The Best Non-European Countries To Play Golf

Whether it be Northern Ireland’s Royal County Down, Scotland’s Old Course at St Andrews, or the Republic of Ireland’s Ballybunion, Europe may be home to some of the world’s best golf courses, but it isn’t always blessed with the best weather.

Unless you enjoy playing golf in torrential rain, gale-force winds or inside using a simulator system, you may want to consider travelling a little further afield for your next golf trip. All around the globe, there are a number of stunning golf courses to enjoy without the need for an umbrella. While they may cost a little bit more to get to, if you’re an avid golf fan, it could be worth the extra money to play golf while soaking up the sunshine.

So, where are some of the best golf courses to visit outside of Europe? Join us as we take a look.

Source: Real Weddings

1.       New Zealand. Cape Kidnappers, Kauri Cliffs.

If you’ve ever seen The Lord of the Rings you will already know all too well just how incredible the New Zealand countryside is, and the Kauri Cliffs are no exception. Described as ‘one of the greatest trips in golf’, both of billionaire Julian Robertson’s North Island-based golf courses are situated on inspiring rocky coastlines, giving you a stunning view as you move from hole to hole. However, it is unfortunately almost impossible to drive between the two courses so, in order to do both, you will need to use an Air New Zealand regional flight or two.

Source: The Golf News Net

2.       Canada. Cabot Cliffs & Cabot Links.

If Cabot Links’ opening in 2012 didn’t already put the small town of Inverness on Nova Scotia’s Cape Breton Island on the map, then the opening of Cabot Cliffs in 2016 certainly did. Designed by the architects Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, the course is open to the public and features an interesting route of six par three holes, six par-four holes, and six par-five holes. Oh, and did I mention both the courses were designed to utilise the stunning Canadian shoreline scenery?

Source: Golf.com

3.       Australia. Royal Melbourne – West Course.

The Royal Melbourne Golf Club’s West Course is Australia’s most renowned golf course for good reason. With origins dating all the way back to 1891, this 18-hole golf club is located in Black Rock, Victoria, a suburb southeast of Melbourne, and features a variety of bold bunkering and some of the finest putting surfaces you will find globally. What’s more, the neighbouring East Course isn’t too bad either – ranked sixth out of all the golf courses in Australia.

Source: Westchester Country Club

4.       New York. Westchester Country Club.

The homeland of Tiger Woods – arguably the world’s greatest golfer – the United States of America (USA) is one of the best countries to play golf across the globe. In New York especially, the 18-hole course at Westchester Country Club is a firm favourite of many pro golfers, including the 2017 Masters Tournament champion Sergio Garcia. Sealed with the approval of a proven international champion, this is easily one of the best courses you can improve your game on.

Source: Nick Laus

5.       Florida. PGA National Resort & Spa.

While on the topic of the USA, Florida boasts a huge number of public golf clubs and courses for everyone to enjoy. What’s more, the ‘sunshine state’ frequently enjoys some of the best weather conditions throughout the globe, which is always a huge help when it comes to playing golf. While there are a number of great courses to choose from throughout Florida, including the Streamsong Resort Red and the Worlds Woods Golf Club, we would highly recommend the PGA National Resort & Spa. After all, what could beat a nice massage after a long day of playing golf?

Source: Big Island Now

6.       Hawaii. Hualalai.

With natural beauty in abundance and incredible weather pretty much all-year-round, our list wouldn’t have been complete without Hawaii on it. This North American volcanic island has some of the best golf courses the world has to offer, but our favourite has to be the 18-hole Hualalai Golf Course in the Four Seasons Resort. While it may not be the most challenging course on our list, the holes are each built along houses and lava rocks, which certainly makes it one of the more unique.