Great Destinations for Golf

​Golf groups enjoy traveling to different areas to play and it triggered me to target some of the best golf resorts around the world.  These resorts, located at various places across the globe, are surrounded by beautiful scenery and have grounds that include many different activities as well as just fabulous areas to just relax and soak up the luxuries.  Chris Murman, our golf expert at Classy Destinations, can help plan the perfect group trip to any of these fine destinations. 
Although in no order of rating these are sure to bring great golfing experiences: 
 
The Inn at Spanish Bay is part of Pebble Beach Resorts, catering primarily to avid golfers and luxury travelers. It’s fronted by a Scottish-style links golf course lining one of the world’s most magnificent coastlines for some of the best views in all of Pebble Beach. There are multiple dining options throughout the Pebble Beach complex, while many of the spacious rooms face the Pacific. Some also include fireplaces, Italian marble baths and balconies.
The Old Course Hotel is a no-brainer for those planning to check off the ultimate golfing bucket list experience. St. Andrews is the birthplace of golf and fans have been playing here since the early 1400s. The Old Course itself has hosted the Open Championship a record 29 times and has attracted royalty, presidents, celebrities, and professionals alike. When not golfing, take advantage of the hotel’s spa, which offers a variety of treatments and massage, including the Golfer’s Massage, as well as a swimming pool with a waterfall, a rooftop hot tub, sauna, Japanese steam room and plunge pool.
Sea Pines Resort is home to the 18-hole Harbour Town Golf Links, designed by Jack Nicklaus and Pete Dye, and a favorite among PGA Tour players. It’s the course that put Hilton Head on the map, and some five decades later it’s still considered one of the top courses in the world. Guests will not only enjoy easy access to outstanding golf but also beautiful beaches and biking trails. A wide range of accommodation is available, including luxury villa rentals.
The Lodge at Torrey Pines in San Diego is home to one of best courses, set atop the cliffs overlooking the Pacific. Guests of The Lodge at Torrey Pines enjoy being right next to the course and can also take advantage of priority tee times, playing where the pros do against a backdrop of magnificent coastline. The property also includes a full-service spa, a heated pool with underwater music and poolside cabanas, whirlpool, lawn croquet and two restaurants. Rooms are luxurious and some come with ocean views.
 
Adare Manor Resort, located on the outskirts of one of Ireland’s prettiest villages, is just as captivating. The Neo-Gothic manor boasts 365 stained windows and lavish guest rooms with original 19th-century fireplaces and beds with beautifully carved headboards. The highlight for golfers is its park-like course, created in harmony with the stunning natural surroundings, including mature trees, lush softly rolling terrain and the banks of the River Maigue. The resort offers a host of other activities too, like horse riding, hot air balloon rides, fishing, and falconry along with award-winning dining.
The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs is an ultra-luxury vacation destination, providing fabulous views of the Pacific from its vantage point on the North Island of New Zealand, making it the perfect place to stay for taking advantage of the Kauri Cliffs Golf Club. Six holes are played alongside cliffs that dramatically plunge to the sea, with an impressive 15 holes providing jaw-dropping ocean views. Guests can also join immersive local heritage tours, fish, and indulge in treatments at the spa sanctuary tucked in the forest.
The Phoenician and the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess in Scottsdale, Arizona are both very nice resorts with wonderful golf courses.  Players enjoy pristine desert views and lush greens, and the Phoenician has the state’s only sand-island green. There are many other activities too, like tennis and swimming at the huge complexes with multiple pools. Each also have a fabulous spa for a variety of relaxing treatments, an array of restaurants for dining and tranquil pathways that meander alongside koi ponds, waterfalls and palms. Beginning in November the Fairmont has one of the best holiday displays in the nation for all ages, and especially children.
Sandals Emerald Bay in Great Exuma, Bahamas, is home to emerald fairways that rise above the turquoise seas with their 18-hole championship course designed by Greg Norman. Many of the holes hug the shoreline, finishing on a rocky point with spectacular ocean views. It was named the Best Golf Hotel at the World Travel Awards.  All the amenities of a fine resort are there, and it is also all-inclusive.  You may even find yourself swimming with the pigs one afternoon!
One and Only Palmilla in San Jose Del Cabo, Mexico is a premier golfing destination with three 9-hole courses that were the first in Latin America to be designed by Jack Nicklaus. They include features like lakes, staggered tees, and various elevations, providing views throughout. The resort overlooks the Baja Peninsula and Sea of Cortez, enjoying easy access to beautiful sandy beaches, including swimmable Pelican Beach along with awe-inspiring sunrises every morning.
Grab your favorite golfing buddies and plan a fabulous golf trip with Chris!  It would also make a great family reunion or company retreat! I’m sure he could add MANY more to this list!