If you are anything like us, golf is more than a passion; it is a way of life. Yet, some traditional golfing holidays fail to inspire and spark the imagination.
For the average golfer, a quick trip to the Algarve can satisfy, however if your tastes are a little more discerning and your thirst for adventure is as cavalier as Mickleson’s bunker play; you may demand more from a golfing experience.
Although our luxury travel managers are based in London, they know the world of golf. As a result, this is a list of the best-kept secret courses that you must visit.
1. Black Mountain, Thailand
This awe inspiring Hua Hin Golf course has played host to Asian PGA tour events in recent years and was sculpted from the luscious jungle valley of ‘Black Mountain’.
The area gets its name from large black rocks set into the mountainside that also feature on the course, creating a beauty that is almost unrivalled globally. With stunning holes such as the 6th with its peninsular green and the new signature 11th hole, par-3 over water to an island green, the course offers a real varied challenge for amateurs and professionals alike.
The course also now boasts the accolade of one of the 100 best golf courses outside the USA by Golf Digest Magazine.
2. Danang Golf Club, Vietnam
Located just a short distance from Central Vietnam’s major port cities, amid 150 hectares of dunescape, Danang is similar to Scotland’s St Andrews. This Greg Norman design course is most certainly one for the bucket list.
The course currently enjoys glowing reports on Trip Advisor as well a glitterati of awards such as 2011 Best New Course in Asia Pacific and an IAGTO Diamond Award in 2014.
On the course, golfers can enjoy some the most cleverly crafted golf Mother Nature offers. For example, the par-3 16th hole with its backdrop featuring traditional, long-tail Vietnamese fishing boats must be seen.
3. Furnace Creek Golf Course, California
For something truly unique, step onto the world’s lowest elevation golf course. Furnace Creek sits at 214 feet below sea level in the heart of the Death Valley, California, and is a true spectacle to behold.
Voted as one of Golf Digest’s ‘America’s 50 Toughest Courses’, Furnaces Creek Golf Course carves its way through some of the harshest terrain on the planet. With Palm and Tamarisk trees perfectly framing the narrow fairways, you can enjoy beautiful vistas of the surrounding mountains.
Due to the ferocious heat, the course is actually closed at midday. Not one for the faint hearted. However, getting a chance to tell your friends back at the golf club that you have played the lowest golf course in the world is not to be missed.
4. Hamilton Island Golf Club, Whitsunday Islands
At the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, Hamilton Island is one of the world’s most sought-after holiday destinations.
Whether you are a keen amateur golfer or experienced professional, the championship golf course at Hamilton Island Golf Club does not disappoint.
The course was designed by the legendary Australian golfer, Peter Thompson and craftily weaves along the valleys and coves of its own island, Dent Island.
The island’s unspoilt, natural, mountainous terrain offers golfers 360-degree views across the secluded coves and beaches of the area and beyond.
Hamilton Island is one of the most spectacular and luxurious destinations on the planet, made even more perfect because of its beautiful 18-hole par 79 golf course.
5. Thracian Cliffs Golf & Beach Resort, Bulgaria
Gary Player once said, “You will not find a golf course like this anywhere on the planet”. He went on to say, “Playing Pebble Beach is renowned as the best site and I would say Thracian Cliffs is twice as good as Pebble Beach”.
The fact is that this special golfing resort hosts the Volvo World Match Play Championship, and was named Europe’s Golfing Resort of the Year 2014.
Guests can enjoy the accommodation of two quiet and peaceful golfing villages, which are separated by a beautiful lake that offers spectacular views of the sea and surrounding landscape.
The course is renowned for its quirks and squeezes itself into some of the most interesting and undulating terrain imaginable. This is one for the adventurous and experienced golfer.
For a place to enjoy, for business or leisure travel, a visit to Thracian Cliffs is highly recommended.
If you want to discover more about these incredible golf courses, or speak to an expert who can craft the most incredible golfing experience, get in touch with the leading travel management team at Simplexity.