Top 10 Stunning golf tee locations

Pulling together a list of the world’s most stunning tee-off points may seem quite a tricky proposition. With so many possible contenders, it would be an arduous task to whittle them down to a mere top ten.

On a more positive note, undertaking this assignment allows us to salivate over some of the most stunning scenery that the world of golf has to offer.

Subjectivity is such a wonderful thing, with beauty being in the eye of the beholder and all that, but we’re sure you’ll agree with at least some of the holes which we think have utterly stunning tee-off points.

Here’s what we’ve come up with.

19th Hole - Legend Golf & Safari Resort (South Africa)

Striking a tee shot from the top of a mountain would have to be the most awesome thing any golfer could do. Next time you’re in the Limpopo region of South Africa, make sure to get a round in at the Legend Golf and Safari Resort.

After a regulation 18 holes you can take the short journey to play the bonus 19th; and what a bonus it is.

Ditch your golf buggies as this 400m jaunt is a vertical one, and the course helicopter will be a necessity in ferrying you to the tee-box. Strike your tee shot and count each of the 30 seconds it will take gravity to do its worst.

It’s unlikely that you will ever find a more spectacular sight in the world of golf.

15th Hole – Cape Kidnappers (New Zealand)

Scour the planet and you will struggle find a more dramatic tee-off point than the 15th hole at Cape Kidnappers.

(Image source: https://www.golfselect.com.au)

The fairway ahead is flanked on both sides by a plunging descent into the Pacific Ocean, while some of the swirling gales experienced around Hawkes Bay can make winds of other courses seem like a gentle breeze.

This one is not for the faint-hearted. Hole 15 wears its nickname ‘Pirate's Plank’ like a badge of honour.

5th Hole – Royal Portrush (Country Antrim, Northern Ireland)

A relatively short par 4, the 5th hole on the Dunluce Links at Royal Portrush starts with a tee shot which hugs the North Antrim coastline.

(Image source: http://www.europeantour.com/)

With the White Rocks beach below, and the magnificent ruins of Dunluce Castle (hence the course name) off in the distance, the view that greets any golfer lucky enough to play this hole is simply breathtaking.

18th Hole - Pinnacle Point (Mossel Bay, South Africa)

This is such a pretty golf course and concludes with a finishing hole which will live long in the memory.

From the tee you can enjoy the visual excellence of the cliffs of Eden Bay, as the expanse of the Indian Ocean laps at the beach below.

Pull off a solid tee shot and you will be firmly in the midst of a risk-reward battle of wills, as the green becomes a viable target for your second.

The 18th at Pinnacle Point is a great hole in a truly humbling setting.

6th Hole – Pine Cliffs (Algarve, Portugal)

With a nickname of “The Devil’s Parlour” you have a reasonable idea that what’s ahead of you on the 6th tee at Pine Cliffs may be somewhat torturous.

It may only be a 9 hole offering, but the signature hole really makes this course one to remember.

(Image source: http://www.pinecliffs.com/)

Sure, it’s a 200 yard par 3, but that is merely the beginning of the story. A well struck tee shot from the red sandstone cliff edge must first clear a 65 yard wide ravine before plotting its way towards a rather narrow green.

If you find your ball, you’ve hit a good one. Accuracy is crucial, while the visual treat is something else.

16th Hole - Cypress Point (Pebble Beach, California)

Possibly one of the most beautiful holes in all of golf, the 16th at Cypress Point provides an almost unique experience with nothing but the ocean between the golfer and green on this 222-yard par-3.

(Image source: http://www.golfcoursegurus.com/)

Fall short and you’re taking a splash, too long and strategically placed bunkers lie in wait.

As far as tee-box scenery goes though, it’s truly exceptional.

16th Hole - Vale do Lobo Royal Course (Algarve, Portugal)

Playing as a cliff-top par-3, 235 yard test, the 16th hole at Vale do Lobo could very easily be a scorecard wrecker.

From a visual standpoint though, and from the tee, it is easy to see why it is one of the most photographed holes in the game.

(Image source: www.portugalvirtual.pt)

If the wind is against you, anything other than a well struck tee shot runs the risk of plummeting to the sandy beach below.

Surely out of bounds.

7th Hole - Crans-sur-Sierre (Crans-Montana, Switzerland)

With the Swiss Alps towering majestically above, Crans-Sur-Sierre could be just about the most beautiful, picture postcard setting for any golfer to experience.

(Image source: Getty Images)

Upon the 7th tee, while the crisp, cold air swirls, you are greeted by probably the best panoramic view in golf. Snow-capped mountains of gargantuan stature, and the Rhone Valley which flows through their valleys, really do serve up an incredible scene.

8th Hole - Pebble Beach (California, USA)

The stretch of holes 8, 9 and 10 at Pebble beach could be the toughest trio of par 4 holes on the circuit. While you are toiling way, drink in the sheer beauty of the Pacific Ocean from cliffs over Carmel Bay.

Looking at the 8th specifically, it has been called the ‘greatest par 4 in golf’ by the great Jack Nicklaus – and who are we to argue with the great man.

Views from the tee really are a sight to behold. Don’t get too carried away with your tee shot though - a watery grave awaits for those who fail to find the safety of the landing area.

17th Hole - Old Head (Kinsale, Ireland)

The 'Lighthouse' hole at Old Head is one of the most photographed holes in all of golf. It is a lengthy par 5 which has its backdrop, you won't be surprised to hear, the Old Head of Kinsale Lighthouse.

On the 17th tee, looking out upon the Atlantic Ocean, it really feels like you could be at the very ends of the Earth.

There are few holes as dramatic as this one.

What do you think of our thrilling ten? Can you think of any other stunning tee-off points around the globe?

Have you got any to add?
Tweet us via @hole19golf, or check us out on Facebook.