Known as the “Golf Capital of the World,” Palm Beach County boasts more golf courses than any other county in the United States.
But in 2026, the spotlight has shifted toward Wellington.
The winter equestrian capital of the world, Wellington hosts the Winter Equestrian Festival which is the worldâs largest and longest-running equestrian event and attracts elite polo, show jumping, and dressage participants from all over the world.
Now, the Village of Wellington is elevating its reputation for elite sports with the recent approval of “The Wellington”.
The Wellington is a 400-acre residential and private club development with a championship course designed by the legendary David McLay Kidd and scheduled to open in 2028.
This joins established gems like The Wanderers Club and Wellington National, solidifying Wellington as a dual-threat destination for those who desire both world-class stables and world-class fairways.
For those looking to venture beyond the village limits, here is a list of the premier greens across the globe that every Palm Beach County golfer should have on their scorecard.
The American Icons
Bandon Dunes | Bandon, Oregon
Evoking the untamed spirit of Scotland with six distinct courses, Bandon Dunes showcases the rugged beauty of the Pacific Northwest. In a testament to its design, Golf Magazine named three of its courses among the 50 best built in the last half-century.
Pebble Beach | Pebble Beach, California
Arguably the most beautiful course in existence, Pebble Beach offers sweeping vistas of Carmel Bay. As the number one public course in the U.S. and home to the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, it remains a “must-play” for its dramatic cliffside finishes.
Payneâs Valley | Hollister, Missouri
A heartfelt homage to World Golf Hall of Fame member Payne Stewart, this Ozark masterpiece is the first public-access course designed by Tiger Woods and his firm, TGR Design. It is a striking blend of limestone outcrops and pristine emerald fairways.
Torrey Pines | La Jolla, California
Perched on coastal bluffs with views of the Pacific, Torrey Pines is a titan of the PGA Tour. With its South Course recently remodeled by Rees Jones and boasting the largest pro shop in the West, itâs a required pilgrimage for the serious student of the game.
Pinehurst No. 2 | Pinehurst, North Carolina
Proudly called Donald Rossâs masterpiece, Pinehurst No. 2 has hosted more single golf tournaments than any other course in America. Between the main nine courses and the “Cradle” short course, it is a playground for those who appreciate the history of the links.
The British Isle Legacy
St. Andrews Links | Fife, Scotland
The “Home of Golf” needs no introduction. With a legacy spanning 600 years, this is the sportâs ancestral home. As the largest public golf complex in Europe, walking the Old Course is less of a round of golf and more of a spiritual experience.
Ballybunion Golf Course | Kerry, Ireland
Founded in 1893, Ballybunion is a thrilling challenge set against the staggering Atlantic coastline. It is widely considered one of the finest links courses in the world, where the wind and the dunes dictate every shot.
Royal Birkdale | Southport, England
Experience the classic British links at this storied Open Championship venue. Known for its undulating greens and punishing fairways, Royal Birkdale provides a tactical test that rewards precision over power.
Global Destinations
Casa de Campo (Teeth of the Dog) | La Romana, Dominican Republic
Designed by the legendary Pete Dye, this Caribbean jewel is famous for its “seven holes created by God” along the azure waters. It is consistently ranked as the top course in Latin America.
Quivira Golf Club | Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Jack Nicklaus outdid himself with this dramatic cliffside layout. With holes that seem to hang over the edge of the world, Quivira offers some of the most breathtaking oceanfront photography opportunities in the sport.
Emirates Golf Club | Dubai, UAE
The first grass course in the Middle East, this club is home to the Dubai Desert Classic. Its iconic Bedouin-tent-inspired clubhouse and world-class facilities offer a futuristic, ultra-luxe take on the traditional game.
Editorâs Note: If youâre staying local this weekend, don’t overlook the “Bear Trap” at PGA National in nearby Palm Beach Gardens. It remains one of the most formidable three-hole stretches in professional golf, located just a short drive from the Wellington polo fields.
