Choosing the best golf holidays in the world depends on world-class golf courses, luxurious accommodations, and additional amenities and activities. We have a comprehensive list of the very best golf holidays put together by leading tour operator – Golf Holidays Direct.
Here are some of the top destinations globally renowned for offering exceptional golf holidays:
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St. Andrews, Scotland
- Courses: The Old Course at St. Andrews, Kingsbarns Golf Links, Carnoustie Golf Links.
- Highlights: St. Andrews is the “Home of Golf,” offering historic courses and a rich golfing heritage. The town itself is charming, with plenty of historic sites and beautiful scenery.
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Pebble Beach, California, USA
- Courses: Pebble Beach Golf Links, Spyglass Hill Golf Course, The Links at Spanish Bay.
- Highlights: Stunning coastal views along the Pacific Ocean, luxurious accommodations at the Pebble Beach Resorts, and proximity to the scenic 17-Mile Drive and the town of Carmel-by-the-Sea.
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Southwest Ireland
- Courses: Ballybunion Golf Club, Lahinch Golf Club, Tralee Golf Club, Waterville Golf Links.
- Highlights: Dramatic coastal landscapes, friendly local culture, and a mix of historic and modern links courses. Great for combining golf with exploring Ireland’s natural beauty and charming villages.
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Dubai, UAE
- Courses: Emirates Golf Club, Jumeirah Golf Estates, The Els Club.
- Highlights: Luxurious facilities, year-round sunshine, and a range of high-end accommodations. Dubai also offers plenty of other attractions, including shopping, dining, and desert safaris.
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The Algarve, Portugal
- Courses: Monte Rei Golf & Country Club, Quinta do Lago, Vale do Lobo.
- Highlights: Beautiful weather, stunning coastal scenery, and a wide variety of golf courses. The Algarve also offers lovely beaches and excellent seafood.
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New Zealand
- Courses: Cape Kidnappers, Kauri Cliffs, Jack’s Point.
- Highlights: Spectacular natural landscapes, from coastal cliffs to mountainous terrain. New Zealand combines world-class golf with opportunities for adventure and exploration.
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Maui, Hawaii, USA
- Courses: Kapalua Plantation Course, Wailea Golf Club, Makena Golf & Beach Club.
- Highlights: Tropical paradise with stunning ocean views, luxury resorts, and a relaxed atmosphere. Ideal for combining golf with beach activities and exploring the island’s natural beauty.
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Melbourne Sandbelt, Australia
- Courses: Royal Melbourne Golf Club, Kingston Heath Golf Club, Victoria Golf Club.
- Highlights: Known for its well-maintained courses with fast greens and strategic bunkering. Melbourne is also a vibrant city with great food, culture, and nearby attractions like the Great Ocean Road.
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Dominican Republic
- Courses: Teeth of the Dog at Casa de Campo, Punta Espada Golf Club, Corales Golf Club.
- Highlights: Caribbean climate, beautiful coastal courses, and luxurious all-inclusive resorts. Perfect for a relaxing golf holiday with plenty of sun and sea.
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Tenerife, Canary Islands
- Courses: Abama Golf, Golf Costa Adeje, Golf del Sur.
- Highlights: Year-round sunshine, dramatic volcanic landscapes, and high-quality golf resorts. Tenerife also offers a variety of activities, from hiking to whale watching.
These destinations provide a mix of iconic golf courses, luxurious accommodations, and a range of additional activities, making them ideal for unforgettable golf holidays.
Spain is also a popular destination for golf enthusiasts due to its pleasant climate, beautiful landscapes, and a variety of high-quality golf courses. Some of the best golf breaks in Spain include:
Costa del Sol (Andalusia):
Known as the “Costa del Golf,” this region has a high concentration of top-rated golf courses. Notable courses include Valderrama Golf Club (often ranked as the best in Spain), Real Club de Golf Sotogrande, and Finca Cortesin Golf Club.
The region offers a combination of luxury resorts, beautiful beaches, and vibrant nightlife, making it ideal for a golf vacation.
Costa Brava (Catalonia):
This region offers scenic courses along the Mediterranean coast. PGA Catalunya Resort is a standout, featuring two championship courses, the Stadium Course and the Tour Course, which are consistently ranked among Europe’s best.
The area also provides access to cultural experiences, including medieval towns and the vibrant city of Barcelona.
Canary Islands:
With a mild climate year-round, the Canary Islands are perfect for golf any time of the year. Abama Golfin Tenerife and Salobre Golf Resort in Gran Canaria are two popular choices, offering stunning landscapes and high-quality facilities.
Mallorca (Balearic Islands):
Known for its beautiful coastline and upscale resorts, Mallorca boasts several excellent golf courses, such as Son Gual Golf and Golf Son Muntaner. The island’s diverse terrain provides a range of challenging courses for all skill levels.
Costa Blanca (Valencia):
This area is home to La Sella Golf and Las Colinas Golf & Country Club, which are well-regarded for their design and quality. The Costa Blanca offers a mix of beaches, cultural attractions, and a sunny climate.
Madrid:
While Madrid is known more for its cultural attractions, it also offers some excellent golf courses, such as Club de Campo Villa de Madrid and Real Sociedad Hípica Española Club de Campo. The city’s golf courses provide a convenient option for those looking to combine golf with a city break.
When choosing a golf break in Spain, consider factors such as the quality and variety of golf courses, accommodation options, accessibility, and additional activities or amenities available in the area.