If your ideal holiday involves lush fairways, scenic backdrops, and that satisfying sound of a crisp golf shot, you're in good company. Golf tourism is having a moment, with travellers booking trips that combine stunning landscapes with world-class courses. Whether it's the historic links of Scotland or an oceanfront course on a tropical island, these golfing hotspots offer more than just a good game-they're proper holiday goals. We've rounded up six spectacular destinations where the views rival the play, and every tee time comes with a side of unforgettable travel. Golf bag at the ready? These spots are worth the swing.
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Here Are 6 Jaw-Dropping Golf Destinations Around The World:
1. St Andrews, Scotland
Photo: Courtesy of Old Course Hotel, St Andrews
You can't talk about golf without mentioning St Andrews. This small seaside town in Fife is the sport's spiritual birthplace, home to the iconic Old Course — one of the oldest and most revered golf courses in the world. Playing here is practically a pilgrimage for any golfer worth their sand wedge. Even if you're not teeing off on the Old Course (you'll need to enter a ballot months in advance), there are six other public courses under the St Andrews Links Trust, including the stunning Castle Course. Off the green, the town is full of charming pubs, cosy inns, and enough history to keep non-golfers happy too. Pro tip: Non-residents must book in advance-and yes, you need a handicap certificate for some courses.
Best time to go: May to September for (mostly) dry weather and long daylight hours.
2. Pebble Beach, California
Photo: Unsplash
Perched dramatically on California's Monterey Peninsula, Pebble Beach Golf Links is one of the most scenic courses on the planet. It's hosted six U.S. Opens and is open to the public-though with green fees over $600, it's very much a bucket-list experience. What you get in return: clifftop holes that hug the Pacific coastline, impeccable service, and the kind of views that even non-golfers would drool over. It's not just the main course either-Spyglass Hill and Spanish Bay are equally world-class and less crowded.
Best time to go: April to October
3. Dubai, UAE
Photo: Courtesy of Dubai Golf
Yes, you can play world-class golf in the desert-and do it in style. Dubai's golfing scene has exploded over the past two decades, with designer courses and glossy clubhouses to match. The most famous? Emirates Golf Club, home to the DP World Tour Championship and the Majlis Course, with that famous skyline backdrop. If you're after variety, try the Earth Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates (a Greg Norman design), or Dubai Hills Golf Club, which is newer, challenging, and less crowded.
Best time to go: November to March-cooler temps, no sweat.
4. Queenstown, New Zealand
Photo: Unsplash
Golf in New Zealand often flies under the radar, but Queenstown makes a strong case for being on every golfer's wish list. Picture snow-capped mountains, glassy lakes, and perfectly maintained courses that rarely feel crowded. Jack's Point is the crown jewel here-framed by the Remarkables mountain range, it's as much a photo op as it is a golf course. The Millbrook Resort and Queenstown Golf Club (often called the most picturesque course in the world) are also excellent choices.
Best time to go: November to April (southern hemisphere summer)
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5. Mauritius
Photo: Unsplash
Think Mauritius is all about beach resorts and lazy days by the pool? Think again. This Indian Ocean island is quietly becoming a hotspot for golf tourism, thanks to championship-level courses wrapped in tropical beauty. Heritage Golf Club, host of the DP World Tour's AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open, is the standout. The course weaves through lush forest, with ocean views and volcanic backdrops. Anahita Golf Club, designed by Ernie Els, and Ile aux Cerfs Golf Club (on its own island!) are also unforgettable.
Best time to go: May to December-sunny, warm, and low humidity.
6. Cape Town, South Africa
Photo: Unsplash
Cape Town blends wine, wildlife, and wildly good golf. It's an underrated gem for golfers looking for variety and value. Courses like Steenberg Golf Club (set on a wine estate in Constantia) and Pearl Valley (a Jack Nicklaus Signature Course in the Cape Winelands) bring both challenge and charm. Fancourt, near George, is also within reach-a luxury golf estate with three top-tier courses, including The Links, consistently ranked No.1 in South Africa.
Best time to go: October to April-dry, sunny, and ideal for outdoor activities.
