Golf is a game of prestige, history, and breathtaking landscapes. But let’s be honest—some courses get way more hype than they deserve. Whether it’s due to astronomical green fees, unplayable layouts, or just not living up to expectations, a handful of these so-called “bucket list” courses leave players feeling more frustrated than fulfilled.
So, in the spirit of playful critique, here’s our ranking of the 20 most overrated golf courses in the world. No hard feelings, right?
20. The Old Course at St. Andrews (Scotland)
We’re starting off with a spicy take. Yes, it’s historic, and yes, the Swilcan Bridge is iconic, but the course itself? It’s a glorified cow pasture with massive double greens and bunkers that make you question your life choices. If this wasn’t the “Home of Golf,” would people still shell out thousands to play here?
19. Pinehurst No. 2 (USA)
The turtleback greens are legendary, but also pure evil. Donald Ross must have had a personal vendetta against golfers when designing this place. A good round can be ruined in an instant, which can make it more stressful than enjoyable.
18. Pebble Beach Golf Links (USA)
Yes, the views of the Pacific are stunning, but at $600+ per round, your wallet might need CPR after the 18th hole. Also, expect slow play and a bunch of tourists taking more photos than actual swings.
17. Valderrama Golf Club (Spain)
Spain’s most famous course is pristine but feels overly tight and punishing. It’s like playing golf in a botanical garden where the plants are actively trying to ruin your round.
16. Carnoustie Golf Links (Scotland)
Nicknamed “Car-Nasty” for a reason, this place is a brutal test of patience. If you enjoy getting beaten down by wind, deep bunkers, and the occasional four-putt, then this might be paradise for you.
15. Liberty National Golf Club (USA)
Great views of Manhattan? Sure. Memorable golf course? Not so much. Despite its modern design and exclusive atmosphere, the layout feels forced, and it lacks the character of true classics.
14. Le Golf National (France)
The Ryder Cup helped put it on the map, but outside of match-play drama, it’s just another stadium-style course that doesn’t quite live up to the hype.
13. Shadow Creek Golf Course (USA)
Only in Vegas could a manufactured golf course in the middle of the desert be one of the most expensive rounds in the country. It’s like Disneyland for golf—fun, but not quite the real thing.
12. Kiawah Island (Ocean Course) (USA)
Famous for hosting PGA Championships, this course is stunning but borderline unfair with wind conditions that can turn a solid round into a total meltdown. Bring extra balls.
11. Royal Troon Golf Club (Scotland)
The Postage Stamp hole is legendary, but the rest of the course? Kinda forgettable. Plus, if you don’t like battling 40 mph gusts, this might not be your dream round.
10. TPC Sawgrass (USA)
The 17th island green is famous, but the rest of the course is… fine? It’s a good tournament venue but doesn’t quite deliver the magic you’d expect from the Players Championship host.
9. Whistling Straits (USA)
Designed to mimic an Irish links course, but with artificially placed bunkers, this one feels more manufactured than authentic. And let’s be real—playing it in the wind is borderline masochistic.
8. Erin Hills (USA)
This course had its moment in the sun during the 2017 U.S. Open, but in reality, it’s a wide-open, long, and exhausting slog.
7. Torrey Pines (USA)
A classic case of “looks great on TV, plays meh in real life.” Municipal charm aside, the pace of play can be brutal, and the greens can be as inconsistent as your weekend golf buddy.
6. Trump Turnberry (Scotland)
The scenery is top-tier, but the course itself doesn’t quite match up to Scotland’s other greats. It’s had a lot of renovations, but does it truly belong in the “best of the best” conversation?
5. Mission Hills (China)
Touted as the world’s largest golf complex, but more quantity than quality. You’d be better off playing fewer courses with more character.
4. Royal Lytham & St Annes (England)
A legendary Open Championship venue, but truth be told, it’s kind of bland compared to other UK links courses. Plus, the out-of-bounds areas are borderline insulting.
3. Bandon Dunes (USA)
Wait, what? Bandon? Yes, it’s got a cult following, but with wild weather and a punishing walk-only policy, it’s not for everyone. The hype is real, but so is the exhaustion.
2. Augusta National (USA)
Blasphemy! We know. But outside of Masters Week, this course is way too polished, too manicured, and too unattainable for 99.9% of golfers. Plus, good luck getting a tee time—unless your last name is Woods or Nicklaus.
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1. Trump International Golf Links (Scotland)
More known for controversy than course design, this place is all about the hype. The dunes are beautiful, but the course itself? Not nearly as special as its marketing suggests.
