Golf courses aren’t beautiful by accident. Course designers almost always select a place of exceptional natural beauty, which they evolve, enhance, and preserve to create something spectacular. If you’re an online sports betting fan and enjoy real-world sports as much as you do playing the best sports video games ever made, then chances are good that you have seen some of the most beautiful courses around the world when doing your research.
In this blog, we’ll take a quick look at some of the most visually striking golf courses from around the world. Some are famous and some are relatively unknown, but what they all have in common is that they are steeped in stunning landscapes that will take your breath away.
1. Shadow Creek: Nevada, USA
If you’re keen on a trip to play golf at one of the most beautiful courses in the world while being able to play some casino table games in your downtime, then Shadow Creek in Nevada is the place for you. The course has been painstakingly sculpted by architect Tom Fazio from the Nevada desert landscape to create a striking oasis. The course comes with a creek, large waterfalls and abundant gardens, all surrounded by towering mountains.
2. The Dunes at Shenzhou Peninsula: Wanning Hainan, China
Designed by American legend Tom Weiskopf, this links-style course is located in China’s southernmost area. Set right next to the sea, The Dunes effortlessly blends all 36 holes into the wonderful rugged coastal sand dunes, rolling hills and unique boulder formations. It’s undoubtedly one of Asia’s most beautiful courses, and golfers get a front-row seat to the peninsula’s rare natural sights.
3. Paiute Golf Resort: Nevada, USA
The Paiute Golf Resort, designed by Pete Dye, is a fan favorite for those who love casino games because it’s located in Nevada, Las Vegas. Yes, you can play online casino games from anywhere with an internet connection, but if you want to get out and about and still play real money casino games when they aren’t on the course, this is the place for you. This location is also a picture-perfect spot to get out of the hustle and bustle of Las Vegas and enjoy the lush gardens that stand out in the middle of the Nevada Desert.
4. Cape Kidnappers Golf Course: Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand
Legendary golf architect Tom Doak is the brains behind New Zealand’s most famous golf course. This course is set on the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island and offers unparalleled views of the Pacific Ocean. With its ridges, valleys, deep canyons, green hills, massive cliffs, and incredible views, Cape Kidnappers is one of the most visually striking courses in the world.
5. Old Head: Kinsale, Ireland
Old Head of Kinsale, one of the most dramatic courses you could hope to play on, is the brainchild of John O’Connor. The course is built on a rocky peninsula that juts into the Atlantic Ocean. Players are surrounded by cliffs above and crashing waves below at all times. The famed lighthouse, cool ocean breeze, and immaculate fairways make this a hugely memorable course.
6. Fallen Oaks: Mississippi, USA
Fallen Oaks is another Tom Fazio creation, and is used exclusively by Beau Rivage Resort & Casino guests. It makes the perfect spot for a holiday involving different types of casino games, luxurious hospitality, and 510 acres of pure visual delight. This course is the crown jewel of golf in the Coastal Mississippi area.
7. Manele Golf Course: Four Seasons Lanai, Hawaii
If Hawaii wasn’t tempting enough as a holiday destination already, the Manele Golf Course has undoubtedly added to the region’s charm and appeal. Set on Lanai’s southern coast with sweeping views of Hulopoe Bay, this course is characterized by its integration of Hawaii’s native flora and fauna, lava rocks, huge natural ravines, and beautiful seaside cliffs. Of course, it was also designed by Jack Nicklaus himself.
8. Quivira Golf Club: Cabo San Lucas, Baja Mexico
The Quivira Golf Club, another exceptional course designed by Jack Nicklaus, offers views of the Pacific Ocean from all 18 holes. It’s a challenging course due to its undulating fairways, but the scenic cliffs, dunes, canyons, and desert surroundings more than make up for that. A historic lighthouse, uniquely dramatic rock formations on the shore, and pounding waves add to the thrilling atmosphere.
9. Barnbougle Dunes Golf Course: Tasmania, Australia
Designed by renowned golf architect Tom Doak and Australian ex-European tour pro and course designer Mike Clayton, Barnbougle is a links-style course set on the remote northeast coast of Tasmania. Most of the holes in this rugged setting follow the natural landscape’s rolling hills and coastal dunes. The course has stunning coast views, beautiful native flora and fauna, and (just like your favorite online casino slots) offers an experience like no other.
10. Kingsbarns Golf Links: St. Andrews, Fife, Scotland
Kyle Phillips is the designer behind one of Scotland’s most famous links courses. Set on nearly two miles of North Sea coastline, Kingsbarns is just a short drive away from the historic Old Course at St. Andrews. This course is picturesque but challenging, and players are unnervingly close to the sea for many of the holes.
11. Pinnacle Point: Mossel Bay, South Africa
Located along South Africa’s incredibly beautiful Garden Route, Pinnacle Point is the most picturesque course in the country. Peter Matkovich and Darren Clarke, the 2011 Open Champion, designed Pinnacle Point, which sits upon some of the most dramatic coastal settings in the world. Fresh sea air, unending views across the Indian Ocean, and coastal cliffs are why this course has been voted South Africa’s Best Golf Course numerous times.
12. Els Club Teluk: Datai, Malaysia
South African golfer Ernie Els designed the Els Club Teluk Datai. It is nestled among sandy beaches and untouched rainforest. The Rainforest Course has huge tropical trees and a stream of wildlife to keep players company. It’s undoubtedly one of the most mesmerizing golf experiences a player could have.
13. Niseko Village: Hokkaidō, Japan
The Japanese are obsessed with golf and the Niseko Village golf course pays homage to their dedication. When the winter snows have almost vanished, golf enthusiasts flock to the most picturesque courses in the country. Professional golfer Arnold Palmer designed this course, which has views of the towering Mount Yōtei and is overlooked by the Hokkaidō mountain range. This quintessential Japanese course promises fresh air, peace and quiet, and gently rolling hills that allow a sedate and enjoyable golfing experience.
14. Cypress Point: Pebble Beach, California USA
Alister MacKenzie and Robert Hunter designed this stunning, private golf course that winds its way along the Pacific Ocean coast. The course design incorporates the natural coastline, with dunes, rocky outcrops, and the Del Monte Forest providing irresistible backdrops for a captivating round of golf.
15. Lofoten Links: Gimsøysand, Norway
When you think of Norway, the first thing that comes to mind is probably frost and snow, and you wouldn’t be wrong. However, during Norway’s warmer months (more specifically between May and October), you can enjoy the longer days and stunning scenery of the Lofoten Links golf course. It’s situated along the coast, so you’ll want to take it slow to enjoy this course’s incredible views. Just don’t get too distracted and accidentally hit your ball into the ocean!
With BetMGM you can get the best of both worlds
These are just some of the most beautiful courses around the world, and at BetMGM online casino, we are proud to be affiliated with some of them. If you want to play casino online games, register with BetMGM and you can enjoy a range of digital casino games like online slots (including golf-themed slots like Golden Tour) and online poker. You could also play live dealer casino games if you prefer your gambling to be a more social experience. You can take part in a variety of sports betting options (check out everything you need to know about sports betting vs. casino gambling here), or head out onto the course or driving range yourself if you are playing from one of MGM’s fantastic casino resorts!
