The World’s Most Breathtaking Coastal Courses

Golf has always been a game of precision, patience, and natural beauty — and nowhere is that beauty more awe-inspiring than on the coast. Ocean-side fairways, dramatic cliffs, and rolling dunes make coastal golf courses some of the most unforgettable experiences in the sport. From Scotland’s rugged shores to the sun-drenched beaches of Australia, these courses combine challenge with scenery in a way no inland course can match.

Here’s a look at the world’s most breathtaking coastal golf courses — destinations where the game and the sea meet in perfect harmony.

1. Pebble Beach Golf Links – California, USA

Few names in golf are as iconic as Pebble Beach. Perched along the cliffs of California’s Monterey Peninsula, this course has hosted countless major tournaments and inspired generations of golfers. Every hole offers a view of the Pacific Ocean, but the stretch from holes 7 to 10 is particularly unforgettable. The wind, the waves, and the cliffside greens make this a bucket-list experience for any golfer.

Why it stands out: The dramatic ocean views and the challenge of coastal winds make every round a test of skill and focus.

2. Old Head Golf Links – County Cork, Ireland

Set on a narrow peninsula that juts nearly two miles into the Atlantic, Old Head is often described as “the most dramatic golf course on Earth.” With cliffs dropping over 300 feet to the sea below, every hole feels like it’s suspended between the sky and the ocean. The course demands both precision and courage, especially when the wind sweeps across the headland.

Why it stands out: No other course offers such panoramic ocean views from nearly every tee box.

3. Cape Kidnappers – Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand

Cape Kidnappers redefines cliffside golf. Designed by Tom Doak, this New Zealand masterpiece sits high above the Pacific, with fairways that appear to float on giant ridges of land. The course layout uses the natural landscape brilliantly, rewarding accuracy and imagination.

Why it stands out: The spectacular location, overlooking Hawke’s Bay, combines modern design with raw natural beauty.

4. Royal County Down – Northern Ireland

Nestled along Dundrum Bay, Royal County Down is often ranked among the top golf courses in the world. Its fairways wind through sand dunes with the Mourne Mountains as a backdrop. Every hole is visually stunning, and the shifting light and coastal weather create a new experience each time you play.

Why it stands out: A perfect blend of natural terrain, tradition, and timeless design.

5. Cabot Cliffs – Nova Scotia, Canada

Cabot Cliffs is a relatively new course but has already earned global recognition. Designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, it sits high above the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The course seamlessly integrates rolling terrain, ocean bluffs, and natural dunes — creating a balance between playability and breathtaking views.

Why it stands out: The 16th, 17th, and 18th holes run directly along the cliffs, offering some of the most stunning finishes in golf.

6. Barnbougle Dunes – Tasmania, Australia

This Australian gem proves that great coastal golf isn’t limited to the Northern Hemisphere. Built on rugged seaside dunes, Barnbougle feels both wild and welcoming. The course layout rewards creativity, and the ever-changing winds make each round unique.

Why it stands out: Raw, untouched natural beauty with firm, fast-running fairways inspired by traditional Scottish links.

7. Turnberry (Ailsa Course) – Ayrshire, Scotland

Turnberry’s Ailsa Course is the definition of classic links golf. With views of the iconic lighthouse and the Isle of Arran across the sea, it’s a place where history and scenery collide. The course has hosted multiple Open Championships, and its design remains as challenging as it is elegant.

Why it stands out: Historic charm, world-class design, and unmatched Scottish coastal beauty.

8. Teeth of the Dog – Casa de Campo, Dominican Republic

Carved by legendary designer Pete Dye, Teeth of the Dog is considered the Caribbean’s crown jewel. Seven of its holes hug the coastline, with waves crashing dramatically against coral rock. The tropical breeze adds to both the challenge and the charm.

Why it stands out: Caribbean warmth meets world-class golf design — an unforgettable seaside paradise.

The Allure of Coastal Golf

Playing a coastal course isn’t just about golf — it’s an experience that engages all the senses. The sound of crashing waves, the salt in the air, and the shifting coastal winds create an atmosphere that no inland course can replicate.

Beyond the game itself, these courses celebrate the connection between nature, design, and human ambition. They remind players that golf is more than sport — it’s a way to experience the world’s most beautiful landscapes.