Golden Golf Shots Around the World

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Golf is more than a sport. It not only promotes competition and has a very well-defined lifestyle, but also leads to socialization, networking and business opportunities

Golf is said to have been invented by the Scottish around 1457. However, the rules of the sport were only officially established in 1744 in the city of Edinburgh. From then on, the sport grew and gained popularity in Europe. At the end of the 19th century, many English and Scottish engineers came to Brazil to work on the railroads, and it was during this period that the first golf club was founded in Brazil, in 1901. Even so, the sport was not popularized here as quickly, but things have changed throughout the years. According to the Brazilian Golf Confederation (CBG), there are now more than 117 golf courses in Brazil, as opposed to less than 80 courses 15 years ago. The number of players has also grown, having doubled over such period - there are now around 25,000 golf players in the country.

For golf enthusiasts, a round of golf is more than just completing 18 holes in the least number of strokes. The sport requires technique, concentration and good course architecture, which varies according to the player’s personal taste. Some choose narrow courses, others pay attention to the quality of the grass. However, it is undeniable that some golf courses around the world stand out for their excellence, fame, history, club members and tournaments.

Bearing that in mind, we present our selection of the five most extraordinary golf courses all over the world:

Pebble Beach Golf Links – California, USA

Located on the western coast of the United States, Pebble Beach Golf Links is considered one of the most beautiful courses in the world, with a unique hourglass-shaped green and another perched on the edge of a cliff overlooking Carmel Beach. Pebble Beach Golf Links can proudly claim to have hosted up to six U.S. Open Golf Championships, more than any other golf course in the past 50 years.

Did you know? Pebble Beach has a special place in the heart of Jack Nicklaus, widely regarded as the greatest golfer of all time. “If I had to play one final round of golf in my life, it would be at Pebble Beach”, he declared.

Terravista Golf Course – Trancoso, Brazil

A first-rate model for golfers in South America and Brazil, this club was established in 2004 and designed by Dan Blankenship. Located in Trancoso, Bahia, the construction of the course required an investment of US$4 million. Four of its 18 holes present a greater challenge, as they are located by the sea, making them more susceptible to wind interference. A must-visit destination for golf enthusiasts, the course is spread over 70 acres of stunning Brazilian landscape, offering magnificent ocean views and world-class facilities perched on the cliffs.

Did you know? Hole 14 is located at the top of a cliff! Perfect for admiring the local scenery.

St Andrews Links (Old Course) – St Andrews, Scotland

The Old Course at Saint Andrews, regarded as “the home of golf” where it all began, is the oldest and most iconic golf course in the world and a premier destination for golf enthusiasts worldwide. Despite its distinguished status, it remains open to the public. Located just 74 kilometers from Edinburgh, the course features wide greens and over 100 Scottish bunkers, adding an extra layer of excitement to your game.

Did you know? Tiger Woods once said, “Winning The Open at the home of golf is the greatest achievement in sports.”

Cape Kidnappers Golf Course - Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand

New Zealand is home to some of the world’s most renowned golf courses, making it a must-visit destination for avid golfers. Among these courses, Cape Kidnappers stands out as one of the best, and when combined with the famous courses in Queenstown, it makes for an outstanding golf tour. Designed by legendary golf architect Tom Doak and completed in 2004, Cape Kidnappers is hailed as one of the great modern wonders of golf. With cliffside fairways 140 meters above sea level and a firm, fast surface, Cape Kidnappers offers a unique golfing experience with holes unlike any other in the world. 

Did you know? This golf course perches on cliffs that stretch out into the ocean. Due to the wind, which complicates play, the course is suitable for intermediate to experienced players.

Olazabal Course in Mission Hills - Shenzhen, China

Covering a 20-square-kilometer area, the Olazabal Course was once listed by Guinness World Records as the largest golf course in the world. Moreover, it has been voted the best in Asia and has hosted the World Cup of Golf four times. Olazabal challenges players with a course of over 7,300 yards and 151 bunkers. The numerous deep bunkers, along with the undulating fairways, are two distinctive features of this championship course. Despite its challenges, majestic views of pristine jungle and natural streams provide exceptional scenery throughout the course. 

Did you know? The Olazabal Course hosted the Omega Mission Hills World Cup in 2007, 2008 and 2009, and the WGC-HSBC Champions in 2015. It has often been referred to as the “Olympics of Golf”.

Emirates Golf Club – Dubai (United Arab Emirates)

Known as the “Miracle” of the Arabian Desert, Emirates Golf Club is considered the premier golf course in the Middle East. The Majlis Championship Course, Emirates Golf Club’s main course, is a challenging par 72, 7,301-yard layout. Designed by architect Karl Litten, the original 18 holes were built around the stunning dunes of a picturesque location in Dubai. The land was donated by His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who instructed that the desert flora be preserved in its natural state. The Majlis Course is renowned as a testing ground for even the most skilled golfers. The Faldo Course, designed by six-time major winner Nick Faldo, is equally popular among players. The course has proven to be just as popular as its predecessor, which was originally opened in 1996 and redesigned in 2005, by currently attracting players to the 7,052- yard featuring LED floodlights integrated along the course, allowing players to enjoy a round of golf day or night. The Par 3 Academy Course at Emirates Golf Club is meticulously maintained and provides plenty of challenges for players of all levels, whether you are a beginner or an experienced golfer. The course features nine short holes, which is a great option for beginners looking to learn the basics or experienced players seeking to refine their technique.

Did you know? The Emirates Golf Club brought the first grass course to the Middle East in 1989.