Top 5 Greg Norman-Designed Golf Courses in the World

Apart from his prolific golf career, Greg Norman is known for his love for golf course creation. The Australian golf legend transitioned from a golfer to a golf course designer in 1993 after he established the Greg Norman Company. Now he has over 100 courses opened across 34 countries and six continents, with many having won prestigious design awards.

He also shoulders the responsibility of being the CEO of LIV Golf. But when he was asked what he was proud of apart from his golfing accomplishments, the LIV Golf CEO said golf course design without hesitation. And he has multiple reasons to be proud of his work.

Greg Norman reveals what he is most passionate about

While on the podcast Fairway to Heaven with Jerry Foltz and Su-Ann Heng, the LIV Golf CEO answered many questions. But on the topic of off-the-course achievements, the 68-year-old quickly listed golf course design. “Still to this day, it’s my passion. I’m passionate about it away from the LIV scene. I juggle that as well because we are building golf courses and we’ve opened 121 around the world,” he said.

He went on to say he has seen times change and is certain his courses will endure the test of time. And that is because he loves what he creates. His designs establish a unique character for each golf course, emphasizing aesthetics and playability.

There is no doubt about it that the LIV Golf CEO has built award-winning golf courses. In 2023 alone, courses designed by Greg Norman won awards from World Golf Awards, USA Today, and GOLF.com to name a few. His company has been winning awards since the onset of this millennium.

While awards are a great metric to judge courses, many of his creations have earned the love of players and fans. The philosophy of his company is to uncover the finest possible golf experience that lies within each new property. He says, “Like a golf swing itself, the quality of a design is the sum of a hundred moving parts. The more in sync you are, the easier the project flows towards a pure and perfect finish.” 

The 68-year-old’s passion for creating golf courses comes out perfectly in all his courses. The philosophy of Greg Norman is perfectly embodied in the below mentioned five golf courses.

Top 5 courses by the Australian legend

With his spectacular creations sprinkled throughout the world, Greg Norman has registered his name in the golf history books. Among all his golf courses, his best creations by far are mentioned below.

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5. Ayla Oasis, Jordan

The first thing that mesmerizes players about this course is its location. It is set between the mountains and the Red Sea, with an enchanting waterfront destination. The course spans over 800,000 square meters, filled with green fairways sprinkled with lagoons and ecosystems.

The course provides a challenge to players with its elevation changes and holes playing in all directions. Another fascinating thing about the course is environmental sustainability. The whole course strictly follows water conservation and the use of renewable energy.

4. Jumeirah Earth and Fire Courses, UAE

Many fans of the European Tour will be familiar with the Earth course at Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai. But fans should not turn a cold shoulder toward the Fire Course.

There’s a nice contrast between the two, with the Earth having more of a European parkland feel, whereas the Fire has more of a links-based design. Together, the two golf courses make the venue a must-stop destination for golf fanatics.

3. Bluffs Ho Tram Strip, Vietnam

This course used to host the Vietnamese Open on the Asian Tour. However, its beauty is still intact. Greg Norman himself describes it as one of the most “exceptional golf experiences in the world.”

It is not hard to guess why, with an ocean view on one side and a rainforest on the other. Furthermore, the course has two separate stroke indexes: one for the wet season and one for the dry. The design is played differently throughout the season.

2. Infinitum Lakes Course, Spain

Greg Norman designed this 45-hole golf course filled with water bodies throughout. He also made sure the moisture from these wetlands got to the club’s irrigation system.

Furthermore, the top-tier craftsmanship shown by the LIV Golf CEO has made it a premier location to host the Q-School Final Stage of the European Tour.

1. El Camaleon Course, Mayakoba, Mexico

The El Camaleon course in Mayakoba has quickly become a favorite of golf players, thanks to its location and inclusion on the PGA Tour. However, its beauty is due to its design and proximity to the ocean. Furthermore, the course’s 7th hole is home to a huge center-line cave bunker, one of the PGA Tour’s most striking hazards.

From Jordan to Mexico, Norman’s eye for creating sensational courses has come out. Have you ever witnessed any of Norman’s courses live? Let us know in the comments below!

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