If you’re looking to spend a little bit of free time on a golf course, then you’ll find plenty of options at home in the United States. But what if you’d like to stretch your legs a little further, and see what some of the world’s most impressive courses have to offer?
The best golfing regions tend to have a few features in common. They’re usually steeped in history, for one thing, and they combine amazing history with world-class facilities, too. You might prepare for your trip with the help of your local course – or, if you want to understand the intricacies of a particular hole before you pay a visit, you might step into one of the many golf simulators available in the US.
So, where might you consider visiting as part of an international golfing vacation?
Scotland – The Home of Links Golf
Some of the world’s most iconic courses are to be found in the spiritual home of the sport, Scotland. Some of the holes at St Andrews, Royal Dornoch, and Carnoustie are truly iconic – and you might have longed to give them a try yourself. You’ll find the purest kind of links golf here, with sandy coastal views and treeless terrain.
Ireland – Dramatic Coastal Courses
Ireland offers many of the same strengths as its near neighbor. Some of the courses, like Ballybunion, Lahinch, and Royal County Down, are just as fearsome and scenic as the best in Scotland. You might expect amazing ocean views, as well as rugged sand dunes. Around a third of the world’s natural links courses are to be found here.
Portugal – Sun‑Soaked Algarve Fairways
Looking for something a little bit sunnier? The Algarve offers all of the benefits of a Mediterranean climate, as well as an impressive selection of amazing facilities and resorts. This is the part of the continent that European golfers tend to descend upon when their own vacation time arrives – and there are plenty of championship courses here to choose from.
New Zealand – Scenic, Modern Golf Experiences
Finally, we should consider the benefits of New Zealand. The golf scene here isn’t quite as longstanding as those of Europe, but the natural features are just as impressive. You can move between soaring mountains and peaceful coastline in a matter of hours, and there are hundreds of courses to choose from, including world-renowned options like Cape Kidnappers and Kauri Cliffs.
