Golf Guides

Emerging Golf Destinations: The Coolest Courses You’ve Never Heard Of

cre8_admin September 12, 2024

While famous courses like Pebble Beach and St. Andrews get plenty of attention, there’s a growing number of hidden gem golf courses around the world that are worth exploring. These emerging destinations offer unique designs, stunning landscapes, and often a more peaceful experience, away from the crowds of well-known locations. Whether you’re planning a golf getaway or simply want to discover new courses, these under-the-radar spots should be on your radar.

1. Cape Wickham Links (Australia)

Located on King Island in Tasmania, Cape Wickham Links has quickly gained a reputation as one of the best links-style courses in the Southern Hemisphere. Designed by Mike DeVries and Darius Oliver, this remote course offers jaw-dropping coastal views and challenging holes that take full advantage of the rugged landscape.

Why it’s special: Every hole at Cape Wickham has a view of the ocean, and the course’s natural design makes it a true test for golfers looking for a challenge. The course’s isolation adds to its allure, giving golfers a feeling of escape and immersion in nature.

2. Teeth of the Dog (Dominican Republic)

Designed by legendary golf architect Pete Dye, Teeth of the Dog is located in Casa de Campo, an exclusive resort in the Dominican Republic. It’s known for its stunning oceanfront holes and challenging layout that requires both precision and power.

Why it’s special: Seven of the holes are situated right along the Caribbean Sea, providing breathtaking ocean views and sea breezes that can significantly affect play. Teeth of the Dog offers a world-class golfing experience, while still being under-the-radar compared to more famous courses.

3. Cabot Links (Canada)

Cabot Links, located on Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, Canada, is a relatively new course that’s already making waves in the golf world. With rolling fairways and sweeping ocean views, it has been dubbed Canada’s first and only authentic links course.

Why it’s special: The course was designed to integrate seamlessly with its natural surroundings, creating a truly immersive golfing experience. The stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, paired with challenging elevation changes and dunes, make Cabot Links a must-visit for golfers seeking a unique course in a picturesque setting.

4. Bandon Dunes (USA)

While the Bandon Dunes Golf Resort in Oregon has been gaining recognition, it’s still considered a hidden gem for many international golfers. The resort features multiple courses, each designed to emulate the traditional links style found in Scotland, with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.

Why it’s special: Bandon Dunes offers a unique golfing experience with no golf carts allowed—players must walk the course as it was originally intended. This creates a more intimate connection with the game and the natural beauty of the rugged Oregon coastline.

5. Lofoten Links (Norway)

Imagine playing golf under the midnight sun. That’s exactly what you can experience at Lofoten Links in Norway, located above the Arctic Circle. This remote course offers dramatic mountain and ocean views, with the added allure of being able to play 24 hours a day during the summer months.

Why it’s special: Lofoten Links is one of the few courses in the world where you can play under the aurora borealis (northern lights) in winter or the midnight sun in summer. The course’s natural beauty and unique location make it a once-in-a-lifetime golfing experience.

6. Black Desert Resort Golf Course (Utah, USA)

Located in the red rock landscape of southern Utah, the Black Desert Resort Golf Course is an exciting new addition to the golf scene. With a layout that weaves through lava rock formations and stunning desert views, it’s already being hailed as one of the most visually striking courses in the U.S.

Why it’s special: The course combines strategic challenges with unforgettable scenery, offering a mix of wide fairways and narrow, precision-demanding holes. The setting is so unique that the course feels like a natural extension of the dramatic desert landscape.

7. Finca Cortesin (Spain)

Tucked away in the hills of Andalusia, Finca Cortesin is a luxurious and lesser-known course in Spain. With wide fairways, undulating greens, and beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea, it’s an ideal destination for golfers seeking a refined yet challenging experience.

Why it’s special: The course has hosted major tournaments, including the Volvo World Match Play Championship, and offers pristine playing conditions. Finca Cortesin is also known for its excellent service, with caddies and amenities that enhance the overall golfing experience.

8. Leopard Creek Country Club (South Africa)

Situated on the edge of Kruger National Park, Leopard Creek Country Club is an incredible course that combines world-class golf with African wildlife. The course borders the Crocodile River, and players often spot elephants, hippos, and other wildlife from the fairways.

Why it’s special: Designed by Gary Player, Leopard Creek offers a safari-like experience while playing golf. The course’s water hazards and bunkers are perfectly integrated with the natural landscape, making for a thrilling and unforgettable round of golf.

Conclusion

For golfers looking to explore new destinations and play courses that are off the beaten path, these emerging gems offer some of the most unique and breathtaking experiences the sport has to offer. Whether it’s playing under the midnight sun in Norway, teeing off near African wildlife, or walking a remote links course in Canada, these hidden gems provide unforgettable rounds in spectacular settings. Add these courses to your golfing bucket list and discover the world of golf in a whole new way.

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