The World’s Best Golf Vacation Destinations

An unforgettable golf vacation starts with the excitement of playing on a world class course, includes gourmet dining and luxurious accommodations, and is topped off with a dash of international culture. Here are my suggestions of the world’s best golf vacation destinations, guaranteed to leave you in golfer bliss:

St. Andrews, Scotland:

Did you know Scotland is where golf originated? It’s true. And one of the best destinations in Scotland to enjoy challenging golf in is St. Andrews, Scotland.

Renowned for its spectacular golf courses, St. Andrews should be on every serious golfer’s “must play” list. One course, in particular, that is an absolute gem is the Old Course. Arguably the world’s most famous course, Old Course ranks consecutively as one of the top five golf courses in the world and has had such an impact on the game of golf that many of today’s golfing standards have been influenced by this course.

Specifically, Old Course began with 22 holes when it was first constructed. Eventually, the Society of St. Andrews Golfers—now known as the Royal and Ancient Golf Club—concluded that some of the course’s holes were too short and needed to be combined to create longer holes. And thus, 18 holes became the standard for golf courses around the world.

But St. Andrews offers more than spectacular golf. Abound with dramatic medieval architecture, quaint cafes and charming antique shops, St. Andrews offers you the opportunity to venture into the pastoral countryside and explore the historic Kingdom of Fire. Here, you can enjoy spectacular views of the Scottish coastline on the course and off when staying at the Old Course Hotel, listed as one of The Leading Hotels of the World. This five-star hotel boasts several top-notch dining options, from a formal, gourmet restaurant to a fun bar and grill.

Links at Fancourt, South Africa

Situated along the glistening coastline of the Garden Route, Links at Fancourt’s Scottish and Irish inspired golf course was designed with impeccable attention to detail that is reflective of the world’s most classic golf courses. Each and every golfer who plays this exquisite course experiences a unique combination of excitement, anticipation, peace, and sheer joy—a feeling that is difficult for other golf courses in the world to attain.

Playing on this challenging course is restricted to guests of the magnificent Fancourt Estate Hotel, a luxurious and detail-oriented resort. Whether you’re on a group trip with friends or on a family vacation, everyone will enjoy exploring the Fancourt Estate’s miles of lush forests, wetlands, beaches, seaside beauty, and the infamous Outeniqua Mountains.

Known for its twists, dips, small lakes, and lush marshes, Links at Fancourt is in fact South Africa’s most challenging course and arguably it’s most beautiful. In fact, this course is so famous that it has been praised by some of the world’s most exception golfers and was the host of the 2003 Presidents Cup and 2005 Women’s World Cup of Golf.

Links at Fancourt is much more than an astounding golf course–it’s paradise.

Augusta National, GA USA

We all know it as the prestigious host of the Masters Tournaments, but what is it about Augusta National that attracts some of the world’s top golfers? What many people might not realize is that Augusta National has changed the way the world plays golf. Dating back to the early 1930s, Augusta National boasts some of golf’s most astonishing stories and legendary feats.

Although there are a lot of factors that lure celebrated golfers to this course—including its riveting beauty, remarkable history, unique alternate playing routes, and famous past footprints that grazed the green—one of Augusta National’s most captivating characteristics is its ability to accommodate every type of golfer. From the average golfer to the expert golfer, Augusta National creators designed a course that would not only be a challenge for all golfers but would also be highly enjoyable.

But what can you experience when you’re not golfing? Step off the course and into the historic city of Augusta, Georgia. Take in the city’s stunning antebellum architecture, rich southern cuisine, and vibrant local culture. Finish off your Southern experience by staying at the exquisite Partridge Inn, also known as “The Grand Hotel of the Classic South,” which has hosted some of the most posh Southern events over the last century. From the Confederate Civil War Memorial to the Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art, there’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy.

The Victoria Golf Club, Australia

Located in the famous Melbourne Sandbelt, The Victoria Golf Club is the pride of Australia and respected throughout the world. Founded in 1903, the club has gone on to produce golf greats such as Peter Thompson and host major tournaments, such as the 2002 Australian Open Championships. Golfers don’t have to travel far to hit the course, as The Victoria Golf Club boasts its own accommodations in The Clubhouse.

Looking to mix it up? Head over to nearby Kingston Golf Club, recently ranked the number one golf course in Australia in Golf Digest’s March 2010 issue. Infuse some culture into your trip by visiting the National Gallery of Victoria, Australia’s oldest art museum, and walking through Queen Victoria Market, one of the world’s largest open-air markets. Enjoy world class golf, generous accommodations, and ample local flavor in beautiful Melbourne, Australia.

What is your favorite golf course and why?