There’s no question The Peninsula on the Indian River Bay is one of the finest golf courses in the country. But what are truly the greatest golf courses in the entire world?

Well, there are so many tremendous options to choose from, each offering its own unique flavor to the sport, but these five are unquestionably among the very elite. So read up and plan your dream golf vacation while you’re at it!

  1. Royal County Down (Newcastle, Northern Ireland)

Nestled in the shadow of the beautiful Mountains of Mourne along the Irish sea rests Royal County Down in Newcastle, Northern Ireland. The rolling, windblown green landscape paints the backdrop to golf’s prehistoric days where links golf ruled the day, the course being more than 120 years old.

Perhaps not as famous as some of its European cousins, Royal County Down is unquestionably one of the most picturesque golf courses in the world and certainly worth a trip by any avid golf enthusiast looking to hear the calls of golf’s ancient history rattle in their bones.

  1. Shinnecock Hills (Southampton, N.Y.)

One of the oldest and most historic golf courses in the U.S. (some consider it the oldest, dating back to 1891), Shinnecock has remained largely unchanged for the better part of 50 years after several major redesigns in the early 20th century.

Built in the image of golf’s Godfather course back across the pond, this elder statesman uses the rolling Shinnecock Hills of New York state to carve the scenic green and brown backdrops of a rare, true links-style course in America.

  1. Pebble Beach (Pebble Beach, Calif.)

Perhaps the second-most-famous golf course in the U.S., Pebble Beach is truly a wonder to behold as it harnesses the majesty of the California coastline with the ferocity of the swirling sea far below, carving terrifying drop-offs seemingly around nearly every green.

A common host to huge American tournaments like the U.S. Amateur and U.S. Open, Pebble Beach has more than earned its reputation as both a fiercely challenging golf course and exceptionally beautiful collaboration between man and nature.

  1. The Old Course at St. Andrews (St. Andrews, Scotland)

This is where it all began. The birthplace of golf and a household name to every player who’s ever picked up a club. Coming to this course located in tiny St. Andrews, Scotland is a pilgrimage for any golfer. The Old Course at St. Andrews is the sport’s Mecca. Those who cross the Swilken Bridge never forget.

Known for its enormous, rolling greens (many of which are shared by multiple holes) and incredibly deep pot bunkers, this course remains a terrifying challenge when the wind whips around — almost as if the founding fathers of golf themselves were blowing from the heavens just to keep the modern giants from dominating their perfect creation.

  1. Augusta National (Augusta, Ga.)

Here in front of you lies the portal to golf’s greatest beauty. Stroll down Magnolia Lane, aptly named for its arching Magnolia trees lining the path into Augusta National in Augusta, Ga., and you suddenly enter a world seemingly unchanged by time.

The course itself has changed many times over the years to keep its crowned jewel, the Masters tournament, a modern test of professional golf’s elite, yet history is steep in every nook and cranny. Augusta National is the backdrop to many of golf’s greatest moments, its most monumental collapses. Don’t let the unbelievable green and majestically colorful flowers fool you. For anyone who’s rounded Amen Corner has looked up to the sky in search of answers only to find none willing to fall.

Play at The Peninsula on the Indian River Bay Today!

The Peninsula on the Indian River Bay provides you the kind of quality design as these other magnificent courses with much more accessibility! This par-72 Jack Nicklaus course will test your skills and gives you the taste of an elite course as you plan your dream trip to St. Andrews. So play a round or purchase a home and play this exceptional course every day! Either way, contact Insight Homes today!