Eight of the world's most spectacular golf courses

Sep 18 2016

Trying to select the world's most spectacular golf courses is a bit like trying to choose your favourite child.

But try we must, as we take you on a journey of eight of the globe's most awe-inspiring places to tee off.

The Ailsa, Ayrshire, Scotland

When he's not spruiking, well, himself, presidential hopeful Donald Trump is helping build a golf empire.

In June, Trump cut the tape on a £200 million (about $350 million) revamp of luxury resort, Trump Turnberry, including the legendary Ailsa championship golf course.

Named after the third Marquess of Ailsa, this par-71, 6474-yard Championship course is a golfer's dream.

Set alongside the Ayrshire coastline, it has an eight-hole coastal stretch.

The historic – now fully restored – Turnberry Lighthouse, offers surely one of the world's most scenic 'halfway houses'. Tuckered out after nine holes? The lighthouse has a two-bedroom presidential suite starting from £3500 (more than $6000) a night.

Nirwana Bali Golf Club, Tabanan, Bali

If lush tropical surroundings and sweeping ocean views are your bag, then the Nirwana Bali Golf Club performs well above par.

Designed by Australia's 'Great White Shark', Greg Norman, the course features 18 small temples, five ocean-side holes, three cliff-to-cliff tee shots and its own resort.

The most scenic – and photographed hole – the 7th, provides a gob-smacking view of Bali's famous Tanah Lot temple, minus the crowds and souvenir hard sells. However it's a challenging one, requiring you to hit a middle iron from the cliffside tee across the ocean to a well-guarded green.

Your biggest problem might be losing a ball to the rice paddies, or just getting a little steamy under the collar. The ocean breezes, or a cold Bintang in your cart, should help.

Hamilton Island Golf Club, Australia

Designed by legendary Australian golfer, Peter Thomson, the Hamilton Island Golf Club course is actually set on neighbouring Dent Island.

To get there, catch a 10-minute ferry ride from the Hamilton Island Marina – or a chopper from the mainland or nearby islands.

The mountainous course is strung along the ridges and steep valleys of the island, offering countless 360-degree views.

When you're all said and done, it's time to retire to the clubhouse for a cold one, with vistas over the Dent Passage and the Whitsundays.

Legend Golf & Safari Resort, South Africa

Mind-boggling views are one thing, but the 'Extreme 19th' hole at the Legend Golf & Safari Resort on the Entabeni Safari Conservancy is quite another.

You might say the course, which lies in the heart of an African game reserve, and has 18 holes each designed by a world-class golfer – is already up there in the wow stakes.

But the 19th hole, the world's highest and longest Par 3, is what makes this bunch of holes unforgettable.

With the tee situated on top of Hanglip Mountain, you'll need a helicopter to get there, and a steady eye as you take the 361 metre shot to the green, 400 metres below.

Liberty National GC, New Jersey, USA

Former Reebok CEO Paul Fireman, discussing plans for his ambitious New Jersey golf course, told The Wall Street Journal back in 2004 that he wanted "to produce a Rembrandt".

Together with son Dan, they did, reportedly spending more than $US150 million to turn a former toxic waste eyesore into one of the world's most expensive golf courses.

Set on the Hudson River, members at this exclusive club enjoy views of the Hudson River and New York skyline. The 18th hole, 1000 yards from the Statue of Liberty, is one to tick off the bucket list.

Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi

The Arabian Gulf's first beachfront course offers a touch of the exotic, with palm trees, dreamy views of the Gulf's blue waters and pristine white sands.

You'll want to watch for mountain gazelles strolling by, and dolphins and hawksbill turtles in the waters nearby.

Then there's the sub-tropical conditions, which can see temperatures in Abu Dhabi soaring to 48 humid degrees in summer.

If you're hitting the course in the more pleasant temperatures of 'winter,' your biggest worry might be Hole 10, known as the 'mousetrap' because of its ability to snare unsuspecting golf balls.

The Old Course at St Andrews, Scotland

Want to snag a guaranteed tee time at the world's most famous golf course? You'd better plan well ahead – or be prepared to bunker down until you get lucky.

More than six centuries after Scotland's first golfers strode on to the picture-perfect greens, the historic St Andrews Links has expanded to seven courses.

But don't bet your bagpipes on getting a shot at the most popular of them, The Old Course.

If you happen to be in Scotland, you can try your chances on the daily ballot system for a spot two days ahead. However for any kind of guarantee, you'll need to shell out the cash up to 18 months ahead for a luxury tour program.