Source: Top 100 Golf Courses/Gary Lisbon
5. Kingsbarns
Location: St Andrews, Scotland
Just six miles from St Andrews, Kingsbarns is a modern masterpiece that perfectly complements Scotland’s legendary links courses. Although one of the few true links courses built in recent times, it has quickly cemented itself as one of the world’s best golf courses.
Kingsbarns co-hosts the annual Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, alongside the Old Course at St Andrews and Carnoustie. This unique Pro-Am event pairs professionals with amateurs, with the final round played at St Andrews after a 54-hole cut. If the dunes at Kingsbarns could accommodate spectators, it would surely be part of The Open rota. It undoubtedly belongs among the UK’s top-tier courses.
Every hole here is postcard-worthy. And the hospitality from the staff ensures that your experience is first-class from the moment you arrive to the moment you leave. All in all, Kingsbarns is a true gem, a place where every round feels like a privilege.
Source: HSBC Golf
4. Sentosa Golf Club (The Tanjong)
Location: Singapore
Sentosa Golf Club offers two exceptional 18-hole layouts: Serapong and Tanjong. Since 2005, Serapong has hosted the Singapore Open, elevating its status as a premier tournament venue. Though slightly overshadowed, the Tanjong course remains a remarkable layout. It was originally designed by Frank Pennink in 1974 and later upgraded by Max Wexler and Chris Pitman. The 2016 renovation, which rebranded it as “New Tanjong,” solidified its reputation as a modern classic.
Fast forward to 2025, and Sentosa now plays host to Asia’s Major—the HSBC Women’s World Championship, as well as LIV Golf. If you ever play here, take my advice: spend extra time on the practice green. The putting surfaces are lightning-fast and undulating, providing a stern test even for the best with the flatstick!
Source: Trump International Scotland
3. Trump International
Location: Aberdeen, Scotland
Other than the 229-yard par-three 13th, all holes at Trump International Golf Links are laid out in a north-south direction along the rugged Aberdeenshire coastline. Some have criticised this uniform orientation. But what the course may lack in variety, it more than makes up for in sheer challenge and beauty.
With multiple tee options, the course caters to a wide range of golfers. But choosing the right set of tees is crucial. Stray into the thick, punishing rough, and your ball is as good as lost. Many of the green complexes feature subtle run-offs into bunkers or swales, classic elements of a world-class links course. The course conditioning is immaculate, with hand-manicured walkways that feel like plush carpets. I played here in 2021, and it remains a course I think about often. If ever given the chance to return, my answer would be an unequivocal yes. Words and even photos fail to capture its full majesty—it simply must be experienced.
Source: Top 100 Golf Courses/ Patrick Koenig
2. Torrey Pines (South Course)
Location: California, USA
Perched above the Pacific Ocean with mountains to the north, Torrey Pines was built on the site of a former military training center. Designed by William F. Bell and completed in 1957, the course has undergone several renovations. This includes a complete overhaul of the South Course by Rees Jones in 2001. It extended the championship layout to a staggering 7,607 yards.
The panoramic views from the course come free with your green fee but be prepared for unpredictable weather. Fog, wind, and rain can roll in unexpectedly, making an already challenging course even tougher. I had the opportunity to play the famous South Course just after the Junior World Championships. And despite shooting 100+, I relished every moment. With fairways no more than 15 paces wide and a rough that was brutally thick, accuracy off the tee was critical. Playing here truly deepened my appreciation for the skill level of the Tour pros. They make this gruelling test look effortless.
Source: Clearwater Bay
1. Clearwater Bay
Location: Hong Kong
Established in 1982, Clearwater Bay Golf Club boasts a spectacular clifftop setting on a rugged peninsula extending into the South China Sea. Some of its breathtaking seaside holes have drawn comparisons to Nefyn & District in Wales, Old Head in Ireland, and Cape Kidnappers in New Zealand.
A round on the Ocean Nine begins with four stunning holes. It’s often described as “the most thrilling opening stretch in Chinese golf.” The highlight among them is the par-four 3rd, which demands a 180-yard tee shot carry over the ocean—a truly exhilarating experience. I had the privilege of playing a role in organising The Clearwater Bay Open in 2017, an event on the PGA TOUR China schedule. That week, players such as Tom Kim, Callum Tarren, and Gunn Charoenkul competed in what is undeniably one of the most awe-inspiring golfing landscapes I have ever encountered.
Niall Ashworth is VPAR’s Business Development Manager.
A golf industry stalwart, Niall has spent the majority of his career helping Corporates and Charities take their guests Golf Day experience to the next level having run 1,000+ events in countries around the World.
Niall attended Nottingham Trent University, where he studied Business and Sport, before working at the Rugby World Cup in 2015.
He spends any free time he has on the fairways of Worplesdon Golf Club in Surrey trying to maintain his 6.1 Handicap Index! His three favourite Golf Courses are Clearwater Bay in Hong Kong, Torrey Pines in San Diego and Trump International in Scotland. With special mentions to Sentosa and Kingsbarns!
He uses a Taylormade M4 Driver & Fairway Woods, Titleist T100 irons, Titleist Vokey Wedges and a Bettinardi Arm-Lock putter with a Left Dash ProV1 Golf Ball (not that it matters!)
If you have any feature requests or golf news that you’d like Niall to review please contact him @vpargolf across socials!