10 of the Best Golf Courses in the World

Up until just a few years ago, Golf course wereCaribbean, those two words are probably enough
soles the domains of Golfers. Now, however, theirto attract most golfers to check this out, but the
incredibly beautiful designs and landscape, not toaddition of one name helps to cinch the deal: Tom
mention their attachment to all inclusive resorts,Fazio. Credited as being the world's BEST golf
makes these courses a destination for thousandscourse designer, Tom was at the helm of this 45
of tourists yearly. Some are golfers, some arehole masterpiece. Part of the Sandy Lane Golf
not. Below, we have listed 10 of the mostresort in the Caribbean, Green Monkey has
beautiful and touted Golf Courses in the world. Ifenough beauty and challenge to make this
you are an avid golfer, you would do well todestination a worthwhile investment.
make a goal of visiting a few of these before6. Turnberry (Scotland) - Many of the great pros
you hang up your clubs for good.of the sport have won the Open here. Watson,
1. Cape Kidnappers (New Zealand) - This course,Norman, Price, just to name a few. This world
designed by American Architect Tom Doak, is aclass resort resides in the home of our great
challenging and beautiful marvel to behold. Itsport, Scotland. That fact alone should help to
features sloped green and jagged ravines tomake Turnberry a MUST VISIT on your list. The
challenge golfers of any skill level. Overlooking thecourses are undergoing renovation and should be
Pacific Ocean, Cape Kidnappers was built on acompleted early in 2009, just in time for the
2000-hectare sheep farm.Open, hopefully to be hosted here again this year!
2. Royal County Down (Northern Ireland) -7. Valderrama (Spain) - Inaugurated in 1985,
Number two on the list is Royal County Down.Valderrama is known for its breathtaking views of
The green's shine in all their beautiful glory on thisthe Mediterranean Sea. Meticulously cared for and
historic course that overlooks the Irish Sea.manicured, the fairways and greens rate among
Beware the 7th and 12th holes...many a ball hasthe best in the world. The breathtaking beauty of
been lost and a club been thrown on theseSpain add to the atmosphere. THis course must
incredibly challenging holes.be experienced to be believed.
3. Pebble Beach (United States) - "If I had only8. St. Andrews Old Course (Scotland) - THIS, is
one more round to play, I would choose to play itthe accepted birthplace of Golf. Six courses of
at Pebble Beach." -Jack Nicklaus Ok, that prettyvarying levels of difficulty, including a 9 hole
much says it all. If Jack chooses his last roundcourse for children and begginers. The history is
there, why not make this stop your NEXT round?rich here. A must visit Golf Resort.
The Golf Courses at Pebble Beach were recently9. Augusta National Golf Club (United States) -
voted #1 Golf Resort in America by Golf DigestAugusta Masters is played at the Augusta National
Magazine in 2007. See what the pros alreadyGolf Club. The course is not a difficult one at all,
know...Pebble Beach is THE place to play in thebut some editions in the recent past have been
States.marred by inclement weather, which makes
4. Leopard Creek (South Africa) - Membership byconditions challenging for players.
invitation only helps to make Leopard Creek the10. Ballybunion (Ireland) - Located on the West
exclusive hotspot for golfers that it is. This courseCoast of Ireland, Ballybunion is considered one of
was funded and co-designed by banker Johannthe top 10 courses in the world, and boasts one
Rupert, and together with the help of pro golferof the toughest par 4's in the world as well. A
Gary Player, this course has become a destinationfavorite of Tom Watson among others,
for the world's elite golfers. A challenging courseBallybunion delivers in both beauty and challenging
that was completely remodeled in 2000, thisgolf.
course is not only home to some of world's mostObviously, there are many courses around the
incredible golfers, but crocodiles, hippos, and tigersworld, but these are bound to be found in many a
can be spotted here as well. Be careful of thetop 10 list of the world's top pros. Good luck in
water hazards!your journeys, and I hope to see YOUR top 10
5. Green Monkey (Barbados) - Barbados...Thelist in the near future!