Best Jack Nicklaus golf courses

The two courses at Kent's London Club fall under the Nicklaus design group, with the Heritage Course designed by Nicklaus himself. Dramatic tee shots and daunting approaches make this course a challenging but truly memorable one. The International Course was designed by Ron Kirkby, member of the Nicklaus design team, and his creation is now undoubtedly one of the finest downland courses in Europe. Punctuated with exciting risk and reward, the fast undulating fairways and numerous shots over water make for an exhilarating round of golf.

As host of the 2014 Ryder Cup, it goes without saying that the PGA Centenary Course at Gleneagles offers a truly special round of golf. The spectacular panorama of the rich Perthshire straths are enough to distract you from the courses’ modern challenges. Having been afforded the “finest parcel of land in the world,” on which to build a golf course, Jack really has created a masterpiece in the heart of Scotland.

The Tradition Course by Jack Nicklaus at Reunion Resort, Orlando, can be as deceptive as it is beautiful thanks to the smooth parkland-style layout that flows around the resort. Many of the holes are designed to tempt golfers into hitting risky shots with potentially big payoffs, making it a great matchplay golf course that offers endless entertainment.

Mission Hills is the only course in Phuket located on the seafront, offering a unique golfing experience in Thailand right from the off. Its layout offers stunning vistas of the Andaman Sea, but what makes it truly unique is the 18th hole where there are two greens to play into, allowing you to choose an alternative end to your round.

This masterful design at PGA West permeates all of Jack Nicklaus’ design philosophies, with challenge, beauty and drama present throughout. The Nicklaus Tournament Course boasts not one but two island greens, and the course calls for ball striking from the first tee to the last green. With numerous water hazards and bunkers, the 7,204-yard California course is one you won’t forget in a hurry.

Combining a simply magnificent course with the ultimate in service, Monte Rei Golf Resort offers an experience like no other. The unique layout sees water come into play on no fewer than 11 of the 18 holes, so make sure you bring enough golf balls. Its setting in the foothills of the Eastern Algarve, between the mountains and ocean, rewards guests with a tranquil and relaxing golf break.

The Nicklaus Course at Carden Park was a father and son combination design, with Jack and his son Steve creating an excellent course that all golfing enthusiasts will enjoy. The course runs alongside the onsite vineyard and offers beautiful views of the Welsh hills, before leading your game around the front of the Cheshire country estate. The strategic golfer will score well here, especially on holes seven and 15 that offer a choice of fairways from which to approach the green.

Jack Nicklaus has laid out 45-holes of golf at Grand Cypress Golf Club in the North, South, East and New Courses. The 27-holes on the North, South and East Courses provide three distinctive 18-hole experiences, with ledged fairways, tall shaggy mounds and plateau greens perched above water or sand to contend with. The New Course offers another dimension of golf in Orlando, as Jack designed this course in tribute and homage to the famed Old Course at St Andrews.

The 18-holes at Le Robinie Golf Club were amended and corrected by Jack to create a challenging field that is not punitive and accessible to all standards of golfer. The great variety in design opens up numerous ways to play the course, whether you prefer to attack holes or play strategically. This is Nicklaus’ only design in Italy and it can be appreciated by amateurs and professionals alike.

The Nicklaus Course at St Mellion International Resort is among the finest golf courses in Europe, with Jack himself quoted as saying: “I knew it was going to be good, but not this good.” Unique water hazards, cleverly-placed bunkers and its very own Amen Corner make it no wonder this course is on many UK golfer’s bucket lists.