The top 100 golf courses in the world

Maidstone Club in East Hampton, New York, is an exclusive private club founded in 1891 and designed by Willie Park Jr. Often regarded as one of the top links-style courses in the country, Maidstone mixes historic charm with dramatic Atlantic coastal scenery. The 18-hole layout features natural dunes, ocean winds, and classic strategic design elements, earning frequent national top-100 rankings.

New South Wales Golf Club, designed by legendary Dr. Alister MacKenzie in 1928, is perched on dramatic seaside cliffs at La Perouse, Sydney. Frequently ranked among Australia's top courses and the world's best, it features rolling dunes, panoramic ocean views, and challenging holes shaped by coastal winds. The layout blends Mackenzie's strategic genius with rugged natural beauty.

San Francisco Golf Club is an exclusive, historic private club established in 1895 and redesigned in 1915 by renowned architect A.W. Tillinghast. Preserving many original features, the par-71 parkland layout is known for its understated elegance, strategic routing, and demanding greens. Set among rolling hills, it offers sweeping vistas and a serene playing environment for its select membership.

Baltusrol Golf Club’s Lower Course in Springfield, New Jersey, is a historic parkland layout designed by A.W. Tillinghast and opened in 1922. Known for its brawny par 4s and classic routing, the Lower Course is a regular major championship venue, famed for its elite conditioning and challenging yet fair setup, appealing to top professionals and passionate amateurs alike.

The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island, designed by Pete and Alice Dye, is one of golf’s most awe-inspiring championship venues, stretching more than 7,800 yards along the windswept South Carolina coast. With ten holes hugging the Atlantic and views from every fairway, the course is a modern American links with raw, natural beauty and a punishing reputation. Host of multiple majors, including the Ryder Cup and PGA Championships, its exposed layout, rolling dunes, and relentless wind make every round a formidable test. Each hole is shaped by the untamed elements, providing not just a sporting challenge but a sensory experience unlike anywhere else in the U.S.

Te Arai Links North Course, designed by renowned architect Tom Doak, opened in October 2023 as a public-access links masterpiece on New Zealand's pristine coastline. Featuring fescue fairways, dramatic inland dunes, and a thrilling oceanfront finish, it contrasts sharply with its sister South Course.

Wade Hampton Golf Club is an exclusive, private club in the mountains of North Carolina featuring an 18-hole championship course designed by Tom Fazio. Renowned for its scenic beauty, the course offers challenging play amid immaculate conditions and has consistently ranked among the top residential golf courses in the United States. Membership is by invitation only.

Inverness Club is a historically significant private club in Toledo designed by Donald Ross, with extensive restorations by Andrew Green to return classic Ross elements. Famous for its tournament pedigree and demanding, strategic layout, the club is renowned for hosting major events like the U.S. Open, PGA Championship, and Solheim Cup. It features challenging greens and classic parkland routing.

St Patrick's Links at Rosapenna, designed by Tom Doak and opened in 2021, dramatically traverses massive coastal dunes along Sheephaven Bay. The layout features naturalized bunkers, expansive fairways, and spectacular views, establishing itself as a world-class links experience on Ireland's rugged northwest coast. The course is acclaimed for its architectural variety and integration with the natural landscape.

Kawana Hotel's Fuji Course, designed by acclaimed architect C.H. Alison in 1936, is ranked among the world's top 100. Set above the Pacific Ocean with views of Mount Fuji, its classic routing features deep black volcanic sand bunkering and tree-lined holes. The course hosts top tournaments and is enjoyed exclusively by hotel guests, offering a premier traditional Japanese golf experience.