Most Challenging Golf Courses in the World

Bethpage Black Course 

Bethpage, found in Farmingdale, New York, has five courses each attached to a colour. The black course, however, bears a sign at the first hole which reads “The Black Course is an extremely difficult course, highly skilled golfers only are recommended”. 

Should you still dare to proceed, the only advice shared by the majority of those who have played there is first, stay well away from the rough. Secondly, do not attempt to play this course with your ego – leave it in the clubhouse. 

Narrow fairways, enormous bunkers and tangly greens are entertained alongside the quickest greens and most unforgiving slopes. Interestingly, the US Open was hosted here in 2002 – no surprise to see that Tiger Woods was the only player to come out on the other side under par!

The Ocean Course (Kiawah Island – South Carolina)

Another course which marries huge sand dunes, thorny marshes and incredibly treacherous bunkers sees even the very best on the professional tour reduced to humble souls. 

In 1991, the Ryder Cup was hosted here. The majority of the holes won throughout the tournament were on double-bogeys – yes reader, the same double-bogeys you and I have been hitting at our locals. 

The Straits Course (Whistling Straits)

Set against the backdrop of incredible scenery, which is surely purposefully done to mislead us, the Whistling Straits demands the ultimate precision at every turn. Golfers who have played the course are in agreeance that the course demands skill, adaptability and a true appreciation for the intricate value found in a golf course. 

Carnoustie Golf Links 

Nicknamed “Carnasty” by those in the so-called know, tells us everything we need to know about this course. Located in Scotland, many suggest adding the course to your to-do list for a bout of added frustration on an otherwise peaceful holiday. 

The links course holds three courses, but each of them demand the ultimate ability of any and all players. Oh, and look out for the two holes with their greens deliberately positioned opposite from each other. Players are consistently required to evaluate the winds involvement, but also to communicate to other players as strategic aspects of the game. 

Ko’olau Golf Club (Hawaii)

Not necessarily a golf course with tremendous intricacies – Ko’olau is a monster of a course. Famously, the story around the course goes a little like this. Upon its opening, officials gave it a rating of 162 for difficulty. At the time, the rating for difficulty was capped at 155. The USGA headquarters sent their own team to evaluate the ‘preposterous’ evaluation of 162 – the result? The rating was set at 172!

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Golf Club (China)

Often a forgotten destination in the world of golf, but in Asia lies one of the most difficult courses in the sport. Found in the valley of the Himalayan Mountains, this golf course is dominated by breathtaking landscape and an even more devastating performance level. 

Given the altitude of the course, balls fly much farther – but worry not, you will need this added assistance at Jade Dragon. At a staggering 8548 yards long, they boast ownership to the longest par seven on the globe!

You will find that the first nine holes hold a more traditional design, while the back nine embrace their mountainous experience and Asian heritage. It really is a beauty to behold.