At the end of November, GOLF Magazine released their annual highly discussed Top 100 Courses list. Since then, they have continued to release lists within this list, including the Top 5 hardest courses from that selection. Let’s take a look at their Top 5, and how difficult these courses really are in the golfing world.
Oakmont
First on the list is Oakmont County Club, located in Pennsylvania. This course is notoriously difficult. Recently, at the 2025 U.S. Open, J.J. Spaun took home first place with a score of -1. The next closest competitor was Robert Macintyre, with a +1. When the pros are shooting scores like that, the course is sure to frustrate the average player who dares to tee off.
Pine Valley
Unraked bunkers, Hells Half-Acre, The Devil’s A-Hole. With terms like that in the mix, this New Jersey course is sure to scare off golf newbies. However, the No. 1 rated course also makes the 11 most exclusive list, meaning you’re unlikely to play at Pine Valley unless you really do have a solid connection.
Carnoustie
Of this course, Irish professional golfer Padraig Harrington had positive things to say, both about its difficulty and enjoyment, stating, “There isn’t a player who didn’t find the Championship course a test and enjoyed that test. Credit to Carnoustie, it’s one of the best in the world.”
Carnoustie Championship course has seen eight Open Championships, two Women’s Open, and three Seniors Open, a rarity in the UK to host so many important events. Its been dubbed “Carn-nasty” thanks to its brutal winds, countless bunkers, and seemingly never-ending holes.
The 1999 Open is a testament to just how difficult this course can truly be, with no professional shooting under par in the first round. The same year, the upset of Jean Van de Velde occurred, thanks to the Barry Burn.
Royal Portrush
Another familiar name on this list, Royal Portrush saw Scottie Scheffler score a 17-under during the 2025 Open. Don’t let the Official World Golf Rankings No. 1 player fool you. Royal Portrush is not for the faint of heart. Golfers should also be wary of its views. Despite being known for its beauty and overlooked by the 13th century ruins of Dunluce Castle, it remains one of the most challenging golf courses in the world.
Bethpage Black
The site of this years infamous Ryder Cup, Bethpage Black in Farmingdale, New York is known for its difficulty, starting with what it takes just to get a tee time at this public course. Designed by Joseph H. Burbeck, who was assisted by golf architect A. W. Tillinghast, the course was created with Pine Valley in mind, and aimed for a similar level of difficult, but with public access.
At the first hole, a warning sign greets golfers, advising that only highly skilled golfers tackle its greens. From there, long par-4s continue to torment players, alongside an incredibly brutal rough. Back in 2002, the sign first gained attention at the U.S. Open. That year, Bethpage Black famously became the first public course to host an Open. Only one player finished under par, winning by three, that of course being Tiger Woods.
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