Sandbelt-style courses in southern Australia are considered among the finest in the world by golf architects, prized for their sand-based fairways and firm, fast conditions year-round. Coastal courses in New Zealand combine championship design with some of the most dramatic clifftop scenery in the sport.
The destinations on this list range from historic sandbelt clubs with nearly a century of championship golf history to newer coastal resort courses built specifically to showcase dramatic landscape. Both rank consistently among world golf course rankings.
Booking ahead for the most prestigious clubs matters, since several operate restricted access policies for visiting golfers without an existing member connection. Visiting in the cooler months also tends to mean more comfortable playing conditions. Checking course-specific dress codes in advance also matters, since requirements can vary noticeably between clubs in the region.
