The Most Beautiful Golf Hole, Ranked

Choose the golf hole you think is the most beautiful!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 26, 2024 06:18
Golfers often debate which hole on a course offers the best combination of challenge and beauty. Such discussions are common in clubhouses around the world, where passionate players exchange opinions on everything from the layout to the scenic backdrop of each hole. By ranking golf holes, we not only celebrate the design and aesthetic appeal of these courses but also help others identify must-play locations. Having a list where golf aficionados can vote for what they consider the most beautifully-designed hole adds an interactive element to the sport's appreciation. This dynamic list changes with your votes, reflecting current preferences and newly discovered gems. It serves as a collective insight into what makes a golf hole stand out, encouraging a wider exploration of courses globally.

What Is the Most Beautiful Golf Hole?

  1. 1
    36
    votes
    This iconic hole offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and a challenging shot over a cliff.
    Pebble Beach Golf Links, Hole 7 is renowned for its stunning coastal views and challenging layout. This par-3 hole is nestled along the Pacific coastline, offering panoramic ocean vistas and breathtaking scenery. The hole features a narrow green that sits on the edge of the cliff, demanding precision and accuracy from golfers. It is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque golf holes in the world.
    • Course: Pebble Beach Golf Links
    • Hole Number: 7
    • Par: 3
    • Location: Pebble Beach, California
    • Views: Coastal/Ocean
  2. 2
    39
    votes
    The picturesque par-3 hole features a 155-yard shot over Rae's Creek and a beautiful azalea-lined green.
    The Augusta National Golf Club, Hole 12 is a stunning par 3 hole located in Augusta, Georgia. It is famously known as 'Golden Bell' due to the bell-shaped flower that surrounds the green. The hole is situated near Rae's Creek, with a picturesque stone bridge leading to the green.
    • Par: 3
    • Yardage: 155 yards
    • Difficulty: Moderate
    • Hazards: Rae's Creek, bunkers
    • Green Size: 5,600 square feet
  3. 3
    12
    votes
    This hole sits at the base of Sulphur Mountain in the Canadian Rockies and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
    The Banff Springs Golf Course, Hole 4 is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful golf holes in the world. Located in Banff, Alberta, Canada, this stunning hole offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Rocky Mountains and the pristine Bow River.
    • Yardage: 376 yards
    • Par: 4
    • Elevation: 1,400 meters
    • Course Rating: 73.9
    • Slope Rating: 137
  4. 4
    17
    votes
    The 15th hole at this California course is known for its stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the iconic Lone Cypress.
  5. 5
    11
    votes

    Cabot Cliffs, Hole 16

    Coore & Crenshaw
    This hole in Nova Scotia offers dramatic ocean views and a challenging shot over a chasm.
    Cabot Cliffs, Hole 16 is considered one of the most beautiful golf holes in the world. It is located along the rugged coastline of Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, Canada. The hole is perched on a high cliff overlooking the Gulf of St. Lawrence, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the ocean and surrounding landscape.
    • Par: 3
    • Yardage: 230
    • Elevation: 100 feet above sea level
    • Tee Box: Three different tee boxes offer varying levels of challenge
    • Cliffside Landing Zone: Narrow fairway with a treacherous cliffside landing area
  6. 6
    13
    votes
    This hole at the Northern Ireland course offers views of the Mourne Mountains and requires a precise shot over a gorse-covered hill.
    The 9th hole at Royal County Down Golf Club is a stunning and challenging par 3 known as 'Bruce's Castle'. It offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the Irish Sea. The hole is renowned for its natural beauty, with towering sand dunes and heather-covered slopes.
    • Course: Royal County Down Golf Club
    • Hole Number: 9
    • Par: 3
    • Name: Bruce's Castle
    • Location: Newcastle, County Down, Northern Ireland
  7. 7
    7
    votes
    Ron Kirby and Paddy Merrigan
    This hole on the Irish coast offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and requires a shot over a cliff.
    The Old Head Golf Links, Hole 12 is a breathtaking golf hole situated on the Old Head peninsula in County Cork, Ireland. It is known for its stunning coastal views and challenging layout.
    • Terrain: Links
    • Elevation Change: Significant changes in elevation
    • Location: Old Head peninsula, County Cork, Ireland
    • Par: 4
    • Yardage: 477 yards
  8. 8
    6
    votes
    This hole in Ireland is known for its stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and requires a shot over a rocky beach.
    The Ballybunion Golf Club, Hole 11 is a stunning golf hole located in Ballybunion, County Kerry, Ireland. It is a par 4 hole that provides breathtaking views of the rugged Atlantic coastline.
    • Location: Ballybunion, County Kerry, Ireland
    • Type: Par 4
    • Scenery: Atlantic coastline
    • Designer: Tom Simpson
    • Length: 397 yards
  9. 9
    11
    votes
    This hole on the shores of Lake Michigan offers beautiful views of the water and requires a precise shot over a series of bunkers.
    Whistling Straits, Hole 18 is a stunning golf hole located at the Whistling Straits golf course in Haven, Wisconsin. It is known for its dramatic and picturesque setting along the shores of Lake Michigan. The hole features a challenging par 4 layout with a fairway that slopes downwards towards the lake, creating a breathtaking backdrop for players and spectators alike.
    • Par: 4
    • Length: 520 yards
    • Difficulty: Challenging
    • Fairway: Sloping towards Lake Michigan
    • Bunkers: Strategically placed along the fairway and near the green
  10. 10
    8
    votes

    St. Andrews, Hole 18

    Old Tom Morris
    The iconic 18th hole at this Scottish course is surrounded by history and offers stunning views of the famous Swilcan Bridge.
    St. Andrews, Hole 18 is a remarkable and picturesque golf hole located on the Old Course at St. Andrews Links in Scotland. It is renowned for its stunning coastal backdrop and challenging layout, making it a favorite among golfers worldwide.
    • Location: St. Andrews Links, Scotland
    • Course: Old Course
    • Hole Number: 18
    • Par: 4
    • Yardage: 356 yards

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Ranking factors for beautiful golf hole

  1. Design and layout
    A well-designed hole should offer a good balance of challenge and playability. The hole should be creatively planned, with strategically placed bunkers, hazards and contours that provide interesting and varied shot options.
  2. Condition and maintenance
    The quality of the turf, greens, tees, and bunkers must be well-maintained for a golf hole to be considered beautiful. The playing surface should be smooth and consistent, and the course's landscaping, including trees, flowers and other plants, should be meticulously cared for.
  3. Visually appealing
    A beautiful golf hole should be visually appealing, with aesthetically pleasing features such as water, elevation changes, and intricate bunker designs.
  4. Uniqueness and character
    A truly beautiful golf hole should stand out and have its own distinct character. It should be easily recognizable and memorable for players.
  5. Strategy and risk-reward
    A well-designed golf hole should offer a balance between risk and reward, providing golfers with opportunities to challenge themselves and make difficult strategic decisions.
  6. Integration with the entire course
    The beauty of individual golf holes should be complementary to the entire course, creating a cohesive and harmonious playing experience.
  7. Historical significance
    A golf hole that has interesting historical background or has been designed by a renowned architect can also add to its beauty and appeal.
  8. Views from the tee, fairway, and green
    A great golf hole offers stunning views from various vantage points, giving players a sense of awe and appreciation for their surroundings.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most beautiful golf hole. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or hole is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1102 views
  • 158 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each hole once every 24 hours. The rank of each hole is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most beautiful golf hole

Golf courses are known for their scenic beauty and breathtaking views. From rolling hills to sparkling lakes, golf courses have some of the most stunning landscapes in the world. But what makes a golf hole truly beautiful? Is it the way the sun shines on the green, or the way the trees frame the fairway? Perhaps it's the challenge of the hole, or the feeling of accomplishment when you sink that perfect putt. At StrawPoll, we asked our community to weigh in on what they believe is the most beautiful golf hole in the world. From the lush greens of Augusta National to the rugged cliffs of Pebble Beach, there are countless contenders for this title. Our users voted on their favorite holes based on a variety of factors, including scenery, difficulty, and overall experience. Join us as we explore the top picks for the most beautiful golf hole, and discover what makes these holes truly unforgettable. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner, these holes are sure to inspire you to hit the links and experience the beauty of golf for yourself.

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