5 of the best golf courses in the world

Nearly every golf course offers spectacular scenery, difficult holes and hazards and an illustrious history, but the  following five courses should definitely be on any golfer's bucket list.

Site of the world famous and most historic Grand Slam PGA Golf Tournament, the Masters, Augusta National Golf Club is one of the hardest courses ever designed. With holes lined by their signature bright-pink azalea blossoms, the course plays to a challenging Par 72 that stretches 6,905 yards over 18-holes. Win this course, and you'll be easy to spot with your signature green blazer presented by past champions.

Considered to be the hardest course in the world, golfers from near and far dream of playing the Old Course at St. Andrews. Golf was first played on this site in the 15th century, and the course has been the site of numerous PGA Tour Tournaments over the years. Located next to the North Sea dunes, golfers can expect high winds in excess of 50 MPH and the surf from the water to wreak havoc on their games. Open to the general public, there are four courses at St. Andrews that play to a variety of skill levels.

Nestled along the shore of the Pacific Ocean, Pebble Beach Golf Links offers 18 holes of pure bliss with stunning water views. Scored at a Par 72 and with 6,737 total yards, the course offers narrow fairways that make it difficult to land a shot and wind gusts that can knock even a straight ball off course. Bring extra balls to the 548-yard 18th hole, where shots into the Pacific Ocean are par for the course.

If paying tribute to golf's history is a priority, head to the Muirfield Village Golf Club, home to the world's oldest golfing society since 1744. Play on the storied course that saw Jack Nicklaus win his first British Open, but be ready for a challenge. Many golfers, including Tiger Woods, have called Muirfield one of the hardest Par-71 courses in the world because it measures 7,221 yards.

Sought after because of its mystery, the Pine Valley Golf Club is one of the most exclusive golfing societies in the world. Membership to the club is invitation only, and guests must be vetted before they're allowed to tee off. Aside from the mystery, the course is considered exceptionally challenging because of the numerous sand traps and narrow fairways, which can leave a golfer hitting from the deep rough.