From the cliffs of New Zealand to the beaches of Hawaii to the mini-city that is China’s Mission Hills course, a round of golf these days is more like a five-star holiday. We tee off at some of the best.
Like surfers, skiers and big-game fishermen, golfers are prepared to travel all over the world to indulge their habit. With more than 31,000 golf courses in 199 countries (at last count), it takes a dedicated player to even begin to tick off the far-flung destinations. An ever-increasing network of flight paths, however, means greater access to courses whose names and reputations are the stuff of legend. And thanks to communications technology, no-one need know you’re emailing from the 18th hole.
Over the past 25 years, developers have realised the potential of golf tourism. Golf resorts have become more luxurious, no expense spared in their design, infrastructure and accommodation. All have idiosyncrasies. The mega resort of China’s Mission Hills is in stark contrast to remote Cape Kidnappers in New Zealand. But most 21st-century golf resorts offer scenic surrounds, luxurious villas or five-star hotels, and great golf, many with links to the professional tour. Every player has a favourite. This is a handful of the best.
Kapalua Resort
800 Kapalua Drive, Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii, USA.
+1 800 527 2582 (Toll-free, USA only).
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Sun City
North West Province, South Africa.
+27 14 557 4301.
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Mission Hills
1 Mission Hills Road, Shenzhen, China.
+86 755 2802 0888.
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Cape Kidnappers
Mill Road, Te Awanga, Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand.
+64 6 875 1900.
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Sawgrass
1000 PGA Tour Boulevard, Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, USA.
+1 904 285 7777.
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Fairmont St Andrews
St Andrews, Scotland, United Kingdom.
+44 1334 837 000.
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Vilamoura
Algarve, Portugal.
+351 289 310 333.
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Splendour down-under
Australians have embraced resort golf since its inception in south-east Queensland in the 1980s, when much of the investment in it came from Asia. Australia’s golf resorts combine great golf with luxury accommodation. Conference facilities are a given. Many resorts have day spas to enhance the overall experience for both golfers and non-golfers. Here are five of our best.
Hyatt Regency Coolum
Warran Road, Coolum Beach, Queensland.
+61 7 5449 3366.
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Novotel Twin Waters Resort
151 Ocean Drive, Twin Waters, Queensland.
+61 7 5457 2444.
Quay West Resort Magenta Shores
1 Magenta Drive, Magenta, Central Coast, New South Wales.
+61 2 4352 8145.
Peppers Moonah Links Resort
Peter Thomson Drive, Fingal, Victoria.
+61 3 5988 2088.
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Sebel Heritage Yarra Valley
Hughes & Yarraview Roads, Chirnside Park, Victoria.
+61 3 9760 3322.
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Rohan Clarke is a senior writer for Australian Golf Digest
Source: Qantas The Australian Way September 2009