Exploring the top 10 longest golf courses in the world
With the huge advancements in the technology that goes into golf equipment, it is no wonder that many golf courses around the world are trying to lengthen their courses in order to maintain their original challenge. You will have noticed when watching the professionals on television that most of their courses measure over 7,000 yards yet they still make it look effortless, but where are the longest golf courses in the world?
It's important to note that these courses are ranked based on their yardage from the back tees, not the total walking distance. This might seem a bit odd, but consider Australia's Nullarbor Links. This unique par-72 course stretches over 1,365 kilometers along the Eyre Highway, with a hole in each participating town or roadhouse. One tee is a mind-boggling 200 kilometers from the previous green. We'll explore this extraordinary course in more detail another time. For now, let's dive into the ten longest golf courses in the world.
1. The Prairie Club – Dunes Course, Nebraska, USA
- Distance: 8,058 yards
- Par: 73
Nebraska's 8,058-yard course offers dramatic elevation changes and sweeping views of the Sandhills. Designed by Tom Lehman and Chris Brands, the course winds through a rolling landscape of prairie grasses, undulating fairways, and elevated tees.
Designed in a classic links style, this course demands both distance and precision. Beyond the main course, The Prairie Club offers the Pines Course and the 10-hole, par-3 Horse Course. Combine your golf experience with a stay-and-play package for the ultimate golfing getaway.
2. The Shoals Golf Club, Fighting Joe Course, Alabama
- Distance: 8,092 yards
- Par: 72
The Fighting Joe course at The Shoals, a Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail gem, was the first to exceed 8,000 yards. Nestled between the Wheeler and Wilson dams on the Tennessee River, the course pays homage to General Joseph "Fighting Joe" Wheeler, a prominent figure in American history.
The daunting par-5 12th hole, stretching an incredible 716 yards from the back tees, is the longest on this challenging links course. While the spectacular 17th hole is often hailed as the signature hole, the breathtaking view of the Tennessee River from the 18th green is hard to ignore.
3. Promontory Club – Painted Valley Course, Utah, USA
- Distance: 8,098 yards
- Par: 72
The Painted Valley Course, a masterpiece designed by Jack Nicklaus, is one of two championship courses at Promontory Golf Club. Renowned as Utah's toughest test of golf, the course meanders through Promontory's high-altitude valleys, showcasing a classic links-style layout. While the course rewards long hitters, it also offers forward tees and generous fairways to accommodate golfers of all skill levels.
The course offers breathtaking views of Park City's three iconic ski mountains from nearly every hole. The front nine winds its way through a picturesque valley, beginning with the daunting 718-yard par-5, the longest hole on the course. The back nine unfolds across expansive meadows, featuring several lengthy challenges, including the formidable 673-yard par-4 12th. The course concludes with a strong finishing hole, a demanding 480-yard par-4.
4. French Lick Resort – The Pete Dye Course, Indiana, USA
- Distance: 8,102 yards
- Par: 72
This iconic course, a masterpiece by legendary golf course architect Pete Dye, has etched its name into history. It hosted the prestigious Senior PGA Championship in 2015, where Colin Montgomerie praised it as "one of the iconic courses." As the story goes, Dye originally sketched the course design on a napkin, a testament to its unique and challenging layout.
Perched atop one of Indiana's highest points, this championship course offers a challenging and scenic golfing experience. With narrow fairways, rugged terrain, and stunning panoramic views of the southern Indiana countryside, it's no wonder this course has gained national acclaim. The course's unique features, including man-made lakes, 'volcano' bunkers, and dramatic elevation changes, make it one of the most difficult and longest courses in the world.
5. Antler Creek Golf Course, Colorado, USA
- Distance: 8,114 yards
- Par: 72
This expansive public golf course, designed by renowned architect Ricky Phelps, measures a staggering 8,114 yards. However, golfers of all abilities can enjoy this challenging layout, thanks to Antler Creek's six sets of tees, which cater to every level of play.
This player-friendly course, while boasting a formidable length, offers a delightful golfing experience. The wide fairways wind gracefully through the Woodmen Hills and Meridian Ranch communities, creating a visually stunning landscape. The course's unique dunes-style design, inspired by the region's natural beauty, is complemented by three serene lakes and 73 strategically placed bunkers.
6. The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Ross Bridge, Alabama, USA
- Distance: 8,191 yards
- Par: 72
The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail's Ross Bridge course, a top-10 contender, is a masterpiece carved into the rolling terrain of Shannon Calley. This challenging course offers multiple tee boxes to accommodate golfers of all skill levels. While the course boasts a formidable 8,191 yards, its true beauty lies in the unique character of each hole, making it difficult to pinpoint a single signature hole.
This parkland-style course, a standout on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, winds its way along the banks of two serene lakes, connected by a dramatic 80-foot waterfall between the 9th and 18th greens. The course offers a challenging and picturesque golfing experience, with stunning elevation changes, water hazards, and other natural obstacles. Despite its length, the course remains player-friendly, with memorable par-3 holes and a variety of tee boxes to accommodate golfers of all skill levels.
7. The International Golf Club – Pines Course, Massachusetts, USA
- Distance: 8,325 yards
- Par: 73
The International's iconic Pines Course, originally designed by Robert Trent Jones, underwent a major renovation in 1972. Jones's redesign transformed the course into a formidable challenge, featuring slick greens, challenging bunkers, and a length that made it one of the longest in the world. In 1999, the ownership of this 8,325-yard behemoth was transferred to principal owner Daniel Weadock.
The International is a golfer's paradise, offering two exceptional courses: the historic Pines Course and the modern Oaks Course, a Tom Fazio masterpiece. In addition to world-class golf, The International boasts one of the largest practice facilities in New England. Whether you're seeking a challenging round of golf, a corporate retreat, or a weekend getaway, The International has something for everyone.
8. Blair Atholl Golf Course, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Distance: 8,420 yards
- Par: 72
The Blair Atholl Golf Course in Johannesburg, measuring a formidable 8,420 yards, secures the third spot on our list. Designed with an emphasis on water features, eleven holes wind their way alongside the Crocodile River and natural dams, creating a visually stunning and challenging golfing experience.
Designed by Gary Player, this challenging course offers a rewarding experience for golfers of all abilities. The course incorporates several natural features, including a 150-year-old water canal and the Crocodile River, which teems with diverse wildlife.
9. Legend Golf & Safari Signature Course, Waterberg, South Africa
- Distance: 8,473 yards
- Par: 72
The Signature Course at Legend Golf & Safari Resort in South Africa is a unique 18-hole masterpiece, with each hole designed by a different professional golfer. The course, which stretches an impressive 8,500 yards, offers stunning views and a challenging experience, culminating in the 18th hole designed by two-time US Open champion Retief Goosen.
You've likely heard of this course, famous for its extraordinary 19th hole. This auxiliary par-3 hole is accessible only by helicopter, offering a breathtaking tee shot from 1,200 feet down to a green shaped like the continent of Africa.
10. Dragon Snow Mountain Golf Club, Lijiang, China
- Distance: 8,548 yards
- Par: 72
Situated in the majestic Himalayas of China, the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Course offers breathtaking mountain views from every hole. Perched at a lofty 3,100 meters above sea level, it's the second-highest course in the world, where the thin air significantly increases ball distance.
This course offers an extreme golfing challenge. The shortest par-3 measures a daunting 236 yards, while the remaining three par-3s exceed 260 yards. The shortest par-4 is a formidable 436 yards, and the world's longest par-5, the 711-yard 5th hole, requires supplemental oxygen due to the thin air at this high altitude.
Designed by Robin Nelson and Neil Haworth, the course offers a unique blend of Scottish links and classic mountain golf. The front nine evokes the spirit of a Scottish links, while the back nine embraces the characteristics of a traditional mountain course. Despite the altitude advantage, the course remains a challenging test of golf, demanding precision and accuracy on every shot.
If you're a long-hitting golfer seeking an extreme challenge, these courses are the perfect test of your skills.