As the golf calendar turns to 2026, there’s no shortage of projects capturing the imagination. From new layouts built on dramatic landscapes to restorations of historic venues, this year promises to be an interesting year in golf course design.
Here are ten courses and renovations that are shaping up to be must-see stories this year.
Five new courses that will officially open in 2026
Old Petty at Cabot Highlands, Scotland
Old Petty in the Scottish Highlands is one of the most anticipated openings of the year. Designed by Tom Doak and Clyde Johnson, this second 18-hole course at Cabot Highlands showcases rugged coastal terrain and panoramic views over the Moray Firth. With strategic bunkering and naturalistic routing, the links layout promises to challenge golfers while offering breathtaking scenery that will appeal to both players and photographers alike. Its grand opening is scheduled for 15 May 2026.
Ponta do Pargo Golf Course, Portugal
Ponta do Pargo is the first new course on the island of Madeira in more than 20 years, and it comes courtesy of Sir Nick Faldo’s Faldo Design team. Set along dramatic cliffs with sweeping ocean vistas, the layout test shotmaking skills while rewarding bold play. The course is scheduled to open in summer 2026, bringing a fresh and high-profile golfing destination to Portugal that is sure to draw attention from enthusiasts across Europe and beyond.
Plover Cove Golf Course, Hong Kong
A stellar project has assembled in Hong Kong’s New Territories where a new golf course is being built on reclaimed land. Designers Dana Fry and Jason Straka are responsible for producing one of the region’s most talked-about golf destinations when it opens later in 2026.
The Commons at Sand Valley in Wisconsin, USA
The Commons at Sand Valley is a 12-hole creation by Jim Craig that will become the sixth course at this acclaimed resort. Designed with a nod to classic links traditions, The Commons offers strategic variety and memorable hole sequences while blending seamlessly with the resort’s natural landscape. Its 2026 opening adds depth to Sand Valley’s already renowned portfolio of courses and gives golfers another unique experience in the American Midwest.
The Commons, designed by Jim Craig, will open in 2026. The 12-hole design is the sixth layout at the Sand Valley resort (Photo: Brandon Carter)
Oleada Pacific Living & Golf, Mexico
Oleada, on the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California peninsula, is an Ernie Els Design course that will be part of a new 860-acre oceanfront resort community. With championship-calibre routing and dramatic seaside holes, the course integrates resort living and golf in a way that emphasises both strategy and scenery. Set to open in 2026, Oleada promises to become a must-play destination for visitors to the region.
Honourable mention... The Hilton Dalaman Sarıgerme Resort & Spa, Turkey
Set to open in April 2026, the Dalaman course – designed by Andrew Craven of International Design Group – is bordered by a beach resort to the south and a river to the west, and features diverse vegetation and lakes that serve as a stopover for migratory birds.
“From the outset we embraced a respect-for-nature philosophy with the client,” says Craven. “Nature told us where to place each element – we just had to listen. The terrain shaped the routing plan organically, with two loops of nine holes returning to an elevated clubhouse. Each hole is designed to offer a rich sensory and visual experience, and the layout can be adapted in future to meet the demands of professional tournaments. We wanted a course that punishes poor shots but rewards good ones, that challenges experienced golfers yet is accessible to newcomers.”
Five major renovations that will be completed in 2026:
Royal Birkdale in Southport, England
Royal Birkdale is preparing for the 2026 Open Championship with a series of updates led by Mackenzie & Ebert. The renovation includes new hole configurations, bunker refinements and a new par three, all designed to maintain the course’s championship pedigree while providing fresh strategic challenges. These updates are set to capture the global golf world’s attention when completed in early 2026.
Mackenzie & Ebert are nearing completion of course changes at Royal Birkdale, which will host the 2026 Open Championship (Photo: James Hogg)
The Patch at Augusta Municipal Golf Course in Georgia, USA
The Patch is undergoing a transformative renovation that includes an 18-hole redesign by Tom Fazio and Beau Welling and a nine-hole short course from Tiger Woods’ TGR Design. The project also includes expanded practice areas, and enhances the overall experience for golfers, while maintaining its role as a vital community course. Scheduled to reopen in spring 2026,
Vidanta Nuevo Nayarit-Vallarta in Mexico
Vidanta Vallarta is undergoing substantial renovations from Greg Norman Golf Course Design, aimed at modernising its layout for both resort guests and tournament play. Adjustments to tees, greens and bunkers are enhancing strategy and playability, while maintaining the scenic character that makes the course a destination in its own right. The revamped layout will host PGA Tour pros for the 2026 Mexico Open in November.
Saddlebrook Resort in Wesley Chapel, Florida
Rees Jones is leading a major redesign at Saddlebrook, converting two 18-hole courses into a single 27-hole layout. The renovation, part of a $92 million investment at the resort, includes new routing, updated tees and expanded practice facilities, creating a more flexible and championship-ready experience. Phased reopening is expected throughout 2026, offering golfers a fresh perspective on this popular Florida resort.
Swope Memorial Golf Course in Kansas City, Missouri
Swope Memorial is being restored to reflect the original vision of AW Tillinghast, with Todd Clark and Brent Hugo of CE Golf Design leading the work alongside consultant Ron Whitten. The renovation includes improvements to greens, bunkers and routing, balancing historic authenticity with modern playability. Reopening is expected in 2026, and the project has already drawn attention as one of the most significant public-course restorations of the year.