Local golf courses, in much of the country, at this time of year hardly resemble the places we flock to early mornings on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the warmer months. the weather looks worn, tired and less welcoming; Winter has a way of doing that to the hardest of souls.
As a diversion from the winter cold, I’ve compiled a list of the top five international golf destinations, and I’ve picked plenty of amazing ones like the luxury accommodations and high-quality golf they’re known for. The list left out historic heavyweights like St Andrews, if only because few places on earth stand a chance against the home of golf. Keep in mind that this is an international list, so places like Pinehurst and Pebble won’t be there either. Let’s get started.
In reverse order, we start with the number five:
5) The Peninsula Hotel and Thai Country Club – This is a travel, golf and accommodation destination on the most exotic level. Designed by Dennis Griffiths, former president of the American Society of Golf Course Architects, it adheres to the international standards of the American PGA. Designed with day-use members in mind, the course is also a world-class golf destination; Never was this point more evident than in 1997, when Honda hosted the Asian Classic; An event won by a newcomer on the PGA Tour, by the name of Tiger Woods.
4) The Golden Bear Lodge and Spa, in Cap Cana, Dominican Republic – A premier golf destination, The Golden Bear Lodge & Spa delivers golf in a setting you’d expect on one of the most exotic golf courses and lodgings in the world. Sugary white sand beaches, sunshine and tropical blue Caribbean waters combine to make Cap Cana’s golfing experience worthy of the top five on this list.
3) The Legend Golf and Safari Resort Located at the Entabeni Safari Conservancy in the Limpopo Province of South Africa – there are great golf destinations for golf holidays and then there are golf holidays in South Africa. South Africa has its own aura; Few places in the world can match it for its culture and beauty. Add to this aura the Legend Golf & Safari Resort and you have one of the most unique and inspiring golf courses you will find anywhere else in the world. Designed by 18 different members of the professional golf community, the course blends 18 different concepts into a stunningly cohesive vision of championship golf. It is only accessible by helicopter. The extreme 19th hole It is 3 bars, 400 meters high, with the landing area being green in the shape of the continent of Africa.
2) The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs In Mataori Bay, New Zealand – Some say, “One of the most exotic golf holidays you could hope to take is a golf holiday in New Zealand.” One look at the Kauri Cliffs golf course and its stunning setting and you’ll understand why. The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs joins two sister hotels to create a golf destination and accommodation package that includes the entire country of New Zealand; Two of the properties have superb golf courses with views equal to those found anywhere else on the planet. Third site without golf, but again, the views more than make up for it.
1) Old Head Golf Linux On the southwest coast of Ireland, in County Cork, Old Head Golf Links is a 220-acre, diamond-shaped piece of land that juts out for two miles into the Atlantic Ocean. It is one of the most popular and sought after golf experiences anywhere on earth. Old Head Golf Links takes the top spot on this list, even though it likely has the worst weather of the five; Truth be told if your fixation on the weather here you have missed the point. One of the most stunning settings for a golf course, bar none, Old Head prides itself on offering a golfing experience that blends unparalleled golf with the warmth of Irish hospitality. It is considered one of the most beautiful courses in the world and I have to agree.
So there you have it, you may not agree with these selections, but when you visit their websites and find out more about them, you will understand why they deserve to be mentioned on any Exotic International list. Golf and lodging destinations.