Golf has always been more than a game—it symbolises prestige, skill, and refinement. Around the world, specific courses elevate the sport to an art form, combining breathtaking landscapes with unparalleled exclusivity and luxury. These are not just places to play; they are destinations reserved for the most discerning individuals, where every detail, from the design to the membership criteria, reflects the pinnacle of sophistication. From historic clubs steeped in tradition to modern masterpieces hidden in secluded locations, this guide explores the 15 most exclusive, unique, and coveted golf courses on the planet.
1. Augusta National Golf Club – Georgia, USA
Home to The Masters, Augusta National is the epitome of golfing prestige. Designed by Bobby Jones and Alister MacKenzie, its immaculate fairways and iconic greens are legendary. Membership is by invitation only, with fewer than 300 members worldwide, including global business titans and past U.S. presidents. The club’s exclusivity is matched by its traditions—such as the famous green jacket awarded to Masters winners. From the picturesque Amen Corner to the flowering dogwoods and azaleas, Augusta offers a golfing experience steeped in history, charm, and an aura of impenetrable exclusivity.
2. Cypress Point Club – California, USA
Perched along the rugged Monterey Peninsula, Cypress Point Club is a masterstroke of design by Alister MacKenzie. With its jaw-dropping coastal holes framed by cliffs and crashing Pacific waves, it’s as visually dramatic as technically challenging. Membership is notoriously elusive, requiring personal connections and invitations from current members. The 16th hole, a par-three stretching across the ocean, is one of the most photographed in golf, cementing Cypress Point as a bucket-list destination for the game’s elite.
3. St Andrews Old Course – Scotland, UK
Known as the “Home of Golf,” St Andrews Old Course is a pilgrimage site for golf lovers. Its history dates back over 600 years, with the Swilcan Bridge and the 18th green holding iconic status. Access is incredibly competitive, with visitors required to enter a lottery for tee times or book years in advance. Despite its historical roots, the course’s challenging bunkers and windswept fairways offer a timeless test of skill, making it a cherished destination for the sport’s aficionados.
4. The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews – Scotland, UK
Separate from the Old Course, this historic private club is among golf’s most revered institutions. Founded in 1754, it governs the game’s rules globally (outside the U.S.) and boasts a strictly limited membership of royalty, aristocrats, and luminaries. Its facilities, including a grand clubhouse overlooking the Old Course, are closed to the public, making it a coveted badge of honour for its few privileged members.
5. Shanqin Bay Golf Club – Hainan Island, China
Nestled on the dramatic cliffs of Hainan Island, Shanqin Bay is the world’s most exclusive golf course, with fewer than 50 members globally. Designed by Coore & Crenshaw, the course features breathtaking ocean views and a minimalist design that blends seamlessly into the rugged landscape. Members arrive by private jet or yacht, reflecting the club’s ultra-luxury ethos. It’s a playground for billionaires, with its rarity and isolation making every round a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
6. Morfontaine Golf Club – Paris, France
A private sanctuary just outside Paris, Morfontaine is considered France’s finest course. Created in 1913 for the Duke of Guiche, its idyllic woodland setting and Tom Simpson design make it a masterpiece of understated elegance. Membership is by invitation only, and its exclusivity is rigorously protected. The course’s serene beauty and challenging layout offer a truly rarefied golfing experience, far removed from the spotlight.
7. Ellerston Golf Club – New South Wales, Australia
Commissioned by the late media mogul Kerry Packer, Ellerston is nestled within a sprawling private estate in rural Australia. It’s a challenging course designed by Greg Norman with immaculate fairways winding through rugged bushland. Access is strictly limited to Packer family members and hand-selected guests, making it one of the most elusive courses on Earth. Its pristine setting and undisturbed tranquillity reflect a perfect blend of luxury and isolation.
8. Pine Valley Golf Club – New Jersey, USA
Frequently ranked as the best golf course in the world, Pine Valley is legendary for its uncompromising difficulty and exclusivity. Designed by George Crump, the course features dramatic elevation changes, sandy wastelands, and perfectly contoured greens. Membership is by invitation only, and guest access is almost unheard of. Its charisma and impeccable reputation make it the holy grail for golfers seeking an unparalleled challenge.
9. Nirwana Bali Golf Club – Bali, Indonesia
Perched atop dramatic cliffs overlooking the Indian Ocean, this Greg Norman-designed course offers stunning views of Bali’s Tanah Lot temple. Its signature hole, the par-three 7th, requires a daring tee shot across the ocean waves. With luxurious resorts nearby catering to an elite clientele, Nirwana blends cultural beauty with golfing excellence. Although now closed for redevelopment, its allure symbolises Bali’s serene yet challenging golfing landscape.
10. The Golf Club – Ohio, USA
Hidden in the rolling hills of Ohio, The Golf Club is the ultimate “hidden gem” of American golf. Designed by Pete Dye, the course features minimalist architecture and pristine natural surroundings. There are no signs, advertisements, or public access points—only a select group of members knows its secrets. Its purity and understated exclusivity appeal to purists who value simplicity and discretion over ostentation.
11. The Billionaire’s Golf Club at Costa Smeralda – Sardinia, Italy
Set on the stunning Sardinian coastline, this exclusive club offers Mediterranean views that rival the most picturesque landscapes in golf. Membership is reserved for UHNW individuals, with amenities including private helipads, superyacht access, and world-class dining. The course’s impeccably maintained fairways wind through cliffs and beaches, making every hole an extraordinary spectacle.
12. The Tokyo Golf Club – Japan
Founded in 1913, Tokyo Golf Club is one of Japan’s oldest and most prestigious clubs. Known for its meticulous course upkeep and unparalleled service, the club maintains a long waitlist and a rigorous application process. Its layout combines traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern golfing challenges, offering an exclusive retreat for the country’s elite.
13. Cape Kidnappers Golf Course – Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand
Towering 140-metre cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean provide the dramatic setting for Cape Kidnappers. Designed by Tom Doak, this visually stunning course challenges players with sweeping winds and rugged terrain. Its exclusivity stems from its remote location and luxurious on-site lodge, catering to discerning travellers seeking adventure and indulgence.
14. Jumeirah Golf Estates Earth Course – Dubai, UAE
A crown jewel of Middle Eastern golf, the Earth Course by Greg Norman is home to the DP World Tour Championship. Its manicured fairways and challenging bunkers offer a tournament-quality experience, while exclusive memberships provide access to Dubai’s elite social scene. The lavish clubhouse and bespoke services ensure an experience worthy of Dubai’s grandeur.
15. Shadow Creek Golf Course – Nevada, USA
Hidden in the Las Vegas desert, Shadow Creek is a surreal oasis accessible only to VIPs staying at MGM Resorts. Designed by Tom Fazio, the course features lush fairways, artificial waterfalls, and mountain vistas. The club’s exclusivity is legendary, with green fees starting at $1,000 and strictly limited tee times. Arriving by limousine, players experience a world where luxury and golf converge seamlessly.
These extraordinary golf courses represent the apex of exclusivity, artistry, and luxury. They offer far more than a round of golf—they provide an experience reserved for those who seek the truly exceptional. Whether perched on towering cliffs or steeped in centuries of history, each course embodies prestige that few can access.
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