Golf season is almost upon us. From the 29th March golf resumes in England as lockdown restrictions ease.
While golf lovers will start looking at getaways near home, for those who want to start planning golfing trips overseas for later this year, here is our pick from state of the art golf courses, and world-class resorts in sunny destinations around the world.
Golfing holidays we love – DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
FOR THE PRESTIGE: Playa Grande, Costa Verde
Regarded as the Dominican Republic’s most exclusive course, Playa Grande occupies a scenic spot on the northern Atlantic coast within a private, mainly residential, community that also includes the bold, contemporary-styled Amanera hotel. Nicknamed the ‘Pebble Beach’ of the Caribbean (even though it has 10 ocean front holes – one more than the Californian great), the course was originally designed by Trent Jones Sr before being renovated by his son Rees Jones. It is surrounded by palm trees and spreads out along cliffs to the west of Playa Grande and Playa Preciosa. www.playagrande.com
Elegant Resorts offers a seven-night stay at Amanera in Playa Grande, Dominican Republic from £4,289pp, including breakfast daily and private transfers. Excludes flights. Based on September departures.
The Dominican Republic has implemented several initiatives over the years to position the country as the premier golf destination in the Caribbean and now boasts thirty Championship courses. www.godominicanrepublic.com
Golfing holidays we love – MEXICO
FOR THE UNIQUE EXPERIENCE: Punta Mita – Riviera Nayarit
Bordered by both the Pacific Ocean and the beautiful Banderas Bay, Punta Mita resort proudly features 36 holes, courtesy of two Jack Nicklaus Signature golf courses. Both courses have made the list of the Best Golf Courses in Mexico, awarded by Golf Digest in 2020.
The Pacifico course boasts the world’s only natural-island hole, known affectionately as ‘The Tail of the Whale,’ which attracts some of the world’s leading golfers to try their luck. The Bahia course is great for slightly more advanced golfers, and the 17th hole right next to El Faro surf beach provides amazing views overlooking the Pacific Coast.
World-class hotels and villas, swanky restaurants, dramatic landscapes, cutting-edge spas and the signature golf courses attract A-listers, and influential people alike, who return year after year to Punta Mita in the Riviera Nayarit. www.rivieranayarit.com
Expedia offers a seven-night stay at St. Regis Punta Mita Resort, Riviera Nayarit from £1,670pp, including return flights from London. Based on 10 September departures.
Golfing holidays we love – SPAIN MAINLAND
FOR THE CHILL VIBES: Murcia – Golfing at La Manga
The region of Murcia in south eastern Spain is home to 21 golf courses all within 30 miles of each other. The most renowned of all of these is La Manga Resort, home to three high quality golf courses and once the venue for the Spanish Open. Designers have utilised the stunning natural landscape to create world-class golf courses which wind through clusters of pine trees and glide along undulating plains offering immaculate views while driving down the fairway.
The resort also features luxurious accommodation and an array of facilities, perfect for a long weekend spent golfing. The Costa Cálida – Region of Murcia has been designated the ‘Spanish Capital of Gastronomy 2021’ meaning that those evening meals will be all the more delicious having spent the day out on the course. Not to mention the over 300 days of sunshine a year which make this corner of Spain a true golfer’s paradise. www.murciaturistica.es/en
Your Golf Travel (yourgolftravel.com) offers a three-night, two-rounds golfing holiday to La Manga resort from £275 per person. The price includes Bed and Breakfast as well as two rounds at either the South Course, North Course or West Course.
SPANISH ISLANDS
FOR CELEBRITY SPOTTING: Mallorca – Son Muntaner
With mild temperatures all year round, it goes without saying that Mallorca in the Balearic Islands is one of the best spots in Europe to play golf. Mallorca is home to a number of stunning golf courses with an excellent range of accommodation and restaurants to match.
Cut into the gently undulating hills in the outskirts of Palma, Son Muntaner is a picturesque and thoroughly rewarding golf course. As part of the Arabella Golf Resort, Son Muntaner is the ideal addition to a golfing itinerary in Mallorca. Thanks to its convenient location and close proximity to the island’s capital, avid golfers can explore Palma’s awe-inspiring architecture, such as the vast gothic-style cathedral, La Seu, tree-lined shopping boulevards, enchanting cobbled streets and excellent cuisine, after finishing a round at Son Muntaner. www.illesbalears.travel
Your Golf Travel offers a three-night stay at Castillo Hotel Son Vidain Mallorca, including two rounds at Son Vida, Son Muntaner or Son Quint golf courses, priced from £659pp (based on October 2021 departures). The offer is ABTA and ATOL protected.