What Is the Golf Capital of the World?

Calling any single place the Golf Capital of the World is a bold claim, sparking spirited debates over pints in every clubhouse from Scotland to South Carolina. The truth is, there's no single, universally-agreed-upon answer. Instead, the title belongs to a handful of exceptional destinations, each with a compelling argument for why it deserves the crown. This guide will walk you through the top contenders, exploring what makes each a worthy challenger, so you can decide which one is your personal golf capital.

So, What Makes a Place a "Golf Capital" Anyway?

While the marketing departments of various tourism boards would love to make it about a catchy slogan, the true heart of a golf capital comes down to a few core elements. It's more than just having a lot of courses, it's about the entire experience - the air you breathe, the conversations you have, and the reverence for the game that permeates the entire town.

Here’s a practical breakdown of the criteria we'll look at:

• Quantity & Variety: It needs to have a high concentration of courses. More importantly, it should offer variety, with layouts for every skill level and budget, from bucket-list championship tracks to fun, laid-back local courses.
• Quality & Prestige: The destination must have world-class, critically acclaimed golf courses. This refers to courses that consistently rank among the best and are maintained in immaculate condition, designed by legendary architects.
• History & Culture: A true capital has a rich history tied to the game. It’s a place where significant moments in golf history happened and where the local culture is undeniably golf-centric. The game isn’t just something to do, it’s part of the identity.
• Major Championship Pedigree: Hosting major championships (The Open, U.S. Open, PGA Championship, Ryder Cup) adds an immense layer of prestige. Walking the same fairways as the legends of golf elevates the experience from a round of golf to a pilgrimage.

The Contenders for the Crown

Each of the following destinations has a legitimate claim to the title. Their strength lies not just in their courses, but in the unique atmosphere they provide. Let's see who truly stands out.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina: The People's Capital

If the definition of a "golf capital" is based on sheer volume and accessibility, then Myrtle Beach, S.C., wins by a landslide. With around 90 courses crowded along a 60-mile stretch of Atlantic coastline known as the "Grand Strand," it's a golfer's paradise built on variety and value. No place on earth has made the "golf buddy trip" more of an institution.

The Case for Myrtle Beach:

• Unmatched Volume: You could play a different course every day for three months and never repeat one. This concentration means competitive pricing and endless options.
• Something for Everyone: Myrtle Beach is home to masterpiece designs like The Dunes Golf and Beach Club (Robert Trent Jones) and Caledonia Fish & Golf Club (Mike Strantz), alongside hundreds of affordable, well-maintained courses perfect for a casual group.
• The Ultimate Golf Trip Destination: The entire region is built around golf tourism. You'll find countless companies offering stay-and-play packages that bundle accommodation and multiple rounds into one affordable price. It’s designed to be easy, fun, and all about golf.

Myrtle Beach may not have the ancient history of St Andrews, but it's the undisputed king of providing an epic, fun-filled golf vacation for the everyday player. It's where you go to play a ton of golf, have a great time with friends, and not break the bank.

St Andrews, Scotland: The Historical Capital (The Home of Golf)

Every golfer, deep down, feels a magnetic pull toward St Andrews. This isn't just a town with golf, it's the very soil from which the modern game grew. To tee it up here is to connect with six centuries of golfing history. It’s less of a destination and more of a spiritual journey.

The Case for St Andrews:

• The Old Course: It's the most famous golf course in the world, period. Walking over the Swilcan Bridge and avoiding the "Valley of Sin" on the 18th hole is arguably the most iconic experience in all of golf. The course itself is a lesson in ground-based, strategic golf, where you must use the contours and your imagination, not just brute force.
• Unquestionable History: Golf has been played here since the 15th century. It’s home to The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews (The R&A), one of the sport's governing bodies. Every corner of the town whispers stories of Old Tom Morris, the birth of the 18-hole round, and the evolution of the game.
• Culture of Public Golf: Despite its prestige, St Andrews is remarkably public. The seven courses that make up the St Andrews Links Trust, including the Old Course, are open to all. On Sundays, the Old Course becomes a public park where families walk, picnic, and play on its hallowed ground - a beautiful reminder that the game belongs to the people. You need a strong, rotational swing to control your ball flight in the ever-present Scottish wind. The key here is not overpowering the ball, but moving your body correctly to hit low, penetrating shots that bore through the seaside gales.

For purists and historians, there is no debate. St Andrews is, and always will be, the one true "Home of Golf."

Pinehurst, North Carolina: The "Cradle of American Golf"

While St Andrews is the game's birthplace, Pinehurst is where golf truly came of age in America. Nestled in the sandhills of North Carolina, this idyllic village was conceived from the start as a golf retreat. It’s a beautifully preserved piece of American golf history that continues to shape the game's future.

The Case for Pinehurst:

• Pinehurst No. 2: This is Donald Ross's undisputed masterpiece and one of the finest strategic tests of golf anywhere. Its famed "turtleback" greens demand precision and creativity on every approach shot. To play No. 2 is to take a masterclass in course management and the short game. You have to hit your landing spots perfectly, or you will face some of the trickiest up-and-downs you’ve ever seen.
• Depth of Quality: Pinehurst isn't just one course. The resort now features an astonishing collection of 10 courses, including the stunning, reimagined No. 4 by Gil Hanse and the famous "Cradle" short course - the most fun you can have on a golf course. Each offers a different but classic experience.
• USGA Anchor Site: In a move that cements its legacy, the USGA has established a second campus, "Golf House Pinehurst," right at the resort. It is a designated "anchor site" for the U.S. Open, meaning the championship will return regularly. History isn’t just in its past, it's continuing to be made here. This is America's St Andrews.

If you're looking for the ultimate distillation of classic American parkland golf, steeped in history and tournament pedigree, Pinehurst is your capital.

Bandon, Oregon: The Modern Mecca

The newest contender is perhaps the most exhilarating. Opened in 1999, Bandon Dunes Golf Resort proved you didn't need a century of history to create a world-class pilgrimage site. Built on a remote, dramatic stretch of the Oregon coast, Bandon is Caddie-recommended, walking-only, true links golf. It’s hard to get to, and it’s worthevery ounce of effort.

The Case for Bandon:

• Pure, Unadulterated Links Golf: The resort now has five 18-hole courses (plus two incredible short courses) that consistently rank among the best public courses in the world. They were designed by legends like David McLay Kidd, Tom Doak, and Coore & Crenshaw to be firm, fast, and windswept, encouraging the creative ground game essential to links golf.
• An Unmatched Experience: Bandon’s motto is "Golf as it was meant to be," and they live it. It's walking only, promoting a connection with the course and the game. The remoteness means that everyone there is on the same pilgrimage. The focus is entirely on golf and fellowship.
• Epic Scenery: The views of the Pacific Ocean, with fairways winding through towering sand dunes and perched on rugged coastal cliffs, are breathtaking. It is perhaps the most visually stunning place to play golf in North America.

Bandon represents the soul of golf - the elemental battle between a player, the course, and nature. For the modern purist seeking an immersive and unforgettable golf journey, Bandon is the capital.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, the title "Golf Capital of the World" isn't a crown for one monarch but a distinction shared by several iconic locations. Your personal choice depends on what you seek: the sheer fun and variety of Myrtle Beach, the deep-rooted history of St Andrews, the classic American elegance of Pinehurst, or the raw, natural purity of Bandon.

No matter which golf mecca you choose to visit, feeling prepared is the key to enjoying these incredible courses. That's where we can help. With Caddie AI in your pocket, you have a tour-level strategist to guide you through St Andrews' hidden pot bankers or Pinehurst's challenging runoff areas. Stuck in the gorse at Bandon? Just snap a photo of your lie, and we’ll give you a smart, simple way to play the shot, turning a potential disaster into a manageable recovery. Having that expert advice on demand takes the guesswork out, letting you hit every shot with more confidence on the world's greatest courses.