Anyone who has played golf for a while will know that there are courses around the world that every golfer wants to play at least once. These courses are world-famous and host the biggest tournaments in golf. While these courses may seem out of reach for most players due to their location or cost, one advantage of Indoor Golf is that it lets you test your skills on virtual versions of these famous courses. Using a virtual simulator, these iconic courses can be played with the holes exactly as they are in real life. Using the FSX2020 software from Foresight Sports, here are 5 world famous courses you must try.
St Andrews Links Old Course
The St Andrews Links Old Course is the oldest golf course in the world and is where the game of golf was born in the 15th century. Located on the beautiful Scottish coastline, the course is famous for its deep bunkers, including the notorious Hell Bunker on the 14th hole, and the Swilken Burn, which runs across the course. The course has hosted the Open Championship more than any other course, and the famous tournament is held there every five years.
Famous hole: The 17th hole, also known as the Road Hole, is considered by many to be the hardest hole in golf. A 495-yard par-4, players must hit a blind shot over a corner of the Old Course Hotel to get onto a narrow fairway.
Pebble Beach
Famous for its fast greens, Pebble Beach has hosted both the US Championship and the PGA Championship several times. Located on the coast, the sea is a constant challenge for all players. The course is also known for having some of the smallest greens on the PGA Tour, making each hole extra challenging. Pebble Beach will test your accuracy and precision.
Famous hole: The 7th hole is one of the most famous par-3s in the world and also one of the shortest at 106 yards. Despite being a short hole there is also a 40ft drop from tee to green to contend with.
Carnoustie Golf Links
While not as famous as the Old Course, Carnoustie is known as one of the toughest courses in the world and has held the Open Championships numerous times. The course is known for its limited flat lies, hidden deep bunkers, and wide burns. The actual course is infamous for its difficult weather conditions, especially the wind, so if you want an accurate rendition of the course do include weather conditions when setting up the virtual course.
Famous hole: The 6th hole, known as Hogan’s Alley after Ben Hogan won the Open Championship in 1953, is a challenging 578-yard par-5. From the tee, players must avoid the two bunkers in the middle of the fairway. The safe play is to aim to the right of the fairway, but the better line is the narrower and more dangerous left side of the fairway.
Belfry Brabazon Course
Designed by Dave Thomas and Peter Alliss, the Belfry Brabazon Course is known as the spiritual home of the Ryder Cup. The course is famous for its layout and water hazards (both streams and lakes), which makes good course management essential. Players will need to be precise with their ball striking and placement. Despite the challenges, the Belfry Brabazon is a great course for all levels to play.
Famous hole: The 18th hole is the famous last hole of the course, as players must play across two water hazards to get to the pin. It is also where Christy O’Connor hit one of the Ryder Cup’s most famous shots, a 2-iron from approximately 229 yards that landed four feet from the pin.
Emirates Golf Club – Majlis
Established in 1988, the Majlis Course at Emirates Golf Club in Dubai is one of the most popular golf courses in the world. Following a blueprint by renowned designer Karl Litten, the course hosts the iconic Dubai Desert Classic. The layout is built into the desert surroundings, making it a challenging Par 72. With lots of water hazards and wide bunkers, this course has challenged some of the best players in the world.
Famous hole: The 8th hole is one of the toughest on the course. It is a 459-yard par 4 with a dogleg to the right. Players need to get the drive on a good line from the tee to have a good chance of making par.