The world of golf travel has never been more exciting. 2026 is shaping up to be a landmark year for golfers, with major championship events, new course openings, and bucket list destinations more accessible than ever before.

At Quality Golf Destinations, we've curated the ultimate list of the top 10 golf trips for 2026 — experiences that every passionate golfer should have on their radar. Whether you're planning a once-in-a-lifetime golf pilgrimage or simply looking for your next great golf adventure, this list has something for everyone.

1. The Open Championship 2026 — Royal Birkdale, England

The 155th Open Championship heads to the legendary Royal Birkdale Golf Club in Southport from 12-19 July 2026. For many golfers, attending The Open is the ultimate bucket list experience. Combine the tournament with rounds on the spectacular Lancashire & Merseyside links coastline for the complete golfer's pilgrimage. Quality Golf Destinations can arrange tickets, accommodation and tee times across this incredible stretch of English links golf.

2. The Home of Golf — St Andrews, Scotland

No golf bucket list is complete without a round on the Old Course at St Andrews, widely regarded as the spiritual home of golf. Combine a stay in this charming medieval university town with rounds on the Castle Course, Jubilee, New, and Eden Courses, plus day trips to nearby gems including Carnoustie and Kingsbarns. St Andrews delivers a golf experience unlike anywhere else on earth.

3. Southwest Ireland — Kerry & Cork Links Golf

Ireland's southwest coast is home to some of the most dramatic and beautiful golf courses in the world. The famous Dingle Peninsula, Kerry coastline and West Cork offer a spectacular collection of links courses:

- Ballybunion Golf Club (Old Course) — regularly ranked in the top 10 courses in the world

- Waterville Golf Links — a breathtaking links on the Ring of Kerry

- Lahinch Golf Club — a classic links in County Clare

- Old Head Golf Links, Kinsale — perched dramatically on a headland above the Atlantic Ocean

Combine world-class golf with traditional Irish hospitality, superb seafood and stunning scenery for an unforgettable golf trip.

4. Portugal's Algarve Coast — Europe's Golf Paradise

The Algarve remains Europe's most popular golf destination, and for good reason. Stunning coastline, 300+ days of sunshine per year, exceptional resort golf and superb value make it hard to beat. Top courses include Quinta do Lago, Vale do Lobo, Monte Rei, and Dom Pedro Vilamoura. A week in the Algarve combining a 4 or 5 star resort with daily rounds on Portugal's finest courses is one of Europe's most satisfying golf holidays.

5. Scotland's Highlands & Islands Golf Trail

For golfers seeking the truly remote and breathtaking, Scotland's Highlands and Islands offer a completely different golf experience. The Royal Dornoch, Brora, Golspie and Tain links in Sutherland form one of the world's great golf trails. Add in a boat trip to the remote Askernish course on South Uist and the Machrihanish links on the Kintyre peninsula for an unforgettable adventure golf experience.

6. Da Nang Golf Coast, Vietnam

Vietnam's central coast has quickly become one of Asia's premier golf destinations. The Da Nang region is home to a remarkable concentration of world-class courses designed by Luke Donald, Sir Nick Faldo, and Colin Montgomerie. Combine championship golf with stunning beach resorts, delicious Vietnamese cuisine and fascinating cultural experiences for an Asian golf experience unlike any other.

7. Hua Hin, Thailand — Royal & Championship Golf

Hua Hin is Thailand's most prestigious golf destination, home to Black Mountain Golf Club (consistently ranked among Asia's top 10 courses), the beautiful Cirasa Golf Club and the historic Springfield Royal Country Club. The town itself is a charming blend of Thai culture and beach resort lifestyle, with excellent hotels, restaurants and easy access from Bangkok.

8. Andalucia, Spain — Golf Under the Andalucian Sun

Spain's southern region remains one of Europe's most accessible and popular golf destinations. The Costa del Sol — known as the "Costa del Golf" — is home to over 70 courses within easy driving distance. Highlights include Valderrama (Europe's number one ranked course), Real Club de Golf Sotogrande, and the many exceptional courses around Marbella and Ronda. Combine golf with tapas, flamenco and Moorish architecture for a complete Spanish experience.

9. Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, Oregon, USA

For golfers seeking the purest links golf experience in North America, Bandon Dunes on the Oregon coast is the destination. Four distinct courses — Bandon Dunes, Pacific Dunes, Bandon Trails, and Old Macdonald — plus the short Sheep Ranch course, all sit dramatically on the Pacific cliffs. It is consistently ranked as one of the world's greatest golf resorts and represents the ultimate American links golf bucket list trip.

10. Mauritius — Tropical Island Golf Luxury

For those who want to combine world-class golf with a true luxury island paradise, Mauritius delivers. The island is home to a handful of exceptional resort courses set against a stunning backdrop of volcanic mountains, turquoise lagoons and coral reefs. One&Only Le Saint Geran, Heritage Golf Club, and Avalon Golf Estate offer a level of golf and luxury that is hard to match anywhere in the world.

Plan Your Bucket List Golf Trip with Quality Golf Destinations

At Quality Golf Destinations, we specialise in creating bespoke golf holidays to every destination on this list and many more. Our team of golf travel experts has first-hand knowledge of courses and resorts worldwide, ensuring that your bucket list golf trip exceeds every expectation.

Contact us today to start planning your 2026 golf adventure. Use the enquiry form below or call us on +44 (0)1782 510800.