The Longest Golf Courses You Will Ever See

By: Liam Moore | Thu 09 Mar 2023

When we watch touring professionals completely dismantle championship courses, we are left with a feeling of envy. Flying 300 off the tee and creaming a 5-iron 230+ is something we can only dream of achieving once, let alone producing on command.

However, there may be a select few of you out there who enjoy the challenge of intimidating length, and having a 3-wood into most par fours! If you’re on the hunt for an especially challenging golf course, then you’ll be particularly interested in this list that we have curated for you.

Promontory Club, Painted Valley, Utah; 8,098 yards, par 72

First and foremost, the Painted Valley Golf Course is Jack Nicklaus-designed, meaning the quality on offer will be of the highest standard. The all-time leading major champion created the golf course with perfection in mind, and that’s just what the American achieved. From the tips, the 8,098-yard golf course is delivered in a links style, as it gently follows a stream through Promontory’s high-altitude valleys.

Whilst the back tees are typically reserved for the greatest of golfers, the course features broad fairways and grassy approaches to slightly ease the challenge of its monumental yardage. If you’re interested in Nicklaus’ Painted Valley, you can access its scorecard here.

French Lick Resort, The Pete Dye Course, Indiana; 8,102 yards, par 72

For those aware of Pete Dye’s distinctiveness, you probably won’t be surprised to hear the original sketches of The Pete Dye Course at French Lick Resort took place on a napkin. The designer proudly stated he would “build the course whether they want me to or not,” and the end result provoked a visit from the PGA Tour just one year after its unveiling.

The Gold Tees measure a whopping 8,102 yards, boast a slope rating of 148 and will typically strip any notable golfer of their ardent confidence. Distance isn’t its only focal point however, as the golf course has gained acclaim for its 40-mile panoramic views of the southern Indiana countryside. Think you’ve got the power for Pete Dye’s masterpiece at French Lick Resort? Check out the course’s flyover if so!

Antler Creek Golf Course, Colorado; 8,114 yards, par 72

Rick Phelps is the mastermind behind Antler Creek Golf Course, which extends over 8,100 yards for the ultimate golfing experience. Having opened in 2004, the enjoyable mix of Colorado terrain and native grasses combine seamlessly to create a prairie dunes style golf course, which is unique to the Pikes Peak region.

Despite featuring harrowing length, there are 73 bunkers and three lakes present on the course and there are six teeing options if you’re visiting with a group of differing talent. Having hosted notable competition such as the U.S. Mid-Amateur Qualifier, Antler Creek Golf Course is a well-rounded and gigantically long golfing challenge.

The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Ross Bridge, Alabama; 8,191 yards, par 72

Whilst many courses get caught up on increasing its distance to rival contemporary equipment, The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Ross Bridge produces a challenge far beyond its daunting length. A real standout of this loop is the quality of the par threes, with each and every one demanding thought to be applied to every decision. Moreover, the sheer size of the greens means that finding the putting surface will not necessarily result in par.

There are several elevated points throughout the course, including the picturesque view of the 9th and 18th holes, providing the golfer with an exceptional scenic sight that features a beautiful waterfall gently tumbling between the two. Whilst the tips at Ross Bridge will offer a difficult test, the creativity and upkeep of this renowned golf course will be what brings you back.

The International Golf Club, Pines Course, Massachusetts; 8,325 yards, par 77

The International Golf Club truly is a golfing haven. Featuring a collection of first-class golf course, supreme practice facilities and operating as a general social hub, it has everything that the modern day golfer craves. Perhaps the most enticing part of the resort is the Pines Course, which was built in 1901. Robert Trent Jones was enlisted to bolster the quality in 1972 - which is exactly what he did.

Jones focused on restoring the slick greens and plentiful bunkers, with each modification improving the quality of the historical layout. However, the golf course closed at the end of 2022 as Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore have been tasked with reimaging the existing layout. Unfortunately, the facility will remain closed for the remainder of the year, but it is scheduled to reopen in the summer of 2024. Here’s a video of Crenshaw discussing the impending changes.

Blair Atholl Golf Course, Johannesburg, South Africa; 8,420 yards, par 72

South Africa is home to two of the longest golf courses in the world. Firstly, the Blair Atholl Golf Course is currently ranked as the third lengthiest on the globe, measuring at a whopping 8,420 yards. Blair Atholl is the former home of Gary Player, and it was his artistic mind that laid the foundations for this mightily impressive facility. Rolling greens and meadows dominate the layout, with the golf course located at the heart of the estate.

The course was designed in a loop and there are no less than 11 water features present throughout the round. The scratch golfers will enjoy the challenge of its length, whilst handicap golfers will truly remember the tantalising environment they find themselves in. If you’re contemplating visiting South Africa for a golfing trip, Blair Atholl should be seriously considered.

Legend Golf & Safari Signature Course, Waterberg, South Africa; 8,473 yards, par 72

The Signature Course at Legend Golf & Safari has many elements that makes it so special. In addition to its unbelievable length, each hole was designed by one of the world’s leading golfers at the time. From Trevor Immelman to Bernhard Langer, this course has had input from some of the greatest players to ever grace the game of golf.

Of course, the Signature Course is renowned for its ‘Extreme 19th’, which is the world’s longest and highest par three. It is only accessible by helicopter - which adds to the experience - and the green is situated more than 400 metres below the tee. As the ball approaches the green, it has a hang time of 26 seconds! This is truly golf for the extreme.

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Golf Club, Lijiang, China; 8,548 yards, par 72

Not only is Jade Dragon Snow Mountain the longest golf course in the world, but you’ll also struggle to find a location that boasts such outstanding natural beauty. Upon opening in 2001, it featured in the Guinness Book of World Records as the longest track in the world - and it’s yet to be dethroned.

As the course resides at an altitude of over 10,000 feet, the menacing 8,548 yards plays at a more comfortable 7,000 yards. This is due to the effect of altitude; at 10,000 feet above sea level, the ball will travel approximately 20% further. Either way, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain combines everything we love about the game of golf to offer a distinct challenge that is yet to be replicated anywhere else in the world.

So there you have eight of the world’s longest golf courses. From America to China, Earth is dotted with some amazing golfing challenges.

Have you managed to tick any of them off yet? Let us know in the comments!