The Top Ten Golfing Destinations from Teletext Holidays
Leaving your divots on the same local course can start to lose it appeal after a while, so why not introduce yourself to some new challenges with one of the top golfing destinations around the world. Practice your stroke overlooking the Indian Ocean or avoid a bogey in the birthplace of golf, Scotland. How ever far you wish to travel Teletext Holidays has chosen an amazing destination for you.
Melbourne, Australia
Melbourne's greatest attraction for golfers is its variety. It's not a large city yet you'll find at least 18 courses within a relatively small area, many in walking distance of each other. These include: the Royal Melbourne, Kingston Heath, Victoria and Commonwealth.
Scotland
The birthplace of golf, and surprisingly good value for money. What Scotland may lack in fancy club houses and luxury services such as golf carts, it makes up for in diversity - there are over 400 courses in the country, from manicured world leaders to scruffy local haunts.
Northern Ireland
For such a small country, Northern Ireland has a fantastic selection of places to play golf, boasting over 90 parkland, heathland and links courses, with the option of coastal or mountain views, city greens or remote woodland. Royal County Down is consistently mentioned in the international top 10 lists and hosts numerous international tours, yet is open to non-members and has incredibly reasonable green fees.
Portugal
A mild climate and wide range of championship and resort courses make Portugal, and specifically the Algarve, arguably the most popular golfing destination in Europe. Non-golfing partners and families can enjoy exploring the Algarve's pretty coastal towns and miles of sandy beaches. The Algarve is also reasonably priced, though serious golfers should book early to get prime tees.
Find out more about Portugal via our Portugal Holiday Guide
Costa del Sol, Spain
Known as the "Ryder Cup Coast", the Costa del Sol is not all about beach life. This stretch of Spanish coast is home to some of the best loved championship courses in the world. Walk in the footsteps of the pros at Alhaurin, high in the mountains, while Los Arqueros, also designed by Ballesteros, has great sea views. Over at El Paraiso, you'll find the first Gary Player designed course in Spain.
Find out more about Spain via our Spain Holiday Guide
Normandy, France
Normandy has recently been voted into the top 10 list of golfing destinations by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators. Normandy's 37 courses are close to the ports of Caen, Cherbourg, Dieppe and Le Havre, and are little over an hour's drive from the Channel Tunnel, making them easily accessible from the UK.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, United States
This is the home of great value, great variety golfing, and about as far removed from golf's occasional 'upper crust' image as you can get. Myrtle Beach has no less than 86 courses, 83 of them public, with additional courses in the surrounding area. Most have been built in the last 30 or so years and the central 60-mile stretch down the coast is known as the "Grand Strand".
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Dubai is the only city in the world to have hosted both the European and Asian PGA tournaments. It is an intriguing blend of East and West, a wealthy, modern, shimmering city with an ancient past. The arid environment does not lend itself naturally to support a large number of courses, but screenings of events like the Dubai Desert Classic have made Dubai well known in the golfing world.
South Africa
Golfers visiting South Africa should consider making Durban, Cape Town or Sun City their bases. Temperatures are pleasant, the surrounding countryside is generally spectacular. Durban Country Club is rated number one in the country, with ravines and valleys complemented by elevated tees offering great views of the Indian Ocean.
Bermuda
The island of Bermuda has more golf courses per square mile than any other country in the world. You can reserve tee-times through the tourist board, and many resorts offer special golf packages which include days at each of the island's top clubs. This is a land of golf carts and casual dress, combined with spa treatments and lazy days on the beach for non-golfing partners.
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