There is so much that goes into making a golf course special. You have the quality of the design, the intrigue and memorability of the holes, and the challenge that they present. But you also must factor in elements like the scenery and wider environment, the natural beauty of the location, its conditioning, and then you can’t ignore the importance of history and iconography that can elevate a destination even further.
Each of those things likely goes without saying, but you might be surprised to learn that other golfers value and love to play incredibly tough layouts, those venues that push their game to – and beyond – their limits.
Perhaps it’s the masochistic trait that golfers must embrace at times to fully enjoy this game, but there is something appealing about facing a major obstacle and attempting to conquer it.
But where do you find those peaks to climb? We asked the Golfshake Community on Facebook to identify the most difficult golf courses they had played and we received an amazing response from golfers worldwide who told us about the place where they took on the ultimate test.
Here are just some of the toughest golf courses you will ever play.
Carnoustie
It’s no shock to see the fearsome Championship Course at Carnoustie run away with the comments. This is such a compelling course to play, it’s not visually spectacular, but it holds a raw beauty and it features some of the most intimidating holes in links golf.
Many great players have struggled here, especially when the conditions turn foul, but what an experience it is to measure yourself against such a masterpiece.
Pinehurst No. 2
Most recently staging the US Open in 2024 when Bryson DeChambeau edged out Rory McIlroy, Pinehurst No. 2 has always presented a challenge, but it has changed in recent decades following the Coore and Crenshaw renovation, which restored historic character to a course that boasts some of the most treacherous greens in golf.
Oakmont
We saw just how fierce Oakmont was at the US Open in 2025 – and you wonder just how much fun the members derive from playing here, but for those lucky golfers who have responded to us, it was an examination that they haven’t forgotten.
Some believe that this is the archetypal championship venue in the United States.
Bethpage Black
American captain Keegan Bradley regretted removing its teeth ahead of the Ryder Cup, but Bethpage Black is generally renowned for its difficulty, the iconic sign on the first tee literally warns golfers of the required standard of skill.
This public course on Long Island, New York, is one that many regular players from the local area and beyond have played, and there is no doubt that for most of us, this is a brutal design.
Spyglass Hill
Part of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am rotation, Spyglass Hill is one of the toughest courses we see each year on the PGA Tour, as its layout is a bit of a grind, so it’s no shock to see that many golfers online cited it as being the most difficult test they have faced with their golf clubs.
Royal County Down
Viewed by some keen minds as being the finest golf course on the planet, many of our respondents cited Royal County Down as also being the hardest that they had played.
Like any links, the weather determines so much, but as we witnessed at the Irish Open in 2024, this remarkable design possesses some sharp teeth.
St Mellion
The Nicklaus Course at St Mellion in Cornwall has long had a reputation as being among England’s toughest layouts, and many golfers out there clearly agree.
As one Golfshake reviewer said: “A really beautifully-designed and maintained course, but a beast of a challenge for high-handicappers like me!”
Pebble Beach
You may think of Pebble Beach for its scenery, but as we’ve seen in many a US Open, despite its relative short length, this famous course, which resides on many a bucket list, can be extremely difficult, especially when conditions turn against you.
One golfer told us: “The best course I’ve ever played. It was a privilege to play the wonderful Pebble Beach. Scenery out of this world, outstanding golf holes and in absolutely wonderful condition. Superbly friendly staff throughout the resort and, for me, an absolute bucket list necessity for anybody loving the game of golf.”
Royal Troon
The 2024 Open Championship – which was played in a range of different weather conditions – demonstrated just how much of a brute Royal Troon can be.
With holes such as the Postage Stamp and The Railway, this layout features several of the most celebrated – and testing – holes on these islands.
TPC Sawgrass
Returning to the United States, TPC Sawgrass was built for the best players in the world to compete in the Players Championship, and it has constantly evolved since, meaning that it’s little wonder that everyday golfers who grasp the opportunity to play here will find it a challenging prospect.
Let’s now take a look at some other courses that were frequently mentioned by golfers…
Muirfield was a standout, as was The European Club, which might be the most testing links course in Ireland. The Ailsa Course at Turnberry was also viewed as being difficult, as was another Open Championship venue in Royal St George’s.
Former Ryder Cup host Whistling Straits is formidable, and the same can said of Royal Birkdale, where the Champion Golfer of the Year will be crowned in 2026.
Ireland’s Ballybunion, Lahinch, Waterville and Old Head were also routinely cited, as was Royal Portrush. American followers believed that Doral, Torrey Pines, Olympic Club and Bay Hill were the most difficult courses they had played.
Golfers do enjoy testing themselves – and any of the layouts featured above would deliver that in spades.
Kieran Clark is the Digital Editor of Golfshake. He oversees editorial content, community engagement, forums, and social media channels. A lifelong golfer from the Isle of Bute in Scotland who has now lived in St Andrews for a decade, he began playing at the age of five and maintains a passion for exploring courses, with a particular affection for historic layouts. Kieran regularly contributes in-depth opinion pieces and features, drawing on his enthusiasm for the game and its culture.
