Top 5 golf courses you should play at least once in your life

Courses are among the main attractions of golf. No two are alike, and each offers its own unique challenge to the player. The mix of difficulty, beauty and history that a golf course has marks it in the eyes of the fans, and they are able to feel the distinction of playing each one of them.

Golf has the peculiarity (not found in other sports) that amateurs play the exact same courses as professionals. Undoubtedly, the opportunity to play in the same place where the most incredible legends of this sport have been woven, is something that has no comparison for every golf lover.

This is not a definitive or closed list, but we present five courses you must play before retiring from golf:

1. The Old Course at St. Andrews

Often referred to as the “Home of Golf,” St. Andrews Old Course in Scotland is one of the venues that saw the actual birth of the sport we love. Steeped in history and tradition, St. Andrews’ venue features sprawling fairways, deep bunkers, and unpredictable winds, which make of links course a true test of skill. The most significant challenge at St. Andrews is undoubtedly the ever-changing weather conditions. The wind can be particularly fierce, altering the trajectory and distance of shots, making each round a unique challenge.

2. Augusta National Golf Club

Augusta National Golf Club is synonymous with the prestigious Masters Tournament. This iconic venue is known for its meticulously manicured fairways, undulating greens, and stunning azalea blooms. Augusta National is particularly famous for its lightning-fast greens. The undulations and slopes make it crucial for players to have exceptional putting skills and the ability to read the subtle breaks.

3. TPC Sawgrass

Home of the widely recognized as “the fifth major,” THE PLAYERS Championsip, TPC Sawgrass is famous for its iconic par 3 17th hole, known as the “Island Green.” This Pete Dye-designed venue is characterized by its intricate water hazards, strategically placed bunkers, and narrow fairways. TPC Sawgrass demands from the golfers to put out their entire golf skills to be able to navigate the treacherous 17th hole. Players must hit an accurate shot onto the small island green, avoiding the surrounding water, which adds an element of pressure and precision to every single round.

4. Pebble Beach Golf Links

Nestled along the rugged coastline of California’s Monterey Peninsula, Pebble Beach Golf Links is a true gem. This picturesque course offers stunning ocean views, dramatic cliffs, and challenging coastal winds. The most significant challenge at Pebble Beach lies, precisely, in its unforgiving coastal winds, because the gusts can be unpredictable and strong, making club selection and shot shaping crucial to combat the elements and achieve success on this challenging course.

5. Royal Troon

Scotland’s Royal Troon is another notable links course that has played host to the Open Championship multiple times. This challenging course features deep rough, strategically placed bunkers, and fast-running fairways. Royal Troon presents a huge challenge to every golfer with its unpredictable and ever changing weather conditions. The course is often subjected to strong winds and rain, which can drastically impact shot accuracy and distance.

Augusta National Golf Club, St. Andrews, TPC Sawgrass, Pebble Beach, and Royal Troon have rightfully earned their place among the world’s greatest courses. Golfers who have the privilege of playing them must bring their A-game to conquer the obstacles and experience the thrill of these legendary golfing destinations.