3 Bucket List Golf Courses to Visit Around the World
For those who are of the opinion that if you’ve seen one golf course, you’ve seen them all, move on now. This isn’t for you. But for the true aficionados, who understand that this sport is more than just a game, and that a golf course is more than simply a patch of dirt on which to hit a ball around, read on!
We’ve all played on those ‘meh’courses where you might just have well have stayed home and putted into acoffee cup. But with over 34,000 choices around the world, shame on anyone who goesback for more! When it comes to luxury golfing holidays, Spain, the USA and South Africa are up there at thetop of a lot of people’s lists. At A Golfing Experience, we spend our livesroad testing the best courses in the world, so we know what we’re talkingabout. And what we’re talking about are these three bucket list destinations…
Kiawah Island
If you think quantity can’t also mean quality, think again! Kiawah Island, in South Carolina, is home to five, yes five, 18-hole courses.
The Ocean Course (the pick of the five if you want the tip) is one ofonly four in the USA to have hosted every major PGA event – enough said! Turtle Point was designed by JackNicklaus and is superb for the ‘thinking’ golfer who likes a strategic game.The Tom Fazio designed Osprey Pointis a firm favourite with locals and is renowned for its diversity. Cougar Point has another highlystrategic layout, designed by the inimitable Gary Player, and, finally, Oak Point delights with its challenginggreens and long, undulating fairways. If it sounds all too good to be true, itisn’t. Five in one for the hole in one – dare you!
Valderrama
When our clients come to us requestingideas for luxury golfing holidays, Spain is an enduring recommendation. Valderramahas a reputation with the pros as one of the best in Europe and, if you need proof, it’s played host to the prestigious Ryder Cup and plenty of otherworld-class events.
The Trent Jones Snr designed Valderrama makes its way on to our bucket list not only for its immaculate presentation and on-green challenges, but also because it provides theopportunity for a really relaxed game, as it’s rarely overcrowded. Set amidstpine trees and beautifully maintained florals, the playing highlight isarguably the 17th hole, which not only has a long approach but theadded drama of a tricky steep slope leading down to a water hazard. You won’tbe the first or the last to get caught!
Leopard Creek
The legend that is Gary Player also designed Leopard Creek, and you can see his signature everywhere. Located adjacent to the fabulous Kruger National Park, you could be shouting ‘fore’ to a couple of hungry hippos or any other of the iconic wildlife for which thepark is famous.
The permanent home to the AlfredDunhill Championship, the course maintains a truly immersive connection withits natural surroundings and involves multiple tricky water hazards withspectacular views into Kruger National Park. The 13th hole is acracker, and you’ll play right up to the edge of the aptly named Crocodile River – but don’t worry, at an elevation of 32 metres there’s no chance ofdanger, except to your handicap!
Whenit comes to planning luxury golfing holidays, Spain is up there with our favouriteplaces. If you want to find out more about Valderrama or any other destinationson Spain, Italy, Portugal or France, get in touch with us and we’ll getyou ticking off that bucket list in no time!
