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Pan American Experiences
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A golfer takes in the breathtaking views of a coastal course at sunset, where perfectly maintained fairways meet rugged cliffs and the Pacific Ocean. Across the Americas, golf offers travelers the chance to combine world-class sport with some of the hemisphere’s most spectacular landscapes.
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HEMISPHERE ------------------------------------------899[TRAVEL PLANNING] | |||
The Best Golf Courses in the Hemisphere: A Journey From Canada to PatagoniaDiscover the Americas’ Most Spectacular Golf Destinations, From Canada to Patagonia.By Marbel Montoya for Ruta Pantera on 11/13/2026 7:09:19 AM |
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| Golf can be much more than a game. For travelers, it is a way to discover spectacular landscapes, experience different cultures, and explore destinations that combine sport with exceptional hospitality. Across the Western Hemisphere, golf courses wind through coastal cliffs, tropical forests, desert valleys, mountain scenery, and historic estates. Some are internationally celebrated championship venues; others are resort destinations where the scenery is just as memorable as the scorecard. There is no single definitive ranking of the hemisphere's best golf courses. Different publications evaluate course architecture, playing conditions, history, accessibility, and overall experience. This selection brings together some of the most notable destinations in North America, Central America, the Caribbean, and South America, with an emphasis on places that can become the centerpiece of a memorable golf trip. Pebble Beach Golf Links — California, United States Pebble Beach is one of the most recognizable names in international golf. Located along California's Monterey Peninsula, this celebrated course follows the rugged Pacific coastline, where ocean views, rocky shores, and carefully designed greens create a remarkable playing experience. Its famous seaside holes have made Pebble Beach a regular feature in major golf rankings and a host of prestigious tournaments, including the U.S. Open. The course is also one of the highest-profile options for visitors who want to play a top-ranked American course without belonging to a private club. Golf Digest's public-course rankings place Pebble Beach among the leading courses available to the public. A trip here can easily become a coastal getaway. Visitors can explore the 17-Mile Drive, visit nearby Carmel-by-the-Sea, enjoy seafood restaurants, and discover the natural beauty of the Monterey Peninsula. How to get there: Fly into Monterey Regional Airport or San Jose International Airport and rent a car for the journey to Pebble Beach. Cabot Cliffs — Nova Scotia, Canada Cabot Cliffs offers one of the most dramatic golf settings in the hemisphere. Located in Inverness, on Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, the course was designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw and follows the rugged Atlantic coastline. The landscape is extraordinary: rolling dunes, elevated tees, native grasses, and cliffs overlooking the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The par-three 16th is particularly memorable, with its green positioned near the ocean's edge. According to Golf Digest's 2026 Canadian rankings, Cabot Cliffs is the country's number-one course and ranks among the world's leading layouts. The destination is also designed for longer golf holidays. Cabot Cape Breton offers accommodations, restaurants, and multiple courses, including Cabot Links, an 18-hole links course set between the sea and the village of Inverness. How to get there: Fly to Halifax Stanfield International Airport and drive approximately four hours to Inverness, or arrange regional transportation to Cape Breton. TPC Sawgrass — Florida, United States TPC Sawgrass, in Ponte Vedra Beach near Jacksonville, is one of the most famous championship golf destinations in the United States. Its Stadium Course hosts THE PLAYERS Championship, one of the most important annual events on the PGA Tour. Designed by Pete Dye, the course is known for its demanding layout and its iconic 17th hole: a short par three played toward an island green surrounded by water. For golf fans, standing beside this hole is an opportunity to experience one of the sport's most recognizable challenges. The surrounding region also makes an attractive vacation destination. Visitors can enjoy Atlantic beaches, coastal restaurants, and the historic attractions of nearby St. Augustine. How to get there: Fly into Jacksonville International Airport and drive south toward Ponte Vedra Beach. |
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Point Hardy Golf Club — Saint Lucia In the Caribbean, few golf experiences are as visually striking as Point Hardy Golf Club at Cabot Saint Lucia. Designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, the course opened in 2023 and quickly established itself as a leading golf destination in the region. The layout follows the island's dramatic northern coastline, with holes winding across rocky headlands and elevated terrain above the Atlantic Ocean. Ocean views accompany much of the round, while the natural landscape creates a challenging and unforgettable experience. Golfweek's 2026 ranking of courses in Mexico, the Caribbean, the Atlantic islands, and Central America places Point Hardy at the top of its list. The resort setting also makes it possible to combine golf with beaches, Caribbean cuisine, and relaxation. How to get there: Fly into Hewanorra International Airport or George F. L. Charles Airport, then arrange ground transportation to the northern part of Saint Lucia. Teeth of the Dog — La Romana, Dominican Republic Teeth of the Dog at Casa de Campo is one of the Caribbean's most celebrated golf courses. Designed by Pete Dye, the 18-hole layout is famous for its relationship with the sea, with seven holes running directly alongside the Caribbean coastline. The combination of coral-rock formations, ocean breezes, and challenging greens makes this course a favorite among experienced golfers. Its reputation is reflected in international recognition: Casa de Campo describes Teeth of the Dog as the number-one course in the Caribbean, while its resort offers two additional layouts, Dye Fore and The Links. For travelers, Casa de Campo is a complete golf destination. The resort combines championship golf with accommodations, restaurants, marina activities, and access to the historic town of Altos de Chavón. How to get there: Fly into La Romana International Airport or Punta Cana International Airport and arrange transportation to Casa de Campo. TPC Danzante Bay — Loreto, Mexico Mexico's Baja California Peninsula offers a distinctive combination of desert landscapes and ocean scenery. TPC Danzante Bay, located at Villa del Palmar Beach Resort & Spa near Loreto, brings these elements together in a championship course designed by Rees Jones. The 18-hole, par-72 layout stretches across valleys, arroyos, dunes, and foothills, with panoramic views of the Sea of Cortez, Danzante Bay, and the Sierra de la Giganta mountains. Its varied terrain makes the course an appealing destination for golfers who enjoy landscapes that change throughout the round. The resort also provides a convenient base for exploring Loreto, a destination known for its marine environment, islands, and outdoor activities. How to get there: Fly into Loreto International Airport and travel by road to Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto. Terravista Golf Course — Trancoso, Brazil Brazil offers an unusual golf experience at Terravista Golf Course in Trancoso, in the state of Bahia. Set above the Atlantic coastline, the course combines tropical vegetation, dramatic elevation changes, and ocean views. The layout is particularly distinctive because it takes advantage of the region's natural cliffs and coastal terrain. It offers a different atmosphere from the traditional parkland courses found in other parts of the world, making it an appealing stop for travelers interested in combining golf with Brazil's beach culture. Trancoso itself is part of the attraction. The town is known for its colorful historic center, boutique accommodations, restaurants, and relaxed atmosphere. Visitors can spend their mornings on the course and their afternoons exploring the beaches and local culture. How to get there: Fly into Porto Seguro Airport and continue by road to Trancoso. Chapelco Golf & Resort — Patagonia, Argentina Patagonia is famous for mountains, glaciers, lakes, and outdoor adventure, but it also offers remarkable golf. Chapelco Golf & Resort, near San Martín de los Andes in Argentina, is a destination where the game unfolds against the dramatic scenery of the Andes. Designed by Jack Nicklaus and his son Gary Nicklaus, the course takes advantage of the region's natural landscape, with mountain views, forested areas, and open terrain. It provides a different kind of golf holiday, combining a challenging round with access to one of Argentina's most attractive outdoor destinations. After playing, visitors can explore Lake Lácar, visit Lanín National Park, enjoy Patagonian cuisine, or plan excursions around the surrounding mountains. How to get there: Fly into Chapelco Airport near San Martín de los Andes, with connections commonly available through Buenos Aires. Golf Travel: More Than Eighteen Holes The best golf trips are rarely limited to the course itself. They combine the challenge of the game with the opportunity to experience a destination in depth. A visit to Pebble Beach can become a California coastal road trip; Cabot Cliffs can introduce travelers to Cape Breton's natural beauty; and a stay at Casa de Campo can bring together Caribbean beaches, resort life, and championship golf. Before booking, travelers should consider the season, green fees, accommodation availability, transportation, and whether tee times are open to non-members. Some prestigious clubs are private, while resort courses may prioritize hotel guests or require advance reservations. Checking each course's official booking policies is essential. Across the hemisphere, golf offers an extraordinary way to travel. Whether playing beside the Pacific, above the Atlantic, among Caribbean palms, or beneath the Andes, each destination offers its own landscape, character, and challenge. For golfers who want their next vacation to be an experience rather than simply a change of scenery, these courses are excellent places to start. |
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References: - Cabot Cape Breton. (n.d.). Cabot Cliffs. https://cabotcapebreton.com/ - Casa de Campo Resort & Villas. (n.d.). Teeth of the Dog. https://www.casadecampo.com.do/ - Golf Digest. (2025). America's 100 greatest public golf courses. https://www.golfdigest.com/story/americas-100-greatest-public-golf-courses-ranking - Golf Digest. (2026). World's 100 greatest golf courses: 2026–2027. https://www.golfdigest.com/story/worlds-100-greatest-golf-courses - Pebble Beach Resorts. (n.d.). Pebble Beach Golf Links. https://www.pebblebeach.com/golf/ - PGA Tour. (n.d.). TPC Sawgrass. https://tpc.com/sawgrass/ - TPC Danzante Bay. (n.d.). TPC Danzante Bay. https://tpcdanzantebay.com/ - Terravista Golf Course. (n.d.). Terravista Golf. https://www.terravistagolf.com.br/ |
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