The uniform expanse of a green
fairway, the neatly raked sands of a bunker and the finely manicured details of the surrounding scenery are
all features synonymous with some of the world’s most beautiful golf courses. Widely believed to have
originated in 12th-century Scotland, the modern game of golf or “the sport of business,” as it is often
referred to, has endured time and the rise of other popular sports to remain the game of the elite and
influential. And although the art of the game remains esteemed, the construction of stunning courses around
the world such as those listed in this feature have proven that vacationing to the greens is no longer
limited to those interested in wielding a golf club. With such elements as wonderfully temperate climates,
professional golf academies and, of course, some of the most photographed scenic views in the entire world,
golf resorts are quickly becoming a prime choice for any vacationer — even those who will have to shout
“Fore!” — KR
La Manga Club, Spain
The
La Manga
Club,
located in the southeastern Spanish city of Murcia, offers a picturesque golfing experience for players of
all levels. with 72 beautiful holes of golf stretched out over four gorgeous courses, golf addicts are sure
to get their fix at this Spanish treasure. With an average mean temperature of 18 C, the four courses are
open to the public year-round. The resort, which has played host to the Spanish open five times, also
includes a golf academy, a floodlit driving range as well as the Hotel La Manga Club Príncipe Felipe, a
five-star hotel boasting 192 rooms. Three of the four courses, the south, north and west, are full-length
championship courses while the fourth is a par-47 pitch and putt designed by Spanish golfing legend Seve
Ballesteros. With beautifully manicured fairways and greens, all four courses offer players of all levels a
fair test. — JM
Turnberry Isle, Miami
In the hot,
lively city of Miami sits the Fairmont Turnberry
Isle, a
secluded Mediterranean-style hotel that is home to two of southern Florida's most beautiful 18-hole
championship golf courses. The hotel’s two courses, Soffer and Miller, were designed by World Golf Hall of
Famer Raymond Floyd and feature contoured rolling fairways, lush tropical trees and stunning waterscapes. In
fact, the par-71 soffer course features the tallest waterfall in the entire state at 19.5 metres high and the
par-70 miller course offers players a stunning view of the nearby northern Atlantic Ocean. With a combined 36
holes over 13,464 yards designed to be a fair test of any skill level, the courses have hosted the NBC/ADT
Golf skills Challenge as well as the Stanford International Pro-Am, an official LPGA tour event. Even
equipped with their own golf academy, Turnberry Isle offers instructional programs so that any level of
golfer may enjoy the game. And with other award-winning amenities such as the willow stream spa available,
guests of the Fairmont Turnberry
Isle can
rest up their backswing for another venture out onto the course. — KR
Sebonack, Hamptons
Sebonack Golf
Club,
located in South Hampton, NY, was designed by golfing legend Jack Nicklaus as well as famed golf course
architect Tom Doak. The 18-hole championship course, which will host the 2013 us women’s open, boasts a
rugged feel with fescue, rolling fairways, large bunkers and even sand dunes. a challenging test located in
the famed Hamptons, the course offers spectacular views of both long island’s Great Peconic Bay and Cold
Spring Pond. The par-72 offering plays 6,409 yards from the white tees and 7,534 yards from the black tees,
meaning golfers of all levels can take on Sebonack. The course, which is located near the prestigious
national Golf Links of America as well as Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, which has hosted the us open five
times, is indeed a gem in the hamptons. — JM
Mauna Lani, Hawaii
Nestled on the
Kohala Coast in Hawaii, the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel &
Bungalows offers two championship courses, north and south, that are sure to entice golfers from
around the world. With the waves of the Pacific ocean lapping up against the coast, golfers can walk among
the palm trees as they go about their golfing day. The recipient of Golf Magazine’s Gold medal award every year since
1988, Mauna Lani has played host to the senior skins Golf Game 11 times. The north Course is built on a lava
bed and features rolling hills and even feral goats that frequent the course. The picturesque south Course
offers mountain and ocean views and includes the famous par-three 15th hole, one of the most photographed in
the world. Mauna Lani also caters to younger people wanting to learn the game: the Keiki Course is designed
for golfers under the age of 18 and provides a less challenging day on the links. —
JM •
Splash Photo Courtesy:
La Manga Club
Gallery Photo
1: Fairmont Hotels
Gallery Photo
2: LC Lambrecht Photography
Gallery Photo 3:
The Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows
