The Most Exotic Golf Courses in the World

Most people recognize the names of Pebble Beach in California or Augusta in Georgia even if they aren’t avid golfers. The U.S. is known to have to great golf courses, but there are plenty of around the world outside of the states for fans of the sport to try their hand.

All of their names might not be well known, but their locations are enough to make anyone envious.

Some of the most incredible courses in the world can be found in unusual locations. And while you might not be surprised to find out that Abu Dhabi has one of the most exotic, golfers might not think about South Africa or China when looking for new courses to play.

Business Insider has rounded up 10 of the most exotic golf locales around the world that are also highly rated by golf publications.

Verdura Golf and Spa ResortSicily, Italy

This Kyle Phillips-designed course overlooks the Mediterranean and opened in 2010. (7,458 yards; par 72)

Six holes on the David Harman-designed course at this five-star resort are played alongside plunging cliffs above the Pacific. (7,119 yards; par 72)

Aerial view of peninsula inset top left.

This 10-course resort on Hainan Island, China, which includes the award winning Brian Curley-designed Blackstone Course, is part of China's massive Mission Hills golf complex. (7,800 yards; par 73)

, Greece

Located in Paphos, a World Heritage site, this new course overlooks the Mediterranean and wends its way through olive groves. (6,775 yards; par 71)

The newest golf course in the UAE, Yas Links sits on the Persian Gulf and has over 100 bunkers. (7,394 yards; par 72)

The Greg Norman-designed course is an hour from Hanoi. (7,176 yards; par 72)

This course lies along the southern border of South Africa's Kruger National Park. (7,144 yards; par 72)

In addition to three golf courses, including one designed by Jack Nicklaus, the Legends complex houses an equestrian center and fishing lake. (7,338 yards; par 72)

The course includes three holes along the cliffs of the Indian Ocean, and hazards made of terraced rice paddies. (6,293 yards; par 72)

Panmunjom is a village located in the demilitarization zone between North and South Korea. This one-hole course is called "the world's most dangerous golf course." Hit a ball off course and it could wind up in a live minefield.

Course information and images from Business Insider

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Kauri Cliffs at Matauri BayNew ZealandFalsterbo GolfklubbSwedenLocated at the tip of Sweden's Falsterbo peninsula, the course is also frequented by birdwatchers. (6,391 yards; par 71) Mission Hill Golf ClubChinaElea Golf ClubCyprusYas Links Abu DhabiUnited Arab EmiratesDanang Golf CourseVietnamLeopard CreekSouth AfricaThe Legends Golf Course & Country ResortMalaysiaNirwana Bali Golf ClubIndonesiaBONUSPanmunjom