Tee off where the rich and famous indulge in luxury clubhouse dining and play rounds of golf. Find out if the most exclusive and expensive golf courses in the world are in your budget.
The most expensive golf courses in the world
Our top 5 picks
Many of the world’s top courses and some of the best golf hotels are right here in the UK. But playing a round at the most expensive golf courses is a bucket list experience for avid golfers.
These courses are attractive and perfectly maintained, the caddies are attentive, and the included perks are second to none; you can even test-drive sports cars and attend boutique fitness classes on some of these resorts. You pay for a lavish experience, and you get it.
Here are the five most expensive golf courses in the world…
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1) Pebble Beach Golf Links
- Green fees: $675
- Membership fees: $3,000
- Location: Pebble Beach, California
Pebble Beach Golf Links is a household name among golfers. It’s been ranked number one on Golf Digest‘s “America’s 100 Greatest Public Golf Courses” list since the rankings began in 2003. And it’s hosted more U.S. Open championships in the last 50 years than any other course. This is a scenic course with dramatic cliffside views of the crashing Pacific, where every hole is a different challenge, especially the famous eighth hole with its high-risk approach shot over a cove to a steeply sloped green.
Top off your experience by staying at the luxurious on-property resort, The Lodge at Pebble Beach. Choose an elegant room with an ocean view or a luxurious suite that will make you feel perfectly spoiled. Guests are really treated to the ultimate five-star experience. There’s free resort transport, a Lexus test-drive experience, onsite childcare services, complimentary use of a golf cart, and much more. There’s also an onsite spa, shopping area, pet-friendly hiking trails, and seven different restaurants that’ll delight your taste buds.
2) Kiawah Island Ocean Course
- Green fees: up to $650 for non-resort players
- Membership fees: $135,000
- Location: Kiawah Island, South Carolina
Currently ranked number 3 on Golf Digest’s list of “America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses,” the Kiawah Island Ocean Course is not only one of the most expensive public golf courses in the U.S., but also one of the trickiest to play. This was the site of the memorable 1991 Ryder Cup, known as “The War by the Shore,” and Phil Mickelson’s historic 2021 PGA Championship victory, among many other important golf championships over the years. In fact, this demanding par 72 course was designed by Pete and Alice Dye specifically for the 1991 Ryder Cup. Its location along a stretch of Atlantic shore provides continuous beautiful views, as well as unexpected winds that keep golfers of all levels on their toes.
The clubhouse is located near the 14th hole and features locker rooms and a pro shop. Its bar and restaurant has an outdoor dining porch with stunning ocean views — a real treat when it’s time to break for a cold drink or bite to eat. Green fees range in price depending on when you visit and whether you’re staying at the onsite resort.
Speaking of accommodations, a stay at The Sanctuary five-star luxury hotel will round out your golfing experience on Kiawah Island. This oceanfront resort pampers guests with a range of high-end facilities. There’s a salon and spa, indoor and outdoor pools, and a boutique gym that offers group fitness classes.
3) Kingsbarns Golf Links
- Green fees: £418, with a replay round within 7 days for £250 (May-November)
- Membership: Currently closed
- Location: St. Andrews, Scotland
Golf as we know it today originated in St. Andrews and there’s an abundance of quality golf courses stretching along the entire coastline. With substantial investment made over two decades ago, Kingsbarns Golf Links merits a journey of its own.
Kingsbarns itself actually dates back to 1793 when the course consisted of just nine holes. Today, Kingsbarns Golf Links is one of the most expenive golf courses in the UK. The 18-hole, par 72 traditional Scottish links course tests golfers’ skills at every swing. So it’s no surprise that Kingsbarns is ranked in the top 50 of the “World Top 100” courses.
Green fees include access to the full practice and clubhouse facilities. This includes a driving range with unlimited balls, short game practice area, and a bunker and putting green. Kingsbarns is a masterfully designed course and the 1.8 miles of stunning coastal views of the North Sea is a golfer’s dream.
“St Andrews is by far the place to play, with the history and the old course, it’s just the best.”
Dame Laura Davies, professional golfer and TV commentator and analyst.
4) Pinehurst Course No. 2
- Green fees: estimated to be $495
- Membership: Invitation only
- Location: Pinehurst, North Carolina
Pinehurst features ten 18-hole courses, and while they are all world-class, you’ll really put your skills to the test on course No. 2. This is a Donald Ross-designed masterpiece that tops every avid golfer’s bucket list. Pinehurst’s No. 2 is the U.S. Open’s anchor site and has hosted more golf championships than any other course in the nation. Playing here gives you the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of the sport’s legends, like Tiger Woods, and tee off at the same holes they have.
Unlike other clubs on our list, golfers must stay at the onsite resort to play this course. Green fees are included in select accommodations packages, but the estimated amount is around $495 for a round. The Donald Ross Golf Package, for example, is for a two-night stay and includes three rounds of golf and daily breakfast and dinner at $1,688 per person for a double room. There is a $250 premium, however, to play on No. 2.
Staying at the resort is part of the experience. There are six properties to choose from, ranging from the exquisite historic Carolina Hotel, which originally opened in 1901, to comfortable condos that are perfect for families or groups. During your time there, indulge in spa treatments, savor Southern cuisine, or sip handcrafted local brews at the Pinehurst Brewing Company. You can also test drive a BWM, enjoy a dip in the pool, or play a game of pickleball.
Travelling with golf clubs? We asked Mel Reid, English professional golfer and European Solheim Cup Team Vice Captain, for her expert advice.
“Firstly, get an air tag! This is a game changer for travelling, just in case they do go missing. Secondly, invest in a good travel case, worth every penny. Thirdly, a little trick a lot of Tour pros use is if you put your driver head and place inside your bag, there is less chance of a snapped club!”
5) Cape Kidnappers Golf Course
- Green fees: 18 holes for $739, plus 15% tax for international players
- Membership fees: Unlisted
- Location: near Te Awanga in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand
Tee off in the New Zealand countryside at Cape Kidnappers, where this clifftop golf course gives way to spectacular views of Hawke Bay. You can escape the winter blues since Cape Kidnappers’ summer season runs from the start of October until the end of May.
This par 71 course was constructed by golf architect Tom Doak to challenge all skill levels. Expect cliff-edge fairways, deep bunkers, greens hidden from view at the tee box, and unpredictable winds coming off the bay. The course’s 18 impeccably maintained greens and fairways were fully renovated in 2022.
Golfers who opt to stay at the Rosewood Cape Kidnappers resort receive a 10% discount on the 18-hole green fee. This luxury retreat offers spacious suites with pastureland views and well-equipped villas with a kitchen, dining area, and private terrace. Let the resort organise a winery tour or a mountain biking excursion — or just relax and enjoy the heated outdoor pool and scenery that is nothing short of breathtaking.
Planning a round? Read our top tips
- Green fees aren’t typically all-inclusive. You should budget extra if you plan to rent any equipment.
- Tips are at a golfer’s discretion. Clubs often recommend an amount to help players understand what’s expected.
- Staying at the onsite resort will often lower your green fee or provide an extra perk, like a golf cart at no charge.
Save on flights to the world’s most expensive golf courses
Our top tips
The price for a round of golf at the world’s most expensive courses might make you cringe. But if you can save money on other parts of your holiday, you can apply those savings to your green fees. Here are some tips to save big on flights with Skyscanner.
Add your favourite routes to your Saved list
You can add all your top travel picks and compare them in your Saved list. Just select the heart icon next to a route you like to save it for later. Make sure to look out for the heart icon on your desktop or mobile app.
Set a Price Alert
Once you have a route and flight dates in mind, Skyscanner can keep an eye on airfare for you and let you know as soon as it changes. You’ll get a Price Alert for any itineraries you save so that you can book your flights at the best price for your budget.
Find the best time to fly
Skyscanner’s Whole Month search tool helps you find the cheapest days to fly your route every month of the year. If your dates are flexible, then this feature will help you save big on flights. We found that the week beginning the 19th August is, on average, the cheapest week of the summer holidays to fly.
Ready for your bucket list golfing holiday? Skyscanner can help you find the best flights, hotels and car hire deals for your next trip.
