Around the Globe in 18 Holes: Top 20 Golf Trip Destinations
For many golf enthusiasts, nothing beats the thrill of teeing off on a new course, especially when it's set against the backdrop of a stunning, unique locale. From the rugged coastal courses of Scotland to the tropical greens of Hawaii, the world offers a myriad of breathtaking destinations where you can mix your love for golf with the excitement of travel. This blog post will guide you through the top 20 golf trip destinations you should add to your bucket list.
St. Andrews, Scotland: As the birthplace of golf, St. Andrews is a pilgrimage for every golf enthusiast. The Old Course is the most iconic, but the town also boasts several other remarkable courses.
Pebble Beach, California, USA: Known for its stunning Pacific coastline, Pebble Beach is home to several of the world's most famous courses, including Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spyglass Hill.
Augusta, Georgia, USA: Home to the Masters Tournament, Augusta is a must-visit during the first week of April. While the Augusta National Golf Club is private, there are other great courses in the area to enjoy.
County Kerry, Ireland: Ireland's southwest region is rich in world-class links courses, including Ballybunion, Tralee, and Waterville.
Melbourne, Australia: The Sandbelt region near Melbourne houses a collection of Australia's finest courses, including Royal Melbourne, Kingston Heath, and Victoria Golf Club.
Monterey, California, USA: Along with Pebble Beach, Monterey Peninsula is home to other renowned courses like Cypress Point Club and Monterey Peninsula Country Club.
Pinehurst, North Carolina, USA: Pinehurst Resort, with its nine golf courses, including the famed No. 2 course, is one of America's iconic golf destinations.
Lisbon, Portugal: Lisbon’s coastline, known as the Lisbon Golf Coast, is lined with high-quality courses like Penha Longa and Oitavos Dunes.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, USA: Known as the "Golf Capital of the World," Myrtle Beach boasts over 100 golf courses along the Atlantic coastline.
Bandon, Oregon, USA: Bandon Dunes Golf Resort is a dream destination for golfers, with five top-tier courses that have stunning sea views.
Kohler, Wisconsin, USA: Home to Whistling Straits and Blackwolf Run, Kohler offers world-class golf against the backdrop of Lake Michigan.
Belek, Turkey: With more than a dozen courses designed by top architects, Belek is an up-and-coming golf destination on the Mediterranean coastline.
Kiawah Island, South Carolina, USA: Known for The Ocean Course, Kiawah Island has a total of five championship golf courses nestled along the Atlantic coast.
St. James, Barbados: With its idyllic climate and stunning ocean views, Barbados offers excellent golfing at courses like Royal Westmoreland and Sandy Lane.
Fife, Scotland: Apart from St. Andrews, Fife has other historic links courses like Crail, Leven, and Lundin.
Maui, Hawaii, USA: Combining beautiful beaches and lush landscapes, Maui's premier courses include Kapalua Resort and Wailea Golf Club.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates: For a luxurious golf experience, Dubai offers elite courses like Emirates Golf Club and Jumeirah Golf Estates.
Ayrshire, Scotland: Home to the Open Championship courses of Turnberry and Royal Troon, Ayrshire is another Scottish gem.
Sun City, South Africa: Famous for the Gary Player Country Club and the challenging Lost City Course, Sun City is a unique golfing experience in the heart of South Africa's wilderness.
Costa del Sol, Spain: Known as "Costa del Golf," this sunny region offers over 70 golf courses, with Valderrama and La Reserva among the best.
While every golfer's dream list might differ, these destinations provide a mix of history, natural beauty, and outstanding course design that promises memorable golfing adventures. Whether you're planning your first golf vacation or your fiftieth, these destinations guarantee a world-class experience.
