Constance Prince Maurice – Mauritius
November 8, 2020Cheval Blanc Randheli – Maldives
November 8, 2020
TOP 7 OF THE WORLD’S MOST LUXURIOUS GOLF COURSES – Golf is a popular sport because it offers players a complex set of rich rewards, including exercise, healthy competition- with others or yourself – trophies and the consequent recognition of hard earned skills, fresh air, companionship and enough challenges to remain interesting.
If all of this is on offer at a top class golf course alongside state of the art equipment, coaching, sumptuous food and amazing scenery, chances are around 60 million people would agree that this truly is the definition of luxury.
There’s no wonder golf ranks just behind sports like football, soccer, basketball and cricket in the popularity leagues.
Where golf differs from the majority of the sports is in the wide variety of venue types where it can be played. They also differ in length, with the standard 18 holes being most common, but shorter, 9-hole or executive courses remaining popular for those with less time to spare.
The final method for categorizing golf courses is the setting, which ranges from beach and desert to parkland, although many don’t fit comfortably into one exact niche.
Luxury in relation to golf courses is applied to those which offer an outstanding overall experience. This encompasses the course itself, which should have an impeccable teeing ground, fairway, and green along with enough roughs, hazards and course lengths to satisfy players of all abilities, to the facilities, at least semi-exclusive access, transport options and unique, useful or upmarket extras. A generous sprinkling of prestige derived from either the events the course hosts or the famous names which have walked it at some point doesn’t hurt either.
Discover here the top 7 of the world’s most luxurious golf courses:
Sandy Lane St. James , Barbados – TOP 7 OF THE WORLD’S MOST LUXURIOUS GOLF COURSES
Sandy Lane is a luxury golf resort in Barbados that offers some of the best golf in the world. Wherever you play, you will be enchanted by the spectacular natural beauty of the terrain and the stunning views of Barbados’ platinum coastline. Boasting three fabulous courses, a welcoming clubhouse, a rental option for both shoes and clubs, and top-end locker facilities, this is a worthy entrant in the ‘luxury golf course’ category. There’s no fear of anyone getting lost on the greens either, as the golf carts are equipped with modern GPS systems which can also identify the closest hazards, offer tips on how to play the next hole, and even order a drink or snack should you need refreshments while playing.
The three courses, known as The Old Nine, the Country Club and the Green Monkey, all showcase different aspects of the amazing Barbados scenery. The latter, designed by Tom Fazio and carved out of a disused limestone quarry, is reserved for the exclusive use of resort guests.
Fazio also designed the Country Club course, which sports five lakes and lots of vibrant greenery on its said to be challenging, 72 par course. In 2006 this was the venue for the World Golf Championships Barbados World Cup.
The Old Nine, which has been around since the early 1960s offers a tempting challenge to players who wish to try navigating some smaller than expected spaces during play.
Experienced caddies add an extra element of luxury, as does the stock on offer at the pr-shop, which includes some lines exclusive to Green Monkey players. A light lunch, afternoon coffee or cocktails at sunset are all on offer at the exclusive clubhouse.
Four Seasons Resort, Anahita, Mauritius – TOP 7 OF THE WORLD’S MOST LUXURIOUS GOLF COURSES
Designed by Ernie Els, Four Seasons Golf Club Mauritius at Anahita is a 7,500-yard, 18-hole, par-72 championship course with large fairways and five sets of tees. Six stunning oceanfront holes culminate in a final shot that is among the most spectacular in the world.
Built to USGA standards, it is the first of its kind in Mauritius and as such, is home to the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open 2018. Carefully woven into the tropical sanctuary, the course is set against lush mountains and fringed by the vast crystal-clear lagoon.
Players can enjoy views of mountain ranges and the ocean, and expect to come across various tropical plants, trees and flowers.
Four Seasons Golf Academy Mauritius at Anahita specialises in improving the game of guests at all levels of ability, from complete beginners to scratch players. Whether your goal is to learn the game, lower your handicap or win a club championship, the Academy can help you achieve it.
Eden Roc at Cap Cana, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic – TOP 7 OF THE WORLD’S MOST LUXURIOUS GOLF COURSES
The Dominican Republic is one of the Caribbean’s most exciting golf destinations, and Cap Cana is fast becoming its crown jewel, with three Jack Nicklaus signature courses.
With emerald-green fairways that hug the coastline and a course design that blends effortlessly into the natural setting, Punta Espada is a Nicklaus masterpiece that exhilarates even the most seasoned golf enthusiast.
Named the best course in the Caribbean and Mexico in 2011 by Golfweek, the intricate layout engages golfers with breathtaking scenery of cliffs, beaches and waterfalls, while challenging them with every swing and putt. The spectacular signature par-3 13th hole requires a tee shot over the ocean, truly an extraordinary experience.
Keswick Golf Club , Charlottesville, Virginia – TOP 7 OF THE WORLD’S MOST LUXURIOUS GOLF COURSES
The prestigious Keswick Golf Club in Charlottesville, Virginia, is your destination for golf and leisure.
Keswick Golf Club offers an opportunity to be a coveted member and tee it up on “Full Cry,” one of the most acclaimed new courses in the U.S. Designed by World Golf Hall of Fame architect Pete Dye, the layout is ranked No. 3 in Golfweek’s “Best Courses You Can Play in Virginia” and No. 45 in the publication’s “Best 100 Resort Courses.” Full Cry was also honored in Golf Digest’s prestigious “Best New Courses for 2015” list.
In addition to world-class golf, Keswick Golf Club offers an array of sterling amenities for members including tennis, swimming, croquet, luxurious spa, fully-equipped fitness center and award-winning dining. Choose from a variety of membership levels based on what works best for you and your family.
Leopard Creek, South Africa – TOP 7 OF THE WORLD’S MOST LUXURIOUS GOLF COURSES
Often referred to as the best golf course in South Africa, Leopard Creek can be found in Mpumalanga Province, right next to the Kruger National Park. Don’t be surprised to find wildlife making itself at home on the greens and fairways, this is all part of the charm and an amazing experience you will probably never have again.
Getting there involves either a short plane hop or a four hour drive from Johannesburg, and it’s the perfect destination for either a completely golf focused experience, or those who wish to combine golf with a safari or two to gaze at and photograph the magnificent wild animals that share this space with visitors.
Golfing hazards take on a new dimension at Leopard Creek, for much of the water is home to the magnificent creatures for which the river is named, crocodiles. Extensive use has been made of water features and sightings of crocodile, hippo, antelope, buffalo and elephant are commonplace, on the course or in the Kruger Park bordering the course.
Innovative architectural and landscaping techniques ensure that the Leopard Creek golf course and living areas are naturally protected from animals, while lakes and small streams have been diverted through the development to create scenic vistas and interesting golf strategies.
The 505 meter par-five 13th is one of Leopard Creek’s most memorable holes. Here the green is right on the edge of the Crocodile river but 32 meters above the level of the water, offering magnificent views up the river and into the Kruger Park.
Gary Player is especially proud of the par-five 18th with its island green and the par-four 9th with its peninsula green jutting out of the same body of water.
Verdura Resort, Sicily – TOP 7 OF THE WORLD’S MOST LUXURIOUS GOLF COURSES
An official European Tour Destination, Verdura Resort is home to the 2017 Rocco Forte Open and, with three world-class golf courses, offers the perfect location for an exclusive golf break all-year-round.
Our three links-style golf courses, all designed by Kyle Phillips, use the natural, green contours of the landscape and are planted with indigenous trees and shrubs. Warmed by the Mediterranean sun and refreshed by the sea breeze, the courses are free from any buildings, offering uninterrupted views of the azure waters from the undulating greens.
You’ll find the facilities world-class too. A double-ended driving range. Tuition from PGA-qualified professionals. An exceptional golf academy for budding young golfers.
Players can enjoy unlimited views of the nearby water in this temperate climate which is a perfect balance of warm sun and sea breeze.
The East Course is an intriguing mix of challenging short pars. Water hazards guarantee interesting play, delivering stunning panoramic views to those at the 18th hole, while the West Course focuses on the scenery angle from the get-go. A 9-hole practice course, putting greens, a driving range and opportunities for personal tuition make up the outstanding additional facilities available here.
All holes on both main courses offer five tee positions, with tee time staggered with 12 minute gaps to avoid hold ups. Electric carts are freely available, along with hand pulled trolleys for those who prefer them. A nicely designed clubhouse stocks designer golf brand items, top class changing facilities, refreshments and some nice extras akin to the ‘private club’ image they are cultivating.
Aphrodite Hills, Cyprus – TOP 7 OF THE WORLD’S MOST LUXURIOUS GOLF COURSES
All Year Round Golf at Aphrodite Hills, the first ever leisure and golf development of its kind in Cyprus, Aphrodite Hills Golf Resort is home to a magnificent 18-hole championship golf course, dedicated 3-hole Golf Academy and magnificent Clubhouse, designed for golfers of all standards and ages.
Spreading out over 6,289 metres and overlooking the site where Aphrodite, the goddess of love, is said to have emerged from the sea, this golf course is truly a unique location in which to test your skills with friends.
The award-winning golf course was officially opened in 2002 and was designed by the acclaimed architect, Cabell Robinson. Robinson has designed Aphrodite Hills to be the perfect mix of challenging pot bunkers, manicured fairways of lush Bermuda grass and generous tiered greens.
Visually spectacular, the course expands through indigenous olive and carob trees and is built on two plateaux, separated by a dramatic ravine with outstanding views over the Mediterranean. And the staggering 130 metre gorge dividing tees at the 7th hole is an enticing challenge for all lovers of this beautiful game.
The buggy is included with the golf rounds, this gives the golfer the opportunity to absorb the stunning natural beauty of the surrounding area whilst making the drive around the extensive and dramatic layout.
