Excellent golf courses are located all over the world and trying to pick the world’s best depends upon personal perspective. There are plenty of courses with long histories and hallowed reputations. There are plenty of courses located among some of the world’s most beautiful vistas. One thing all the world’s best courses have in common is the masterful design of the golf architect and the intricate, loving care involved in upkeep and maintaining them. The three choices in our list meet all these qualifications and have long histories in the beautiful landscape where they are located. Golfers playing on any of these are truly playing on hallowed ground.

The Old Course at St. Andrews in Scotland is where golf can trace its history to the very beginning. King James IV bought golf clubs at St. Andrews in 1506 and had existed for some time before then. Most interestingly about the Old Course is the fact that its design originally evolved over time without any professional help from an architect. Today the Old Course has many unique features. One unique feature is the seven “double greens” where there are two holes on each green. The crumpled land that makes up the Old Course is another distinguishing feature. It’s easy to pick out the Old Course from a snapshot without a caption just from the look of the fairways. It’s said for those lucky enough to get to play the Old Course need to play it many times in order to fully experience it. Changing weather and wind direction makes the course play very differently.

Next on this short list is the instantly recognizable Cypress Point Club at Pebble Beach. Arguably the world’s most beautiful golf course, Cypress Point melds into the rugged coast of northern California. The beauty of Cypress Point is simply breathtaking. One glimpse of the breaking surf on the rugged cliffs from the course fairways causes an instant love affair with the golf enthusiast. Cypress Point first opened in 1928 and was designed by, some say, the greatest golf architect ever – Alistair MacKenzie. The three holes that play along the Pacific Ocean provide a unique experience like no other course on the planet. Playing here is akin to communing with nature.

Probably the most exclusive of the courses mentioned here is Augusta National in Georgia, USA. Also designed by Alistair MacKenzie, Augusta National is the permanent home to the world’s most celebrated golf tournament - The Masters. Augusta National is an elite place where only the lucky few can play by either becoming a member or by gaining an invitation from a member (or you could always get your PGA Tour card). Lots of lore involving former President Eisenhower can be found on this course. The “Eisenhower tree” is a pine located on the 17th hole that Eisenhower hit so many times that he proposed to the club chairman that it be cut down. Even though Eisenhower was President at the time, his request was not granted. Best time to play here if ever granted the chance is in the spring when the numerous flowers are in full bloom and the dog days of summer have not arrived.

So there you have it. Playing on any of these courses provides the golf experience of a lifetime. Should you have the opportunity, I suggest you pounce on it and enjoy the experience.