Longest golf courses in the world
It’s common knowledge that PGA Tour professionals often contend with long golf courses, some of which are even the longest golf courses in the world. Take Chambers Bay, the site of the 2015 U.S. Open, for instance. It can stretch over 7,800 yards in length. Similarly, Erin Hills in Wisconsin, the setting for the 2017 U.S. Open, covers approximately the same yardage. Whistling Straits, a venue for the PGA Championship on three occasions, measures slightly under 7,800 yards.
Only a handful of golfers, even among the pros, would contemplate tackling these courses from the back tees unless compelled to do so in a tournament. Remarkably, however, there are courses that surpass even these lengths, and this allure draws those keen to challenge themselves. Many golfers tee off from the farthest tees on these courses simply to claim they’ve achieved the feat, often disregarding their score. While we generally recommend that merely playing one of the longest golf courses in the world from any tee is a significant accomplishment.
That being said, let’s delve into a list of the ten longest golf courses globally. The majority of the courses in this compilation are accessible to the public, and seven of them are located in the United States.
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Golf Club
Naturally, the world’s lengthiest golf course finds its home at a high elevation. Thus, it should come as no great surprise that the top-ranking contender hails from the Himalayas in China. Securing the first spot on the roster, we introduce you to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Golf Club, perched at an astounding 10,800 feet. Notably, this course is nestled within a valley, gazing at the towering presence of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, which ascends to an impressive 18,360 feet. Crafted by the hands of designers Robin Nelson and Neil Haworth, this golfing haven rests in the Yunnan Province of China, proximate to Lijiang.
Claiming the title of the longest hole is the fifth, a par 5 spanning an incredible 711 yards. The thin air at this altitude warrants a unique adaptation – oxygen is thoughtfully supplied in the golf carts. As the course navigates the Himalayan landscape, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Golf Club stands as a remarkable testament to both human innovation and the awe-inspiring forces of nature.
Legend Golf & Safari Signature Course
While perhaps more famous for its par-3 Extreme 19th hole, the Legend Golf & Safari Signature Course boasts its own distinct allure. Beyond its substantial yardage of nearly 8,500, positioning it as the second in the list of longest golf courses in the world, what sets it apart is the fact that each hole has been designed by a prominent golfer or designer, many of whom hail from South Africa. (To illustrate, the 18th hole was fashioned by Retief Goosen.) Elevated tees grace most holes, but none quite matches the sheer elevation of the supplementary par-3 hole.
This exceptional par-3 hole warrants special mention as its tee can only be accessed by helicopter, an experience necessitating an additional investment of over $200 for play. The tee shot unfurls toward a green shaped in the likeness of Africa, nestled some 1,200 feet below.
Blair Atholl Golf Course
A mere fraction shorter than the Legend Signature Course, the Blair Atholl Golf Course, crafted by Gary Player, finds its home within a private enclave just beyond Johannesburg. This course, inaugurated in 2007, features an array of holes aligned alongside the Crocodile River. Moreover, it grants vistas of the Magaliesburg mountains, which claim the distinction of being the world’s most ancient mountain range. While not characterized by excessively elongated holes, the layout encompasses five par 5s, two of which exceed 600 yards in length.
Pines Course at the International Golf Club
Originally introduced as a nine-hole layout in 1901, The Pines Course at The International Golf Club bears the touch of Geoffrey Cornish in its design, with insights from Francis Ouimet. Its expansion to 18 holes occurred in 1957, followed by a transformative redesign by Robert Trent Jones Sr. in 1972. This overhaul not only reshaped the course’s essence but also secured its status as the world’s longest golf course during that period. Presenting a par-73 configuration, the course’s formidable challenge is a match for its impressive length as one of the longest golf courses in the US. The venue is housed within the exclusive 36-hole International Golf Club, alongside the splendid Tom Fazio-crafted Oaks Course. The latter, spanning just under 7,000 yards, appears modest in comparison, emphasizing The Pines Course’s exceptional scale and complexity.
Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Ross Bridge
Formerly hosting a Champions Tour event (The Regions Charity Classic from 2006-2010), Ross Bridge occupies a unique place as not only one of the globe’s longest golf courses but also as a favored gem among the ten courses that grace the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. The majority of golfers rarely venture to the back tees of this exceptionally scenic parkland course, where a captivating panorama unfolds. Alongside the course’s tranquil landscape, ten holes grace the banks of two artificial lakes, interconnected by an 80-foot waterfall cascading between the 9th and 18th greens.
Allowing for versatility, the course can be enjoyed at lengths as brief as 5,300 yards. Nestled within the Renaissance Birmingham Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa, it contributes to an enriching experience that seamlessly blends golf and leisure.
Antler Creek Golf Course
Effortlessly offsetting the challenge posed by added elevation, this exceptional public golf course has a smart solution – tournament players are directed to the back tees. However, the majority of players opt to move up a tee or two to relish the player-friendly design. Antler Creek, a creation of Rick Phelps, finds its home in the picturesque Pikes Peak region. Embodying the prairie dunes style, the course seamlessly blends the diverse Colorado terrain with swathes of prairie grasses. Notably, three picturesque lakes and a total of 73 strategically placed bunkers grace the landscape. This esteemed course has played host to an array of USGA major tournament qualifiers and the Colorado Golf Association Stroke Play Championship, further solidifying its reputation within the golfing community.
Dye Course at French Lick Resort
Noteworthy not only for its standing as one of the world’s longest golf courses, the Dye Course at French Lick also emerges as a formidable challenge due to its relentless uneven lies, thick high grass, and intricate greens and bunkers. Playing anywhere near the back tees requires careful consideration.
In fact, during the 2015 Senior PGA Championship, a dozen participants failed to break 80, even though the course was set up at just over 7,000 yards. Nonetheless, this course stands as one of the United States’ most awe-inspiring, offering a blend of natural beauty and golfing intensity. Paired with the Ross Course, French Lick Resort creates an enticing golf retreat, albeit one that comes with a significant cost.
Painted Valley Course at Promontory Golf Club
Renowned as Utah’s most formidable golf course, the Painted Valley Course, meticulously crafted by Jack Nicklaus, stands as one of the twin offerings at Promontory Golf Club, the other being the Dye Signature Course. Framed by vistas of Park City’s prominent ski peaks, this course unfolds over the expanse of two nines, each presenting distinct challenges and captivating scenery.
The front nine navigates a valley, alternating between descending and ascending terrain. Commencing with an impressive 718-yard par 5, which holds the distinction of being the longest hole on the course, this sequence sets the tone for a thrilling game. On the other hand, the back nine meanders gracefully through meadows, offering a distinctive experience. Here, long holes prevail, exemplified by the formidable par-5 12th hole spanning 673 yards and the concluding par-4 18th hole extending to 480 yards.
Fighting Joe Course at The Shoals Golf Club
The second entry from the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail to grace this compilation is Fighting Joe at The Shoals. This course is aptly named in tribute to the sole Confederate general who subsequently rose to the same rank in the U.S. Army. Presented in a links-style format, the course showcases captivating landscapes. Perched above the Tennessee River and Lake Jackson, it boasts expansive fairways. However, venturing off these forgiving paths could lead you to water hazards or dense high grass, rendering the course a challenge from any tees. The Fighting Joe at The Shoals marries history with golfing excellence, offering a rewarding experience amid its visually stunning surroundings.
Dunes Course at the Prairie Club
Crafted by the collaborative efforts of Tom Lehman and Chris Brands, the Dunes Course at The Prairie Club emerges as a remarkable testament to golf design. Skillfully situated along the picturesque Sand Hills of Nebraska, this course graces the rim of the Snake River Canyon, fashioning an unforgettable golfing setting. The terrain boasts undulating fairways, elevated tees, and a vast expanse of open sky, all within the embrace of rolling prairie grasses. Success on the Dunes Course requires more than just hitting it long; golfers must also adeptly control ball flight and direction.
So, if you are confident to be a big hitter, don’t hesitate to give these longest golf courses in the world a try. And, share with us your experience by commenting below if you have played at one of them.
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United States, United States, United States.
You obviously have NEVER heard of the Nullarbor links?
Just check out the length of the course, 1365 kilometers. It is so amazing!
The Els Club Copperleaf, in South Africa should be on this list. The fourth on this list in fact. It is 8118 yards or 7.4 Kilometres
Thank you so much for your sharing!
We will recheck the information and update our article accordingly if possible.
Best regards,
Golflux Team.