Travel

As the great thaw begins across the UK and Europe,  we will be grabbing our clubs and venturing back out onto the links we have abandoned during the winter months. To celebrate the turn of the temperatures, we are doing a round up of the top golf courses across the UK, Europe and North America, starting with England. So grab your clubs and get back into the groove this Spring!

 

Royal Birkdale

Credit: @travellingthefairways on Instagram.

Royal Birkdale is a legendary course and has been the scene of some of golfing’s most infamous moments, such as Jordan Speith’s victory in the The Open Championship in 2017 and Jeong Jang’s total dominance in the 2005 RICOH Women’s British Open. It is built in a classic links style and features incredible scenery as many of the holes run alongside the dunes.

Southport is just 40 minutes north of Liverpool, so make the trip this summer for an unforgettable golfing experience on one of England’s most famous courses.

 

Royal St. George’s Golf Club

Credit: @golfcourseedits on Instagram

This course is set on the wild dunes of Sandwich in Kent. It has hosted The Open 14 times, and is truly one of England’s stand out courses. The ban on female members at St. George’s was only lifted in 2015, but since then it has welcomed a plethora of members and visitors through its doors.

Royal St. George’s was built to challenge amateurs and professionals alike, and it’s dramatic natural landscape adds to the intrigue. The infamous 4th hole is particularly tricky, but the course is guaranteed to keep you on your toes for the duration of your round. Visit Royal St. George’s today for a round you’ll remember for a lifetime.

 

Sunningdale (New)

Credit: @jameslovettphotography on Instagram

The new Sunningdale course is almost 100 years old now and has certainly improved with age. It is now renowned as one of the finest courses in the UK, and is well worth a visit to get a round in. There is a diverse mix of challenges on the course, and each hole is accompanied by stunning surroundings. Factor in a fantastic club house where you can grab refreshments afterwards, and you are guaranteed a fantastic day out.

What are your favourite English courses to play on? Let us know in the comments below!

 

Alternative Golf Holidays

Be it enjoying a quiet game surrounded by banana plantations, atop a cliff edge, or on a tiny island once owned by a Communist dictator, we have compiled three alternative golf holidays, all on this side of the Atlantic, that offer an alternative experience both on and off the course.

Now that the weather has somewhat thawed, our minds are naturally turning to thoughts of summer holidays, sandy beaches and faraway, warmer climes. You may even be considering taking a golf holiday this year. While there are certainly places that cater to both – Portugal, Spain, Italy and France being some of the most popular- why not swap the resort pool for something a little more alternative, even adventurous. Be it enjoying a quiet game surrounded by banana plantations, atop a cliff edge, or on a tiny island once owned by a Communist dictator, we have compiled three alternative golf holidays, all on this side of the Atlantic, that offer an alternative experience both on and off the course.

La Gomera
La Gomera

La Gomera

Perhaps the most visually dramatic of the Canary Islands; the verdant isle of La Gomera is home to spectacular gorges and coastlines, honey-colored villages and picturesque fishing harbors. Second only to El Hierro, it is smaller and quieter than it’s neighbor Tenerife, offering a peaceful idyll away from the bustle and noise of the larger islands.

Virtually unheard of, La Gomera owes this seclusion (don’t tell anyone!)  to it’s unique brand of eco-tourism that ensures the multi-storeys stay in Tenerife and Gran Canaria. This, combined with an mountainous volcanic landscape, makes it an unlikely place for a spot of golf. Such is the attraction, as the little island makes for an excellent alternative golfing getaway.

Tecina Golf, La Gomera
Tecina Golf, La Gomera

Golf:

Occupying a breathtaking cliff top setting within a former banana plantation, Tecina Golf may seem daunting to even the most experienced golfer. Starting from a height and slowly making your way down the plateau, the entire course is played downhill. Indeed, the fairways at Tecina are routed in a most ingenious way, ‘slaloming down a hillside with a drop of over 500 feet between the first hole at the top and the final hole at the bottom’.

Any difficulty this may pose, however, is outweighed by the surrounds and the view. ‘Indigenous plants, shrubs and cacti have been plated over substantial swatches of the property and these extravagant botanical arrangements- along with wonderful views of the Atlantic and Mount Teide present a beautiful backdrop’.

Not Golf:

Despite its small size, La Gomera has much to offer the inquisitive traveler. The north of the island is cooler than one would expect of the Canaries and boasts one of the Northern Hemispheres last and most luscious Laurel forests- the Garajonay UNESCO National Park. This green, misty plateau offers a welcome respite from the heat of the midday sun and visitors can enjoy walks through a terrain of moss-covered trees, streams, giant ferns and dandelions.

The sunny, drier south side of the island has a soft landscape of cultivated stepped terraces, vines, palm trees and low-slung, croft-style houses. A well maintained road takes you from the plateau past the hilltop villages of Las Hayas and Arure, passing impressive cliff-faces and down to spectacular views of Valle Gran Rey, or the Valley of the Great King.

The most notable of the southern towns- Valle Gran Rey strikes a nice balance between the capital San Sebastian and the quiet towns in the north of the island, with plenty of restaurants and lively bars. Built into the side of the valley, the old town of La Calera and Valle Gran Rey’s ‘capital’ is distinctly colonial looking , a tangle of winding streets and balconies overlooking the banana fields.

Stay

San Sebastian’s rock-perched Parador Nacional Conde de la Gomera offers attractive, colonial-style rooms with rich wooden floors and four-posters, set within an enchanting botanical garden. (Doubles b & b from £93).

Alternatively, HolidayLettings has a good choice of self catering accommodation. This renovated colonial townhouse in the center of Valle Gran Rey sleeps eight (prices from £30 per night).

Istria, Croatia
Istria, Croatia

Croatia

Forged in the aftermath of hundreds of years of war, Croatia has since emerged from behind the Soviet curtain to reveal a truly beautiful and unspoiled landscape flanked by 2000 miles of sparkling coastline. With red-roofed and charming towns to rival France, a shoreline comparable to Greece and a cuisine heavily influenced by Italy- Croatia boasts a rich cultural history and a varied landscape. With over a thousand islands dotting the mainland, rich pine forests at the interior and crystal clear waters, Croatia is one of those unique places that caters to the backpacker, the sun worshiper and the walker alike. But golf? As a matter of fact, Croatia has a strong golf tradition and well-developed infrastructure, so players who come to the country may be pleasantly surprised.

If you’re looking for an alternative golf holiday in Croatia, Northern Croatia, or Istria is an excellent choice. With flights from London and Dublin servicing Pula airport- it’s accessible and features all the (aforementioned) attractions Croatia has to offer. Here is a short rundown of another potential alternative golf destination.

Golf:

A mere twenty minute boat trip from the Istrian mainland, Brijuni island and golf course is unlike any other – both in terms of its natural beauty and a surprisingly colourful history. The largest island in the archipelago, Veliki Brijun is especially green ,dotted with Mediterranean vegetation and home to herds of wild deer and peacocks, all of which make for a memorable game in their own right.

Most interestingly, however, is the fact that the island was the setting for General Tito’s (former Yugoslav Head of State and Communist leader) summer house and ‘luxury playground’. Playing host to the likes of Princess Caroline of Monaco, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, Brijuni has seen a guest-list of glitterati grace her shores. Declared a National Park in 1983, Brijuni has since established itself as one of the most naturally beautiful and environmentally friendly courses in the world; making for an ideal alternative golfing holiday destination.

The 18-hole PAR 71, SSS 71 golf terrain, features broad fairways, sand bunkers, forest areas and, of course, water hazards. The field is open throughout the year, as even in January the temperature doesn’t fall below 0° C. For those who take the game seriously, it should be noted that the terrain configuration was designed by golf-engineering masters George Thomas and Tom Simpsons.

Brijuni Island Golf

Not Golf:

Off the green, Istria has much to offer. From Pula, you can explore the islands to the South, and even hop between them. Ferries here run as often as buses, and are just as cheap, pricing from £2 to £10 depending on the journey length.

The variation between the islands is extraordinary. Often lush, occasionally sparse, they are each dotted by ancient architecture and tiny, isolated coves. Furthest south, Hvar has been called the St Tropez of the Adriatic – where swanky yachts and the tanned and beautiful reside; the Otok islands offer a different experience, many of which are natural reserves: while Korcula combines a hint of Dubrovnik chic with an abundance of natural beauty. You can even hop between countries; the floating and ancient Venice is only 90 minutes away.

Bohemian and charming, Rovinj is the gem of Istria and a perfect base from which to visit other parts of Croatia.  Wander through the old town of chalkstone-cobbled streets lined with chic shops, artists’ studios and cafes. Renowned for its incredible seaside bars, you can even grab a cushion and enjoy a cocktail sitting out on the rocks.

Stay

If budget isn’t an issue, Leo Trippi have a range of luxury apartments around Croatia. This modern villa near Rovinj has a private beach, sea view terrace and sleeps ten. Ideal for a group golfing holiday where the costs can be spread (prices start at £180/night)

Alternatively, AirBnB have an excellent choice of Croatian and Istrian properties, all fitted to a very high standard and at pocket friendly prices (prices start at £20 per night).

Essaouira
Essaouira

Morocco

While only a short trip across the water from sunny Spain, Morocco seems like a world away and a gateway to the exotic. With a landscape, cuisine and culture that is almost wholly unfamiliar, (and yet familiar, with many areas having been colonized by the French and Spanish)  Morocco is especially rewarding to the traveler that takes a chance to explore this vibrant and colourful country.

From the windswept coast, to the bustle of the Marrakesh Souk and the red earth pine forests of the Atlas Mountains, Morocco is popular with tourists of all ilks and interests, though golf has not always featured as one of it’s many attractions.

However, with a sunny and mild climate in the winter months, in addition to the increased reach of low cost European airlines, places like Morocco have become much more viable and economical for travelling golfers and another good example of an alternative golfing destination.

Golf:

Like the tourists themselves, many of Morocco’s golf courses can be found in and around Agadir and Marrakech. But if you want to get away from the mayhem of the busy city or fancy something different to the sun-and-sea resort, Essaouira offers a happy median. This pretty, whitewashed and blue shuttered coastal town has all the character of Marrakech, but at a slower pace, while a distinctly European  atmosphere will suit those used to the safety of resort holidaying.

Just south of Essaouira lies one of Morocco’s most beautiful golf courses. Dotted with eucalyptus trees and following  the route of coastline, Golf Essaouira Mogador was ranked among the world’s top 20 of the most exciting new courses by the British golf magazine Golf World in 2010. Known as the windy city, golfing in Essaouira offers a different and more challenging experience for the seasoned golfer. The North course, that follows the coast, is links style and has a varied green that catches the wind more so than the pine dense Southern course.

Spice stalls in Essaouira, Morocco
Spice stalls in Essaouira, Morocco

 Not Golf:

Essaouira is known as the ‘smaller, hipper Marrakesh’, and for good reason. During the sixties and seventies it was frequented by Jimi Hendrix, Frank Zappa and Cat Stevens, among others and the town has a distinctly bohemian atmosphere as result.

No trip to Morocco would be complete without a trip to the Souk. Although it doesn’t quite match the bustle of the larger cities, Essaouira will certainly satisfy the collector in terms of it’s range of choice. Authentic ceramics, silver and gold jewelry, hand woven rugs, leather goods, silk, linen and other textiles and mountains of aromatic spices and flowers are all on offer, and for half the cost of home. If you don’t plan on buying, its worth a wander if only to take in the sights and smells of the Souk, stopping at one of the many charming cafes for a glass of spiced mint tea.

Swap one sport for another in Africa’s windy city and take a windsurfing lesson with one of the many schools in the town. All equipment will be provided, and if you’re a beginner the instructors will guide you through each step.

For a touch of African luxury, visit the Hotel Luxe Essaouira, a thoroughly Moroccan boutique hotel nestled within the town walls. Here you can relax and be pampered in the hotel Hammam (a typical Moroccan baths). I would recommend doing as the locals do and getting a scrub (there’s no better word for it, really). This is no ordinary exfoliation- it literally reveals a new layer of skin, and you will look and feel completely revived for it.

Stay

Fortunately, Essaouira’s hotels and riads are a far cry from the duplex resorts of Agadir. If you want to stay within the city walls, a boutique hotel is the best option. In a quiet street of Essaouira’s old town Dar Liouba is a rambling two-storey dar, now turned into a tasteful boutique guesthouse. Prices start at a very reasonable £35 per night for two, inclusive of breakfast.

Flights and info:

All destinations featured have links to both London and Dublin airports. Ryanair flies to Tenerife South, Pula and Agadir.