One of the best advantages of a golf simulator is that it allows you to play a variety of golf courses even without visiting them in their actual place.
With this facility, you can also explore those courses that you may never have visited in your life.
However, you need to note that you can’t play every course on a simulator. It must be installed in the golf simulator software to play any course.
In this blog, we will tell you about different courses that you should not miss playing.
Let’s start.
21 Best Real-world Courses That You Must Play on Golf Simulators
1) The Old Course at St Andrews (St. Andrews, Scotland)
The Old Course at St Andrew’s is also known as the “Home of Golf.” It is a must-play on any golf simulator.
This historic course, dating back to the 15th century, is steeped in tradition and offers a unique challenge with its wide fairways, large double greens, and infamous bunkers.
Golfers will appreciate the chance to experience the Road Hole, the Swilcan Bridge, and the 18th hole with its stunning Royal and Ancient Clubhouse backdrop.
2) Pebble Beach Golf Links (Pebble Beach, California)
It is an iconic course known for its coastal views and challenging design. Located on the rugged coastline of California, this course has hosted numerous major championships which also includes the U.S. Open.
On a golf simulator, you can experience the holes along the cliffs, such as the par-3 7th and the par-5 18th, which are among the most photographed in the world.
3) Royal St. George’s (Sandwich, England)
It is one of the world’s most prestigious and challenging links courses, having hosted The Open Championship multiple times.
This course is situated in Sandwich, England, renowned for its undulating fairways, deep bunkers, and unpredictable coastal winds.
Players can tackle the famous 4th hole on a golf simulator, with its intimidating carry over a massive bunker and the difficult closing stretch that has tested the world’s best golfers.
4) PGA National (Palm Beach Gardens, Florida)
It is known for its challenging layout and status as a regular host of the Honda Classic on the PGA Tour.
It is also famous for “The Bear Trap,” a treacherous three-hole stretch (holes 15, 16, and 17) designed by Jack Nicklaus that tests every aspect of a golfer’s game.
You can experience these difficult holes on a simulator, along with the course’s strategically placed bunkers and water hazards.
5) Franklin Hills Country Club (Franklin, Michigan)
It has a classic Donald Ross design that offers a blend of strategic challenges and scenic beauty.
Known for its rolling terrain, tree-lined fairways, and well-protected greens, this course demands precision and thoughtful shot-making.
On a simulator, you can enjoy Ross’s design’s intricate layout and subtle nuances, from the deceptive slopes to the cleverly placed bunkers.
6) Wentworth Club West Course (Surrey, England)
This golf course has hosted numerous European Tour events, including the BMW PGA Championship. This Harry Colt-designed course is known for its narrow, tree-lined fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and challenging water hazards.
On a simulator, you can tackle the iconic par-5 18th hole, which requires careful navigation of the winding water feature and the demanding approach to the green.
7) Sutton Bay (Sutton Bay, South Dakota)
It includes a blend of rolling prairies and stunning views of the Missouri River. This course is known for its rugged terrain, dramatic elevation changes, and challenging design that makes the most of the natural landscape.
On a simulator, you can enjoy the breathtaking vistas and the strategic challenges posed by the wind-swept fairways and well-protected greens.
8) Royal Portrush – Dunluce Links (Northern Ireland)
It is located on the stunning North Antrim coast of Northern Ireland. It is one of the world’s most revered links courses.
This course, which hosts the Open Championship, is known for its undulating dunes, deep bunkers, and unpredictable coastal winds.
On a simulator, you can take on iconic holes like the par-3 16th, known as “Calamity Corner,” which requires a precise tee shot over a yawning chasm.
9) The Reserve at Moonlight Basin (Big Sky, Montana)
Designed by Jack Nicklaus, this course features elevation changes, expansive views of the surrounding peaks, and mountain air.
On a simulator, you can experience the challenge of playing at altitude, where your shots travel further but require precise control.
The par-5 17th hole, with its incredible 777-yard length from the tips, is a standout, testing power and strategy.
10) Bonnie Doon Golf Club (Lithgow, Australia)
This course, known for its undulating fairways, strategic bunkering, and views of the surrounding landscape, provides a blend of natural beauty and golfing challenges.
On a simulator, you can appreciate the design and the variety of holes that require careful shot planning and execution.
The course’s rolling terrain and well-maintained greens give you an amazing experience on any golf simulator.
11) Rio 2016 Olympic Golf Course
The Rio 2016 Olympic Golf Course was designed by famous architect Gil Hanse and was created specifically for golf’s return to the Olympics after a 112-year absence.
Located in the Barra da Tijuca neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro, this course features wide fairways, strategic bunkering, and native vegetation.
On a simulator, you can tackle the same holes played by the world’s best golfers during the 2016 Olympics, including the challenging par-5 18th hole, which offers a thrilling finish.
12) Sweetens Cove Golf Club
This course is located in South Pittsburg, Tennessee. It is a nine-hole course.
Designed by architect Rob Collins, this course features bold contours, wide fairways, and green complexes that challenge golfers.
You can experience the creative design elements and strategic variety that make Sweetens Cove stand out on a simulator.
13) Casa de Campo (Teeth of the Dog)
Casa de Campo’s Teeth of the Dog, located in the Dominican Republic, is consistently ranked as one of the top courses in the Caribbean and the world.
Designed by Pete Dye, this course features seven holes that run directly along the coastline, providing stunning ocean views and challenging shot-making opportunities.
On a simulator, you can enjoy the breathtaking beauty and the strategic challenges of Teeth of the Dog, from the intimidating par-3 5th hole to the demanding par-4 18th.
14) Leatherstocking Golf Club
This course is located in Cooperstown, New York. It is along the shores of Lake Otsego.
This classic course is designed by Devereux Emmet. It offers a challenging layout with rolling fairways, strategic bunkering, and stunning lake views.
On a simulator, you can enjoy the beauty and complexity of Leatherstocking, from the signature par-5 18th hole with its dramatic tee shot over water to the tight, tree-lined fairways that require precise shot-making.
15) Le Touquet Resort
Le Touquet Resort is located on the northern coast of France. It includes three superb courses: La Mer, La Foret, and Le Manoir.
La Mer, designed by Harry Colt, is a true links course known for its challenging layout, dunes, and coastal winds.
La Foret offers a contrasting experience with its tranquil, tree-lined fairways, while Le Manoir provides a more relaxed, parkland-style course.
On a simulator, you can choose to play any of these diverse courses.
16) Primland Resort (Highlands)
It is situated in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. This course is designed by Donald Steel.
The course features elevation changes, mountain views, and fairways and greens.
When you play this course on a simulator, you can experience the beauty and challenge of the Highland Course, from the breathtaking par-5 3rd hole with its sweeping vistas to the demanding par-4 18th that finishes at the lodge.
17) Wilshire Golf Club
This course is situated in Los Angeles, California, and is a historic course that blends classic design with modern challenges.
Known for its narrow, tree-lined fairways, well-placed bunkers, and undulating greens, this course requires precision and strategic play.
On a simulator, you can tackle the same holes played by professionals during the LPGA’s annual LA Open, including the challenging par-3 7th and the demanding par-4 18th.
18) Sebonack Golf Club
This course, designed by Jack Nicklaus and Tom Doak, is located in Southampton, New York.
This course features a blend of links-style and traditional design elements, with beautiful views of Peconic Bay.
19) Meadowbrook Country Club
Meadowbrook Country Club, located in Ballwin, Missouri, is a classic course designed by Keith Foster.
Known for its fairways full of trees, strategically placed bunkers, and well-protected greens, this course provides you with a competitive and enjoyable round for golfers with all skill levels.
On a simulator, you can appreciate the thoughtful design and the variety of holes, from the demanding par-4 5th to the picturesque par-3 16th.
20) Trinity Forest Golf Club
It is located in Dallas, Texas. Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw designed this modern links-style course.
This course features rolling terrain, wide fairways, and large, undulating greens that mimic the feel of traditional links golf.
On a simulator, you can experience the unique challenges of Trinity Forest, from the strategic bunkering to the subtle contours of the greens.
21) Gozzer Ranch Golf & Lake Club
It is located in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Tom Fazio designed this course.
This course offers views of Lake Coeur d’Alene, rugged terrain, and holes that blend seamlessly with the natural landscape.
Playing this course on a simulator lets you enjoy the breathtaking scenery and the strategic challenges of Gozzer Ranch.
