Top 10 Golf Courses in the World You Need an Invite or Local Guide to Play
Playing on some of the world’s most exclusive golf courses is a dream for many enthusiasts. However, these courses often require an invitation from a member or a local guide to access. Below, we explore the top 10 golf courses globally, highlighting their difficulty, restrictions, and what you need to do to play there.
1. Augusta National Golf Club (USA)
- Difficulty: Extremely challenging due to fast greens, undulating fairways, and strategic bunkering.
- Restrictions: Private; you must be invited by a member.
- How to Play: Secure an invitation from a member or participate as a guest during specific events.
Famous for hosting The Masters, Augusta National is synonymous with golfing prestige. The course is meticulously maintained and features iconic holes like Amen Corner.
2. Cypress Point Club (USA)
- Difficulty: High, with dramatic coastal views and unpredictable winds.
- Restrictions: Private; members-only access.
- How to Play: Gain an invitation from one of the 250 members.
Situated on California’s Monterey Peninsula, Cypress Point is celebrated for its stunning cliffside holes, particularly the par-3 16th, which requires a long carry over the Pacific Ocean.
3. St. Andrews (Old Course) (Scotland)
- Difficulty: Moderate to high, with unpredictable weather and deep pot bunkers.
- Restrictions: Public, but a ballot system determines tee times.
- How to Play: Enter the daily ballot or join a local resident with guaranteed access.
Known as the “Home of Golf,” St. Andrews offers a historic experience. Playing alongside a local guide can enhance your understanding of the course’s quirks.
4. Royal Melbourne Golf Club (Australia)
- Difficulty: High, with fast greens and complex bunkering.
- Restrictions: Private; members-only access.
- How to Play: Be invited by a member or join as part of an official tournament.
Royal Melbourne’s Composite Course is consistently ranked among the world’s best, offering strategic challenges and immaculate conditioning.
5. Pine Valley Golf Club (USA)
- Difficulty: Exceptionally high due to its penal roughs and intricate green complexes.
- Restrictions: Private; extremely limited guest access.
- How to Play: Receive an invitation from a member or participate in special guest days.
Nestled in New Jersey, Pine Valley’s layout is considered one of the toughest in the world. Every shot demands precision and strategy.
6. Muirfield (Scotland)
- Difficulty: High, with a classic links layout and challenging wind conditions.
- Restrictions: Private; requires member invitation.
- How to Play: Play as a guest of a member or book one of the limited visitor slots.
Renowned for its balanced design, Muirfield offers a traditional golfing experience steeped in history.
7. Shinnecock Hills Golf Club (USA)
- Difficulty: High, with narrow fairways and challenging greens.
- Restrictions: Private; members-only.
- How to Play: Receive an invitation or participate in professional events.
One of the oldest golf clubs in the U.S., Shinnecock Hills is a masterpiece of links-style golf on Long Island.
8. Hirono Golf Club (Japan)
- Difficulty: High, with strategically placed hazards and undulating terrain.
- Restrictions: Private; access limited to members and their guests.
- How to Play: Secure an invitation or arrange through a golf concierge.
Hirono is often referred to as Japan’s Augusta, combining traditional Japanese aesthetics with world-class design.
9. Ballybunion Golf Club (Ireland)
- Difficulty: High, with coastal winds and rolling fairways.
- Restrictions: Semi-private; reservations required for visitors.
- How to Play: Book in advance or play with a local member.
The Old Course at Ballybunion offers stunning ocean views and a rugged links experience that tests every aspect of your game.
10. The National Golf Links of America (USA)
- Difficulty: High, with wide fairways and strategically placed hazards.
- Restrictions: Private; requires a member invitation.
- How to Play: Be invited by one of its exclusive members.
Located in Southampton, New York, this course is considered the prototype for strategic design, blending beauty and difficulty seamlessly.
Final Thoughts
Playing on these prestigious courses often requires planning, connections, and sometimes a bit of luck. Whether it’s through a member invitation or by joining a local guide, the experience of playing on these legendary fairways is worth the effort. Each course offers a unique challenge and an unforgettable golfing adventure.
