“Golf Wonders of the World”

There is no official list of “golf wonders of the world,” but I am pretty sure I can come up with a list if I give it some serious effort. My first thought? I don’t think the list has to be a list of 7 courses. Items on the list could vary from being a particular hole, or an influential bunker. Maybe it’s a club or a specific book about golf, or any golfing item that is worthy of such a list.

However, for this article, I am going to narrow my criteria down to courses I have played.

For instance – The Old Course at St. Andrews in Scotland immediately comes to mind for me as a Golf Wonder – which is famous for its history and design.

Marc and I played this track on our 25th Wedding Anniversary.

The St Andrews Old Course is cherished by golfers the world over. There are many who believe that you cannot call yourself a true golfer unless you have made the pilgrimage to the oldest golf course in the world.

With history in mind, it is clear that the Old Course has no equal. As we played this iconic course, I realized we were lucky enough to be walking in the footsteps of the greatest golfers to have graced the game throughout its history. Bobby Jones, Jack Nicklaus, Seve Ballesteros, Annika Sörenstam, Lorena Ochoa, and Tiger Woods, have all graced the fairways of this famous links course!

Or how about – Pinehurst No. 2 in North Carolina, a historic and renowned course that has hosted major championships. Well, we haven’t played the No. 2 track….but we have played Pinehurst No. 1.

I think that counts!

And then there is – The Old Head Golf Links in County Cork, Ireland. To celebrate our 30th Wedding Anniversary, we played this stunning and unique course that has a headland reaching out over two miles into the Atlantic Ocean. And don’t forget, this course is set up on a daily basis depending on the prevailing weather conditions – what does that tell you?

I think I would also add the golf course at the Coeur D’Alene Resort, in Coeur D’Alene, Idaho, with its floating green. Honestly – this is a no-brainer to add to my “Golf Wonders” list. Besides, I was the only one in my foursome to hit the Island Green on my first shot – that has to be some kind of golf wonder, right?

Another golf wonder for an Ireland Course – Ballybunion The Old Course, located in County Kerry, Ireland. This world-class links golf course spreads out along a beautiful stretch of sand dunes overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

We played this beautiful course while celebrating our 30th Wedding Anniversary.

A little bit of golf history here: In 1982, Tom Watson made his famous off-the-cuff eulogy after accepting the Claret Jug at Royal Troon: “Nobody can call himself a golfer until he has played at Ballybunion; you would think the game originated there!”

I guess it’s official – I am a golfer!

These “Wonders of Golf” are more than just 18 holes; they are historical sites, architectural marvels, and natural landscapes that define the sport. They challenge the best players, inspire everyday enthusiasts (a.k.a. – me), and offer a sublime mix of sport and scenery.

It is probably no surprise that our RV travels have inspired me to think about wonders off the golf course as well.

I am in constant awe of the magnificent tapestry of human ingenuity and natural marvels around the world, and more specifically, this country. Each wonder tells a unique story of history, culture, and nature’s immense power. From towering man-made structures built centuries ago to breathtaking natural phenomena, exploring these sites has more-times than not, offered me a transformative journey that has enriched my mind and spirit.

A bit of history on the “Seven Wonders” of the world. The “Seven Wonders” concept dates back to antiquity, with the original list focusing on the Mediterranean and Middle East. While only one of the ancient wonders – the Great Pyramid of Giza – survives, new lists have been created to celebrate remarkable feats of human architecture across the globe.

I have been very fortunate to have seen many of the wonders:

The Great Wall of China: Snaking over thousands of miles, this ancient fortification is a symbol of Chinese history and resilience.

The Colosseum, Rome: This massive amphitheater, completed in 80 A.D., hosted gladiator fights and public spectacles for centuries.

The Grand Canyon: Carved by the Colorado River over millions of years, this massive canyon showcases colorful rock layers and breathtaking vistas.

Niagara Falls, New York: They may not be the USA’s tallest waterfalls, but these powerful cascades have a bigger water flow than any others on the planet.

Ankor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia: The world-famous temple within the larger Angkor complex, house the “tentacle trees” that began growing in the 19th century and were left by French explorers to showcase nature, and creating a surreal “living” ruin.

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming: Yellowstone is the USA’s oldest national park and is a wonderland of unique geology and wildlife.

Traveling to these wonders is not just about taking pictures, but about experiencing the “awe-inspiring” scale of the world and the “great crowds” it brings together. 

As a traveler, golfer, and chronicler at 18 Holes and Counting!, I travel to bridge the gap between passion and place, finding peace in nature and new perspectives on life’s fairways. It’s about chasing adventures, from local hidden gems to international courses, while valuing, as I often say….

Experiences over Belongings! 

My Reads from the Reds – With each new destination along my travels, I am constantly reminded, there’s always something new to discover.

Fairways and Greens – We are 18 Holes and Counting.   

Written by Kathy Festa