Golf is one of those incredible activities that act as both a hobby and a sport all in one, although admittedly my experience has always been social and involved the welcome guidance of my Dad.

Golf can be played on your own allowing you to relax and unwind, or it can be a social activity wherein you head out with a couple of friends to enjoy a game together. Part of what makes golf so fun and engaging is the prospect of being able to discover new courses, allowing you to challenge yourself while enjoying some stunning scenery along the way.

If you’re gearing up to plan your first golf-themed vacation and aren’t exactly sure where to go, we’ve put together a list of five places that are well worth considering. Whether you want to stay close to home, or are ready for a more exotic destination, these are a few to choose from.

Pebble Beach, California

If you want to play on the same course as some of the best in the sport, then Pebble Beach Golf Links in California is an excellent option. It has been home to five U.S. Opens over the years, as well as other top-notch tournaments and tours. Besides its iconic history, it is also one of the most beautiful courses in the United States. It features the stunning Pacific Ocean coastline, not only giving you an eye-popping background but creating the kind of ambience that you can’t help but let wash over you. For the golf lover that prefers to bring their own golf cart, be sure to check it over and replace any necessary parts – you don’t want to break down midway across the course.

St. Andrews, Scotland

For the history buffs out there that want to see where the game began, a visit to St. Andrews, Scotland is a must. This is a true bucket-list course as it is actually the birthplace of the sport. St. Andrews is actually made up of a number of courses, and you can take the time to visit some of the area’s most notable attractions while visiting.

Casa de Campo, Dominican Republic

You may like the idea of mixing a golf destination with a tropical holiday. If that’s the case, Casa de Campo in La Romana, Dominican Republic would be a fabulous option. This lush and perfectly groomed course features some of the most stunning oceanfront fairways you’ll come across. In fact, the scenery is so breath-taking, and the fresh salt air so intoxicating that you may just have a hard time staying focused on the game.

Coincidentally, for couples that love to play golf, California (particularly Orange County) is a hotspot for golf-themed weddings with plenty of wedding services just a call away, including Orange County wedding videographers, photographers, and coordinators. If you live for golf, this could be a great venue to hold a wedding.

Cabot Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada

Imagine a golf course perched on the edge of steep rocky cliffs that plummet down into a rugged coastline. That’s exactly what you’ll get with the Cabot Cape Breton course located in Nova Scotia, Canada. This particular course is consistently ranked among the top 100 golf courses in the entire world. And it’s more than just the stunning views; it’s the fact that this course is challenging and filled with all kinds of unexpected twists and turns.

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge Golf Course, Jasper, Canada

Now imagine combining a lovely water view with a mountain view, giving you the ultimate outdoor experience. That’s what Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge Golf Course in Jasper Park, Canada features. You will have spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains from every hole, and you may even be lucky enough to view some of the local wildlife that hangs out on the course. But this course isn’t just about stunning beauty – it’s also extremely challenging even for the pros out there. A little tip – if you’re going to visit this course, you’ll want to brush up on your skills before visiting.

This is just a small snapshot of the many fabulous golf holiday destinations you can find in the world.