Golf Bucket List - How and Why To Build One

Tee Off Your Dreams: Why Every Golfer Needs a Bucket List of Dream Courses

Ah, golf—a game of precision, patience, and plenty of time to contemplate life’s great questions. Like, why did I slice that drive into the water hazard? And more importantly, what are the dream golf courses I absolutely have to play before my swing loses its spring?

Creating a golf bucket list is essential, not just for those of us who fantasize about retiring on a course with views that rival Augusta’s azaleas, but for anyone who enjoys a good walk spoiled (thanks, Mark Twain). Here’s why you should start compiling your list of dream courses now, and some tips to get you started.

Why Have a Golf Bucket List?

Motivation to Practice:
Let’s be honest—sometimes, our golf game needs more help than a lost tourist in the rough. Knowing you’ve got a tee time at St. Andrews or Pebble Beach in your future might be just the kick in the golf pants you need to spend that extra hour at the range. Just imagine yourself conquering those iconic courses with a swing smooth as a single malt scotch.

Stories to Tell:
Having a list of dream courses isn’t just about playing them; it’s about the bragging rights. Think about it: regaling your buddies with tales from Augusta is far more compelling than recounting yet another round at your local muni. Plus, it’s a great way to deflect from that embarrassing triple bogey you scored last weekend.

Travel with Purpose:
A golf bucket list doubles as a travel guide. Instead of being dragged to yet another museum of modern art by your significant other, you can sweeten the deal with a round at Royal Melbourne or a seaside escape to Cabot Links. Culture AND golf—now that’s a vacation!

Bucket List Bonding:
Sharing your bucket list goals with fellow golfers can strengthen friendships and lead to epic golf trips. Picture it: you and your pals, on a pilgrimage to Pinehurst, creating memories (and possibly some new nicknames based on errant shots) that will last a lifetime.

How to Create Your Golf Bucket List

Dream Big, Then Edit Ruthlessly:
Start by listing all the courses you’ve ever dreamed of playing. Go wild—include the ones you’ve seen on TV, read about in magazines, or heard whispered about in hushed tones at the clubhouse. Then, reality-check it. Sure, we’d all love to play every course in Golf Digest’s top 100, but remember, this is a bucket list, not a marathon.

Mix It Up:
Variety is the spice of golf. Include a mix of classic courses (like Muirfield or Shinnecock Hills), modern masterpieces (think Bandon Dunes), and hidden gems (like Teeth of the Dog in the Dominican Republic). This way, you’ll experience the full spectrum of golf course design and challenge.

Consider Accessibility:
It’s great to dream about teeing off at Augusta, but unless you’ve got a golden ticket (or a golden friend), some courses might be out of reach. Focus on a mix of aspirational and accessible courses to keep your list realistic—and to ensure you don’t spend your life savings on greens fees.

Plan Around Major Events:
If you can, align your bucket list with major golfing events. Playing a course right after it’s hosted a major tournament adds an extra layer of excitement. Plus, you’ll have fresh material for those stories at the 19th hole.

Top Picks for Your Golf Bucket List

• St. Andrews (Old Course): The home of golf. Need we say more? Just beware of the gorse and ghosts of missed putts past.
• Pebble Beach: Iconic views, dramatic cliffs, and more sand traps than a beach vacation.
• Bandon Dunes: Amazing golf along the west coast of Oregon.
• Royal County Down: A links course with scenery so stunning, you might forget about your score (temporarily).
• Cabot Cliffs: A Canadian gem with breathtaking views and more twists and turns than a rollercoaster.

Use Lists To Build Your Bucket List

Play the top courses or resorts in an area or play where the pros play. Use the lists below to pen your bucketlist.

Top Golf Courses in USA

• Top Casino USA Golf Courses
• Best USA Golf Resort Courses

Golf Courses That Held Events

• British Open Golf Courses
• Ryder Cup Golf Courses
• PGA Championship Golf Courses
• PGA Championship Public Golf Courses
• US Open Golf Courses - Public
• LIV Golf Courses - Courses That Held A LIV Tournament

Golf Trails

• Golf Trail Directory

Having a golf bucket list isn’t just about the courses—it’s about the journey, the camaraderie, and the stories you collect along the way. So grab a pen, start dreaming, and get ready to tee off into some of the greatest golfing adventures of your life. And remember, the only thing worse than a bad round is never having the round at all. Cheers to fairways, greens, and the endless pursuit of that perfect game!