From signature snacks to the Northern Lights, these are the best non-golf amenities from GOLF’s 2023-24 Top 100 Courses in the World.

The post 100 best off-course amenities from our all-new Top 100 Courses in the World appeared first on Golf.

From signature snacks to the Northern Lights, these are the best non-golf amenities from GOLF’s 2023-24 Top 100 Courses in the World.

The post 100 best off-course amenities from our all-new Top 100 Courses in the World appeared first on Golf.

Sure, the tee-to-green challenge of each of all-new GOLF’s new Top 100 Courses in the World is what lands them in our ranking. But anyone who’s ever played a great course knows the experience is about much more than just golf.

Perhaps it’s a memorable meal or unique drink served in the clubhouse. Maybe it’s a collection of historical artifacts or a must-see room in the clubhouse. If the course is at a resort, maybe it’s the outstanding accommodations or a luxury spa.

Whatever it may be, GOLF’s Top 100 Courses in the World all have more than offer than just a world-class golf course.

With that, here are our favorites perks and amenities from each of GOLF’s 2023-24 Top 100 Courses in the World.

100 best amenities from GOLF’s Top 100 Courses in the World

1. Pine Valley – Pine Valley, NJ

Even if you don’t love bag tags, it’s hard not to be impressed by the heft of the Pine Valley tags, which attendants apply with pliers. It’s a nice keepsake — for your bag or office.

2. Cypress Point – Pebble Beach, CA

The lack of pretense. Given its stature as a golfing holy ground, Cypress maintains a remarkably low-key West Coast vibe, from the subtle “Members Only” sign at the entrance to the modest clubhouse and pro shop.

3. St. Andrews (Old Course) – St. Andrews, Scotland

Sipping pints or whiskey at the ancient Jigger Inn, which abuts the 17th hole. If you made a mess of the Road Hole, a couple of drams from this peerless pub heals all wounds.  

4. Shinnecock Hills – Southampton, NY

The old-timey locker room is a throwback to another era. Really, the whole clubhouse is. Leave time to read some of the framed correspondences on the walls, including a gracious thank-you note that Raymond Floyd sent to the club president in the wake of Floyd’s win at the 1986 U.S. Open.

5. National Golf Links of America – Southampton, NY

For appetizers, some clubs offer wings and spinach dip. National serves up a whole damn lobster. Get cracking (and dipping) while you decide on your main course and dessert.

6. Royal County Down – Newcastle, Nothern Ireland

Everyone knows Guinness tastes better in Ireland, but sipping a perfectly poured pint in RCD’s lounge, which overlooks the 18th hole, is a memory you and your taste buds will not soon forget.

7. Royal Melbourne (West) – Black Rock, Australia

Take a tour of the clubhouse, which houses all kinds of Royal Melbourne and Australian golf artifacts. Among the cooler offerings: Adam Scott’s clubs from his 2013 Masters win.  

8. Oakmont – Oakmont, PA

The cozy Swat Room — a club inside the club, just off the men’s locker room — where results of interclub matches have been scribbled into ledger books for generations.

9. Augusta National – Augusta, GA

The secret room beneath the pro shop, which the club, in 2021, turned into a “Green Jacket Experience” and “Green Jacket Vault.” This is where new club members are joined by chairman Fred Ridley and a tailor to get fitted for the best-known blazer in sports. 

10. Royal Dornoch (Championship) – Dornoch, Scotland

Kick off your day with one of Harry Gow’s scrumptious morning rolls. For only 4 pounds, you can nosh on a white or brown roll with choice of bacon, sausage, black pudding or fried egg.

11. Sand Hills – Mullen, Neb.

The halfway house is nicknamed “Tom’s Porch” for the leather-faced, hat-wearing cowboy who long served specially seasoned burgers and hot dogs to visitors. It’s a must-visit on any trip, and the burgers and dogs are a must-eat.

12. Muirfield – East Lothian, Scotland

The famous clubhouse at Muirfield transports you to an older era of golf, and its walls are covered in the illustrious history of the club and the game.

13. Merion (East) – Ardmore, Penn.

Merion is famous for its Snapper Soup, which is made not from snapper fish but snapping turtles. (Shells not included.)

14. Pebble Beach – Pebble Beach, Calif.

As one of the top golf resorts in the world, Pebble Beach offers top-notch accommodations, including the luxurious Lodge at Pebble Beach.

15. Fishers Island – Fishers Island, NY

Members have access to five tennis courts, a private ocean beachfront and a Beach Club with a snack bar.

16. Royal Portrush (Dunluce) – Portrush, Northern Ireland

Nearby Portrush boasts some of Northern Ireland’s most beautiful beaches and is in close proximity to the Giant’s Causeway World Heritage site.

17. Chicago GC – Wheaton, Ill.

Chicago GC is all about the golf, but it does feature a historic clubhouse designed by renowned Chicago architect Jarvis Hunt.

18. Turnberry (Ailsa) – Turnberry, Scotland

The Spa at Turnberry features a full spa experience with an infinity pool, while the Trump Turnberry resort offers state-of-the-art fitness facilities.

19. Los Angeles (North) – Los Angeles, Calif.

Among the many amenities members enjoy is a heated, Olympic-size swimming pool.

20. Tara Iti – Te Arai, New Zealand

One of New Zealand’s most beautiful beaches runs along the border of Tara Iti, which blends seamlessly into the natural surroundings.

21. Pinehurst (No. 2) – Village of Pinehurst, N.C.

Relive Pinehurst’s illustrious golf history with a walk through the Carolina Hotel’s Hallway of History. The hotel also serves up one of the best breakfasts in the game.

22. Kingston Heath – Cheltenham, Australia

Kingston Heath’s clubhouse is chock full of memorabilia, including a large mural depicting notable figures from the club’s history.

23. Friar’s Head – Baiting Hollow, N.Y.

Cliffside fire pits near the imposing stone clubhouse allow you to take in incredible views of the Long Island Sound while enjoying a post-round beverage.

24. Ballybunion (Old) – Ballybunion, Ireland

Get a room at The 19th Lodge to rest your head on the doorstep of one of the best links courses in Ireland.

25. Sunningdale (Old) – Sunningdale, England

The main bar at the stately clubhouse overlooks the practice putting green with a great view of Sunningdale’s famous oak tree, the unofficial symbol of the club.

26. Prairie Dunes – Hutchinson, Kansas

This place is no frills, but we mean that in a good way. The clubhouse is beautifully understated, as is the locker room, where you’ll be greeted by metal lockers like you might have found in your middle school hallways.

27. Oakland Hills (South) – Bloomfield Hills, Mich.

A fire destroyed the historic clubhouse back in February 2022, but work is already underway to rebuild the new one, which will be a semi-replica of the previous version and cost more than $80 million to build. It’s targeted to be completed by 2026.

28. Riviera – Pacific Palisades, Calif.

Don’t like golf? Fine. (Not really.) What about tennis? Riviera has 24 courts, and its tennis club is one of the oldest and largest (and most engaged) in the U.S.

29. Winged Foot (West) – Mamaroneck, N.Y.

The clubhouse. The famous stone structure was built in 1925 and to this day, management goes to great lengths to restore and repair its classily crafted elements — rather than replace them. The showers in the locker room remain in rarefied air.

30. North Berwick (West) – North Berwick, Scotland

The beach! Seriously, North Berwick West Beach has stellar views of the island of Craigleith and the Bass Rock. It’s worth a stroll.

31. Hirono – Miki-Chi, Japan

It’s technically a part of the golfing experience, but in traditional Japanese culture it’s the norm to break for a sit-down lunch at the turn. At Hirono, you won’t mind, since the spread is excellent.

32. Pacific Dunes – Bandon, Ore.

At Bandon Dunes, it’s all about the golf. But be sure to carve out time for the Pacific Grill at Pacific Dunes. The food menu is elevated and delicious, and the restaurant, with its floor-to-ceiling glass windows, overlooks the golf course.

33. Royal St. George’s – Sandwich, England

The dining room. It’s as classic as the old links itself, and the perfect way to cap any bucket-list round. Don’t forget about the dessert table.

34. Crystal Downs – Frankfort, Mich.

Amenities? A private club, yes, but Crystal Downs is known to be understated and unstuffy. (You’ll love it.) After your round, enjoy the sun-splashed patio and view of the course.

35. Seminole – Juno Beach, Fla.

At Seminole, it’s all about the vibes. So save time to hang in the locker room. It’s laid-back, with historic mementos honoring some of the game’s legends plastered all over the place.

36. Barnbougle Dunes – Bridport, Australia

Twenty-two two-bedroom on-site cottages are equipped with standard hotel room facilities, as well as a deck with outdoor seating and stunning views of the course and coastline.

37. Lahinch (Old) – Lahinch, Ireland

Players are gifted with a Lahinch-logoed water bottle at the start of the round — handy for hydration, and also as an environmentally-savvy souvenir.

38. San Francisco – San Francisco, Calif.

San Francisco’s old-school vibe extends to the course setup, in which there are no yardage markers — and no rangefinders permitted. So if you have the chance to experience this gem, relax and trust your caddie. 

39. The Country Club – Brookline, Mass.

After sipping the club’s signature rum cocktail, the Fernando, don’t forget to pay a visit to Francis Ouimet’s childhood home, located just across the street from the course.

40. Carnoustie – Carnoustie, Scotland

Enjoy a post-round libation and elevated Scottish cuisine at The Rookery, which offers stunning views of the course and sea.

41. Morfontaine – Morfontaine, France

The setting at Morfontaine is like one from a fairytale, beginning with a drive along a stone-walled road to get to the entry gate, where, after a bit more driving, you are finally treated to the sight of the ivy-covered clubhouse.

42. Royal Birkdale – Southport, England

Enjoying a post-round libation overlooking the 18th hole in Royal Birkdale’s famous art-deco clubhouse is a definitive must-do.

43. Somerset Hills – Bernardsville, N.J.

Want to rub elbows with USGA execs, past and present? Somerset Hills is a popular hangout for the governing-body crowd, with the USGA headquarters only a few miles away in Far Hills. 

44. Southern Hills – Tulsa, Okla.

Southern Hills’ signature drink, the Club Special, features a mix of vodka, rum, sweet and sour and Sierra Mist — a perfect post-round refresher. 

45. California Golf Club of San Francisco – South San Francisco, Calif.

You can’t beat the urban San Francisco views, from the backdrop behind the 1st green all the way to the beautiful cityscape on the 17th. It’s a treat to behold. 

46. Swinley Forest – South Ascot, England

It’s hard to overstate the allure of Swinley’s serene, throwback charm, from its pine tree-lined heathland layout to its Tudor-style clubhouse.

47. Shoreacres – Lake Bluff, Ill.

Shoreacres’ outdoor patio boasts a stunning view of Lake Michigan, making it the perfect place to enjoy a post-round bite and beverage.

48. Garden City – Garden City, N.Y.

With a strict no-cell-phone policy, visitors appreciate the old-school vibe at Garden City, which extends all the way to its no-frills metal lockers.

49. St. Patricks Links – Carrickart, Ireland

The setting at St. Patrick’s Links is tough to top. The northwest tip of Ireland is renowned for its rugged splendor, and the course’s dramatic acreage along the edge of Sheephaven Bay is a feast for the eyes.

50. Maidstone – East Hampton, N.Y.

Maidstone’s Beach Club is the ultimate post-round hang, especially when you’re sipping the club’s signature “Maidstone” cocktail. 

51. Ballyneal – Holyoke, Colo.

After your round, enjoy one of Ballyneal’s famous steaks which they source from the cattle ranch next to the property, Bledsoe’s Corner.

52. Cabot Cliffs – Inverness, Nova Scotia

Heli-fly fishing: A helicopter trip to the Margaree River is an experience on its own but add to that fishing on the Margaree River, which is famous for its Atlantic Salmon, Brook Trout and Striped Bass.

53. Kawana – Ito-Shi, Japan

Hot Spring Brisa Marina: Enjoy the multifunctional bathing facility equipped with an open-air bath at the forefront, as well as private baths that offer breathtaking views of the Pacific.

54. Sunningdale (New) – Sunningdale, England

The sausage sandwich at the halfway house. One part protein boost, one part salty goodness.

55. Cape Kidnappers – Te Awanga, New Zealand

Enjoy a spectacular sunrise at the top of a cliff at Cape Kidnappers as part of the resort’s Sunrise Breakfast at Black Reef.

56. Cruden Bay – Cruden Bay, Scotland

Slains Castle, rumored to be the inspiration for the castle in Bram Stoker’s “Dracula,” can be seen from the course.

57. Camargo – Cincinnati, Ohio

Lunching on the clubhouse patio clubhouse is one of the most quaint and charming experiences in golf.

58. Woodhall Spa – Woodhall Spa, England

The club is owned by the England Golf, and its headquarters are located onsite at the National Golf Centre.

59. Portmarnock (Old) – Portmarnock, Ireland

Come Open Championship time, you may find some of the greats for the game adjusting to links golf here, as Tiger Woods did ahead of the 2000 Open. Makes sense given its proximity to the Dublin airport.

60. Bethpage (Black) – Farmingdale, NY

The ominous sign on the first tee, warning golfers that the Black should only be played only by “highly skilled golfers.”

61. Inverness – Toledo, Ohio

The cathedral chime clock displayed in the front clubhouse foyer was a gift by the competing professionals at the 1920 U.S. Open to the club. 

62. Kiawah Island (Ocean) – Kiawah Island, SC

The beaches at Kiawah Island are some of the best in the world. The resort can provide you with bike or boating rentals and whatever else you might need.

63. Prestwick – Prestwick, Scotland

Take your time to look around the clubhouse. This was the home of the Open Championship for the first 12 editions and held 12 more until the 1920s. There are plenty of memorabilia and artifacts.

64. New South Wales – La Perouse, Australia

While practice ranges outside of the United States are usually more rare, the one at New South Wales will put most facilities stateside to shame.

65. Ardfin – Isle of Jura, Scotland

The extensive selection of rare Jura whiskies available at Ardfin’s gorgeously sophisticated bar.

66. Royal Troon (Old) – Troon, Scotland

After you finish your round, head up to the clubhouse for a pint and a bite at The Rabbit or its sister bar, The Seal. These watering holes opened in the summer of 2022 and offer stunning views of the course, where you can recount all your birdies and bogeys from the day.

67, Baltusrol (Lower) – Springfield, N.J.

Baltusrol has played host to plenty of historic moments, and there are reminders of that fact all over the grounds. From the plaque commemorating Jack Nicklaus to the left of the 18th tee box, to a room full of artifacts in the clubhouse, Baltusrol has plenty to offer for golf history buffs.

68. The Lido – Rome, WI

If you’re traveling with a non-golfing companion, worry not. Sand Valley has plenty of other outdoor entertainment options, such as tennis, hiking and biking.

69. Oak Hill (East) – Rochester, N.Y.

Oak Hill’s restaurant employs a veteran sommelier who specializes in elevating your meal with the perfect wine pairing. 

70. Sleepy Hollow – Briarcliff Manor, N.Y.

Sleepy Hollow isn’t just a country club for golf. The club also features a riding program complete with a two-story, 47-horse stable, a grand prix-sized outdoor ring, and access to miles of scenic riding on the Rockefeller Preserve.

71. St. George’s Hill (A & B) – Weybridge, U.K

The clubhouse terrace is a perfect place to unwind after your round, and it features terrific views of the heathland layout down below.

72. Rye (Old) – Rye, England

Stop into the bar before or after your round for a quick pint. But be advised: If you’re planning on sticking around after 11 a.m., men are expected to wear a jacket and tie.

73. Rock Creek Cattle Company – Deer Lodge, MT

Rock Creek Cattle Company is as rugged as it is beautiful, and there are plenty of options for outdoor enthusiasts. With fly fishing, horseback riding, skeet shooting and UTV trail riding among the offerings, you’ll never get bored.

74. Royal Lytham and St Annes – Lytham St Annes, England

The Dormy House sits just behind the first tee box and offers guests a chance to wake up with a view of one of the most spectacular courses in the world.

75. Casa de Campo (Teeth of the Dog) – La Romana, Dominican Republic

Casa de Campo has a luxurious spa and wellness center to make sure you’re rejuvenated during your stay. What beats a post-round massage?

76. Point Hardy Golf Club – Cap Estate, St. Lucia

The beach club has everything you could want for ocean-side luxury — and don’t forget to stop by the halfway house, a hilltop hideaway loaded with snacks of every order, a grill and vistas of the gorgeous ocean below.

77. Myopia Hunt Club – South Hamilton, Mass.

Myopia Hunt Club has one of the oldest continually running polo fields in the nation. If you visit in season, you can take in a match after your round.

78. Haagsche (Royal Hague) – Wassenaar, Netherlands

The club’s restaurant offers a wonderfully diverse menu, featuring the likes of steak tartare, poke bowls and Thai green curry.

79. Cabot Links – Inverness, Nova Scotia

Take a scenic trip on a helicopter over Cape Breton Highlands National Park before ending your adventure at Glenora Distillery for a tasting. 

80. Winged Foot (East) – Mamaroneck, N.Y.

The clubhouse is one-of-a-kind. Built in 1925, this stone structure still has a classic look and feel. (See Winged Foot’s West course, No. 29, above, for more on the showers.)

81. Ohoopee Match Club – Cobbtown, Ga.

Perhaps the logo, for the course’s original heritage as an onion farm. But those who have visited Ohoopee insist the real treat is either the housing — a series of well-appointed but quaint one-bedroom lodges that dot the golf course — or the food, which on-site chefs spare no expense to prepare artfully for the course’s guests.

82. Peachtree Golf Club – Atlanta, Ga.

Does pace of play count as an amenity? Peachtree is an impossibly hard tee time, meaning it is also one of the briskest walks in the world of golf. 

83. Les Bordes (New) – Les Bordes, France

Bring your stomach with you. France is the motherload of fine dining, and there are 15 Michelin-recognized restaurants within a 40-minute drive of Les Bordes.

84. Old Town Club – Winston-Salem, N.C.

How about the college team that calls Old Town home: Wake Forest? It was Arnold Palmer, a proud Demon Deacon, who first forged the ties between the university and the club — a lasting relationship for which both sides remain benefactors.

85. Te Arai (South) – Te Ara, New Zealand

Te Arai is long-celebrated as one of the best surfing spots in all of New Zealand, which is long-celebrated as one of the best surfing countries in the world. So don’t forget to bring your sticks AND your board.

86. Kingsbarns – Kingsbarns, Scotland

St. Andrews! The town is maybe 15 minutes by car on a good day, and maybe the best place on earth for a golf diehard to visit. Don’t think too hard about this one, but make sure your trip includes a stop-off for a pint at the Dunvegan.

87. Nine Bridges – Jeju Island, South Korea

The communal baths of Korea are an attraction that brings in tourists from far and wide. In Jeju, open-air, saltwater baths (both rarities for this part of the world) are particularly desired. It may feel strange at first to step into a bath next to a group of strangers, but don’t knock it till you try it.

88. Lofoten Links – Gimsøysand, Norway

If you stop by Lofoten in the months of August to October, you can catch golf’s 88th-ranked course in the world when the Northern Lights are glowing overhead. There’s nothing like it in the rest of the golf world.

89. Castle Stuart – Inverness, Scotland

On a sunny day, the Ness Islands are one of the most beloved public spaces in all of Scotland, with beautiful bridges running over the River Ness to lead visitors in.

90. Bandon Trails – Bandon, OR

The coastline expanse at Bandon is the most visually appealing reason to attend, but those who have visited will tell you the *best* non-golf amenity is the Meatloaf at McKee’s Pub, an on-site restaurant. Order it and bask in its heartiness and tenderness. After a cold, rainy day at Bandon, there may be no greater cure.

91. Whistling Straits – Sheboygan, WI

The Whistling Straits restaurant. Great food. Great views. A must-stop after the round. 

92. Royal Melbourne (East) – Black Rock, Australia 

OK, this is technically a golf amenity. But Victoria, another Top 100, is right next door, should you have the itch for more golf. 

93. Royal Liverpool – Hoylake, England 

Swing over to nearby Liverpool for all things Beatles.  

94. Bandon Dunes – Bandon, OR

The views. Here’s a low-key favorite: Find your beverage of choice, pull up a seat on an Adirondack chair behind the main resort building — and watch both golfers and the Pacific Ocean. It’s so good.  

95. Shanqin Bay – Hainan, China

There are halfway houses after both holes No. 4 and No. 12. Try the soy eggs. 

96. Victoria – Cheltenham, Australia

The clubhouse. With 12 luxurious rooms, you can stay overnight, then play one of the world’s best courses bright and early. 

97. Machrihanish (Championship) – Campbeltown, Scotland

The club’s restaurant serves tasty food all day. We won’t stop you for going for breakfast AND late lunch/early dinner. 

98. Muirfield Village – Dublin, OH

The milkshakes. Period. Not much more to say, other than you should probably treat yourself to one. Or two.  

99. Yeamans Hall – Hanahan, SC

The peace and quiet. Visitors tell of Yeamans’ seclusion. The focus is on the golf and the golf atmosphere.  

100. Royal Cinque Ports – Deal, England 

The clubhouse balcony. Grab a pint of the local pour and grab some fresh air as you review your round.

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