I do not play golf since my hyper personality goes crazy when attempting any sport that has someone in front of me moving slowly, and/or someone in back of me, waiting impatiently for me to move along. It wasn’t for lack of trying. As one of three girls, my father used to take us to golf tournaments to watch the great’s – Ben Hogan, Sammie Snead and even Babe Zaharias; and driving ranges, hoping one of us would become an excellent golfer. For those of you who are always on the lookout for new golf courses to play when traveling, a guest blogger sent me this article. Happy Hole-in-One!
If you’re a golfer who loves to get out and explore the world and play a few rounds of the game while you’re at it, you’ll want to check out this international list of must-golf places. The list contains nine courses from around the world including some of the newest, soon to open golf courses. Either add it to a future world tour or hold off on your trip until the course opens in 2013.
Make sure to keep several considerations in mind such as visa regulations, golf course fees and travel insurance as you go golfing around the world. Every country has different requirements for obtaining visas so you need to plan your itinerary in advance. Golf course fees vary greatly so start saving your cash now so you’ve got plenty of it when it comes time to play. Finally, Budget Direct Travel Insurance can offer you financial protection when it comes to your health care costs and expenses incurred due to situations beyond your control. Now, go get busy planning and packing! Without further ado, here are nine places where you must golf:
Maldives
The Maldives islands may be sinking, but that’s not stopping them from adding a new golf course to their list of attractions. The Daily Telegraph reports the new golf course, which is scheduled to be ready for play by the end of 2013, is part of a plan to construct floating man-made islands. The shape of the estimated $500 million resort and conference centre will resemble a starfish. The floating golf course, which will be accessed through an underwater tunnel, leaves little room for player error.
California
Next up is Pebble Beach, one of the finest golf courses in the United States. Unlike similar courses that are only available to an elite group, this one located in sunny California is open to anyone who pays the green fee. Built nearly a century ago, along the Pacific coast, Pebble Beach offers breathtaking views of the ocean and lush sloping greens. Golf legend Jack Nicklaus said if he could only play one more round, it would be at this course.
New Zealand
After a few days of playing in America, head across the ocean to play at dramatically located Cape Kidnappers on New Zealand’s north island. Built on a former sheep farm, high above the ocean, misdirected balls have a long journey into the sea. No sandy dunes await you; instead you’re treated to ravines, tilted greens and contoured fairways. The 15th hole, Pirate’s Plank, is a favourite of many.
South Africa
Next head over to Africa to the Legend Golf & Safari Resort located in a malaria-free region in South Africa. Play among the big five: lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards and rhinos as you attempt to make a hole-in-one which will net you a cool $1 million US dollars. The world’s longest and most extreme par 3 is located high atop Hanglip Mountain at a vertical height of 430 metres. As would be expected, it’s accessible only by helicopter. The holes were designed by professional golfers including Choi, Immelman, Furyk, Rose, Garcia, Harrington, Weir, Singh and Villegas. Special cameras and tracking equipment allow you to follow and capture your shots.
North Ireland
In North Ireland at Royal County Down expect a wonderful golfing experience on this coastal course. The featured hole is the fourth, a 198-metre par four on which players must get their ball past a sea of gorse to a tree and grass filled green. As you make your way through the course, enjoy the views of the Mourne Mountains and the dunes that rise above the Irish Sea. Close by Scotland’s Turnberry is one of the finest courses in the country. It sits on an old World War II airfield and is famous for its ninth hole siting on the edge of a cliff.
The Grenadines
Take a trip to The Grenadines to play a round at Canouan on some beautiful tropical islands. The fairways are a lush green and lined with hibiscus plants. The white sandy beaches and turquoise water add contrast and offer a great place to rest after your game. The last nine holes are the most dramatic with the 11th forcing you to hit the ball far over a deep ravine and onto an angled fairway. The 13th hole, the highest point on the course, boasts views of both Mustique and Mayreau.
Mediterranean
At the island of Corsica the Domaine de Sperone overlooks the beautiful Mediterranean. The course boasts nine inland and nine coastal holes played on rocks and cliffs. You get spectacular views of surrounding islands while being challenged when you arrive at the 16th hole, one of the world’s finest par fives.
Australia
The Royal Melbourne in Victoria is said to be one of the finest courses in the southern hemisphere, the West course was designed over 80 years ago by Dr. Alister MacKenzie. The course features strategically placed bunkers and fast greens with many contours.
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