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St Andrews Old Course

Tee off around the world: 10 top golf spots worth travelling for

From Scotland's historic links to tee times under the midnight sun, these 10 courses mix stunning backdrops with world-class greens worth the journey.

Golf can take you places – literally. From Norway's midnight sun to Tasmania's coastal dunes, this list rounds up the courses where the tee off is worth flying for.


10. Fancourt | South Africa

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48th
George, South Africa

A golfing resort with serious pedigree. Fancourt's courses are set against the Outeniqua Mountains, with The Links often topping rankings in Africa. Great golf, great food, and safari not too far away.


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Gimsøysand in Lofoten, Norway

Golf under the midnight sun? Yes please. Set within the Arctic Circle, Lofoten Links is the world's northernmost links course, and during summer months the sun never goes down. So you won't be short of daylight hours to enjoy the green. Think craggy coastlines, dramatic backdrops, and tee times you won't forget.


8. Cabot Cliffs | Nova Scotia, Canada

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Cabot Cliffs Golf Course, Canada

Clifftop drama meets clever design. Cabot Cliffs weaves through dunes, skirts the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and serves up plenty of wow moments. It's remote but worth the trek.


7. Valderrama | Spain

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18th
Golf ball

Spain's most famous course. Tight fairways, fast greens, and cork trees waiting to punish anything offline. It's hosted the Ryder Cup and still feels like a serious test. Plus, sunshine is almost guaranteed.


6. Barnbougle Dunes | Tasmania, Australia

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Barnbougle Dunes Golf Course, Tasmania

Remote and rugged, Barnbougle feels like Scotland got dropped on an Aussie beach. It's raw, windswept, and brilliantly fun to play. Plus, there's a spa on site if your swing needs a break.


5. Le Golf National | France

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Rory McIlroy at Le Golf National, France

Just outside Paris, this Ryder Cup venue is big on drama. Wide fairways, massive water hazards, and the kind of bunkering that demands your full attention. It's also surprisingly accessible for visitors.


4. Royal County Down | Northern Ireland

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Newcastle, Northern Ireland

This one's a looker. Backed by the Mourne Mountains and brushed by sea breezes, Royal County Down is tough, beautiful, and regularly ranks among the best courses in the world. Play it if you get the chance.


3. Cape Kidnappers | New Zealand

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Golf swing

Set on a clifftop with views over Hawke's Bay, this one's remote, wild, and totally unforgettable. Designed by Tom Doak, the course stretches out along narrow ridges with serious drop-offs. Bring your camera.


2. Pebble Beach | California, USA

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Pebble Beach Golf Links, California

Perched on the rugged coastline of the Monterey Peninsula, Pebble Beach is as much about the views as the golf. Expect ocean spray, dramatic cliffs, and a green fee that stings a bit. Worth it? Absolutely.


1. St Andrews | Scotland

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St Andrews Old Course Hotel

The home of golf. Playing here is like stepping into history. The Old Course is a rite of passage, with its rolling fairways, deep bunkers, and that iconic Swilcan Bridge. Just remember to pack waterproofs – this is Scotland, after all.

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