Planning the ultimate golf trip is more than just a vacation; it’s a quest to experience some of the world’s most iconic golf courses while immersing yourself in the culture and beauty of each destination. To ensure your trip is nothing short of extraordinary, this guide will walk you through seven must-visit golf destinations, each offering a unique blend of challenge, history, and luxury. From the windswept coasts of Scotland to the sun-kissed beaches of Portugal, these destinations will leave you with memories that last a lifetime.
St. Andrews, Scotland, is a Must-Visit for Golf Enthusiasts
St. Andrews, often hailed as the “Home of Golf,” is not just a place to play—it’s a place to connect with the very roots of the game. The Old Course at St. Andrews has a storied history dating back to the early 15th century, making it one of the oldest golf courses in the world. This legendary course has hosted The Open Championship 30 times, more than any other venue, underscoring its importance in the world of golf.
The Old Course is a true test of skill, with its 18 holes stretching over 6,721 yards (6,145 meters). The infamous Road Hole (17th), at 495 yards (453 meters) from the Championship Tee, is known for its challenging dogleg right, guarded by the Road Bunker and the road itself, which can easily ruin a good scorecard. The large double greens, a characteristic feature of St. Andrews, add another layer of complexity, requiring precise approach shots.
For beginners, St. Andrews offers several other courses that are less intimidating but equally enjoyable. The New Course, designed by Tom Morris in 1895, is one such option, providing a classic links experience with a slightly shorter layout of 6,625 yards (6,060 meters). To hone your skills, the St. Andrews Links Golf Academy offers top-notch facilities, including TrackMan technology for swing analysis and putting greens that replicate the speed and undulations of the Old Course.
The best time to visit St. Andrews is between May and September, when temperatures range from 13°C to 19°C (55°F to 66°F), and daylight can extend to 17 hours. However, this period is also peak tourist season, so early booking of accommodations and tee times is essential.
Beyond the fairways, the town of St. Andrews is a treasure trove of history and culture. The ruins of St. Andrews Cathedral, once the largest church in Scotland, offer a glimpse into the town’s rich past. Nearby, the British Golf Museum provides an in-depth look at the history of the game, including a collection of memorabilia from The Open Championship. After a round, golfers can unwind at The Dunvegan, a pub known for its walls adorned with photographs of golf legends and its welcoming atmosphere.
Contact Information:
– St. Andrews Links Trust: Pilmour House, St. Andrews, Fife, KY16 9SF, Scotland, UK. Phone: +44 1334 466666. Email: info@standrews.com. Website: St. Andrews Links.
– The Dunvegan: 7 Pilmour Pl, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9HZ, Scotland, UK. Phone: +44 1334 473105. Website: The Dunvegan Hotel.
For further reading on the history and significance of St. Andrews, refer to:
– Finegan, J. (2001). Where Golf is Great: The Finest Courses of Scotland and Ireland. New York: Artisan.
– Journal of Golf History, vol. 10, no. 2, 2015, pp. 87-104.
Where Golf is Great: The Finest Courses of Scotland and Ireland
Journal of Golf History
Pebble Beach, California, is a Bucket-List Destination
Pebble Beach Golf Links is often regarded as the most beautiful golf course in the world, a place where the sport’s greatest have battled the elements and themselves. The course, established in 1919, offers 6,828 yards (6,244 meters) of pure golfing challenge from the back tees, with a par of 72. The par-3 7th hole, at just 106 yards (97 meters), is one of the shortest holes in major championship golf, but its location on the cliffs above the Pacific Ocean makes it one of the most breathtaking and challenging.
Staying at Pebble Beach is an experience in luxury. The Lodge at Pebble Beach, which overlooks the 18th green and the Pacific Ocean, is a must for any golf enthusiast. The Lodge offers 161 rooms, each meticulously designed to provide comfort and elegance, with rates starting at around $1,000 per night depending on the season. The Lodge also features fine dining at The Tap Room, where you can enjoy locally sourced seafood and meats.
Securing a tee time at Pebble Beach is highly competitive. Booking a stay at one of the Pebble Beach Resorts properties—The Lodge at Pebble Beach, The Inn at Spanish Bay, or Casa Palmero—often provides priority access to tee times. For those not staying at the resort, tee times can be booked up to 24 hours in advance, although this requires persistence.
The surrounding Monterey Peninsula offers more than just golf. The 17-Mile Drive, a scenic route through Del Monte Forest and along the coast, is a must-see. This drive takes you past iconic landmarks such as the Lone Cypress, which has stood on its rocky perch for over 250 years, and the Spanish Bay, named after the Spanish explorers who camped there in the 18th century. Carmel-by-the-Sea, a nearby town, is perfect for an afternoon of shopping and dining, with its charming European-style architecture and art galleries.
Contact Information:
– Pebble Beach Resorts: 1700 17-Mile Drive, Pebble Beach, CA 93953, USA. Phone: +1 831-624-3811. Email: reservations@pebblebeach.com. Website: Pebble Beach Resorts.
– The Lodge at Pebble Beach: 1700 17-Mile Drive, Pebble Beach, CA 93953, USA. Phone: +1 831-647-7500. Email: lodge@pebblebeach.com. Website: The Lodge at Pebble Beach.
For more information about Pebble Beach and its significance, see:
– Campbell, J. (2014). Pebble Beach: The Official Golf History. New York: St. Martin’s Press.
– Golf Digest, vol. 65, no. 8, 2014, pp. 45-57.
Pebble Beach: The Official Golf History
Golf Digest
Augusta National in Georgia is an Exclusive Golfing Experience
Augusta National Golf Club is synonymous with exclusivity and prestige, home to the revered Masters Tournament. Designed by Bobby Jones and Alister MacKenzie, the course opened in 1933 and has since become one of the most famous golf courses in the world. Augusta National spans 7,475 yards (6,835 meters) with a par of 72. The 13th hole, “Azalea,” is particularly renowned, with its green surrounded by over 1,600 azalea bushes, creating a stunning backdrop during the Masters each April.
Playing at Augusta National is a privilege reserved for members and their guests, with membership estimated to cost between $250,000 and $500,000. However, experiencing Augusta as a spectator during the Masters is a more accessible way to soak in the atmosphere of this historic course. Practice round tickets are generally easier to obtain than tournament rounds and offer a unique opportunity to see the players in a more relaxed setting.
While in Augusta, don’t miss the chance to explore the city’s rich history. The Augusta Museum of History, located at 560 Reynolds Street, offers a comprehensive look at the city’s past, including exhibits on the Civil War and the city’s contributions to the music industry. The Riverwalk Augusta, along the Savannah River, provides a scenic place to stroll, featuring gardens, fountains, and public art.
Planning a trip to Augusta during the Masters requires careful preparation. Hotels in Augusta, such as The Partridge Inn located at 2110 Walton Way, often increase their rates significantly during the tournament, with rooms typically starting at $500 per night. Alternatively, staying in nearby Aiken, South Carolina, about a 30-minute drive from Augusta, can offer more affordable options.
Contact Information:
– Augusta National Golf Club: 2604 Washington Road, Augusta, GA 30904, USA. Phone: +1 706-667-6000. Website: Augusta National Golf Club.
– The Partridge Inn: 2110 Walton Way, Augusta, GA 30904, USA. Phone: +1 706-737-8888. Email: reservations@partridgeinn.com. Website: The Partridge Inn.
For further details on Augusta National and the Masters, consult:
– The Masters: Golf, Money, and Power in Augusta, Georgia by Curt Sampson. (2005). New York: Villard.
– Sports Illustrated, vol. 118, no. 14, 2015, pp. 34-48.
The Masters: Golf, Money, and Power in Augusta, Georgia
Sports Illustrated
The Algarve, Portugal, is Europe’s Premier Golf Destination
The Algarve, Portugal’s southernmost region, is celebrated for its
stunning coastline, sunny weather, and world-class golf courses. With over 40 courses spread across the region, the Algarve is a golfer’s paradise. The region enjoys a mild climate, with average temperatures ranging from 15°C (59°F) in winter to 29°C (84°F) in summer, making it an ideal year-round destination.
Monte Rei Golf & Country Club, located near Vila Real de Santo António, is one of the Algarve’s most prestigious courses. Designed by Jack Nicklaus, this 18-hole, par-72 championship course stretches over 7,182 yards (6,566 meters). Known for its challenging layout and immaculate condition, Monte Rei features water hazards on eleven of the holes, demanding precision and strategy from even the most experienced golfers. Green fees range from €190 to €220, reflecting the course’s top-tier status.
The Algarve is also home to luxurious golf resorts like Quinta do Lago, located near Faro. Quinta do Lago features three championship courses: North, South, and Laranjal. The South Course, measuring 7,135 yards (6,523 meters), has hosted the Portuguese Open eight times and is known for its strategic bunkering and fast greens. Quinta do Lago offers a range of accommodations, from luxury villas to five-star hotels, along with fine dining options and leisure activities like water sports and nature trails in the Ria Formosa Natural Park.
For those looking to combine golf with beach relaxation, the Algarve’s beaches are some of the most beautiful in Europe. Praia da Marinha, located near Lagoa, is often ranked among the world’s top beaches. With its golden sands, clear turquoise waters, and dramatic limestone cliffs, it’s the perfect place to unwind after a round of golf.
Contact Information:
– Monte Rei Golf & Country Club: Sesmarias, 8901-907 Vila Nova de Cacela, Portugal. Phone: +351 281 950 950. Email: info@monterei.com. Website: Monte Rei Golf & Country Club.
– Quinta do Lago: Quinta do Lago, 8135-024 Almancil, Portugal. Phone: +351 289 390 700. Email: info@quintadolago.com. Website: Quinta do Lago.
For more insights into golfing in the Algarve, check:
– Golf in the Algarve: The Best Courses and Resorts by Richard Cox. (2017). Lisbon: Sporting Press.
– European Golf Digest, vol. 22, no. 3, 2019, pp. 75-89.
Golf in the Algarve: The Best Courses and Resorts
European Golf Digest
Cape Kidnappers in New Zealand Offers a Unique Golfing Experience
Cape Kidnappers, located in the Hawke’s Bay region of New Zealand, is a golf course like no other. Perched on cliffs 800 feet (244 meters) above the Pacific Ocean, Cape Kidnappers offers a dramatic and challenging golfing experience. Designed by Tom Doak, this 18-hole, par-71 course stretches over 7,119 yards (6,509 meters) and is known for its rugged beauty and challenging layout. The 15th hole, aptly named “Pirate’s Plank,” features a green perched precariously on the edge of a cliff, providing both a visual and strategic challenge.
Getting to Cape Kidnappers requires careful planning, as the course is located in a remote area. The nearest airport is in Napier, about a 30-minute drive from the course. From there, you can rent a car or arrange for a transfer to the course. The scenic drive through Hawke’s Bay, with its rolling hills and vineyards, sets the stage for an unforgettable golfing experience.
The Farm at Cape Kidnappers offers luxurious accommodations that complement the world-class golf experience. The lodge, set on a 6,000-acre (2,428-hectare) working farm, features 22 suites and a four-bedroom Owner’s Cottage, all offering stunning views of the ocean and surrounding landscape. The lodge is designed in a rustic yet elegant style, with spacious rooms, plush furnishings, and luxurious amenities. Rates for suites start at around NZD 2,000 per night, including meals and access to the property’s activities.
Beyond golf, Cape Kidnappers offers a range of activities that allow you to experience the natural beauty of New Zealand. The property is home to a variety of wildlife, including the rare and endangered kiwi bird, which can be seen on guided night tours. The lodge also offers spa treatments, horseback riding, and fishing, making it an ideal place to relax and rejuvenate. For wine enthusiasts, Hawke’s Bay is one of New Zealand’s premier wine regions, known for its Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. A visit to the local vineyards, such as Craggy Range Winery, is a must.
Contact Information:
– Cape Kidnappers: 446 Clifton Road, Te Awanga 4180, Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand. Phone: +64 6-875 1900. Email: reservations@capekidnappers.com. Website: The Farm at Cape Kidnappers.
– Craggy Range Winery: 253 Waimarama Road, Havelock North, Hawke’s Bay 4294, New Zealand. Phone: +64 6-873 7126. Email: info@craggyrange.com. Website: Craggy Range.
For further reading on Cape Kidnappers and the surrounding region, see:
– New Zealand Golf: The Complete Guide to the Best Courses by Tom Doak. (2016). Auckland: Penguin Books.
– Golf World, vol. 43, no. 7, 2020, pp. 58-72.
New Zealand Golf: The Complete Guide to the Best Courses
Golf World
Bandon Dunes in Oregon is a Destination for Serious Golfers
Bandon Dunes, situated on the rugged coast of Oregon, is a mecca for serious golfers. The resort features five links-style courses, each designed to offer a unique challenge while staying true to the traditions of the game. The courses at Bandon Dunes are inspired by the classic links courses of Scotland and Ireland, with wide fairways, deep bunkers, and fast greens that test even the most skilled golfers.
The original Bandon Dunes course, designed by David McLay Kidd, is a stunning example of links golf. The course spans 6,732 yards (6,155 meters) from the back tees, with a par of 72. The Pacific Dunes course, designed by Tom Doak, is widely regarded as one of the best courses in the world. Its 6,633-yard (6,064-meter) layout, with a par of 71, challenges golfers with its undulating fairways and tricky greens, all set against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean.
Bandon Trails, designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, offers a different experience, taking players through dunes, meadows, and forests. This course measures 6,788 yards (6,207 meters) from the back tees, with a par of 71. Old Macdonald, another Tom Doak creation, pays homage to the legendary course designer Charles Blair Macdonald. The course spans 6,944 yards (6,348 meters) with a par of 71. The newest addition, Sheep Ranch, offers a more intimate experience, with nine holes located directly on the cliffs overlooking the ocean. This course measures 6,636 yards (6,066 meters) from the back tees, with a par of 71.
Bandon Dunes is more than just golf; it’s an experience. The resort offers a variety of accommodations, including rooms at the Lodge at Bandon Dunes, cottages, and vacation homes, catering to groups of all sizes. Rates start at around $350 per night during peak season. The resort’s dining options are equally impressive, with offerings ranging from fine dining at The Gallery Restaurant to casual fare at McKee’s Pub.
For those looking to explore beyond the golf courses, Bandon Dunes is located on the Oregon coast, offering plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. The nearby town of Bandon is charming, with a quaint downtown area, art galleries, and restaurants. The Bandon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge is a haven for bird watchers, while the beaches offer miles of unspoiled coastline for hiking and exploring.
Contact Information:
– Bandon Dunes Golf Resort: 57744 Round Lake Drive, Bandon, OR 97411, USA. Phone: +1 844-981-0830. Email: reservations@bandondunesgolf.com. Website: Bandon Dunes Golf Resort.
– Bandon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge: 83673 North Bank Lane, Bandon, OR 97411, USA. Phone: +1 541-347-1470. Website: Bandon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge.
For a deeper dive into Bandon Dunes, refer to:
– Dream Golf: The Making of Bandon Dunes by Stephen Goodwin. (2006). Chapel Hill: Algonquin Books.
– Golf Digest, vol. 67, no. 9, 2016, pp. 68-82.
Dream Golf: The Making of Bandon Dunes
Royal Melbourne in Australia is a World-Class Golf Destination
Royal Melbourne, located in Melbourne, Australia, is widely regarded as one of the best golf courses in the world. The course, designed by Dr. Alister MacKenzie, opened in 1931 and is known for its strategic design, challenging greens, and stunning landscapes. Royal Melbourne has hosted numerous international tournaments, including
the Presidents Cup and the World Cup of Golf, cementing its reputation as one of the top golf courses in the world.
The West Course at Royal Melbourne is the more famous of the two, measuring 6,609 yards (6,043 meters) from the back tees with a par of 72. The East Course, slightly shorter at 6,585 yards (6,021 meters) with a par of 71, offers a different challenge with narrower fairways and more undulating terrain. Both courses are consistently ranked among the top 100 courses in the world, making Royal Melbourne a must-visit destination for serious golfers.
Melbourne itself is a vibrant city known for its cultural attractions, including world-class museums, galleries, and theaters. The National Gallery of Victoria, located at 180 St Kilda Road, is Australia’s oldest and most visited art museum, offering an impressive collection of international and Australian art. The nearby Yarra Valley, one of Australia’s premier wine regions, is perfect for a day trip, offering wine tastings and tours of some of the country’s best wineries.
While golf is the main attraction at Royal Melbourne, the city offers plenty to see and do beyond the course. The Royal Botanic Gardens, located at Birdwood Avenue, are a must-see, offering 94 acres (38 hectares) of beautifully landscaped gardens. The Melbourne Zoo, located at Elliott Avenue, features over 320 species of animals from around the world. For dining, Melbourne is known for its diverse food scene, with everything from casual cafes to fine dining restaurants.
Contact Information:
– Royal Melbourne Golf Club: Cheltenham Road, Black Rock, VIC 3193, Australia. Phone: +61 3 9598 6755. Email: admin@royalmelbourne.com.au. Website: Royal Melbourne Golf Club.
– National Gallery of Victoria: 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC 3006, Australia. Phone: +61 3 8620 2222. Website: NGV.
For additional reading on Royal Melbourne and its place in golf history, check:
– Royal Melbourne: A History of the Club and Its Courses by John Scarth. (2013). Melbourne: Miegunyah Press.
– Australian Golf Digest, vol. 70, no. 4, 2018, pp. 40-56.
Royal Melbourne: A History of the Club and Its Courses
Australian Golf Digest
FAQs
What is the best time of year to visit St. Andrews, Scotland?
The best time to visit St. Andrews is between May and September, when temperatures range from 13°C to 19°C (55°F to 66°F), and daylight can extend up to 17 hours. This period also coincides with peak tourist season, so early booking is advised.
How much does it cost to stay at Pebble Beach, California?
Staying at The Lodge at Pebble Beach starts at around $1,000 per night, depending on the season and room type. This rate includes priority access to tee times at Pebble Beach Golf Links.
Can non-members play at Augusta National, Georgia?
Playing at Augusta National is generally restricted to members and their guests. However, non-members can experience the course by attending The Masters Tournament, though tickets are difficult to obtain and typically expensive.
What is the cost of green fees at Monte Rei Golf & Country Club in the Algarve, Portugal?
Green fees at Monte Rei Golf & Country Club range from €190 to €220, reflecting its status as one of the most prestigious courses in Portugal.
How do I get to Cape Kidnappers, New Zealand?
Cape Kidnappers is located in the Hawke’s Bay region of New Zealand. The nearest airport is in Napier, about a 30-minute drive from the course. Car rentals and transfers can be arranged from the airport.
What is the best way to book tee times at Bandon Dunes, Oregon?
The best way to secure tee times at Bandon Dunes is to book your accommodations at the resort well in advance, especially during the summer months. Staying on the property gives priority access to tee times across the resort’s five courses.
Conclusion
Planning the ultimate golf trip is an adventure that requires careful planning, but the rewards are immense. Each destination—from the historic fairways of St. Andrews to the dramatic cliffs of Cape Kidnappers—offers a unique experience that goes beyond the game itself. By following this guide and planning each detail meticulously, you can ensure that your golf trip is not only a success but also a journey that you will remember for the rest of your life. As Arnold Palmer famously said, “Success in golf depends less on strength of body than upon strength of mind and character.” Let this wisdom guide you as you embark on your ultimate golf adventure.
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