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What Rory McIlroy once picked as his favourite golf course not currently used on the PGA Tour

Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images
Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images
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Rory McIlroy has played all over the world on the very best golf courses that most amateurs can only dream of playing.

The Masters champion is in the spotlight right now after finally completing the Grand Slam with his win at Augusta National a few weeks ago.

McIlroy has enjoyed a truly incredible year on the PGA Tour in 2025, with three big wins under his belt already.

The patrons at Augusta National were firmly behind McIlroy throughout the final round of The Masters, as he went on to win his first green jacket.

That famous victory came after wins at Pebble Beach and Sawgrass earlier in this year.

Zurich Classic of New Orleans - Day Four
Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images

The 35-year-old must be completely content in his life right now, and many fans are expecting him to go on and win numerous major titles between now and the end of his career.

In his down-time, when he’s not competing on the PGA or DP World Tours, you just know that he gets to play some sensational golf courses as well.

What Rory McIlroy once picked as his favourite golf course not currently used on the PGA Tour

The five-time major champion knows all there is to know about the best golf courses in the world.

He has played most of them, after all.

But what one stands out to him as the very best he has played that isn’t currently on the PGA Tour rota of venues?

When speaking alongside US Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley, McIlroy responded when asked what is his favourite course to play that isn’t a tour stop:

Pine Valley.

The Masters champion was also asked what course he would like to play but hasn’t yet done so:

Cypress Point. I’ve been there for lunch three times but never played the golf course.

Anyone who knows their golf will be well aware of the prestigious Pine Valley, but can you go online and book a tee-time to play there now?

Can you pay to play Pine Valley?

Pine Valley Golf Club is situated in Pine Hill, New Jersey.

The 7,009 yard par-70 track has been regularly named as the number one golf course in America by Golf Magazine.

It is a truly majestic layout that was designed by George Arthur Crump in the early 1900’s.

Surprisingly, the New Jersey golf course has only ever hosted two elite tournaments, and both of them were amateur events in the form of the Walker Cup in 1936 and 1985.

The course features two par-fives, four par-threes and 12 par-fours. Pine Valley is right at the top of many golfers’ bucket lists.

However, the bad news is that you cannot just book a tee time and go and play Pine Valley – it is strictly a private members’ club.

That said, if your name is Rory McIlroy and you rock up to Pine Valley wearing your green jacket, there’s every chance you will be able to get a tee time!