May 10th is National Golf Day. Whether you’re a seasoned player, a keen amateur, or thinking about heading to the course for the very first time, this is a great opportunity to get out and enjoy this fun and sociable sport. 

Golf is an excellent form of low-impact exercise. Did you know that you’ll walk around 4 miles playing a full round on the average course? You’ll also get to enjoy time in the great outdoors, with all the physical and mental health benefits that it brings. And whether you play with a friend or join a club to meet new people, golf is also a fantastic social activity. 

In honor of National Golf Day, we wanted to tell you about eight of the world’s most amazing golf courses that you simply must play at some point in your life. 

Image: Yourgolftravel

Thracian Cliffs, Bulgaria

The unforgettable Thracian Cliffs Golf and Beach Resort is located on Bulgaria’s east coast, about an hour away from the city of Varna and Varna Airport. 

You’ll play the first eight holes along stunning white cliff tops atop the Black Sea. With incredible sea views from every hole, this dramatic and extreme course is like no other anywhere in the world.  You’ll need to be an accurate shot, though, or you could end up losing a lot of balls to the sea! 

Image: GoandplayEU

Lofoten Links, Norway

Seeing the Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, is an item on many a bucket list. But what about playing golf under them? 

The Lofoten Links course, situated on the remote Norwegian island of Gimsøya, is one of the northernmost golf courses in the world. In the summer, it’s possible to play 24 hours a day thanks to the midnight sun. 

This challenging 18 hole course is considered one of the most beautiful on the planet. 

Image: TeetimesUSA

Dinosaur Mountain, Arizona USA

The Dinosaur Mountain course at Gold Canyon Resort in Arizona takes you up and around the mountain for which it is named. Set in the sprawling Senoran Desert, you’ll enjoy fabulous views from virtually every hole. 

The dramatic scenery, abundance of wildlife, and elevation make for an experience you’ll never forget.

Image: Top100golfcourses

Castle Stuart Golf Links, Scotland

Overlooking the Moray Firth near Inverness, Scotland’s Castle Stuart Golf Links offers breathtaking views of the area’s coastal landscape. You’ll be able to see the Kessock Bridge and Black Isle beyond, as well as the beautiful Ben Wyvis Mountain. 

It’s easy to see why Golf Magazine named Castle Stuart its best new international course when it opened in 2009. 

Image: Golf Wolf Creek

Wolf Creek, Nevada USA

Out in the desert, 75 miles from Las Vegas, you’ll find the stunning golf course at Wolf Creek in Mesquite, Nevada. Golf Magazine and Golf Digest both named it as the USA’s best new course. 

With its high elevation, the Wolf Creek golf course offers incredible 360 degree views of the desert, mountains, and mesas. Visitors call it “a golfer’s dream!” The course is tough, though, so you might want to attempt this one when you’ve got a bit more experience. 

Image: Lecoingolf

Crans-sur-Sierre, Switzerland

This amazing mountain resort is set at 1500 meters in the Swiss Alps, overlooking the Rhone valley and in the shadow of the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc mountains. The main 18 hole course (named Severiano Ballesteros after its creator) is joined by three other courses including the 9 hole Jack Nicklaus, four times named the most beautiful course in Switzerland. 

Some players say the high altitude at Crans-sur-Sierre allows them to hit their balls further. You’ll have to play it to find out for yourself! 

Image: Yourgolftravel

Ile aux Cerfs, Mauritius

Situated on a private island in the Indian Ocean, the Ile aux Cerfs Golf Club is the place to go if you want to play off the beaten track. Designed by Bernhard Langer, this 19 hole course is reachable only by private boat or helicopter. 

You’ll be treated to gorgeous views of the ocean and lakes, volcanic outcrops, and lush greenery. An absolutely unique experience and a true paradise for golfers. 

Image: Banff Springs Golf Club

Banff Springs, Canada

Banff Springs in Alberta, Canada, is located in the spectacular Canadian Rockies and the Banff National Park World Heritage Site. Set along the banks of the Bow River and surrounded by soaring mountains and trees, this winding 18 hole course will take your breath away again and again.

This challenging course and its unbeatable location are a treat for experienced and novice golfers alike.

What are your favorite golf courses and which are on your bucket list?