Five championship courses every amateur golfer dreams of playing
Almost everyone who has ever stepped foot onto a golf course has wanted to put themselves in the shoes of the sport’s immortal icons.
A huge part of that is playing on championship courses around the world.
For many, there are considerable obstacles to playing their dream course, whether that is international travel, cost or, perhaps most commonly, their own golf game.
Many of the best courses in the world are also the most challenging and therefore closed off to players without a certified handicap or those with a handicap over 24.
Using analysis of Google keyword data and social media stats, we have figured out the five courses golfers dream of playing. Assuming that those dreams also involve Google searches.
Pebble Beach Golf Links
The course has its own tagline so it is no shock that the Pebble Beach Golf Links generate a lot of interest.
The base cost of playing the links is $535, but as you can imagine spots on the course are in demand year-round and you’ll have a better chance of playing the course in a guaranteed package deal.
They call it the greatest meeting of land and sea in American golf and the course is expansive and challenging but unlike many others doesn’t carry a handicap limit making this an accessible dream course provided you have the cash.
Emirates Golf Club
The Emirates Golf Club is a testament to the UAE’s desire to become the world’s playground as they move heaven and earth to deliver one of the great participation sport experiences.
It will cost you 550 dirhams to play 18 rounds, which translates to roughly $150 or £125.
In this rarified company that is a reasonable price to pay and many golfers make the most of circumstances, to get a round in on a marvellous modern course.
St Andrews (Old Course)
From marvelous and modern to ancient St Andrews, which lays claim to being the very home of golf.
Its place in the history of the great sport is as undeniable as its appeal to visitors. The most popular way to play the course is through the ballot.
St Andrews says: “The Ballot is drawn 48 hours in advance of play and golfers should provide their names, home club and handicaps either online, by phone or at one of the clubhouses before 2pm, two days before the day they wish to play. To enter there must be a minimum of two and a maximum of four players.
“Single golfers with suitable handicaps who wish to play the Old Course without an existing tee time should check in at the Old Pavilion on the day of play and the staff will do their best to join them with a two or three-ball group. There is no obligation on the existing golfers to make up a four-ball but common practice is that single golfers are warmly welcomed. With patience, this can be successful but there are no guarantees. Please check Busy Dates before travel.”
TPC Sawgrass
The home of the Player’s Championship, the TPC Sawgrass course promises tournament-like conditions.
Independent reviewers back up those claims as TPC Sawgrass proves to be a dream course that delivers satisfaction.
In season the base cost of playing the course is $650 while between June and August it will cost you $450. You must have an active Florida GHIN handicap to play the championship course.
Augusta National
Augusta National is the golfer’s dream because most are denied the opportunity to play the course.
The course is closed to non-members so your best shot at playing the course is to hobnob with the well-connected or to qualify to play in the Masters.
Bill Gates, Warren Buffett and Peyton Manning are among the known members of the Augusta National Golf Club.