Think Golf!

Looking for a new golf challenge? Need a change of scenery? Then venture forth from your comfort zone.

For the adventurous there are plenty of golf destinations outside the US. Everyone has heard about wonderful golf courses in France, Ireland, and Scotland. Some of the newer, more exotic golf destinations to visit include Costa del Sol, South Africa, Dubai and New Zealand, just to name a few.

Popular European Golf Destinations

Spain: Costa del Sol has more than twenty golf courses and the temperate climate is superb for golfing year round. Each year there are 300 sunny days and the average temperature is 18 c or 64 f.

Another location in Spain that golfers love is Andalucia. There are 30 golf course in the region but the most famous is the Valderrama. This resort hosted the Ryder Cup in 1997 and is considered by many to be the finest winter golf resort in Europe.

France: There are probably more golf courses in France that any other European country. No matter which region you visit you are sure to find ample opportunities to play golf. France is a marvelous destination for couples because it offers fascinating sites, great shopping, famous vineyards, and lots of places to golf. Of course, everyone already knows that French food is considered the finest cuisine in the world. Eat, drink, and play golf!

Ireland: The temperature weather and the friendly people draw many visitors to Ireland. There’s probably no place on earth with as much lovely green fields and unspoiled scenery. Golfers of any stripe are sure to find ample places to tee off in Ireland.

Scotland: Golf originated in Scotland, in Musselburgh, a town on the coast of the Firth of Forth, about six miles east of Edinburgh. In addition to the ancient course at Musselburgh (first played in 1672); there are hundreds of other wonderful courses to play all over the Scotland.

More Exotic Golf Destinations

Dubai: You won’t be rained out in Dubai, but you will find many American-style golf courses. One peculiarity of the location is that you may find yourself playing until midnight to avoid the blistering heat in summer months. Dubai Golf is a government organization that manages its top-ranked courses and promotes golf worldwide. Dubai is the hub of commerce and wealth in the Gulf and naturally
attracts top-ranked players like Tiger Woods to play in its tournaments.

South Africa: This country offers golfers abundant sunshine and pleasant weather as well as plenty of other sports and leisure activities required for a great vacation. South Africa is the home of a number of world class golfers and its golf courses are well worth visiting.

New Zealand: With spectacular views and varied climates, New Zealand offers much to golf vacationers. After your visit to the rain forest where movies like The Lord of the Rings have been filmed, you can find a lakeside or coastal golf course for a wonderful round of golf.

There are many wonderful golf destinations around the world. Don’t be surprised to find great golf courses in places like Bermuda, Portugal, Mauritius, and even China. Golf is relatively new in China which added its first courses in the 1990s, but you might want to add it to your list of places to tee off before you die.

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