Golf World magazine has ranked its top 100 Golf Resorts in the World for 2026, including eight from Ireland. The top eight resorts remain unchanged at the summit of the rankings.
- Bandon Dunes (Oregon, USA) – Retains the #1 spot, described as so exceptional it “broke the scoring system”.
- Gleneagles (Perthshire, Scotland) – Features three championship courses (King’s, Queen’s, and PGA Centenary) with luxury amenities including a spa and field sports.
- Pinehurst Resort (North Carolina, USA) – Renowned for its storied No. 2 course and extensive multi-course offering.
- Trump Turnberry (Ayrshire, Scotland) – Home to the iconic Ailsa links course and historic lighthouse.
- Pebble Beach Resorts (California, USA) – A bucket-list destination featuring the legendary Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spyglass Hill.
- Streamsong Resort (Florida, USA) – Known for its distinct Red, Blue, and Black courses set among dramatic sand dunes.
- Barnbougle (Tasmania, Australia) – Comprising The Dunes and Lost Farm, it is highly rated for its pure links golf focus.
- Kiawah Island Golf Resort (South Carolina, USA) – Host of the 1991 Ryder Cup and 2012/2021 PGA Championships, anchored by The Ocean Course.
- Cabot Cliffs (Nova Scotia, Canada) – Frequently ranked in the top 10 for its stunning coastal views and Coore-Crenshaw design.
- Terre Blanche (Provence, France) – Ranked as the top resort in Continental Europe, offering two courses and luxury spa facilities.
Notable Movers and New Entries (2026)
- Verdura Resort (Sicily, Italy) – Rose five places to #11 following significant investment in its East and West courses.
- Vilamoura Golf (Algarve, Portugal) – Recorded the largest jump in ranking history, moving up 30 places to #26 after major acquisitions and renovations.
- La Hacienda Links (Spain) – A significant new entry for 2026, debuting at #94 following the addition of a new luxury hotel and course renovations.
- Castiglion del Bosco (Tuscany, Italy) – Debuted at #53, becoming eligible after its golf club and Rosewood Hotel came under unified ownership.
- Te Arai (New Zealand) – Made a massive leap to #76 and is expected to continue rising with its two world-class courses.
Top ranked Irish resorts
- Adare Manor: Ranked 15th, It is home to a Tom Fazio-designed parkland course and will host the 2027 Ryder Cup.
- Rosapenna Hotel & Golf Resort: Ranked 19th, The resort’s reputation has been further boosted by the addition of the St Patrick’s Links course.
- K Club: Ranked 42nd, It features two championship courses, including the Palmer North, a former Ryder Cup venue.
- Carton House Hotel: Ranked 45th, This Fairmont-managed estate offers two distinct championship parkland and inland-links courses.
- Trump International Golf Links & Hotel Doonbeg: Ranked 49th, This Greg Norman-designed links course (redesigned by Martin Hawtree) will host the 2026 Amgen Irish Open.
- Lough Erne Resort (Co. Fermanagh): Ranked 65th, Its Faldo Course is highly ranked among parkland courses and the resort itself is a regular inclusion. Castle Hume Course includes more than 30 bunkers and has staged 10 Ulster PGA Championships, appealing to golfers across skill levels
- Mount Juliet Estate: Ranked 69th, It is known for its prestigious Jack Nicklaus-designed parkland course.
- Druids Glen Hotel & Golf Resort (Co. Wicklow): Ranked 75th, Recently rejoined the ranking following a major renovation
Barry McCauley shared “Everyone at Lough Erne Resort is absolutely thrilled to see us climb 11 places in this ranking. This recognition is a tremendous endorsement of the quality, condition and character of our two championship courses. This achievement also reflects the dedication and passion of our entire team, from course maintenance to front-of-house, who work tirelessly all year round to deliver exceptional standards.” Mark Ward and Jeff Mahan shared “This latest recognition in Golf World’s Top 100 Golf Resorts is a significant achievement and a true reflection of the commitment and excellence shown by the team at Lough Erne Resort. Securing this position in such a competitive global ranking highlights the strength of the Resort as a true, premier golfing destination.”
