Why do you love playing golf? Do you love it because it relaxes you? Because you love the competition? Or because you love playing with your friends? One thing that brings all golf lovers joy is playing on a golf course that is simultaneously beautiful and challenging. Here are 5 unmissable golf courses from around the world.

#1 - Kingsbarns Golf Links: St. Andrews, Fife, Scotland

Some golf historians believe that this is the oldest Links golf course in the world. If it is not then it is definitely one of the 5 oldest golf courses. This is a two-mile-long links course that makes the most of natural features and excellent golf course design.

If you want to be challenged while looking out over the beauties of the Scottish Coastline (many people spot porpoises during their rounds) then this is the course for you. If you are going to head out to Kingsbarn then you are going to want to pack a scarf because the sea breeze can be bracing.

If you are in the area, you should also check out the Old Course at St Andrew's.

#2 - Cape Kidnappers Golf Course: Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand

Speaking of spectacular seaside courses, we had to include the course at Hawke's Bay on this list.

New Zealand is an amazing country that has so many unique experiences to offer - like exploring middle earth, hiking, and bungee jumping - that many people forget that it also has a few breathtaking golf courses. The views alone make this course worth visiting - as you golf you will look out at the ocean on one side and rolling hills and canyons on the other.

This course is also a little tricky and anyone who loves to push themselves will have a great time here.

#3 - The Ocean Course, Kiawah Island, South Carolina, United States

You can't put together a golfing bucket list without including the hardest course in the world.

The Ocean Course was designed by Peter Dye - who nicknamed the course The Marquis de Sod. This course has an infamous reputation for being annoyingly difficult. The Ryder Cup that was held at the course in 1991, was one of the highest-scoring Ryder competitions of all time. Seve Ballesteros, Nick Faldo, Colin Montgomerie, Fred Couples, and Payne Stewart all finished multiple holes with double-bogeys.

If you want to visit this course then you are going to need a recommendation from your club and to book well in advance.

#4 - The Dunes at Shenzhou Peninsula: Wanning Hainan, China

China is full of spectacular golf courses. It is one of the only countries that have the space to be making new courses at the moment. The Dunes at Shenzhou Peninsula is the jewel in their crown though.

It is built in one of the most beautiful areas of China and was heavily inspired by the original links courses that were built in Scotland. While this course is not as old as the Scottish courses, it does have the benefit of being able to offer better weather conditions.

The designers of this course went all out. Not only is it delightfully tricky, but there is not a single dull area in the 36 hole course. Be aware that are you play here, your local course may feel a little bland.

#5 - Barnbougle Dunes Golf Course: Tasmania, Australia

Australia is undoubtedly home to some of the most stunning golf courses in the world - and some of the best weather to play golf in. We could have picked multiple courses in Melbourne or Sydney for this list. But we chose the Barnbougle Dunes in Tasmania because of their unparalleled beauty. The island of Tasmania is well worth a visit but this course makes it a MUST VISIT for golf lovers.

This course offers a combination of clifftop and inland holes, each of which is paired with tricky shots and breathtaking views. It is also not far from the incredible city of Hobart.

There are so many beautiful golf courses around the world that we don't have enough space in this article to list them. If you love golf then we suggest that you make your next trip abroad a golfing holiday.

Source: https://www.luxurytravelmagazine.com/news-articles/5-great-places-to-play-golf