Golfers choose their ultimate bucket list golf courses

One of the many beauties of golf is that we all have the opportunity to fulfil our dreams and play some of the most legendary courses on the planet.

These venues have hosted many of the greatest players in history, they have long enjoyed an iconic status, and several are blessed to be laid out across the most spectacular of landscapes.

Every layout you play offers something unique, it's what makes this game special, but there are a select number of locations that hold resonance in the hearts of many golfers.

These are the places that often take residence on bucket lists - but which of them are the ultimate to experience?

During a recent Golfshake Survey, we posed the question to our community: Which golf course would you love to play once in your lifetime?

Featuring images by Kevin Diss Photography, we have totalled up your answers and this is what hundreds of you came back with in response.

1. St Andrews

The revered Old Course at St Andrews is considered to be the spiritual Home of Golf, its lineage dates back to the earliest days of the game that we know today, and has been played by the overwhelming majority of the biggest names in history, with the likes of Bobby Jones, Jack Nicklaus, Seve Ballesteros, Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods all lifting the Claret Jug here.

Walking in their footsteps - and taking on the fearsome Road Hole - are moments that every keen golfer would cherish, so it doesn't come as a surprise that this remains the ultimate bucket list golf course.

2. Augusta National

You may have thought that Augusta National, home of the Masters Tournament, would find itself at the summit of this list, but it was narrowly beaten to the top by St Andrews. 

Given that it's beamed into our living rooms each year, Augusta is a true course of dreams, but it's one that is likely to be untapped by most of us, as this most exclusive of clubs is only available to play for a select few.

3. Pebble Beach

Somewhat behind Augusta but clearly the third force in this survey, Pebble Beach, part of California's Monterey Peninsula, is undeniably one of the most scenic of golf's most famous destinations.

Being a regular host of the US Open and an annual stage on the PGA Tour, we can all recognise the most celebrated holes, and the opportunity to experience them is something that anyone would relish.

4. Wentworth

Much closer to home, the West Course at Wentworth has its detractors, but given its lengthy tenure as host of the BMW PGA Championship, and previously the World Match Play Championship, golfers most dream of playing the courses that they've seen their favourite players compete on.

5. TPC Sawgrass

Host of the Players Championship, the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass has long established an iconic status in the game and has contributed to some unforgettable moments over the past 40 years.

Its layout is challenging and dramatic, none more so than the "island green" of the par 3 17th hole. And who wouldn't want to have a go at trying to conquer that devilish creation?

6. Cypress Point

We saw Cypress Point showcased during the Walker Cup in 2025 - and this intensely private club is a treasure. Much like Augusta National, the chances are that you won't ever have the opportunity to take on this breathtaking layout that overlooks the Pacific, but that's what dreams are about, right?

7. Sunningdale

36 holes of golf simply don't come better than the Old and New at Sunningdale. This is arguably the quintessential English golf club, and both of its courses are considered to rank alongside the very best in the country.

It's surely expensive, but golfers can have the golf day of dreams and play this magical pair of layouts. We're not sure that a golfing experience would be better than that.

8. Gleneagles

Returning to Scotland in the glorious landscape of Perthshire, Gleneagles is among the most supreme hotels in the UK and golfers recognise it instantly for its trio of courses - the King's, the Queen's, and the PGA Centenary. 

The first two are James Braid classics and delight golfing purists, while the latter is remembered for welcoming both the Ryder Cup and Solheim Cup. Whichever path you take, Gleneagles is unforgettable.

9. The Belfry

Speaking of Ryder Cup heritage, it doesn't come better than the Brabazon Course at The Belfry, which although not everyone's cup of tea, is deeply iconic for a generation of golf fans who can recall the scenes of past matches in 1985, 1989, 1993 and 2002.

Golfers continue to flock here each season - and more of you clearly have the desire to follow them.

10. Carnoustie

The Championship Course at Carnoustie is viewed as being one of the most difficult tests in British golf - and that's a challenge that many of you would love to take on.

It's a magnificent links, rich with Open history, and boasts one of the finest closing stretches of any course you will ever see.

11. Royal County Down

For some keen minds, Royal County Down is the best golf course in the world. While it doesn't have the Open Championship story of Royal Portrush, County Down has a well-earned identity of its own and presents a thrilling examination of links golf in the shadow of the Mourne Mountains.

12. Royal Lytham & St Annes

It's been 14 years since the Open Championship was contested at this brilliant links - that will hopefully be addressed one day - but it did stage the Women's Open in 2018 (won by Georgia Hall) and that event will return once more in 2026.

The likes of Ernie Els, Seve Ballesteros, Gary Player, Tony Jacklin and Peter Thomson all won the Claret Jug here, so it's no surprise that golfers dream of playing here.

13. Royal Portrush

World number one Scottie Scheffler demonstrated his unrelenting winning prowess in 2025 by becoming Champion Golfer of the Year at Royal Portrush. 

Located on Northern Ireland's Causeway Coast, this is an intoxicating course to play, truly one of the world's finest links, and we wouldn't be surprised to see its reputation continue to grow further.

14. Royal St George’s

England's original Open Championship venue, Royal St George's is an undulating and testing links, famed for its bouncy fairways, and being the site of glorious moments for the likes of Darren Clarke, Greg Norman, Sandy Lyle, Bobby Locke, Walter Hagen and Henry Cotton.

15. Royal Troon

Scotland's Ayrshire coast boasts a remarkable golfing menu - and Royal Troon is arguably the highlight. Everyone has heard of the Postage Stamp, that treacherous par 3, while the likes of Arnold Palmer, Tom Weiskopf, Tom Watson and Henrik Stenson have won the Open here.

It was Xander Schauffele in 2024 who joined that illustrious collection of champions.

16. Kingsbarns

Just a few miles along the road from St Andrews, Kingsbarns is a modern masterpiece that we enjoy seeing each year during the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship on the DP World Tour.

Visually spectacular and fun to play - this definitely qualifies as a must play.

17. Muirfield

When will the Open return to Muirfield? That remains an open question but the best players in the world will relish that prospect as this is - for many - the best links in Scotland.

If you judge the quality of a course by the standard of its champions then names like Nicklaus, Trevino, Watson, Faldo, Els and Mickelson demonstrate just how good this place is. When you align that with traditional hospitality, Muirfield is a treat.

18. Royal Dornoch

Venturing into the Highlands of Scotland, Royal Dornoch can't lean on major championship history for its status, but it's still considered to be among the greatest courses in the world.

This is a magical location, brilliantly designed and a feast for the senses. It doesn't get much better than making the journey north to this incredible venue.

19. Turnberry

The Ailsa Course was already viewed as a masterpiece - but changes in the past decade have made it even better. Visually dramatic and testing, the layout is full of memorable vistas and shots to play, which begs the question of whether there really is a better course on these islands?

It's clear that a significant number of you want to find out.

20th (Joint). Cape Kidnappers

Located on the east coast of New Zealand's North Island, Cape Kidnappers has a legend of its known, its clifftop design feels otherworldly, and that experience is something that golfers are right to dream about.

20th (Joint). Crans-sur-Sierre

Home of the European Masters, Crans-sur-Sierre takes full advantage of its remarkable location in the mountains that surround Crans Montana in Switzerland. 

Golfshake Ambassador Matt Holbrook had the chance to play a round here - and it's an experience that he'll never forget.

20th (Joint). Royal Melbourne

The Australian Open finally made its way back (after 34 years) to Royal Melbourne in 2025 - which was an opportunity that Rory McIlroy couldn't miss. That event was staged on its revered Composite Course - but both the West and East separately are widely ranked as being among the finest layouts anywhere in the world.

Royal Melbourne is, without question, one of the ultimate experiences in the game, and a true bucket list venue.

If you would like to put together your own bucket list of golf courses, why not visit our https://whereiplay.golf/ service!