The world's best golf destinations present breathtaking landscapes and perfectly made courses. From the classic and historic UK links to the lovely coastal fairways of New Zealand, these sites offer a perfect combination of enjoyment and challenge for golfers at all levels.

Whether you prefer private clubs or public courses, there's something for all. From friendly local clubs to elite memberships, golf is a sport that can be enjoyed by all. Golf is not just about the game but also about the experience.

Perfect greens, stylish clubhouses, pro shops, and fine dining make for golfing spots that promise a marvellous experience. Whether a local or a tourist, the service is something that would make you feel special.

1. United States of America

America has some of the most famous golf courses in the world. Cypress Point is famous for its exclusivity and the beautiful views of the coastline by Alister MacKenzie. Shinnecock Hills and Oakmont Country Club add prestige with their vintage designs and famously quick greens. The United States is home to the most top-100 golf courses, and many have been designed by legendary architects.

• Top 100 Golf Courses: Cypress Point Club, Pine Valley Golf Club, Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, National Golf Links of America, and Oakmont Country Club
• Best Season to Play: Spring and Fall (March-May)

2. Australia

Australia is one of the best golfing countries. Royal Melbourne (West), designed by Alister MacKenzie, is famed for strategic design. Kingston Heath and Barnbougle Dunes offer large coastal dunes. Cape Wickham and New South Wales surround combat landforms and layouts. Coastal and inland golfing courses make Australia a prime destination for any golf-loving tourist.

• Top 100 Golf Courses: Royal Melbourne Golf Club (West), Kingston Heath Golf Club, Barnbougle Dunes Golf Links, Cape Wickham Golf Links, and New South Wales Golf Club
• Best Season to Play: Spring (September to November) and Autumn (March to May)

3. New Zealand

As marvellous as the scenery is, New Zealand also boasts some of the most challenging and well-designed golf courses. Tara Iti is a Tom Doak exemplar, combining spectacular Pacific Ocean vistas with a rigorously dune-shaped layout. Then, of course, we have Paraparaumu Beach for old-school links golf, whereas Te Arai Links and Cape Kidnappers provide spectacular coastal panoramas.

• Top 100 Golf Courses: Tara Iti Golf Club, Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club, Te Arai Links, and Cape Kidnappers
• Best Season to Play: Spring and Autumn (October to April)

4. Ireland

Made for golf, Ireland offers experiences with dramatic coastlines and historic links. Ballybunion (Old) is famous for its challenge, windy conditions, and ocean views. Lahinch, designed by Old Tom Morris, mutters to the players with its idiosyncratic layout and strategic nuance. St. Patrick's Links affirms a modern spirit with an old feel, while Portmarnock, close to Dublin, opens up on the Irish Sea for a stunning view.

• Top 100 Golf Courses: Ballybunion Golf Club (Old), Lahinch Golf Club (Old), St Patrick's Links (Rosapenna Golf Resort), and Portmarnock Golf Club
• Best Season to Play: Spring and Autumn (April to October)

5. Canada

Canada is one of the best golfing countries in the world. It has wonderful courses spread over diverse landscapes. Cabot Cliffs in Nova Scotia offers dramatic cliffside views and exciting Coore-Crenshaw design. St. George's Golf and Country Club near Toronto is a treat to witness Stanley Thompson at work. Jasper Park Lodge Golf Club combines beauty and the vision of Thompson, set firm in the Rockies. 

• Top 100 Golf Courses: St George's Golf & Country Club, Jasper Park Lodge Golf Club, and Cabot Cliffs
• Best Season to Play: Spring (April to May) and Fall (September to October)

6. Japan

Perhaps Japan is underrated as a golfing destination, yet it can compete with those countries that offer playing for golf. Hirono Golf Club, dubbed the Augusta of Japan, has a masterful layout by C. H. Alison. The Kawana Hotel Golf Course is astonished by its views of Mount Fuji, and the Naruo Golf Club balances tradition and modern challenges.

• Top 100 Golf Courses: Hirono Golf Club, Kawana Hotel Golf Course (Fuji), and Naruo Golf Club
• Best Season to Play: Spring (April to May) and Autumn (September to November)

7. Netherlands

The Netherlands is one of Europe's best-kept golfing gems. Utrechtse Golfclub De Pan, by Harry Colt, enjoys a balanced mixture of forest and open terrain. Koninklijke Haagsche Golf & Country Club, co-designed by C.H. Alison, offers a classical testing layout. These historic courses evidence the golfing pedigree of the country. It must be considered among the best golf countries in the world.

• Top 100 Golf Courses: Utrechtse Golfclub De Pan, and Koninklijke Haagsche Golf & Country Club (Royal Hague)
• Best Season to Play: Spring and Early Fall (April to October)

8. China

China is becoming one of the finest golfing countries with world-class courses and massive investments. Shanqin Bay Golf Club by Coore and Crenshaw offers privacy and some seaside drama. Yangtze Dunes by Jack Nicklaus in Lanhai stands as a robust dune-land challenge. With natural beauty and bold designs, golf in China is blooming fast. It is now clearly asserted on the international golfing map.

• Top 100 Golf Courses: Shanqin Bay Golf Club and Lanhai International Golf Club (Yangtze Dunes)
• Best Season to Play: Spring (March to May) and Fall (September to November)

9. South Korea

South Korea's reputation for golf is increasingly growing, with the South Cape Owners Club fronting this growth. The club offers a spectacular coastal layout and lavish privacy, designed by Kyle Phillips. Though private, it is now gaining a reputation as a "must-play" for the best golfers. This upsurge is what marks South Korea among the best countries to play golf. There is much more to expect from this blossoming golfing nation.

• Top 100 Golf Courses: South Cape Owners Club
• Best Season to Play: Spring (April to June) and Autumn (September to November)

10. France

The golf scene in France is historic yet underrated. Golf de Morfontaine is distinguished by its Grand Parcours, a Tom Simpson design that equally marries challenge with charm. Against more than 600 courses, Morfontaine is honoured as the crown jewel. It is a worthy testimony to why France is considered among the best golf countries in the world. Classic design and picture-perfect surroundings await fervent golfers here.

• Top 100 Golf Courses: Morfontaine (Grand Parcours)
• Best Season to Play: Late Spring to Early Autumn (April to June; September to early October)

11. Brazil

Even if it is small, Brazil's golf universe offers some unique gems. Designed by Tom and Logan Fazio, Santapazienza Golf Club represents the epitome of a private club on the outskirts of São Paulo. With less than 100 courses in total, the country is gradually crafting its golfing footprint. Brazil spells exclusivity and a tropical flair. The country is one of the best golfing spots in South America.

• Top 100 Golf Courses: Santa Pazienza Golf Club
• Best Season to Play: Winter (July to September)

12. Norway

The Norwegian game of golf is becoming ever more globalised in fame, with Lofoten Links, especially in the limelight. Located above the Arctic Circle, it also offers the rare opportunity to golf under the midnight sun. The landscape of Norway offers magical moments for golfing. It is becoming one of the best golf countries for adventurous golfing.

• Top 100 Golf Courses: Lofoten Links
• Best Season to Play: Late Summer to Early Autumn (August to mid-October)

13. United Arab Emirates

The UAE has quickly transformed itself into one of the best golfing countries in the world. Yas Links is the crown jewel in Abu Dhabi, and it has been repeatedly rated as one of the best courses in the world. Designed by Kyle Phillips, it hosts international championships, including the Abu Dhabi HSBC. The country now has top-notch, world-class facilities and spectacular desert-meets-sea views. Golf in the country stands for glorious glory.

• Top 100 Golf Courses: Yas Links Golf Course
• Best Season to Play: Winter (November to April)

14. Spain

Spain's sunny climate and scenic coastlines are perhaps enough for a golf traveller. Real Club Valderrama in Sotogrande is a jewel in the crown of elite courses worldwide. Spain leaves its footprints in every global ranking of the 100 greatest clubs. It must be these top-class establishments that make it one of the best countries for golfing. Spain is the perfect melting pot for tradition, competition, and pleasure.

• Top 100 Golf Courses: Real Club Valderrama
• Best Season to Play: Spring (April to June) and Autumn (September to October)

15. Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is home to globally recognised golf resorts with luxury amenities and evergreen weather. It is, therefore, the primary golf destination of the Caribbean, attracting players mainly from North America and Europe. Golf tourism in the country is supported by world-class courses, growing modern facilities, and international events. Its scenic beaches and vibrant culture provide a perfect setup for golf.

• Top 100 Golf Courses: Casa de Campo – Teeth of the Dog, and Punta Espada Golf Club
• Best Season to Play: Dry Season (December to April)

16. Scotland

The origin of golf can be traced back historically to Scotland, with several courses established several centuries ago. Their natural coastal terrain gives rise to some of the most challenging and, in the true sense, links-style golf courses. The country pours life into a vibrant culture of golf supported by iconic amateur tournaments and legendary courses that lure connoisseurs from afar.

• Top 100 Golf Courses: St Andrews Links (Old Course), Royal Dornoch Golf Club (Championship Course), Muirfield, and Trump Turnberry (Ailsa Course)
• Best Season to Play: Early Spring (April to May) and Late Autumn (September to October)

17. England

Most of the English golf clubs possess historic charm but are adequately equipped and run an active amateur and professional golf fraternity. England also hosts a large number of national tournaments and championships during the year. Golfers get to enjoy challenging courses, scenic backdrops, and friendly clubs, which allows them to be ranked among the most visited golfers of all abilities.

• Top 100 Golf Courses: Royal St George’s Golf Club (Kent), Royal Liverpool Golf Club (Hoylake), Sunningdale Golf Club (Old Course), and Royal Birkdale Golf Club (Merseyside)
• Best Season to Play: Spring and Summer months (April to September)

18. South Africa

South Africa bestows visitors with fabulous scenery and top-tier golf courses from coastlines to mountains to the savannah. It nurtures great golfers and the best tournaments on the international circuit. The golf culture itself is fostered by cheap luxury resorts and varied course conditions that pose a challenge to every level of golfer. The warm hospitality and the wildlife of the country create a magical concoction for golfing.

• Top 100 Golf Courses: Leopard Creek Country Club, Fancourt (The Links), Gary Player Country Club, Pearl Valley Golf Estate
• Best Season to Play: Dry season (September to May)

19. Portugal

With its mild climate and scenic coastal courses, especially in the Algarve, Portugal is a golfer’s delight year-round. The country also boasts great resorts that offer good course design along with rewarding cultural and culinary experiences. It regularly stages European tour events and is an apt destination for golf tourists who want to play some top-class golf while hanging out in a relaxed and sunny setting.

• Top 100 Golf Courses: Monte Rei Golf & Country Club, Vale do Lobo (Royal Course), Quinta do Lago (South Course), and Oceanico Faldo Course
• Best Season to Play: Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November)

20. Mexico

With tropical surroundings, Mexico distinguishes itself with coastal and desert golf courses. It is also a location for the PGA Tour and the finest resorts with all modern amenities. Their expanding golf infrastructure entices international players looking for good courses complemented by rich local culture and cuisine. Low-key enough for golfers to enjoy a fine blend of tough golf, gorgeous surroundings, and hospitality.

• Top 100 Golf Courses: El Camaleón Mayakoba Golf Club, Cabo del Sol (Ocean Course), Vidanta Golf Course
• Best Season to Play: Dry season (September to early June)