These award-winning courses from the past 10 years showcase how creativity, strategy and respect for the land continue to shape the future of golf.
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Over the past decade, golf development has entered a new era — one defined by creativity, restraint and a deeper connection to the land. The best new courses no longer rely on grandeur alone; instead, they reflect thoughtful design, environmental sensitivity and a focus on the pure joy of play.
Over the past decade, Golf Inc. has honored standout new courses through its Development of the Year competition. These golf courses combine aesthetics with outstanding play and business sense.
This feature ranks winners based on their scores when they opened. These projects have not only stood out upon opening but have continued to influence golf design and inspire players worldwide.
From dramatic destination layouts that embrace bold architecture to community-centered courses built with sustainability in mind, these developments tell a story of evolution in the game. They reveal how collaboration among architects, developers and operators can transform landscapes into lasting golf experiences.
Each course in this collection embodies the balance between beauty and function that defines today’s best golf design. Many have become benchmarks for how to merge strategy, sustainability and aesthetics, using natural contours, modern agronomy and a strong sense of place to create unforgettable rounds.
This retrospective celebrates not only the artistry of golf design but also the enduring vision behind these projects. A decade later, their impact remains clear: great golf courses aren’t just built — they’re crafted to stand the test of time.
No. 1 – Point Hardy Golf Club at Cabot Saint Lucia
Cap Estate, Gros Islet, Saint Lucia
Owner/Developer: The Cabot Collection
Architects: Bill Coore & Ben Crenshaw
Greens Fees: Around $445; includes caddy, snacks and other amenities
Designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, Point Hardy Golf Club marks the duo’s first Caribbean course and one of their most striking. Routed through lush valleys, rocky cliffs and stretches of sandy beach, the layout showcases nine oceanfront holes and sweeping views from every tee. Coore called it “the most visually stunning piece of land we have ever worked with.” The design balances beauty with playability, blending natural topography and a volcanic coastline into a course that feels both…
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