Golf enthusiasts, rejoice! We all want to know the best golf courses, and there’s a lot to marvel at this year. Today, we want to help you judge different courses and also learn how to choose between courses that continue to captivate both seasoned players and casual weekenders with their design, challenge level, and sheer beauty. If you’re planning to tick some courses off your bucket list, this guide is for you.
How Should We Judge Golf Courses?
What makes the crème de la crème of golf courses considers many things. Naturally, architectural and course design are paramount, with the judges critiquing how the course challenges the player’s ability while being a pleasure to experience in the first place. Natural scenery is also something that comes into the mix; who doesn’t love a stunning vista to make taking your shot from?
Conditions such as immaculately manicured fairways and greens also play a significant influence in the ranking. Historic significance, golfing stature, and professional and recreational player input are also typically factored into the rankings. By balancing these inherent criteria, reviewers ensure that only the cream of the crop make it to the top. We want to use three leading courses as an example.
Boyne Golf Courses
Number one on this year’s list is Boyne Golf in Northern Michigan. Boyne is renowned for offering not one, but 11 of the highest quality across three resorts, and Boyne stands alone in that it is diverse. With the beautiful scenery of Lake Michigan from its Arthur Hills and Donald Ross-designed courses to the high-octane challenges offered by The Heather, there’s something for everybody.
Boyne breaks the ground for hospitality; resorts on property have all to a person’s tastes, and changing from an outstanding round of golf to world-class dining or extravagantly excessive spa treatments is effortless. No wonder Boyne ranks as one of the best golf courses in Michigan and farther afield.
Pebble Beach Golf Links
Pebble Beach reconfirms its legendary status by finishing in the top this year. Scenic California’s coastline along which it is located challenges your swing and brings you to a standstill with the ocean and rock cliffs. Its holes, like its famous par-3 7th, are etched in the memory of golfers around the world.
First established in 1919, Pebble Beach manages to marry respect for tradition with contemporary concerns so that it’s always in the running. Being added to the upper-crust tournaments and events has served only to increase its popularity with celebrity and serious golfers alike.
Teeth of the Dog at Casa de Campo
Priding itself on yet another extremely sought-after site is the world-famous course, Teeth of the Dog, in the Dominican Republic. Pete Dye designed it, and it’s famous for its ideal mix of ocean-front jaw-dropping holes and challenging inland holes. With seven holes on the Caribbean Sea, there’s no exaggeration that this course is a bucket-list destination for adventure-loving golfers.
Other than the course itself, luxury commitment cannot be beat at Casa de Campo. Private villas, gourmet dining, and unparalleled beach access are all within the reach of visitors, making it an overall experience for serious golfers and their families, as well.
Time to Plan Your Next Tee Time
From Boyne Golf’s wide and varied selection to the ocean cool of Pebble Beach and Caribbean paradise of Teeth of the Dog, it’s clear 2025 has something special for all golfers. Each course offers more than a game, an experience that combines elegance, challenge, and nature.
Did you ever get to play a round on any of these top-ranked courses, or is one of them on your 2025 wish list? Share your comments or experiences below—we can’t wait to hear from you!