Some of my favorite golf courses

Throughout my golfing career, both as an avid amateur golfer and then a professional “dreamer”, I have been lucky to experience some really cool courses around the world. I created a shortlist of some of my favorite ones. Some that I will probably never be able to play again but others that are definitely on my to-do list for this upcoming year.

Here's the list:

Pebble Beach Golf Links: Located in California, Pebble Beach Golf Links is a scenic and challenging course that is known for its stunning ocean views and iconic holes like the par-3 7th and the par-5 18th. However, the course provides much more than the beauty of its landscape. It’s a true blessing to walk these fairways and feel the energy of such a place. We all grew up playing this course on the PlayStation but when we tee off in real life is a totally different game. I did birdie number 8 though…

Riviera Country Club: Located in Pacific Palisades, California, Riviera Country Club is a historic course that has hosted many PGA Tour events. It is known for its challenging layout, which features narrow fairways and extremely tricky greens. Oh, that 10th green…

Monterey Peninsula Country Club: Located in Pebble Beach, California, Monterey Peninsula Country Club is a private club with two courses - the Shore Course and the Dunes Course. Both courses are known for their stunning coastal views and challenging terrain. I only got to play the Shore Course, but it was quite a treat. Extremely immaculate course, curated to appease its status of exclusivity. What an honor!

Trump National Los Angeles: Located in Palos Verdes, California, Trump National Los Angeles is a stunning course that offers panoramic ocean views from nearly every hole. Interestingly enough it reminded me so much of my homeland of Portugal. No wonder that area it’s called the Portuguese Bend.

Kapalua Golf (The Plantation Course): Located in Maui, Hawaii, The Plantation Course at Kapalua Golf is a world-renowned course that has hosted many PGA Tour events. It is known for its challenging terrain and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Another iconic course that I was blessed to tee up. A lot tougher than the pros make it look, especially when the wind blows. Be sure to try out the restaurant at the clubhouse!

Old Beau Resort & Golf Club: Located in Roaring Gap, North Carolina, Old Beau Resort & Golf Club is a hidden gem. Shout out to my brother from another mother, Michael Broeker for hosting his tournament out there and giving me the honor to witness such a beautiful course.

Pinehurst Resort: Located in Pinehurst, North Carolina, Pinehurst Resort is a historic resort that offers nine championship courses, including the famous No. 2 course. Each course is unique and offers a challenging test of golf. The whole place is amazing. Be sure not to skip The Craddle. What a fun experience!

Tobacco Road Golf Club: Located in Sanford, North Carolina, Tobacco Road Golf Club is a unique course that is known for its challenging layout and stunning natural beauty. It is designed to be a challenging test of golf for players of all skill levels. Playing out there several times during my college days, I have to confess that it was not always kind to me. You must be focused the whole way because a good round can be ruined at any time. Danger everywhere!

The Island Golf Club: Located in Dublin, Ireland, The Island Golf Club is a true links course – tight fairways, undulated greens, pot bunkers and danger everywhere, when the wind blows you better keep that ball flight low or you are in for some big numbers.

Estela Golf Club: Located in Póvoa de Varzim, Portugal, Estela Golf Club is a links-style course that is known for its challenging layout and the Nortada wind. I have played this course hundreds of times and it’s always unpredictable. Great memories and I am always glad to tee up out there.