With some of the most wondrous sporting arenas on the planet, golf is a game that can be a major drawcard when it comes to tourism. A well-designed and cleverly placed course set against a backdrop of beautiful panoramas and natural wonders will make the wish lists of golfers no matter what skill level they possess.

Golf can allow travelers to take a casual stroll through gorgeous landscapes while also lighting the competitive urge to challenge the pros that have gone before. Every beautiful destination in the world has a charming golf course hidden within it, and here are 10 of the most magnificent.

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10 The LaLiT Golf & Spa Resort, Goa

Golf is a sport on the rise in India, with more and more people from different backgrounds taking up the game. When it comes to picturesque places to play, the LaLiT Golf and Spa Resort in Goa takes its place on the world stage.

Surrounded by the towering Sahyadri Mountain Range and providing glimpses of the Arabian Sea, the resort is immaculately maintained and welcomes golfers of all skill levels all year round.

9 Randpark Golf Club, Johannesburg

A course that hosts several notable tournaments including the South African Open, Firethorn Course at the Randpark Golf Club is just a few years of age but has already drawn glowing reviews from some of the sport’s biggest names.

Built right in the heart of Johannesburg, this is one of the best places on the continent to visit for a leisurely round while on vacation or to try and walk in the shoes of the world’s best.

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8 Terravista Golf Course, Brazil

An iconic Brazilian course, Terravista is known locally as one of the most glamorous in Latin America. This is the sort of place where golfers can see giant sea turtles swimming in the ocean while they are setting up their tee shot.

Prepare to be dazzled by the 14th hole, the most famous of the course. Once on the green, golfers will be playing tantalizingly close to the edge of a 50m cliff that drops dramatically into the sea. Not many sporting arenas allow for such incredible panoramas.

No matter which hole golfers stroll down at Castletown Golf Links, the Irish Sea will provide the backdrop while the colorful wildlife peeks out from behind the beautiful foliage.

Nestled between England and Ireland, the Isle of Man is a haven for all sorts of sea life such as sharks, seals, and dolphins, and the land bursts to life with purple heather and unique flowers that make the location feel almost magical.

6 Bali National Golf Club, Bali

Redesigned in 2013, the Bali National Golf Club has gone from a perfectly fine course to an absolutely remarkable one. Asian culture has been tastefully worked into it’s makeup in the shape of hand-laid stone walls arranged to give the sense of the rice fields the area is known for.

Awarded ‘Best Golf Resort in Indonesia’ in 2017, this is a course that has to be on the to-do list of golfing tourists the world over. Each hole has its own unique character that brings every round to life, no matter how well you play.

5 Finca Cortesin, Spain

Home to numerous high-profile tournaments such as the Volvo World Match Play Championship, Finca Cortesin was designed by respected golf course architect Cabell Robinson and may just be the jewel in his crown.

Before heading out for a stunning round of golf amidst the remarkable scenery, be sure to utilize the world-renowned practice facilities set up by none other than golfing god, Jack Nicklaus.

4 Hamilton Island Golf Club, Australia

Placed amongst the attractive sinking valleys of Dent Island, Hamilton Island Golf Club was lovingly designed by five-time British Open Champion Peter Thomson, and every last inch was expertly factored into the design.

The course provides an extremely difficult challenge to visitors, with aggressive winds and thick scrub dominating the terrain. Such is the challenge here that the 14th hole has even earned the nickname ‘Valley of Death’ thanks to the sheer number of balls it has claimed from wayward tee shots. 

3 Danang Golf Club, Vietnam

Designed by legendary Australian golfer Greg Norman, the Dunes Course at Danang Golf Club is one of the premier courses in Vietnam. It draws players from all over the world and has launched a revival in the sport within the Asian country.

Following alongside a stunning beachfront, the course is perfect for those simply looking for a relaxing stroll while also providing a genuine challenge for elite-level golfers.

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2 Tralee Golf Club, Ireland

Golfing royalty Arnold Palmer designed the Tralee Golf Club course in 1984, and, not only has it lost none of its beauty and charm, but it has gained copious sums of both through the passing of time.

A round here gets underway with seemingly impossible views as the first and second holes straddle a perfect beachfront. No golfing bucket list is complete without sending a ball flying through the Irish air at Tralee Golf Club.

1 Machrihanish Golf Club, Scotland

The first hole of Machrihanish Golf Club is often referred to as the very best in the world. Heart-wrenchingly beautiful, the fairway runs in tandem with the Atlantic Ocean and demands plenty of whoever steps into the tee box.

Riddled with water traps, bunkers, demanding dunes, and host to some tricky sea winds, this course requires plenty of skill to navigate. Thankfully, however, those unable to master the course will still enjoy every visit because of the simply stunning surrounds.

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