Best Tom Fazio golf courses

Tom Fazio is one of the most celebrated golf course architects of our time, known for his meticulous attention to detail, stunning visuals, and layouts that challenge players of all skill levels.

His designs blend seamlessly into their natural surroundings, offering a perfect balance of playability and strategic complexity. Here’s a guide to some of the best Tom Fazio golf courses that showcase his design brilliance.

Built: 1995 (Redesigned 2018) | Par: 72 | Course Type: Parkland

Positioned in the heart of County Limerick, Adare Manor is widely regarded as one of Tom Fazio’s masterpieces. Following an extensive redesign by his team in 2018, this parkland course is now one of Europe’s premier golfing destinations.

With arguably the best conditions on the planet, Adare Manor blends elegance with challenge, largely thanks to the water hazards that snake throughout the property. It’s little wonder that this course is set to host the Ryder Cup in 2027, really opening it up to viewers on a global scale for the first time.

Key features

• Host of the 2027 Ryder Cup and ranked in Golf Digest’s Top 100 courses
• Immaculate conditioning with tournament-level greens thanks to its incredible irrigation and aeration system
• Water hazards weaving through the property
• Strategic bunkering demanding precise shot-making

Built: 1889 (Fazio enhancements in 2006) | Course Type: Links | Par: 72

Whilst Waterville Golf Links in Ireland is steeped in history, Tom Fazio’s enhancements have elevated this iconic links course to new heights. Fazio’s touch is subtle but impactful, improving playability and aesthetics without losing the natural ruggedness that defines Waterville.

The course features stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, undulating fairways, and challenging greens, making it a bucket-list destination for golf purists heading down Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way.

Key features

• Wind-swept fairways adding to the challenge
• Atlantic Ocean views enhancing the scenic experience
• Historic links layout with modern refinements

Built: 1981 | Course Type: Championship | Par: 72

A long-time home of the PGA TOUR’s Honda Classic (now Cognizant Classic), the Champion Course at PGA National is renowned for its challenging layout and infamous ‘Bear Trap’ stretch of holes.

While originally designed by both George and Tom Fazio, Tom returned to update the course, modernising its bunkering and greens to elevate the experience. Combining strategic complexity with pristine conditions, the Champion Course remains one of Florida’s top golf courses.

Key features

• Infamous ‘Bear Trap’ stretch, one of golf’s toughest challenges
• Deep bunkers and water hazards requiring precise play
• Regularly hosts top PGA TOUR professionals

Built: 1988 | Course type: Resort | Par: 72

One of our customers’ favourite courses at Kiawah Island, Osprey Point is a standout for its scenic beauty and approachable layout. Redesigned by Fazio to make it more enjoyable for players of all levels, Osprey Point weaves through maritime forests, lagoons, and saltwater marshes. Its lush, coastal charm and expertly crafted greens give a more relaxed feel than many, whilst still challenging the golfer throughout.

Key features:

• Ranked in Golf Digest’s top 20 public golf courses in South Carolina
• Maritime forests, lagoons, and saltwater marshes
• Forgiving layout catering to both casual and advanced golfers

Built: 2000 | Course Type: Resort | Par: 71

Located in Myrtle Beach, the Fazio Course at Barefoot Resort is a classic example of Tom’s ability to craft layouts that harmonise with their environment. This course features wide fairways, natural waste areas, and strategically placed bunkers, all surrounded by lush Lowcountry vegetation. The Fazio Course is both forgiving for casual players and challenging for seasoned golfers, thanks to its creative routing and subtle elevation changes.

Key features:

• Generous fairways that accommodate all skill levels
• Native waste areas and deep bunkers for strategic play
• Challenging layout with well-placed hazards
• Rated 4.5 stars on GolfPass

Built: 2010 | Course Type: Coastal | Par: 72

Located in Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic, the Corales Golf Course is one of Fazio’s most visually striking designs. This exclusive course offers six oceanfront holes, including the dramatic ‘Devil’s Elbow’ stretch that culminates in a stunning Par-4 finishing hole along the clifftop.

The pristine conditioning, ocean breezes, and strategic design make Corales a world-class destination for golfers seeking a tropical escape, with the course just 10-mins from the airport!

Key features:

• Ranked the no. 4 golf course in the Caribbean by Top 100 Golf Courses
• Annual stop on the PGA TOUR, the Corales Puntacana Championship
• Six oceanfront holes providing breathtaking scenery, including the ‘Devil’s Elbow’—a cliffside finishing stretch
• Challenging layout influenced by ocean breezes

Built: 1995 | Course type: Desert | Par: 72

Set in the dramatic Sonoran Desert in Scottsdale, Arizona, the Raptor Course at Grayhawk Golf Club is a quintessential Fazio design. As a former host of PGA TOUR events, the Raptor Course delivers a tournament-quality experience in a spectacular desert setting.

The course makes the most of its rugged desert terrain and is a mainstay in many of our golfers’ itineraries in the Scottsdale region.

Key features:

• Former PGA TOUR venue & ranked in South Carolina’s top 25 public courses by Golf Digest
• Dramatic desert landscapes with unique terrain challenges
• Elevated tee shots providing spectacular views
• Well-guarded greens requiring precision approaches

Built: 1980 | Course type: Resort/Seaside | Par: 72

Located on the Isle of Palms, just outside Charleston, the Links Course at Wild Dunes is one of Fazio’s earliest designs. This seaside gem features oceanfront holes, windswept dunes, and natural marshlands.

Whilst the layout is player-friendly, the coastal winds and strategically placed hazards ensure that even low-handicap golfers will find it a rewarding challenge.

Key features:

• Ranked in Golf Digest’s top 20 public golf courses in South Carolina
• Coastal winds adding an extra layer of difficulty
• Windswept dunes and natural marshlands
• Player-friendly yet strategically challenging design

Built: 1999 | Course type: Championship | Par: 72

A standout among the Myrtle Beach courses, TPC Myrtle Beach is a championship-calibre layout designed by Tom Fazio. The course features pristine fairways, natural wetlands, and an array of challenging water hazards.

As a former host of the Senior PGA Tour Championship, TPC Myrtle Beach offers players the chance to test their skills on a PGA TOUR layout designed to challenge the best in the game.

Key features:

• Ranked as the 44th best golf course in South Carolina by Top 100 Golf Courses
• Championship-calibre design with demanding layout
• Water hazards and thick rough, increasing difficulty
• Immaculate fairways and top-tier course conditions

Built: 2004 | Course Type: Quarry | Par: 72

Carved into an old limestone quarry in Barbados, the Green Monkey is a truly unique Tom Fazio creation. The course makes the most of dramatic elevation changes and boasts striking white sand bunkers that are contrasted brilliantly against the vibrant green of the Caribbean landscape. Its exclusivity and one-of-a-kind design make the Green Monkey a bucket-list experience for a golf package to Barbados.

Key features:

• Built within a former limestone quarry for a unique backdrop
• Pristine white sand bunkers contrasting lush fairways
• Highly exclusive, with limited access to golfers

Built: 1991 | Course type: Coastal| Par: 72

Located in Los Angeles along the stunning Newport Coast, Pelican Hill Golf Club’s Ocean North and Ocean South courses both bear the hallmark of Tom Fazio’s design brilliance. With panoramic ocean views is a true feast for the senses.

The Ocean South course in particular, stands out for its dramatic elevation changes and breathtaking holes along the Pacific coastline.

Key features:

• Cliffside fairways overlooking the Pacific Ocean
• Dramatic elevation changes adding variety to each hole
• Lush greens and well-manicured landscapes

• Best for scenic views: Pelican Hill (California) & Corales (Dominican Republic)
• Best for tournament play: PGA National – Champion Course (Florida) & Adare Manor (Ireland)
• Best for casual play: Kiawah Island – Osprey Point & Wild Dunes – Links Course
• Most exclusive experience: The Green Monkey (Barbados)
• Best for a true links test: Waterville Golf Links (Ireland)

Tom Fazio’s courses offer something for everyone—from the weekend golfer seeking coastal beauty to the serious player looking for a championship challenge. Regardless of your skill level, playing a Fazio-designed course guarantees a memorable and strategic round.