Since we can’t always bank on the British weather for a consistent sun supply even during the summer months, it’s not always easy to find a good time to enjoy a round of golf in the UK. The good news is, there’s destinations around the world that boast a fine collection of golf courses with almost guaranteed sunshine. After all, rumour has it that playing in sunny conditions makes performance that little bit better…
So, whether you’re planning a getaway dedicated purely to perfecting your swing, hoping to fit in a few games during your couples escape or want to teach the kids the best tee-off technique during your family break, we’ve put together a selection of the best golf holiday destinations where you can do exactly that.
Golf holidays in Cyprus
TUI Sensatori Resort Atlantica Aphrodite Hills in Paphos, Cyprus
Breathtaking scenery, unbeatable views of the Mediterranean and over 6,289 metres to swing those clubs — it’s safe to say the award-winning Aphrodite Hills championship course puts Cyprus firmly on the European golfing map.
Having recently had a million-pound makeover — £2.5 million to be precise, you can expect to find some seriously impressive first-class facilities. Along with its 18-hole course, there’s a golf academy offering lessons for amateurs that are new to the greens, plus a variety of programmes to challenge those pros and national teams. Did we mention that the grounds here are also home to the largest golf shop in Europe? So you can get kitted out in the latest apparel ready for your game.
Where to stay?
How does staying in the same exclusive complex as the golfing grounds sound? With the TUI Sensatori Atlantica Aphrodite Hills Resort you can. Or, if you’d rather a little more variety there’s the Constantinou Bros Athena Beach hotel that has the pick of 4 different courses within easy reach.
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Golf holidays in Mexico
Secrets Puerto Los Cabos Golf and Spa Resort in Los Cabos, Mexico
Beneath its tropical beaches and ancient Mayan ruins, Mexico is hiding some of the best golf courses in the world. So much so, they actually host a World Golf Championship event on the PGA tour each year. Some of the best player’s head here to take part including the likes of Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus, so as you’ll expect the greens are top of the range.
The star of the show is the Los Cabos resort. Thanks to its Baja California peninsula location where its nestled by the Pacific Ocean and Sea of Cortez coastlines with a dramatic desert backdrop, designers have created some of the most stunning tracks you’ll ever set eyes on. Not only that, its tropical climate makes the perfect playing conditions almost all year round.
Where to stay?
With most of the hotels situated along the ‘Tourist Corridor’ where golf courses are in abundance, you’re spoilt for choice on where to stay for a golf getaway in Mexico. The Secrets Puerto Los Cabos Golf & Spa resort in particular offers an ideal base for an All Inclusive golf holiday. Offering the best of both worlds, there’s a championship course right at your fingertips plus a five-star spa to help you unwind after a long day on the greens.
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Golf holidays in Portugal
When it comes to golf breaks in Portugal, the Algarve has long been the front runner. With more than 30 different courses to choose from, it’s easy to see why many players head here year on year to up their par. The best playing grounds include Vale Do Lobo, Quinta Do Lago and the award-winning San Lorenzo.
One that particularly steals the limelight though is the transformed harbour town, Vilamoura. This place has been reshaped specifically with golf holidays in mind. Expect to find some of Portugal’s most sought after set ups located in the most stunning surroundings. For views upon views, head to the Laguna course — perched right on the cliff tops, you can swing those irons whilst looking out at the standout coastline.
Where to stay?
Struggling to decide on the best course for you? Stay at the Vilamoura Do Golf Apartments and have your pick of the bunch, there’s a free shuttle bus that will take you to whichever one you decide on. Or for something a little more luxurious the Hilton Vilamoura As Cascatas Golf Resort and Spa is actually located on a championship golf course.
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Golf holidays in Spain
Southern Spain’s Costa Del Sol is world-famous for its impressive line-up of over 70 golf courses, to the extent that it’s bagged itself the name ‘Costa del Golf’. Golf enthusiasts don’t only benefit from the finest courses, top-class practice facilities and expert tuition, they’ll also get one enviable suntan since this part of Spain is sun-kissed for the majority of the year.
If you prefer playing in a quieter spot, Costa Almeria is the perfect please to get away from it all. Not only that, its golf experience is a little different to what you’d initially expect. Picture a European version of Arizona’s famous desert courses — we’re talking dry river beds, rocky areas and cacti alongside your caddies, yet this one’s reachable in just a short two hour hop from the UK.
Where to stay?
One of the best resorts for a stay and play golf trip is the TUI Sensimar Riviera on the Costa del Sol coast. Surrounded by three neighbouring courses you’ve got a fine selection on where to practice your swing. As for Costa Almeria, the AR Golf Almerimar hotel pairs a 27-hole golf course with its five-star facilities including a luxury spa and stylish pool.
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Golf holidays in Tenerife
With a name like Golf Del Sur you can expect nothing less than a top of the range golf resort. In fact, the grounds here are so good that they’ve hosted a number of competitions at the highest international level including the famous Ladies Open event.
The 27-hole course is Tenerife’s golfing go-to with challenging holes, large bunkers filled with black, volcanic sand and of course a sociable clubhouse. It’s not all about the serious players though, there’s a driving range, mini golf and buggy bar for those that are looking for some light-hearted fun. Don’t forget, all of the above come with the added added extras of sunshine, lush greens and stunning ocean views too!
Where to stay?
Just 500m away from the 27-hole golf course, you’ve got the Vincci Tenerife Golf Hotel. This property sits in a fantastic location, not only is it near the main playing ground, it’s also two-minutes away from the beach and less than a five-minutes walk to the buzzing bars, shops and restaurants. If you happen to fancy a change of scenery the Amarilla Golf 18-hole course is just 1km down the road too.
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Golf holidays in Turkey
With an excellent climate all year round, Turkey is slowly but surely stealing a fair bit of the limelight when it comes to golfing holiday destinations, particularly the Antalya region and it’s resort Belek. This place is considered to be the Turkish equivalent of Beverley Hills and its green fairways certainly make it stand out from the crowd.
Whichever one of its championship golf courses you decide to tee-off at, you won’t be disappointed. From the Titanic Golf Club and its dramatic Taurus Mountain backdrop to the Nobilis Golf Club and its water and woodland combination. It’s safe to say there’s a good mixture of places to work on your handicap and chances are you’ll get a good tan whilst you’re at it.
Where to stay?
The Voyage Belek Golf and Spa resort is one of the best places to stay for a golf break in Turkey. Boasting a five-star rating, this place is packed with pools, has a private beach on the doorstep and is within arm’s reach of Belek’s brilliant courses.
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