For the golfing enthusiast, there’s likely no greater pleasure than jetting across the globe in search of the world’s best golf courses – and with many of them found at lavish high-end resorts, it’s the perfect opportunity to combine your hobby with a luxurious escape to somewhere new.
From the breath-taking coast of Portugal to the timeless natural beauty of Scotland, there is certainly no shortage of incredible destinations to choose from. We asked the experts at Halcyon Golf Travel, a leading curator of bespoke golf trips in England, Scotland and Ireland, to share their thoughts on the top golfing holiday destinations around the world to add to your list for 2026.
St Andrews, the “Home of Golf,” has 10 courses, including the famous Old Course, which is public but requires a handicap. Image credit: AdamEdwards/Bigstock.com
St. Andrews, Scotland
The good news is that not all of the best golfing destinations in the world require you to take a flight to reach them – and one of the finest can be found right here in the UK. Amidst the rolling green hills and coastal towns of Fife in eastern Scotland, St. Andrews is the sport’s spiritual home, and the famous Old Course is one that every golfer should play on at least once.
Check in at the 175-room Old Course Hotel, which overlooks the 17th hole of the Old Course as well as the rugged scenery of West Sands Beach, and enjoy a decidedly luxurious stay, complete with Michelin-starred dining and time at the indulgent Kohler Waters Spa – and spend your days out on the course itself for a golfing experience you’ll never forget.
Dublin, Ireland
For historic championship golf courses in stunning settings, Dublin is a top choice for your next luxury golf holiday – and Portmarnock Golf Club, regularly ranked the best in the world, should be your first port of call. The Island Golf club, just a short distance away, offers a more relaxed experience amidst the dunes, while the Royal Dublin, on Bull Island, is steeped in rich history and tradition, offering the chance to play some classic Irish links golf.
Dublin’s vibrant culture and lively atmosphere makes it one of the most exciting places in the world to come to enjoy the beautiful sport – and with an array of high-end hotels and resorts to take your pick from, it promises a fun and thrilling golfing holiday with all the luxuries that make it feel special.
If you like your golfing with a side of sun, sea and sand – preferably without having to take a long-haul flight – then look no further than the Algarve
The Algarve, Portugal
If you like your golfing with a side of sun, sea and sand – preferably without having to take a long-haul flight – then look no further than the Algarve. Stretching along Portugal’s balmy southern coast, the region is known for its dramatic, rugged coastline and golden, sandy beaches, and it also happens to be home to some of the most highly-respected golf courses in the world. In fact, there are over 30 to choose from across the Algarve, so you could easily play at a different one for each day of your holiday.
Close to Almancil at the heart of the region, the five-star Vale de Lobo resort, with its high-end villas, fine dining eateries and beach club, is the perfect place to bas yourself, and its Royal Course, featuring one of Europe’s most photographed holes – the 16th, also known as the “island green” promises a challenging golfing experience set against a picturesque backdrop of the ocean.
Dubai, UAE
By now, it’s well-known that Dubai doesn’t do things by halves, and its golfing scene is no different. Just like everything else, it’s steeped in opulence, and its most iconic golfing spots – which include the esteemed Jumeirah Golf Estates and the lavish Emirates Golf Club, offer an incredible experience, with flawless and futuristic design ensuring its courses are unlike anywhere else in the world.
Of course, you won’t struggle to find luxurious accommodation, either; the Jumeirah Zabeel Saray offers a plethora of elevated amenities and amenities and promises a thoroughly indulgent stay.
Pebble Beach in California is every golfer’s dream. Image credit: isogood/Bigstock.com
Pebble Beach, California
Pebble Beach in California is every golfer’s dream. The Pebble Beach Resorts Collection has got all bases covered when it comes to a luxurious stay, with sophisticated oceanfront lodges, fine dining restaurants and extensive spa facilities where guests can treat themselves to a diverse array of relaxing and rejuvenating treatments.
But of course, it’s the golf you’ve come for, and Pebble Beach does not disappoint; Pebble Beach Golf Links offers a masterclass in links-style golf, and once again, the coastal setting is quite spectacular. Designed for the seasoned golfer, its challenging design incorporates tricky shots over bunkers and cliffs to really test your skill – but conquer it, and the level of satisfaction you’ll feel will be unmatched.
