In our digital age, it’s easy to overlook the natural wonders that are all around us. But even in this digital age, the appeal of great natural beauty remains universal. With that in mind, there is perhaps no better place to seek out some of the most scenic lakeside golf courses than the world itself. After all, who knows nature better than Mother Nature herself?
Nonetheless, as with any list pertaining to such a specific topic, there are many different criteria one must consider when choosing their favorites. Some courses may be more challenging than others or have lesser-known backdrops. So without further ado, here are the top 5 most scenic lakeside golf courses in the world!
5 Most Scenic Lakeside Golf Courses in the World
5: Royal Colombo Golf Club – Sri Lanka
The Royal Colombo Golf Club is located on the banks of the Indian Ocean and is often referred to as “the links in the sand”. This course is a great example of the geography of a certain part of the world dictating the rules of design. In this case, the wind from the ocean is a defining factor as to how the course should be laid out. As such, the Royal Colombo Golf Club has been lauded for having some of the best and most consistent winds in the world.
If that weren’t enough, the course is also surrounded by the Indian Ocean on one side and gorgeous beaches on the other. The Royal Colombo Golf Club is also the site of the annual Lion Series, an event that features some of the best golfers in the world.
This tournament is a great example of the kind of spectacle that this course is capable of when the conditions are right. Indeed, there are few more impressive settings in all of world golf than the site of the Royal Colombo Golf Club when conditions are optimum. For these reasons, the Royal Colombo Golf Club comes in at # 5 on our list.
4: Grand Lake Resort – China
The Grand Lake Golf Resort is located in the middle of the city of Hangzhou, China, and is perhaps the most unique course on this list. Indeed, the Grand Lake Golf Resort is a part of the Grand Lake Resort, a massive, multi-faceted tourist destination that is said to be second only to the Great Wall of China in terms of tourism revenue for China.
The golf course at the Grand Lake Resort is a links-style course that runs right along the shores of the tranquil Lake Tai. Indeed, the golf course is actually located on an artificial island in the middle of the lake. The Grand Lake Golf Resort is often referred to as the “Venice of the East” because it is surrounded by water on all sides.
The course has been praised for its challenging layout, as well as the serene, picturesque backdrop that only nature can provide. Indeed, the Grand Lake Golf Resort is a magical place where golfers will truly feel as though they have been transported to another world.
3: Turtle Bay Resort – Hawaii, USA
Turtle Bay Resort is located on the North Shore of the island of Oahu in the state of Hawaii. Given its location, as well as its tropical climate, Turtle Bay is a links-style course. That said, the course is unique in that it is built on a mostly man-made dune system that was created over several decades. The dunes that make up the links-style Turtle Bay Resort are formed as a result of the consistent trade winds blowing sand from the nearby Pacific Ocean onto the property.
The trade winds have also led to the course being surrounded by some of the most lush vegetation found anywhere in the world. Indeed, the lush tropical setting at Turtle Bay Resort has led to it being listed as one of the most expensive golf courses in the world. As such, few courses provide a better, more authentic tropical golfing experience.
2: Cape Schanck Golf Club – Australia
Cape Schanck Golf Club is located on the Great Ocean Road in the state of Victoria in Australia. Given its location, as well as its layout, this course would be worthy of being on this list regardless of its reputation. Indeed, the Great Ocean Road area is known for its amazing natural beauty. However, it was the addition of a links-style golf course in the area in the early 2000s that really brought out the natural beauty of the area.
The Cape Schanck Golf Club is perhaps one of the most scenic links-style golf courses in the world. Add to that the fact that it also has one of the most challenging back nines of any course on this list, and you have a truly great golfing experience in store. While Cape Schanck Golf Club is perhaps best known for its coastal views, it also has some inland views that are just as impressive.
1: Trump National Golf Club – USA
The Trump National Golf Club is located in the town of Rancho Palos Verdes in California, USA. This links-style course was designed by the legendary Robert Trent Jones, Jr., who is best known for his work on major championships such as The Masters and U.S. Open. Indeed, there is perhaps no better course on this list for watching a sunset over the Pacific Ocean than the Trump National Golf Club.
Indeed, the coastal links-style design of the Trump National Golf Club is ideal for providing beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean. The course has been praised for its challenging but fair layout, as well as the spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean up against the cliffs. Indeed, there are few more impressive settings for a golf course in United States than the Trump National Golf Club. As such, it is easy to see why it tops this list.
