There are thousands of magnificent golf courses found around the world. From Canada to the United States; from Australia to Hawaii, these golf courses are for avid and serious golfers who enjoy a unique golfing experience.

Aberdeen Scotland

If you’re planning a trip to Aberdeen, Scotland, be sure to take in a few rounds of golf at one of the many link-style courses. Besides having some of the best fairways in the world, the views are magnificent. In the shadow of Slains castle, which was the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula, you will find Cruden Bay golf course.

Royal Aberdeen is the sixth oldest course in the world. It opened in 1780, and has hosted many tournaments in its time. If you want to experience panoramic views of the North Sea while you golf, right next door to Aberdeen, you’ll find Murcar Golf Club. A round of golf is less demanding here than at Aberdeen, but the views are marvelous.

Newmacher can be found at Aberdeen’s edge. This course has two courses for you to choose from and both present interesting challenges.

One of the toughest courses in Aberdeen is Hawkshill. Though it is a more modern course, it isn’t for those who are faint at heart. Fairways are bunkered strategically and water is played on seven holes.

Be sure to visit Aberdeen, Scotland for a unique golfing experience. The variety of courses will provide you with an unforgettable experience.

Ayrshire Coast, Scotland

The Ayrshire Coast is located just south of Glasgow and here you can see where the original British Open took place. Play a round or two at link-style courses such as Gailes, Aulsa or Machrie, but be sure not to miss Royal Troon and Keswick.

Royal Troon has the longest and shortest holes in Open competition, which makes it a must-play for golfers world wide. Prestwick is one of the world’s most historic golf courses and was home to the first twelve British Open competitions.

When you’re planning your next golf vacation, consider visiting the courses on the Ayshire Coast.

Harlech Wales

If you are a serious golfer, you will want to play the courses in Harlech, Wales. These courses have some of the most challenging layouts in the world and serious golfers will enjoy the challenges that they face. Besides the excellent golfing opportunities that these courses present, the clubhouses are comfortable, cozy and offer top-notch amenities.

Royal St. David’s Golf Club is spectacular. It is nestled among dunes between the sea and a 13th century castle. The views at Royal St. David’s will leave you breathless. The Club opened in 1894, and besides being known for its challenging fairways, it’s well-known for beautiful orchids that grow in the wild throughout the course.

Aberdovey Golf Club is not far from Harlech and is located between Aberdovey Beach and the Cambrian Mountains. Panoramic views of coast and mountains will meet you at every turn. The Club opened in 1886 and it’s one that you won’t want to miss.

Melbourne, Australia

In the southeast of Melbourne, in an area known as the sandbelt, you will find more than fifty great golf courses on which to play. The sandbelt is home to the illustrious courses of Victoria, Royal Melbourne, Huntingdale and Kingston Heath. Kingston Heath and Royal Melbourne are loved by the golfers of Australia, but there are many other great golf courses in the country. Home of the 1997 Australia Open, the Metropolitan is one course that you will want to play. Hit the courses in the early morning and tee off for a great round. Then, use the afternoon for exploring the area for a bit of sightseeing, or take time for another round.

Matauri Bay, New Zealand

If you want to golf off the edge of the world, visit Kauri Cliffs in Matauri Bay. The course is just above the Bay of Islands and the views are spectacular. Six holes can be played along the rugged cliffs with an awesome view of the ocean below. Fifteen holes are played along Matauri Bay, where you will see beautiful views of the Pacific. This magnificent golf course winds its way through farmland, forest and marsh. The sights are unbelievable.

In Northland, you’ll find a variety of other courses such as Matarua, Waipi and Waitangi. They all offer the serious golfer magnificent views and a challenging golf experience.

Montego Bay, Jamaica

If you’re a dedicated golfer, head for Montego Bay to find champion courses. White Witch of Rose Hall is a magnificent course and legend has it that the ghost of legendary husband killer, Annee Palmer, roams the course and grounds. If you make a bad shot on this course, you can blame it on Annee’s spirit.

The Ironshore Golf and Country Club has been renovated and is now known as SuperClubs. Though the greens have been greatly improved, you will still run into blind holes here.

At Tyrell Golf Tennis and Beach Club, try your hand at three very different and difficult courses that were created by architect Robert Van Hagge. These courses will give even experienced golfers a challenge.

The fairways of Half Moon are deceptively difficult, due to high winds that tend to be constantly present. Nine holes play against the wind, while nine holes play into them. If you’re up to a real golf challenge, be sure to play a few rounds at Half Moon.

Audubon Golf Trail, Louisiana

The Audubon Golf Trail was named after John Audubon, the artist who painted many of his canvases in the State of Louisiana. Here, you can combine golf and bird watching. Some of the species are spectacular and their songs follow you around the course. All members have made a pledge to ensure protection of the natural resources surrounding the course.

Trails lead you through pine woods and over rolling hills. As you continue along the trail, you’ll see coastal plains, marshlands and wetlands. Vacation golf packages for nine hole play are available during the peak golfing season.

The Bear Trace, Tennessee

If you are a Jack Nicklaus fan, pack your bags and head to Bear Trace in the beautiful State of Tennessee. Bear Trace includes Harrison Bay near Chattanooga, Cumberland Mountain near Crossville, Chickasaw near Henderson, Tims Ford near Winchester and Ross Creek Landing near Clifton.

At Bear Trace you can purchase a package that allows you to play all five courses, which are built in and around Tennessee’s beautiful rolling hills. Each course presents its own unique set of challenges. For a great golf vacation in a majestic setting, be sure to take in Bear Trace. It has everything you could possibly ask for.

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

When you think of Hilton Head, you probably envision the red and white lighthouse at Harbor Town Golf Links. Locals simply call it Golf Island. It is home to several top tournaments each year and its courses are designed by the likes of Arnold Palmer, Arthur Hills and Jack Nicklaus, but there is more to golfing in this area. Beyond the courses here is the small City of Buffton and it contributes greatly to the golfing experience with a variety of beautiful and challenging courses. Berkeley Hall, Colleton River and Crescent Point are courses that you won’t want to miss. If you’d like nothing better than golfing on an oceanfront course, head to Daufuskie Islands and play a round or two on championship courses in a peaceful and natural setting.

Long Island, New York

Long Island has more than forty public golf courses and your can pick the one that is perfect for your skill level. Immaculate greens and manicured fairways will greet your at ever course that you visit. You will also find semi-private courses that offer unique golf challenges, as well as the usual amenities. If you’d like a taste of a tournament course, visit Oak Hill. It has hosted the PGA Championship, while Shinnecock and Bethpage Black have both been played by the US Open golfers.

Vancouver, Canada

Visit Vancouver, Canada where you can golf in the morning and ski in the afternoon. The area is well known for its mild climate and evergreen environment and once you get used to it, you will be hooked for life. The tough, challenging courses will test your abilities. At Westwood Plateau, you will play tricky angles while gazing at rugged ravines, perfectly manicured greens and beautiful, majestic views. If you’re looking for a unique golfing experience and love a challenge, play at The Redwoods, which is heavily wooded. You have never golfed such a naturally tranquil setting and you will want to return time after time. Be sure to take the family along, as there is much for them to see and do in downtown Vancouver.

Prince Edward Island, Canada

If you’re planning to visit beautiful Prince Edward Island with its pristine, sparkling waters and vibrant greens, be sure to bring your golf gear. Many of the world’s leading golfers say that the courses here are second only to those in Scotland. The Charlottetown Golf Club opened in 1893, and is still going strong. Golfers from all over the world love to vacation here and play a few relaxing rounds.

Courses on the Island are challenging and reasonably priced. Take in eighteen holes at Rustico, or nine at Countryview. Crowbush Cove offers beautiful breathtaking views of the Island’s shores and incredibly large sand dunes.

Turn a golf vacation into a fun-filled holiday for the entire family. This is the home of Anne of Green Gables and there’s a wide range of family oriented attractions, swimming and sea shell hunting.

Quebec, Canada

Visit the Quebec Fairmont Trail to face challenging courses by day and to be pampered like Royalty in the evening. Take in the pristine courses across the province and stay at the upscale resorts of Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello or Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu. Be sure to visit the Tremblant Resort Region, which is located at the base of the Laurentian Mountains to play a few rounds and enjoy the amenities offered. The best courses in Quebec include Le Bete, Le Diable, Le Geant and Royal Laurentian.

Cape Cod, Massachusetts

You may not think Cape Cod is one of the leading golf centers in the US, but is some great golfing in the area. There are over fifty public golf courses that offer the avid golfer a great challenge. One of the best is Olde Barnstable Fairgrounds, located in Marston Mills. The beautiful greens have a par-71 layout that includes large chipping areas and tricky approaches. Other courses nearby include Farm Neck Golf Club, located in Woods Hole and Miacomet in Nantucket. Golf packages to the courses in the Cape Cod area are very affordable and there’s lots to see in the area after you’ve played a few challenging rounds.

Williamsburg, Virginia

Tee off in the morning and step back in time to America’s 18th century in the afternoon. The Williamsburg area has lots to offer both golfers and history buffs. There are some outstanding layouts at Legends of Stonehouse and Royal new Kent. The area has definitely grown over the past few years. Locals and visitors alike seem to favor Ford’s Colony and Kingsmill. If you like a variety of golf challenges be sure to visit Williamsburg where you can golf a links-style river and mountain course in the same day. Visitors can design their own golf packages, which are very affordable.

Colorado Springs, Colorado

The Broadmoor, set in the base of Cheyenne Mountain is an awesome course for the serious golfer. Here, you can play three challenging championship courses. Two combine the best of Robert Trent Jones and Donald Ross designs, with the 18-hole layouts.

The Mountain Course is being renovated from a Nicklaus design and will be ready to go by mid-2006. The courses in Colorado Springs will give avid golfers a serious challenge and can be easily combines with a family holiday, if desired. Colorado Springs offers a wide variety of entertainment for those who are young or young at heart.

Donegal, Ireland

Though golf courses in Donegal are not as well known as others in Ireland, they present golfers with serious challenges. The courses at Rosses Point, Ballyliffin and Connemara, rival all courses in the British Isles. Be sure to take in a round at Donegal that is in a beautiful setting on a sandy peninsula, and don’t forget Enniscrone, where you will find the longest four starting holes in all of Europe. At Clew Bay, play a round or two at Westport, that has a parkland layout on 260 acres. You’ll love golfing in Donegal and will return again and again.

Dublin, Ireland

If you want challenges that will force you to use every club in your bag, be sure to plan a golf vacation to Dublin. Portmarneck, which opened in 1894, is home to the Walker Cup and presents unique challenges all of its own.

At one time the Island was only accessible by boat. This course is one of the most challenging in all of Ireland. Located near the center of the city, there is plenty of time to see the sights and take in some great entertainment after you’ve played a round or two at these magnificent courses.

Hawaii

Some of the most magnificent golf courses in the world can be found in Hawaii and most of them are affiliated with a resort. This makes your golf vacation all the more worthwhile, because you’ll be able to take in the spectacular sights of the Islands. Outstanding courses and amenities can be found at Poipu Bay, Kaanapali Beach Resort and Makaha Resort and Golf Club. On the Big Island, play a few rounds at the Pacific. These courses offer spectacular panoramic views of mountains and lava beds that will leave you in awe. Golf vacation packages focus on one or two Islands, but you will love creating your own island-hopping golf vacation.

All of the courses in this article offer the avid golfer great challenges, magnificent scenery and an experience of a lifetime. Choose the one you’re interested in and start making your golf vacation plans today.