1.PEBBLE BEACH, THE LODGE AT PEBBLE BEACH

 

This stunning slice of California’s Monterey Peninsula is home to Major golf championships. It is a public course with inspiring accommodations, warm hospitality, and spectacular recreation. Tiger and all the other greats of the game have walked the fairways and tussled with the 18th which sits beside the Pacific Ocean. The Lodge is equally famous with its oceanfront location featuring an outdoor pool, tennis club, spa, and multiple eateries. The upmarket rooms, most with private balconies and wood-burning fireplaces, sit beside a shopping mall and are within striking distance of Carmel and Monterey Bay.

 

2. KIAWAH ISLAND, THE SANCTUARY HOTEL

 

It is just a feast of golf in this area. Of course, the most famous being the Ocean Course which staged the notorious Ryder Cup which became known as ‘the war on the shore.’ Other courses – Osprey Point, Oak Point, Turtle Point and Cougar Point have been designed by some of the most famous names in the sport. The Sanctuary Hotel has no equals on the Carolina coast. Just 21 miles from Charleston, this luxury beach resort delivers Forbes Five-Star service and unequalled accommodations. There are 255 guestrooms, with King rooms, suites, and the breath-taking 3000 square foot Presidential Suite. The spa and salon provide the best in pampering and the Kiawah dining collection offers more than a dozen restaurants, cafes, and eateries across the resort.

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3. PINEHURST, CAROLINA HOTEL

 

Nine courses will challenge your skill and test your imagination. Known as ‘the cradle of American golf’, the majestic pines around all fairways whisper the legends of golfers like Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Payne Stewart. The courses are simply numbered, and Pinehurst No. 2 is the centrepiece of the resort. It has served as the site of more single golf championships than any other course in America and hosted back-to-back U.S. Open and U.S Women’s Open Championships for the first time in 2014. Dubbed the ‘Queen of the South’ the Carolina Hotel is a majestic century-old building with sweeping verandas which make you feel as though you have stepped back in time to an era when elegance defined grand hotels and resorts. The Carolina has 230 diamond guest rooms including suites and villas are also available. Tranquillity can be found at the spa and dining options include something for every taste.

 

4. THE AMERICAN CLUB, KOHLER WISCONSIN

 

Sculpted into the Wisconsin coastline, Whistling Straits is a throwback to the raw freshness of Ireland. Another course, the Irish, offers a dynamic contrast and world class prestige. Whistling Straits has staged three US PGA championships and later this year, Team Europe, will try to retain the Ryder Cup on the shores of Lake Michigan.

The American Club Resort Hotel has stood as an icon of gracious hospitality for over 100 years. Guests have shuttle service throughout this Kohler destination which gives access to the Sports Core Health & Racquet Club as well as the ability to book advanced tee times on Whistling Straits and Blackwolf Run. There are 13 dining options, a variety of shopping, Kohler Waters Spa, Village walking trails and opportunities for trout, bass and salmon fishing.

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Moving to the rest of the world, here are the resorts we think you should have on your bucket list:

 

5. FRANCE – TERRE BLANCHE

 

Terre Blanche was voted ‘Best Golf Resort in Continental Europe’ for the third time in 2021 by Golf World (UK). In France, the website Leading course.com, gave the resort top ranking as The Best Golf Resort in France with 36 holes. The longer of the two courses, Le Chateau, is 6,616 metres and offers an exciting challenge for ambitious golfers with many spectacular water hazards.

Terre Blanche Hotel is a real haven of peace, offering its guests space and tranquillity in lush and preserved nature. Under the canopy of oak trees  and delicate fragrance of Provence vegetation, this 5-star hotel and its 115 suites host you in a place where each inch is a proof of  the hotel’s capacity for detail and thoroughness. Four heated pools, tennis, a spa with hair salon and five restaurants await your visit.

 

6. PORTUGAL – CONRAD ALGARVE, QUINTO DO LAGO COURSES

 

Quinta do Lago has been at the forefront of international golf since its creation. Today the resorts three courses – North, South and Laranjal, are among Europe’s best and are joined by world class golf facilities such as the Paul McGinley Golf Academy and Southern Europe’s only Taylormade Performance Centre. At the exclusive Conrad Hotel in stylish Qunita do Lago, you will be just five minutes from the unspoilt beaches of the Algarve. With 154 spacious guestrooms in an airy modern design, your stay here will be nothing less than luxurious. The hotel, part of the Conrad group of hotels, offers a variety of leisure facilities. For sporty types you can work out in the fitness centre, or play basketball, football, or tennis on the multi-purpose court. The spa offers a collection of holistic and innovative treatments, or simply relax in aromatic steam rooms, sauna or ice fountain.

 

  

7. SPAIN – FINCA CORTISAN HOTEL GOLF COURSE AND SPA

 

Finca Cortisan is a spectacular independent hotel, golf and spa destination set in the rolling hills of southern Spain. It lies between Marbella and Sotogrande flanked by the Casares Mountains with sweeping views of the Mediterranean. Described by Conde Nast Traveller as a relaxing bolthole of supreme refinement. The golf course provides a real test and held the Volvo World Match Play Championships in 2009, 2011 and 2012. It will be back in the big time when it hosts the Solheim Cup in 2023. Built around two main courtyards of palatial proportions, the hotel boasts 67 suites and the luxurious spa offers the best in Thai treatments, four swimming pools, tennis courts and a spectacular beach club.

 

8. SOUTH AFRICA -  FANCOURT

 

South Afrcia’s Fancourt lies in the shadow of the Outeniqua Mountains, sandwiched between beautiful winelands and the ocean. It must be ranked as one of the most magnificent places on earth. Three courses in the area are headed by The Links, currently rated as South Africa’s number one course. It has staged the Presidents’ Cup and South African Open. The Hotel offers 115 luxurious rooms and suites, expertly blending modern luxury with classic elegance. Fancourt has an exceptional golf academy with state-of-the-art teaching facilities. Leisure activities include a spa with an indoor heated Roman bath, kids club, teen lounge, gymnasium, indoor-heated and outdoor swimming pools. There are several restaurants and dining venues to suit a variety of tastes and appetites.

 

9. NEW ZEALAND – KAURI CLIFFS GOLF COURSE AND LODGE

 

Ranked in world top 100, the Kauri Cliffs course is described as ‘probably the most spectacular course in the world’. ‘Pebble Beach on steroids’ is another description from PGA tour star Brandt Snedeker. There are views of the Pacific from 15 holes. The luxurious Lodge is located on 6,000 acres near Matauri Bay, a 45-minute flight from Auckland on North Island.  It has three private beaches, tennis courts, an infinity pool with a spa pool, fitness centre, a day spa and on-site restaurant offering Pacific Rim cuisine. Accommodation options include private suites and two-bedroomed cottages set within a native forest overlooking the golf course and ocean.

 

10. BARBADOS -  SANDY LANE HOTEL AND GREEN MONKEY GOLF COURSE

 

The Green Monkey golf course is described as ultra exclusive – a once in a lifetime experience that is simply not to be missed. Designed by Tom Fazio, the 7,343  yard course has been carved from an old limestone quarry, the exposed rock faces form dramatic contrasts to the lush, rolling greens of fairways and offer tremendous elevation changes. Golf at Sandy Lane can also be enjoyed at The Country Club restaurant and bar with its iconic views across the courses and the ocean. The world-famous hotel offers everything you can imagine in luxury. It is one of the most prestigious resorts in the world. Staying at one of the accommodations is like staying in the house of a special and hospitable friend. Villas and suites are so spacious and dining in four restaurants provide flavours from around the world. An amazing spa and beach complete the perfect destination.

 

11. MAURITIUS – SHANGRI LA’S LE TOUESSROK RESORT & SPA & ILE AUX CERFS GOLF CLUB

 

Two hundred rooms and suites plus three beach villas, five restaurants and three bars are waiting for visitors to this Indian Ocean gem together with a golf course which will take your breath away. The five restaurants are a key ingredient to this resort with specialised Japanese, fine dining, beach bar and Mediterranean offer all on the menus. The island golf course is reachable only by a ‘special golf’ boat shuttle from its private jetty, or by a scenic helicopter flip. The trip to the course sets you up for the most exhilarating experience. Designed by German golfing legend Bernard Langer, the 18 holes snake along the preserved tropical florna of the island. The ground is undulating with volcanic outcrops, lakes and and gullies, and of course, views of the Indian Ocean at every turn.

 

12. HAWAII – FOUR SEASONS RESORT HUALALAI GOLF

 

Crafted with sensitivity to its unique environment, Hualalai golf course is an 18-hole Jack Nicklaus signature which winds over 7,100 yards. It begins in a lush oasis, flowing across bright green fairways contoured against black lava, then returning to the ocean for the final holes. It’s a set up with all the support you could need to hone your game… and for fun, glow in the dark scrambles night golf is organised for groups. Surrounded by white sand beaches and black lava landscapes, the resort is perfectly situated for all kinds of island adventures. There are a host of dining options, including, poolside dining at any one of seven pools. Each distinct menu created to reflect the unique character of each pool experience. The Island’s healing natural energy and resources are embodied and brought to life at the resort’s spa. In almost every treatment, your therapist will incorporate Hawaiian components or techniques.