Looking for the best golf travel destinations abroad? Then join those golfers around the world who know that the right destination can transform a simple game into an unforgettable experience! Discovering new courses can be thrilling. With our Ultimate Guide to the 5 Best Golf Courses Outside the US, you can dive into the best golf travel destinations right away. This guide includes info on the golf courses, accommodations, attractions, and essential travel tips to help you plan your perfect golf vacation.
Best Golf Courses in Scotland
St. Andrews Links, Scotland
St. Andrews Links is known as the “Home of Golf.” It’s steeped in history and tradition, with golf being played on its courses for over 600 years. The challenging layout and coastal scenery create a unique golfing experience. The Old Course was established in the early 15th century and is the oldest golf course in the world. It has hosted many historic moments in golf. Today, St. Andrews Links comprises seven courses, including the Old Course, New Course, Jubilee Course, Eden Course, Strathtyrum Course, Balgove Course, and The Castle Course.
Degree of Difficulty
St. Andrews Links offers 7 golf courses to play on with varying degrees of difficulty. Each of these courses offers its own unique challenges and experiences, perfect for any golfer looking to test their skills at St. Andrews Links.
- Old Course: Famous for its challenging layout with undulating fairways and numerous bunkers. It has a par of 72 and a slope rating of 132 for men and 143 for women.
- New Course: Offers a fair challenge with a mix of long and short holes. It has a par of 71 and a slope rating of 127 for men.
- Jubilee Course: Known for its length and demanding holes. It has a par of 72 and a slope rating of 133 for men and 138 for women.
- Eden Course: Features a mix of challenging and more forgiving holes. It has a par of 70 and a slope rating of 129 for men and 123 for women.
- Strathtyrum Course: Generally considered the easiest of the main courses, suitable for higher handicappers. It has a par of 69 and a slope rating of 125 for men.
- Balgove Course: A 9-hole course, primarily for beginners and those looking for a shorter game. It has a par of 30 and a slope rating that is not applicable.
- The Castle Course: Recognized for stunning views and challenging design. It has a par of 71 and a slope rating of 138 for men and 141 for women.
Accommodations
Stay right next to the legendary St. Andrews Links at The Old Course Hotel. [https://www.oldcoursehotel.co.uk/] It offers luxurious rooms with stunning views of the course and the North Sea. The perfect place to relax after a day on the greens at one of the best golf travel destinations.
ATtractions
After a round at St. Andrews Links, tour some of Scotland’s famed whiskey distilleries. Savor the rich flavors and learn about the distillation process while exploring the scenic countryside.
References
- WikiPedia – Old Course at St. Andrews
- Golf College – History of Saint Andrews Links: The Home of Golf
- Image by Richard Sutcliffe
Royal Dornoch Golf Club, Scotland
Royal Dornoch is one of the oldest and most revered golf courses in the world. Located in the picturesque town of Dornoch, this Highlands course features classic links terrain with rolling dunes, deep bunkers, and fast-running greens. It’s known for its natural beauty and challenging layout. Royal Dornoch also includes a junior golf program, making it perfect for a family vacation. It’s been a famous golf travel destination for over 400 years.
Degree of Difficulty
Royal Dornoch Golf Club actually has two 18-hole courses. Besides the famous Championship Course, there’s also the Struie Course. The Struie Course is ranked among the top 50 links courses in Scotland and offers a different but equally enjoyable challenge.
- The Championship Course: Has a par of 70 and a slope rating of 138 for men and 143 for women. The course is renowned for its strategic bunkering, fast greens, and undulating fairways, making it a demanding test for golfers of all skill levels.
- The Struie Course: Known for its tight fairways, smaller greens, and strategic bunkering, provides a challenging yet enjoyable experience for golfers of various skill levels. It has a par of 71 and a slope rating of 125 for men and 124 for women.
Accommodations
Royal Dornoch Hotel & Golf Club offers comfortable and elegant rooms with stunning views of the course and the surrounding countryside for the golf travel destination enthusiast.
Attractions
Explore the charming town of Dornoch, visit the Dornoch Castle, and enjoy the local seafood at nearby restaurants.
References
- Royal Dornoch: Still a world beater at 400 – National Club Golfer
- Wikipedia- Royal Dornoch
- Image by valenta, CC BY-SA 2.0 via WikiCommons
Best Golf Courses in Ireland
Royal County Down Golf Club, Northern Ireland
Nestled in the stunning landscape of Newcastle, Northern Ireland, Royal County Down is often hailed as one of the finest links courses in the world. The course features rugged dunes, deep bunkers, and fast-running greens, offering a true test of golfing skill and strategy, making it an ideal golf travel destination.
Degree of difficulty
Royal County Down Golf Club has two 18-hole links courses: the Championship Course and the Annesley Links. Both courses offer unique challenges and stunning views, making it a premier destination for golfers.
- Championship Course: One of the most highly regarded links courses in the world. It features a stunning backdrop of the Mountains of Mourne and the Irish Sea, with many holes offering breathtaking views. The course is known for its challenging layout, with tight fairways, large undulating greens, and strategic bunkering. It’s a true test of skill and strategy, with every par being hard-fought. It has a par of 71, a length of 7206 yards, and a slope rating of 142 (Blue Tees), 131 (White Tees), and 126 (Yellow Tees).
- Annesley Links: The Annesley Links is a shorter course but still offers a significant challenge. It features tight fairways, small greens, and heather-trimmed bunkering, making it a worthy test for golfers of all skill levels. The course is beautifully integrated into the dunescape, providing panoramic views of the bay. Despite its shorter length, it requires precision and strategy to navigate successfully. It has a par of 66, a length of 4617 yards, and a slope rating of 145 (Blue Tees), 136 (White Tees), and 132 (Yellow Tees).
Accommodations
The Slieve Donard Resort & Spa offers luxurious rooms with breathtaking views of the Mourne Mountains and easy access to the golf course. It boasts 178 luxurious bedrooms, including four beautifully appointed suites and resort-style rooms for larger groups.
ATtractions
Explore the scenic beauty of the Mourne Mountains, visit the charming town of Newcastle, and enjoy local seafood at nearby restaurants.
References
- The Slieve Donard
- Image by Eric Jones via WikiCommons
Ballybunion Golf Club, Ireland
Ballybunion Golf Club, located on Ireland’s rugged Atlantic coast in County Kerry, is one of the most renowned and storied links courses in the world. . Established in 1893, the club features two world-class links courses: the Old Course and the Cashen Course.
Degree of difficulty
The club features two courses: the Old Course and the Cashen Course. The Old Course is known for its dramatic dunes and scenic holes. The Cashen Course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. and opened in the mid-1980s, offers a unique challenge with its towering dunes and narrow fairways.
- The Old Course: this world-famous course is, known for its dramatic dunes and scenic holes along the Atlantic coast. It offers a thrilling and challenging experience, with many holes clinging precariously to cliff-tops and weaving through sandhills. The course has a par of 71 for men and 74 for women, with a slope rating of 131 (White Tees for men) and 128 (Red Tees for women).
- The Cashen Course: renowned for its wild and exciting layout, featuring dramatic dunes and stunning coastal views. It provides a challenging test for golfers, especially in windy conditions, with a par of 70 and no available slope rating. Both courses at Ballybunion offer a unique and memorable golfing experience.
Accommodations
Nearby accommodations include the Cashen Course House, a charming family-run guest house overlooking the Ballybunion Golf club. It offers spectacular views of the Cashen River and surrounding countryside. The guesthouse features 12 spacious bedrooms, including suites with jacuzzi baths, a large comfortable lounge with a baby grand piano and minibar, and a beautiful dining room.
Attractions
Ballybunion is brimming with experiences beyond its reputation as a premier golf travel destination. Immerse yourself in the unique Collin’s Seaweed Baths, take a scenic walk along the breathtaking Bromore Cliffs, and visit the picturesque yet secluded Nuns Beach for an unforgettable coastal adventure.
References
- Cashen Course House
- Image by Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 4.0 via WikiCommons
Best Golf Course in Australia
Royal Melbourne Golf Club, Australia
Since 1891, the Royal Melbourne Golf Club has been pleasing golfers near and far. It’s widely regarded as the finest course in the Southern Hemisphere. Its strategic bunkering, fast fairways, and impeccable design challenge even the best players. The course’s layout demands precise shot-making and thoughtful strategy.
degree of difficulty
The Royal Melbourne Golf Club is known for its challenging layout and high standards. The club features two courses: the West Course and the East Course. Both courses are known for their fast, firm conditions and generous fairways, providing a good challenge for both low and high handicap players.
- West Course: This course is ranked among the top five courses in the world.. It has a par of 72 and a slope rating of 138 for men and 132 for women. The West Course is known for its strategic bunkering, fast greens, and undulating fairways, making it a demanding test for golfers of all skill levels.
- East Course: Designed by Alex Russell and opened in 1932, the East Course is also highly regarded, often ranked among the top courses in Australia. It has a par of 71 and a slope rating of 135 for men and 129 for women. The East Course features superb bunkering and beautifully constructed greens, offering a unique and challenging golfing experience.
Accommodations
Crown Towers offers luxury accommodation in the heart of Melbourne, with easy access to Royal Melbourne Golf Club, another prime golf travel destination. Indulge in world-class amenities, including a spa, fine dining, and expansive city views.
Attractions
Melbourne is a vibrant city with a rich cultural scene. Explore its art galleries, museums, and theaters. Don’t miss a visit to the bustling Queen Victoria Market for a taste of local flavors.
References
- Image by Hone Morihana, CC BY 2.0
Travel Tips for Your Golf Travel Destinations
Book Early: Booking early is essential when planning your trip to top golf travel destinations. These popular spots often fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. Securing your preferred tee times and accommodations well in advance ensures you get the best options and can enjoy a stress-free experience.
Early reservations also often come with the benefit of early bird discounts and better availability, so planning ahead can save you money and guarantee a more hassle-free trip.
Pack Appropriately: Always check the weather forecast for your destination and pack accordingly. Check for appropriate attire that meets both the golf club’s dress code and the local climate. Additionally, packing layers can help you stay comfortable in varying weather conditions. Also be mindful of airline regulations for baggage.
Learn Local Etiquette: Respecting local golf etiquette and customs enhances your experience and shows appreciation for the traditions of the game. Each golf destination may have unique rules and practices, from dress codes to pace of play.
Familiarize yourself with these customs to ensure you blend in and enjoy your time on the course. Understanding local tipping practices and showing respect to course staff and fellow players can also contribute to a positive and welcoming atmosphere.
Each golf destination may have unique rules and practices, from dress codes to pace of play. Familiarize yourself with these customs to ensure you blend in and enjoy your time on the course. Understanding local tipping practices and showing respect to course staff and fellow players can also contribute to a positive and welcoming atmosphere.
Explore Beyond the Course: While the golf course is the main attraction, exploring beyond the greens adds a richer dimension to your travel experience. Take the time to visit local landmarks, indulge in regional cuisine, and participate in cultural or recreational activities unique to the area.
Whether it’s a historical tour, a scenic hike, or simply enjoying the local nightlife, these experiences will enhance your trip and provide lasting memories. Diversifying your activities also allows you to rest and recover between rounds of golf, ensuring you’re fresh and ready to play.
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