For golfophiles, it isn’t a vacation if they aren’t toting their Calloway or
Titleist clubs to a far flung, world class golf course—ideally set within a five
star resort. Known to be good for the game, playing a new course boosts
focus and dissipates boredom. Doing it with friends or family at a swanky
retreat deepens camaraderie, connects travelers with their environs, and
provides for plenty of off the green action and relaxation, whether at the
spa, pool or on site restaurants. Feeling the need to tee off? We’ve
rounded up some tee-rific golfing destinations.
Boulders Resort & Spa , Scottsdale Arizona
Some people golf to make par, others swing for the setting. Golfers won’t
want to miss the opportunity to play amid enormous ancient boulders,
some that seem to levitate, barely touching the earth. Punctuated by
saguaro cacti, occupied by Roadrunners, the Boulders Resort & Spa two challenging 18-hole championship courses sport spectacular mountain views and sunsets so breathtaking they’ll make you weak in the knees. Execute that hole-in-one on the Jay Moorish designed Boulders North and Boulders South or practice for it at Boulders Golf Academy, a resource for private lessons with talented PGA instructors. When not wielding clubs, dine in any of five restaurants or recharge in the world class spa, where customized Golfer Massages have been designed to help with your golf swing and improve your game.
Sea Island , Sea Island Georgia
With five miles of private beach, a beach club, tennis center, shooting
school, yacht club and scores of children’s program’s, Sea Island, on Georgia’s southeastern coast, has been a peerless summer retreat for
generations of families. Golfers return for its three championship golf
courses, which include Seaside and Plantation, home of the PGA TOUR’s
RSM Classic. Up your game, whether novice or expert, at the resort’s Golf
Performance Center, which teaches a unique, multidisciplinary approach to
golf.
Gleneagles Hotel, Scotland
Since 1924, palatial Gleneagles, nicknamed the “glorious playground,” has
epitomized Scotland’s storied golf culture. In the Highlands, amid verdant
hills and glens, the stunning retreat brandishes three world-class
championship courses. Between doing falconry, fishing or clay pigeon
shooting, putt and chip on The King’s (the No.1 inland course in Scotland),
The Queen’s (one of the finest par-68 golf courses in the UK), and/or The
PGA Centenary Course—Host Venue of the 2014 Ryder Cup and 2019
Solheim Cup. That’s a total of 54 holes of championship golf, not to
mention a nine-hole, Par 3 PGA National Academy Course. Of course,
between rounds, world class gastronomy awaits, as well as sumptuous
suites, worthy of its timeless country estate elan.
Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa, San Diego
Hidden away amid olive groves and orange trees, Rancho Valencia Resort
& Spa summons thoughts of sunny Southern Spain. Luckily, the much
loved resort lies much closer to home: just 25 minutes north of San Diego.
On 45-acres, peppered with stucco buildings capped with tile roofs, it’s
lauded for its immense wellness facility, rife with fitness and spa offerings.
A member of Relais & Chateaux, Rancho Valencia is also known for its
gastronomy. Do it all with the Golfer’s Paradise Package , which invites
guests to experience local links during a three night stay in an elegant
casita. Included amenities such as a “Tacos and Tequila” spread,
complimentary Callaway golf clubs (and more) seal the deal.
Sheen Falls Lodge, Kenmare (County Kerry) Ireland
At County Kerry’s most evocative, 300-acre, five-star country house hotel
you’ll do a jig or two—not to mention ride horses, try your hand at archery,
sit with an genealogist to unlock your family’s heritage and explore the
idyllic town of Kenmare. But, you’ve come for the golf, so play a round at
Ring of Kerry Golf Club , a demanding course, hailed for its views and
stunning terrain. Book the Sheen Falls Lodge’s Tee Time Package , which
offers a two-night stay, a round of golf, transfers to and from the golf
course, full Irish breakfast and dinner in the inimitable Stables Brasserie.
The Sagamore Resort, Bolton Landing, New York
Golfers with a penchant for historic properties should look no further than
The Sagamore, which lords over Lake George in New York’s Adirondacks.
Dating back to 1883, the scenic retreat has a clubby, nostalgic aura.
Teeming with activity options for those not golfing, The Sagamore Resort draws
golfers for its narrow fairways, lined with hardwoods, and deep bunkers
surrounded by woodland. Swoon over the iconic Par 70 championship
course, designed under Donald Ross’ personal supervision in 1928 .