Augusta National
Accessed only by helicopter, set on a floating movable island, perched on the Brickyard race track—these are the best golf courses to tee off at.
Our obsession with golf continues. In the past, ICONIC LIFE has garnered the most luxe golf courses to tee-up around the world with equally impressive vistas, from the steep sea cliffs pouring into the Atlantic Ocean to a course set amidst British Columbia’s forested landscape, these destinations are meant to impress. Yet, not all golf courses are equal. Many seem to be repetitious and have the same feel to their layout. The most rare and worthy golf holes in the world offer a combination of scenic views, exquisite hole design and a unique challenge. Here, we highlight seven of the best golf holes in the world, inviting you to break up your normal golf routine and visit these unbelievable golf destinations.
It has secured itself as one of the most bizarre and exciting golf holes around the world. Atop Hanglip mountain the Extreme Par 3 is accessible only by helicopter—yes, golfers get to fly to their tee shot.
Legend Gold and Safari Resort
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HOLE 19: LEGEND GOLF AND SAFARI RESORT GOLF COURSE | South Africa
Claiming two global titles, tallest and longest par-3 hole is the Extreme 19th hole. It has secured itself as one of the most bizarre and best golf holes around the world. Atop Hanglip mountain the Extreme Par 3 is accessible only by helicopter—yes, golfers get to fly to their tee shot.
Sitting 1,300 feet above the green, the height above the landing area translates to a 280-yard carry to land on the green. Swirling and unpredictable mountainous winds make this tee shot very difficult, but the view from the top is almost impossible to pass up.
The green is shaped like the continent of Africa and golfers get to experience a view of South Africa below. Don’t worry about the score hitting your handicap, Extreme 19th won’t hit the scorecard, so fire away and enjoy. You will also see remarkable wildlife like white lions, reptiles, birds and maybe even the two wild dogs on the course. It may be tempting to feed these dogs but be cautious.
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Brickyard Crossing
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BRICKYARD CROSSING GOLF COURSE | Indiana
Likely the only fusion of golf and NASCAR in the world are holes 7-10 of the Brickyard Crossing golf course. Many of the best golf holes of the course have a backdrop of the Brickyard race track, starting with the 7th hole where golfers get to play in the infield of the iconic track.
Golfers have the opportunity to walk onto the track and into the infield to play three holes while surrounded by asphalt. Keep in mind that the course closure coincides with the NASCAR season to avoid any car/golfer interactions.
Cypress Point Golf Club
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HOLE 16 CYPRESS POINT GOLF CLUB | California
Par 3 16th might be one of the most visually stunning and complex golf holes on the PGA circuit. Cypress Point Golf Course is nestled near the Pacific Ocean and was created to have different hole conditions all dependent on the weather.
A long 200-yard carry is required to hit the green in regulation, while the green is circled by several bunkers, rocks and thick plants. Golfers will find some relief just left of the green with a small fairway landing area. Hint: confidence is key when stepping onto this iconic hole at legendary Pebble Beach. Be sure to soak up the history and scenic views and enjoy one of the best golf holes in the world.
Augusta National
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HOLE 12 AUGUSTA NATIONAL | Georgia
Part of the Masters Amen corner, the shortest Par 3 at Augusta National is as tricky as it is famous. Although short in length, the green is protected by a water hazard on the front side of the green as well as precarious bunker placement in the back of the greens.
The 12th is a gauntlet of Amen corner and a proving ground where Masters champions stare down and only hope to walk away with a par. Proving intimidation among golfers who approach the hole to take this rite of passage.
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A watery grave awaits those without precision control and the ability to remain cool under pressure at TPC Sawgrass Stadium Golf Course.
Sawgrass Stadium
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BEST GOLF HOLE 17 TPC SAWGRASS STADIUM GOLF COURSE | Florida
A watery grave awaits those without precision control and the ability to remain cool under pressure at TPC Sawgrass Stadium Golf Course.
This hole also claims an astonishing 120,000 golf balls from unfortunate golfers each year. The design emulates a bullseye floating in the middle of a lake and has tortured amateur, and professional, golfers for years. The landing area is incredibly tight leaving little to no room for misses or the opportunity for a saving approach shot.
Once on the green, it is no cake walk. The green is incredibly difficult and depending on the hole placement, putts from only a few can emulate movement over forty feet. Try your hand at one of the most challenging— best holes in the world.
Coeur d'Alene Resort
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HOLE 14 COEUR D’ALENE RESORT COURSE | Idaho
The Coeur d’Alene is so unique in the fact the green is on an actual island. Since the green is located on a floating landmass, it means that this hole is different every time golfers step up to the tee box.
Another interesting aspect of this green is that it is only accessible by boat. Golfers get to take a short ferry ride across the lake onto the floating area. The green landing area is tight though, and a miss will surely sink your tee shot. Bunkers lining opposite sides of the green increase the difficulty of the shot forcing golfers to hit the floating target. This unique golfing experience is an obvious contender to being one of the most interesting and best holes in the game.
The beauty of the Bahamas is ever-present at Abaco Club as course designers littered the hole with bunkers and swaying palm trees.
Abaco Golf Resort
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HOLE 5 ABACO GOLF RESORT | Bahamas
The Bahamas are known for white-sand beaches, refreshing drinks and unparalleled ocean views. And heading to the 5th hole at Abaco Club is no different. The left side of the short par 4 is lined by the white sand beaches of Winding Bay and the fairway flanked by white sand. The beauty of the Bahamas is ever-present at Abaco Club as course designers littered this best golf hole with bunkers and swaying palm trees.
An undulating fairway challenges golfers on their second shot to hit an off-level shot into the green. The breeze coming off the bay changes the shot pushing the ball to the right of the fairway. Abaco gives golfers a beach escape while still playing a multi-tiered course making the approach shot and finishing the hole a challenge to players of every skill level.
Adding at least one of these iconic best golf holes to refresh your golfing game may just renew your joy of the sport or at least give you an excuse to don your new threads by golfs top apparel brands. These carefully designed holes by renowned architects around the world will tempt some of the more competitive players to try their swing at one or more of the best golf holes, from South Africa to Florida.