Over 25 million Americans play golf.
For many golfers, owning a house on or near a golf course of their selection is the last word retirement dream.
And even should you’re not one in every of the greater than 25 million Americans who play golf, you’ll be able to still enjoy the entire world-class amenities (e.g. spas, swimming pools, restaurants, etc.) that golf resorts offer.
In addition, they are sometimes situated on the coast, so non-golfers also can have a variety of fun.
Here is my choice of destinations for golfers seeking to travel to Europe, Southeast Asia and Latin America…
1. Portugal
At the recent World Golf Awards, Portugal not only won the title of “Best Golf Destination in Europe” but in addition the crown of “Best Golf Destination in the World”.
There are dozens of impressive golf courses within the Portuguese Algarve.
The best choice of golf courses might be present in the Algarve region on the south coast of Portugal. Here you can see greater than 30 golf courses, including the Monte Rei Resort designed by Jack Nicklaus and the Dom Pedro Victoria golf course designed by Arnold Palmer.
The hottest months for taking part in golf in Portugal are April to June and September and October. Green fees range from $40 to $215.
As for local golf etiquette, slow play is mostly frowned upon in Portugal, so make sure you sustain with the group ahead of you and check out to decide on a course that suits your playing style and talent.
Most clubs even have a sensible casual dress code, with spiked shoes, socks and collared shirts being a basic requirement. Be sure to examine together with your chosen course upfront.
2. Thailand
Thailand is a world-class golf destination with over 200 golf courses. In Bangkok, the Amata Spring Country Club offers a championship course with a “floating green” within the club’s huge lake. The club also offers golf villas for monthly rental.
Outside the capital, the coastal resort of Hua Hin is a golfer’s mecca. The town has been the summer residence of the Thai royal family for the reason that Twenties and offers a wide selection of restaurants, internationally recognized medical care and no less than nine golf courses within the immediate vicinity, including the 27-hole Black Mountain Golf Club, which hosts several Asian PGA events.
Springfield Golf Course in Hua Hin, Thailand.
There can also be the Springfield Golf Club, designed by Jack Nicklaus, and the Royal Hua Hin Golf Course, Thailand’s oldest 18-hole international standard golf course, dating back to 1924.
The best time to play golf in Thailand is between November and March, when temperatures are milder and humidity is lower. Green fees range from US$40 to US$160.
When golfing in Thailand, a caddy is mandatory. If the course requires a golf cart, the caddy normally drives. Caddy fees range from $10 to $25 and you’re expected to tip the identical amount.
3. Mexico
Mexico has excellent golf courses on each the Caribbean and Pacific coasts. From mountains to oceans to deserts, Mexico’s greater than 200 golf courses will satisfy every golfing wish.
Cabo San Lucas is home to several world-class golf courses, including The Dunes at Diamante, designed by 20-time PGA Tour winner Davis Love III and offering stunning views of the ocean and sumptuous dunes.
The beautiful Diamante Dunes course, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
Puerto Los Cabos is home to 3 golf courses designed by Greg Norman and Jack Nicklaus, in addition to a practice facility and the chance to book lessons with a PGA skilled.
Just across from Cabo San Lucas is Mazatlán, our favourite city in Mexico. Golf is an enormous attraction for visitors and expats on this colonial city, which is home to a Robert Trent Jones golf course right on the Pacific Ocean and a David Fleming golf course on the marina.
Green fees in Mexico range from $30 to $375, and golf conditions are best from November to April.
