Rory McIlroy Shares His Golf Bucket List

The four-time major champion has his sights set on playing some of the world's top courses.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Rory McIlroy, the four-time major champion, has revealed a lengthy bucket list of elite golf courses he hopes to play, including New South Wales Golf Club in Australia, Fishers Island Club in New York, Chicago Golf Club, and Waterville in Ireland. Despite his access to many of the game's most coveted venues, McIlroy still has several high-profile courses on his wish list, including the renowned Bandon Dunes in Oregon.

Why it matters

As one of the world's top golfers, McIlroy's bucket list provides a glimpse into the exclusive and aspirational world of elite-level golf. His desire to experience these renowned courses highlights the allure of destination golf and the prestige associated with playing at such hallowed grounds.

The details

McIlroy, who recently won the Masters Tournament, has access to many exclusive clubs and courses through his status as a professional golfer. However, he still maintains a bucket list of courses he hopes to play, including New South Wales Golf Club in Australia, Fishers Island Club in New York, Chicago Golf Club, and Waterville in Ireland. Despite living in the U.S. for years, McIlroy admitted there are still many notable American courses he has yet to experience, such as Bandon Dunes in Oregon, which he said he'd "love to go to and do that."

  • McIlroy recently won the Masters Tournament last year, earning a lifetime invitation to Augusta National Golf Club.

The players

Rory McIlroy

A four-time major champion and one of the world's top professional golfers.

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What they’re saying

“I haven't been there. That looks really cool.”

— Rory McIlroy (The Fried Egg)

“There are so many in the States that I haven't.”

— Rory McIlroy (The Fried Egg)

“I'd love to go to Bandon and do that.”

— Rory McIlroy (The Fried Egg)

The takeaway

Despite his elite status and access to many of the world's top golf courses, Rory McIlroy's bucket list shows that even the game's greatest players still have aspirations to experience the sport's most renowned and exclusive venues, underscoring the enduring allure of destination golf.