Golf Digest, an online publication dedicated to all things golf, has listed the World's 100 Greatest Golf Courses 2026 - 2027, with an incredible 14 Irish courses making the cut.
Compiled by Derek Duncan and Stephen Hennessey, the list ranks courses from around the globe that deliver "outstanding, sometimes transcendent golf" along with unexpected gems found off the beaten path.
Royal County Down in Northern Ireland took the top spot for the sixth consecutive ranking, thanks to its spectacular views, gorse-covered dunes, and bunkers featuring "impenetrable clumps of heather".
Royal Portrush Golf Club in Northern Ireland came in at number 5 on the list (previously 4), with the writers crediting recent updates that retained most of golf architect H.S. Colt's original greens ("considered one of the best set of putting surfaces in the world"), but updated others to improve the layout.
Ballybunion Golf Club in Co. Kerry retained its spot at number 10 on the list, while Lahinch Golf Club in Co. Clare climbed from 27 to 21, and Portmarnock Golf Club in Co. Dublin dropped from 37 to 45.
Waterville Golf Links in Co. Kerry jumped from 53 to 52 thanks to its "superb dunes holes", while St. Patrick's Links in Co. Donegal dropped from 49 to 58.
Carne Golf Links in Co. Mayo was added to the list for the first time, with the writers calling it one of golf's best hidden gems.
Old Head of Kinsale in Co. Cork moved from 77 up to 72, while Brittas Bay Golf Club in Co. Wicklow jumped from 90 to 83 thanks to its untamed landscape and a route that explores "diverse coastal dunes".
The famous Adare Manor in Co. Limerick has featured on the coveted list for the first time, with the course recently being stripped and redesigned. Highlights include the installation of SubAir systems under the greens and "engaging holes that should produce excitement during the 2027 Ryder Cup".
Portstewart Golf Club in Northern Ireland tied at 87 (previously 92) with Jack's Point in Queenstown, New Zealand, while Rosses Point in Co. Sligo, Ireland dropped from 88 to 90.
Finally, Tralee Golf Club in Co. Kerry moved from 89 to 91, with the writers recognising it as one of the finest designs of Arnold Palmer.
