On my visit, I found the odds were better of getting a tee time in the winter months, when rain and wind are common enemies. Fees start at $400 per round in high season.
St Andrews Old Course with Old Course Hotel in the background
Jim Dobson for Forbes
Where to stay- Old Course Hotel
Overlooking the legendary golf course and bordering the Fife coastline, this 175-room grand hotel is adjacent to the cobblestone streets of St Andrews. It features the fabulous Kohler Waters Spa and Road Hole Restaurant and Bar.
The 153 metre par 3, 16th, hole on the East Course at Royal Melbourne Golf Club
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3. Royal Melbourne – Australia
Founded in 1891, this private club is widely considered the best course in Australia. Located in Victoria’s famed Sandbelt region, it is home to two award-winning courses. The West course is the ultimate golfing experience.
How to play- This is a private club open to members only. Members of reciprocal clubs are also considered. If you are lucky enough to be invited, prepare to pay around $500 in green fees for a round of golf.
Where to stay- Quest Cheltenham
This tranquil Bayside retreat features 55 serviced apartments and is located in the Victorian Sandbelt, adjacent to the golf course and beaches.
General view of the 14th green at Royal Dornoch Golf Club, Scotland.
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4. Royal Dornoch – Scotland
In 1886, Old Tom Morris oversaw the expansion of the course from 9 to 18 holes. For over 150 years, the course has been located along the shores of Dornoch Firth. The fast and firm greens are a challenge that keeps golf enthusiasts eager to return.
How to play- Visitors are welcome every day. Green fees are around $400 per round on the old course. Caddie fees are around $100. There are more American members of this club than Dornoch residents.
Dornoch Station Hotel
Marine & Lawn
Where to stay- Dornoch Station
Located steps from Royal Dornoch Golf Club and directly facing the beach, this historic hotel at the edge of a village dates back to 1902. The property also has two excellent destination restaurants and bars: The Golden Gorse and Bar Ross.
Cabot Saint Lucia
Cabot Saint Lucia
5. Cabot Saint Lucia – Caribbean
Cabot Saint Lucia is a private members’ community located on a 375-acre peninsula at the northern tip of Saint Lucia Island. The property features a magnificent Coore & Crenshaw-designed 18-hole golf course and a stunning collection of luxury homes ranging from fairway townhomes to expansive, custom villas.
Perched above the Atlantic Ocean and built around the cliffs and valleys, architects Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw followed the natural landscape, winding the holes through lush terrain, over rocky cliffs, and along bays lined with white-sand beaches. Nine greens play along the ocean, and all 18 holes offer spectacular views.
How to play- Private golf course with only 40 players allowed per day. The green fees, which include a caddie, start at $445.
Jade Mountain Resort in St. Lucia
Jade Mountain
Where to stay- Jade Mountain
One of my favorite hotels in the world, Jade Mountain, is a remarkable property. Perched above Anse Chastanet’s 600-acre beachfront estate, it was designed by architect-owner Nick Troubetzkoy. The 24 infinity pool sanctuaries are stunning, with a missing fourth wall adding to the dramatic experience.
The par 3, 13th hole at The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers at Muirfield
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6. Muirfield – Scotland
This club dates back to 1744, with the original course created by Old Tom Morris. The course’s location by the sea and the ever-changing weather system have golfers often struggling to adapt to shifting wind angles.
How to play- Open to non-members on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Green fees for 2026 are over $500 per player, and caddies are $100. Tee time requests are made well in advance, and visitors must have a handicap of 24 or less.
Where to stay- Greywalls Hotel & Chez Roux
This historic country house is just 30 minutes from Edinburgh and overlooks Muirfield Golf Course. Designed in 1901, 23 elegant rooms are located within the historic main house or in unique cottages. There is a destination restaurant, Chez Roux, offering fine dining.
Shanqin Bay Golf Course
Shanqin Bay
7. Shanqin Bay – China
Shanqin Bay is known as one of the most controversial designs from Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw. It was created on a rugged site that housed World War II Army barracks, complete with stone tunnels. The fairways wind through the mountains and overlook the China Sea. And to make things even more luxurious, Shanqin Bay provides five female caddies for every foursome. The fifth caddie is there to repair divots and provide food and drink.
How to play- This is a private club, and guests may only play if invited by a member. With an initiation fee of around $1 million, this is one of the most difficult to access.
Le Méridien Shimei Bay Beach Resort & Spa
Le Meridien
Where to stay- Le Méridien Shimei Bay Beach Resort & Spa
This luxury resort overlooking Shimei Bay, southeast of Wanning, offers beautiful villas, private beach access, and six first-class restaurants. There is also a spa and two outdoor pools. The eight-bedroom private pool villa is the perfect rest stop for you and your billionaire golfing friends.
The fifth hole with the 6th, 7th, 8th, 10th holes of Portrush on the Dunluce Links
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8. Royal Portrush – Northern Ireland
Founded in 1888, the club became The Royal County Club in 1892 under the Duke of York and got its present name in 1895 under the Prince of Wales. Named after the ruins of Dunluce Castle, it is perched on a basalt cliff between Portrush and Portballintrae.
Initially designed by the legendary Harry Colt, the breathtaking course offers sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean, and two championship courses, the Dunluce and the Valley, are positioned along the cliff top. Architect Martin Ebert led a major redesign beginning in 2015. Critics say the fairways merge so perfectly with the dunes that it is difficult to see where they are.
How to play- Although a private club, it is open to the public on specific days and times, with Mondays being the best option. A round of golf at Dunluce starts at $500, and caddies are not required. And yes, women are welcome.
Dunluce Lodge
Dunluce Lodge
Where to stay- Dunluce Lodge
Situated alongside the fourth fairway of Royal Portrush Golf Club, the 35-suite Dunluce Lodge is the region’s only 5-star resort. The popular Restaurant and Bar at Dunluce Lodge is the best place to hang out after a day of golf while sipping whiskey into the wee hours.
As a luxury option, Royal Portrush also offers The Rosses, a luxury 8-bedroom property overlooking the 4th fairway. Rates start at over $3,000 per night.
The 167-yard par 3 13th hole on the Hirono Golf Club course
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9. Hirono – Japan
Hirono was designed in the 1930s by golfer Alison in a location deep in a pine forest surrounded by gulleys. He made wide corridors and placed the greens on the ridges’ crests. The unusual diagonal cross bunkers are a challenge, where sand dominates the theme of this course.
How to play- This private club says a member must accompany you, and green fees are not published. This experience for both men and women golfers is only for the privileged few.
Nesta Resort Kobe
Nesta Resort Kobe
Where to stay- Nesta Resort Kobe
This forest-backed resort hotel offers premium terraces with in-room hot spring water, luxurious villas, and glamping cabins. There are indoor and outdoor hot springs, as well as an Italian restaurant. This is a traditional Japanese onsen experience and only a 20-minute drive to Hirono.
The par 4, 10th hole on the Old Course at Sunningdale Golf Club
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10. Sunningdale – England
Designed by Willie Park Jr. in 1901, the course is lined with stunning pine, birch, and oak trees. Both the New and Old Courses play to a par of 70. The New Course offers a more open layout for power drives, while the Old Course is more tree-lined and features one of the most photographed tee shots in the world- the elevated 10th hole.
How to play- Sunningdale welcomes visitors Monday to Thursday from May to October, and usually books up a year in advance. Green fees start at $600 in high season. All players must have a handicap index of 18.4 for men and 24.4 for ladies. Caddies are $140 cash per round.
Coworth Park Dorchester Collection Hotel
Dorchester Collection
Where to stay- Coworth Park Dorchester Collection
With a luxurious spa and a gourmet restaurant, this property is housed in a stunning late 18th-century Georgian country house. Surrounded by 200 acres of park, the property also has its own polo field.
There are 49 rooms and 22 suites. Forty-one rooms and 11 suites are housed in the main house; another 19 rooms and 11 suites are housed in the old stables and cottages. The modern glass-fronted spa is a highlight, half-buried under a living roof with its own herb garden.
Tara Iti Golf Club in New Zealand
Tara Iti Golf Club
10. Tara Iti – New Zealand (TIE)
Located along a pristine beach ninety minutes northeast of Auckland, this prestigious course was built by American designer Tom Doak from a pine-covered desert along the coast of New Zealand’s North Island. The former pine plantation has been cleared and restored to native dune vegetation and was sculpted from the sand to appear as if it were formed by nature.
How to play- Exclusive members only, and does not allow outside players.
The Ridge Mangawhai
The Ridge Mangawhai
Where to stay- The Ridge Mangawhai
Tucked away on 12 acres of native bush, The Ridge offers five architecturally designed villas—each completely private and surrounded by trees—only a 15-minute drive from the golf club.
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