Kiwi Curated
Have Clubs Will Travel: 10 Great Golf Getaways
by Darren DunneThe venerable game of golf originated on the rugged links of Scotland, but nowadays over 50% of the world’s courses are located in the United States, and there are courses set in diverse locales such as deserts, mountain passes and tropical rainforests. With such a buffet of options, it can be difficult to hone in on the best venue, but we hone in on ten hotels where spectacular golf is central to the guest experience.
Have Clubs Will Travel: 10 Great Golf Getaways
On the banks of the idyllic Dubai Creek, Park Hyatt Dubai offers easy access to the prestigious Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club and its two 18-hole courses. The iconic Majlis Course was the first grass course in the Middle East and takes its name from the Arabic word for “meeting place.” It features hundreds of indigenous species of flora and fauna, as well as beautiful views of the Dubai cityscape. The club’s second championship course, nicknamed “The Faldo Course,” opened in 1996, with a redesign from legendary golfer Nick Faldo in 2005. It blends naturally rugged terrain with Faldo’s trademark tees and mischievous bunkers.
Have Clubs Will Travel: 10 Great Golf Getaways
Inspired by the links-style courses of Scotland, Fox Harb’r Golf Resort & Spa’s 18-hole course sits next to the ocean, and earned “Best New Golf Course in Canada” plaudits from Golf Digest upon opening in 2011. The course was designed by Golf Hall of Fame member Graham Cooke, who leverages the natural beauty and challenging topography of the area into one of Canada’s finest courses. The outward nine takes players on a trip through sheltered forests, expansive wetlands and rock-lined lakes, while the back-nine channels St. Andrews. If time is of the essence, there’s also a nine-hole Executive Course that will sharpen one’s short game skills without compromising on beauty.
Have Clubs Will Travel: 10 Great Golf Getaways
Amid the rolling greenery of Tuscany, Argentario Resort Golf & Spa has carved one of the most picturesque courses imaginable – all within a protected natural reserve. The course has received Italy’s “Agri Certification” for its eco-friendly construction and focus on carbon neutral maintenance. The area’s Orbotello Lagoon, sea and picturesque hillside create both a stunning panorama and a microclimate that allows golf 12 months a year. The 18-hole course blends Mediterranean vegetation with imaginative water hazards to create a course that’s both beguiling and challenging.
Have Clubs Will Travel: 10 Great Golf Getaways
As a guest at The Seagate Hotel & Spa, you gain full membership privileges at The Seagate Country Club, home to one of Florida’s finest courses. This legendary Palm Beach course was designed by noted architect Joe Lee and it sprawls over 300 acres stocked with bass ponds and a total of 91 bunkers. If that’s not enough, there’s also a state-of-the-art practice facility with driving range, putting green, and a staff of PGA Tour professionals available for lessons.
Have Clubs Will Travel: 10 Great Golf Getaways
Since opening 25 years ago, jaw dropping scenery and 36 challenging holes have cemented The Resort at Pelican Hill‘s Pelican Hill Golf Club as one of California’s finest golf experiences. The club features two distinct courses, North and South, each presenting different challenges for the accomplished golfer. The North Course demands focus amid panoramic ocean views and holes that weave right down to the cliff’s edge. Over on the South Course, a landscape of sage and eucalyptus trees mingle with perilous bunkers and deep chasms.
Have Clubs Will Travel: 10 Great Golf Getaways
Grand Resort Bad Ragaz is Switzerland’s only hotel with two golf courses of its own: the 18-hole PGA Championship Course, and the 9-hole Executive Course. Golf and Bad Ragaz enjoy a historic alliance, with the course first opening to local players in 1905. Breathtaking Alpine mountains and lush woodland form the backdrop to a course lauded as “Switzerland’s Best Maintained Course” by Golf Leader Magazine. In April this year, the cutting edge Golf Club Bad Ragaz opened its doors for the first time, offering a restaurant, golf shop, changing rooms and caddy rooms.
Have Clubs Will Travel: 10 Great Golf Getaways
Hotel Camiral at PGA Catalunya Resort isn’t just a golf course and hotel, it’s an entire golf community with a breadth of activities to experience. The resort is home to two spectacular 18-hole courses – the Stadium Course and the Tour Course – as well as two golf academies. Elsewhere, there are two lighted tennis courts, a fully featured fitness center, and a relaxing spa with a myriad of treatment options. When it comes to accommodations, Hotel Camiral is no slouch either. Each of the 149 guest accommodations comes warmly appointed in calming whites, with a luxurious mix of space, comfort and design.
Have Clubs Will Travel: 10 Great Golf Getaways
As one of the world’s most renowned designers, Dave Thomas has completed over 100 golf courses including the legendary Belfry, and the exclusive course at Marbella Club Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa. This 18-hole gem trades in unbeatable views over the Mediterranean, out to Gibraltar, and across to the African coastline on a clear day. Tee times are limited with a guaranteed 12 minutes between groups. Guests at the resort enjoy complimentary green fees as well as a shuttle service between the hotel and the golf course.
Have Clubs Will Travel: 10 Great Golf Getaways
Though it’s located in the center of Dublin, The Merrion’s reputation as one of Ireland’s most opulent hotels has seen it carve out a special place in the heart of golfers from around the globe. The hotel’s skilled concierge team is happy to secure a tee time for guests at some of Ireland’s most prestigious courses, including Portmarnock Golf Club, Druids Glen, The K Club and Carton House. After a tough day on the course, the mouth-watering fare on offer at Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud, holder of two Michelin Stars, will sate the palate.
Have Clubs Will Travel: 10 Great Golf Getaways
Known as “The Great White Shark,” legendary golfer Greg Norman’s second career as a course designer has become as prolific as his first, leading to spectacular results like El Camaleon Golf Club at Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya. This 18-hole course starts in an area of preserved mangroves before taking players on a tour through diverse landscapes of forest, jungle and beach. It’s home to the annual PGA Tour OHL Classic, as well as a driving range, fully stocked pro-shop and prestigious golf school.
On the banks of the idyllic Dubai Creek, Park Hyatt Dubai offers easy access to the prestigious Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club and its two 18-hole courses. The iconic Majlis Course was the first grass course in the Middle East and takes its name from the Arabic word for “meeting place.” It features hundreds of indigenous species of flora and fauna, as well as beautiful views of the Dubai cityscape. The club’s second championship course, nicknamed “The Faldo Course,” opened in 1996, with a redesign from legendary golfer Nick Faldo in 2005. It blends naturally rugged terrain with Faldo’s trademark tees and mischievous bunkers.
Inspired by the links-style courses of Scotland, Fox Harb’r Golf Resort & Spa’s 18-hole course sits next to the ocean, and earned “Best New Golf Course in Canada” plaudits from Golf Digest upon opening in 2011. The course was designed by Golf Hall of Fame member Graham Cooke, who leverages the natural beauty and challenging topography of the area into one of Canada’s finest courses. The outward nine takes players on a trip through sheltered forests, expansive wetlands and rock-lined lakes, while the back-nine channels St. Andrews. If time is of the essence, there’s also a nine-hole Executive Course that will sharpen one’s short game skills without compromising on beauty.
Amid the rolling greenery of Tuscany, Argentario Resort Golf & Spa has carved one of the most picturesque courses imaginable – all within a protected natural reserve. The course has received Italy’s “Agri Certification” for its eco-friendly construction and focus on carbon neutral maintenance. The area’s Orbotello Lagoon, sea and picturesque hillside create both a stunning panorama and a microclimate that allows golf 12 months a year. The 18-hole course blends Mediterranean vegetation with imaginative water hazards to create a course that’s both beguiling and challenging.
As a guest at The Seagate Hotel & Spa, you gain full membership privileges at The Seagate Country Club, home to one of Florida’s finest courses. This legendary Palm Beach course was designed by noted architect Joe Lee and it sprawls over 300 acres stocked with bass ponds and a total of 91 bunkers. If that’s not enough, there’s also a state-of-the-art practice facility with driving range, putting green, and a staff of PGA Tour professionals available for lessons.
Since opening 25 years ago, jaw dropping scenery and 36 challenging holes have cemented The Resort at Pelican Hill‘s Pelican Hill Golf Club as one of California’s finest golf experiences. The club features two distinct courses, North and South, each presenting different challenges for the accomplished golfer. The North Course demands focus amid panoramic ocean views and holes that weave right down to the cliff’s edge. Over on the South Course, a landscape of sage and eucalyptus trees mingle with perilous bunkers and deep chasms.
Grand Resort Bad Ragaz is Switzerland’s only hotel with two golf courses of its own: the 18-hole PGA Championship Course, and the 9-hole Executive Course. Golf and Bad Ragaz enjoy a historic alliance, with the course first opening to local players in 1905. Breathtaking Alpine mountains and lush woodland form the backdrop to a course lauded as “Switzerland’s Best Maintained Course” by Golf Leader Magazine. In April this year, the cutting edge Golf Club Bad Ragaz opened its doors for the first time, offering a restaurant, golf shop, changing rooms and caddy rooms.
Hotel Camiral at PGA Catalunya Resort isn’t just a golf course and hotel, it’s an entire golf community with a breadth of activities to experience. The resort is home to two spectacular 18-hole courses – the Stadium Course and the Tour Course – as well as two golf academies. Elsewhere, there are two lighted tennis courts, a fully featured fitness center, and a relaxing spa with a myriad of treatment options. When it comes to accommodations, Hotel Camiral is no slouch either. Each of the 149 guest accommodations comes warmly appointed in calming whites, with a luxurious mix of space, comfort and design.
As one of the world’s most renowned designers, Dave Thomas has completed over 100 golf courses including the legendary Belfry, and the exclusive course at Marbella Club Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa. This 18-hole gem trades in unbeatable views over the Mediterranean, out to Gibraltar, and across to the African coastline on a clear day. Tee times are limited with a guaranteed 12 minutes between groups. Guests at the resort enjoy complimentary green fees as well as a shuttle service between the hotel and the golf course.
Though it’s located in the center of Dublin, The Merrion’s reputation as one of Ireland’s most opulent hotels has seen it carve out a special place in the heart of golfers from around the globe. The hotel’s skilled concierge team is happy to secure a tee time for guests at some of Ireland’s most prestigious courses, including Portmarnock Golf Club, Druids Glen, The K Club and Carton House. After a tough day on the course, the mouth-watering fare on offer at Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud, holder of two Michelin Stars, will sate the palate.
Known as “The Great White Shark,” legendary golfer Greg Norman’s second career as a course designer has become as prolific as his first, leading to spectacular results like El Camaleon Golf Club at Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya. This 18-hole course starts in an area of preserved mangroves before taking players on a tour through diverse landscapes of forest, jungle and beach. It’s home to the annual PGA Tour OHL Classic, as well as a driving range, fully stocked pro-shop and prestigious golf school.