by Christopher Davies

Before you take a closer look at some of the best golf courses around the world, why not check out this article in the latest edition of Exec Digital. Our interactive magazine is fully of great content, superb pictures and even embedded videos! 

10. Legend Golf & Safari Resort 

Situated within the Entabeni Safari Conservancy, the resort’s ‘Extreme 19th’ hole - the longest Par 3 in the world, is Legend Golf’s main attraction. With the tee set high up on the impressive Hanglip Mountain, the hole is accessible only by helicopter and played to a green the shape of Africa some 400m below.

Statistics:

• Location: Limpopo Province, South Africa
• Yards: 5,669
• Par: 72
• Designed by: Trevor Immelman, Padraig Harrington, Bernard Langer, Colin Montgomerie, Justin Rose, Vijay Singh, Sergio Garcia and Retief Goosen to name but a few.

9. Pinehurst Number 2

The centrepiece of Pinehurst Resort has served as the site for more single golf championships than any course in America. Officially reopened in March, Pinehurst Number 2 has been lovingly restored to the natural and strategic characteristics that were the essence of legendary course designer Donald Ross' original design.

Statistics:

• Location: Pinehurst, North Carolina, USA
• Yards: 7,335
• Par: 72
• Designed by: Donald Ross

8. The Composite, Royal Melbourne Golf Club

An amalgamation of the East and West courses has resulted in a unique mix of Scottish Links characteristics and Augusta National style beauty. A course of outstanding quality, The Composite has some of the fastest putting greens in the world alongside large and dramatically shaped bunkers.

Statistics:

• Location: Black Rock, Victoria, Australia
• Yards: 7,002
• Par: 72
• Designed by: Alister Mackenzie and Alex Russell 

7. Championship Links, Royal County Down Golf Club

A course of immense aesthetic beauty, Championship Links stretch along the shores of Dundrum Bay against a stunning backdrop of the Mountains of Mourne. Players preferring the traditional bump-and-run style of links play will need added composure and conviction due to the fairway’s fast pace. 

Statistics:

• Location: County Down, Northern Ireland
• Yards: 7,204
• Par: 71
• Designed by: Old Tom Morris

6. Bandon Dunes

Bandon Dunes’ course encourages traditional links play where nature and the elements are embraced, but not conquered. Unfolding along the Southern Oregon Coast, immaculate dunes and hearty pines are virtually untouched as expansive ocean views reveal themselves on nearly every hole. 

Statistics:

• Location: Brandon, Oregon, USA 
• Yards: 7,212
• Par: 72
• Designed by: David McLay Kidd

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5. The Ailsa, Turnberry

Don't be fooled by Turnberry’s generously wide fairways, as The Ailsa course is a challenge for even the most accomplished golfer. Located next to the Firth of Clyde, prevailing winds and the lack of dunes along the 4th-11th coastal stretch requires accuracy, patience and good timing. 

Statistics:

• Location: Turnberry, Ayrshire, Scotland
• Yards: 7,204
• Par: 70
Designed by: Willie Fernie (Redesigned by Mackenzie Ross 1949-51)

4. Old Course, St Andrews

Golf has been played at St Andrews’ Old Course for more than 600 years and is home to expansive fairways and unique double greens. The birthplace to the game of golf has two major obstacles - treacherous wind, which plays havoc on the back nine, and 112 bunkers which litter the historic Scottish links.

Statistics:

• Location: Fife, Scotland
• Yards: 6,387
• Par: 72
• Designed by: Mother Nature

3. Oakmont Country Club

Perhaps the most difficult course in North America, Oakmont’s lightning fast greens and tight fairways promises to frustrate even the most experienced golfer. Oakmont’s punitive style is epitomised by the infamous “Church Pews” bunker which promises to swallow up any wayward drives at the 3rd and 4th holes. 

Statistics:

• Location: Oakmont, Pennsylvania, USA
• Yards: 7,255
• Par: 71
• Designed by: Henry Fownes

 
2. Pebble Beach Golf Links

One of the most challenging courses in the world, Pebble Beach offers exquisite beauty and a unique challenge to any seasoned golfer. Surrounded by a stunning coastline, 'Pebble' provides cliffside fairways and sloping greens which have witnessed some of the greatest moments in golf history.

Statistics:

• Location: Carmel, California, USA
• Yards: 6,828
• Par: 72
• Designed by: Jack Neville and Douglas Grant

1. Augusta National

Annual host of the Masters, the most coveted tournament in professional golf, Augusta National is one of the most instantly recognisable courses in the world. The 75th Masters Tournament is the first major of 2011 and will take place from 7-10 of April. Augusta embraces its natural surroundings and doesn't rely on manmade hazards such as deep rough or plentiful bunkers. Golfers are challenged to think strategically and play precisely, as position on both fairway and green is crucial. Augusta’s only restriction is the golfer’s ability or willingness to take risks. It is currently ranked the number one course in Golf Digest's list of America's 100 greatest courses.

Statistics:

• Location: Augusta, Georgia, USA
• Yards: 7,435
• Par: 72
• Designed by: Alister MacKenzie