Just because something is in the limelight or enjoys a more prominent public domain doesn’t mean it’s the most refined or the best the world offers. Golf courses attain popularity from many factors, such as the tournaments played there, famous golfers to grace the course, the year of launch, the designer, features found there, the location, and so on. Many fascinating golf courses worldwide are yet to capture the public eye despite offering an unmatched course experience. Below we look at ten unknown global golf courses and why you should consider visiting them when you get a chance.
Top 10 Hidden Gem Golf Courses Globally
Tower Links Golf Club, Ras al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates
Although the UAE is mainly known for its breathtaking skyscrapers, they’ve got game on golf courses too, and the Tower Links Golf Club located at Ras al Khaimah is a perfect testament. The fascinating blend between parkland and desert-style course offers exciting challenges that require careful thought and precision on each hole. You’ll enjoy plenty of water hazards, mangrove trees, several blind tee shots, and carefully placed, uniquely shaped bunkers.
Kemer Golf & Country Club, Istanbul, Turkey
The Turkish PGA has its headquarters in Istanbul’s Kemer Golf & Country Club. This stunning golf course is among the world’s most underrated, considering its intimate nature immersion, as it’s situated just below the Istranca Mountains in the Belgrade Forest. Each hole is surrounded by dense forest, with several water hazards and bunkers, light undulations throughout the fairways, and plenty of doglegs.
Ambassador Golf Club, Windsor, Ontario, Canada
The Ambassador Golf Club is a fun, links-style course in Ontario with very reasonable pricing. Though very flat, this course offers strategically-located sand traps, contoured greens, and gently rolling fairways, presenting an exciting challenge. Make sure you try out the par-4 signature 15th hole, known for its incredible risk/reward element.
West Cliffs Resort, Vau, Portugal
Located about an hour from Lisbon, the West Cliffs Resort is ideal for ocean lovers, as it looks out onto the Atlantic, with scenic views of the Óbidos Lagoon and Berlengas Islands. The links-style course has a dramatic layout involving numerous natural and carefully placed bunkers, spacious and undulating greens, and plenty of rolling fairways.
Ring of Kerry Golf & Country Club, Greenane, Ireland
If you are a golfer based in Ireland or get a chance to visit there, check out the Ring of Kerry Golf & Country Club in Greenane and have the time of your life. With a mix of heathland terrain and parkland, this challenging course presents exciting water hazards on several holes and constant elevation changes.