Must-visit golf holiday destinations

If you look beyond Europe, you’ll find a plethora of championship bucket-list golf courses just waiting to be discovered in destinations like the Middle East, an ever-growing golf powerhouse that is currently hosting six European Tour events. Set against the Arabian Gulf, the world-class Yas Links was the first links golf course to exist in the region and provides a fantastic challenge on its lush, well-maintained fairways.

Similarly, the Emirates Golf Club is certainly a customer favourite, having hosted numerous professional and amateur tournaments events. It is considered one of Dubai’s best clubs, offering golfers of all levels a top-quality experience. The flagship Majlis Course was built on the dunes on the edge of Dubai city, meaning the course has some truly beautiful natural undulations you are unlikely to find anywhere else in the world. So why not follow in the footsteps of the pros?

It goes without saying that the UAE is a golfer’s paradise. While it is the first place that springs to mind when it comes to championship desert golf courses, it’s hard to ignore the glitz and glam of Dubai and Abu Dhabi. From the modern architecture, picturesque skylines and international cuisine, there is no better destination to make memories that will last a lifetime. Stay in lavish hotels like the Park Hyatt Dubai and explore the extravagant shopping malls and historic mosques.

To put it simply, the UAE is a haven of luxury and culture and needs to be on your golf holiday hitlist. The region also faces very little rainfall all year round, so it’s a great choice for golfer’s looking to escape the wet fairways of the UK.

One of the surest reasons to book a golf holiday in Thailand is that there is so much choice and variety when it comes to golf course designs, layouts and landscapes. If you feel like you’ve experienced all that Europe has to offer and you’re after a complete change of scenery and quirky golf courses, look no further. You are almost guaranteed a completely unique round of golf on interesting and contemporary courses here.

Set in the stunning foothills of the Black Mountain, the Black Mountain golf course in Hua Hin, Thailand is a hard one to beat. Considered by many to be the best golf course on the continent, the rare red grass combines with the waterways and undulating fairways to make this one magnificent layout. Many of the courses in Thailand are also excellent value for money. A fantastic bonus.

When it comes to off the course activities, sweet-smelling street markets, waterfalls and smooth beaches are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what Thailand has to offer. The city of Bangkok is famous for its temples, thrilling nightlife and tantalising street food.

While booking a golf break closer to home may seem like the easiest option, we’ve got other ideas. In fact, one of the best parts of booking a golf escape further afield is the all inclusive beach resorts on offer. We have a wide range of hassle-free, all inclusive golf holidays where everything from your golf rounds, to your food and accommodation, is taken care of. Enjoy privileged locations like Mauritius surrounded by sunshine, sea and sand.

The Heritage Awali Golf & Spa Resort in Mauritius ticks all the boxes for a perfect golf trip in paradise. With the Peter Matkovich designed championship golf course set right in its heart, as well as a deluxe spa and beach club, there is no better place to combine golf and relaxation.

Off the course, you can visit the lively, colourful Port Louis central market, test your taste buds on authentic African cuisine and rum, or take a hike among the mountainous regions, rainforests and beautiful waterfalls.

If it’s blue lagoons, white sandy beaches and colourful markets you’re after, the Caribbean is perfect for you. The ever-popular Dominican Republic - a tropical paradise, is home to some of the most luxurious beach resorts in the world, including The Westin Puntacana Resort and Casa de Campo Resort & Villas. Both feature world-class golf courses, and when you’re not on the course you can relax under Palm trees and sip on rum cocktails.

The Caribbean’s tropical climate allows you to escape the UK winter months, and we all know that sunny weather combined with top-quality golf courses makes for a perfect golf escape.

South Africa is another perfect destination for those serious about their golf. It is home to its fair share of celebrity course designers like Jack Nicklaus, with his spectacular course at Pearl Valley and Gary Player with The Links Course at Fancourt. These world-class layouts are worth playing at least once in your lifetime.

When it comes to off the course activities, South Africa boasts a plethora of amazing attractions and exciting places to visit. Where else could you combine wine tours and safaris with world-class golf? Test your taste buds on authentic boma-style South African cuisine, bush breakfasts, barbeques and visit the lush Winelands or Cape Town where you can get a cable car ride to the top of Table Mountain.

For those considering a golf trip to the USA, the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass and Arnold Palmers Bay Hill Club in Florida are just some of the many must-play championships golf courses that exist here. And it’s little wonder they’re so popular with their high-quality, immaculate greens and fierce reputation. Plus, with the PGA’s return of the Florida Swing this season, TPC Sawgrass will take center stage at THE PLAYERS Championship, with PGA National playing host to The Honda Classic, so don’t miss out on the chance to take on these incredible gems.

Heading over to the East Coast, you’ll find a myriad of must-play championship courses in popular regions like Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head Island – Home to the Harbour Town Golf Links.A PGA Tour player’s favourite, the 18-hole Harbour Town Links layout has been dominated by some of the best short game specialists on the planet, with Matt Kuchar, Jim Furyk and Brandt Snedeker frequently topping the leader board.

For those looking to play one of the finest courses on the west coast of America, Pebble Beach Golf Links, you’ll be within walking distance of the shops and restaurants on the stunning California coastline of Monterey. Not to mention there are also plenty of hiking options.

When you’re not practising your swing on the course, there is a world of activities to enjoy and endless sights to see in the USA, from national parks and zoos to vibrant cities and coastal hideaways. Stay and play in Florida, the home of the PGA Tour, and enjoy theme parks, trendy shops and beautiful beaches. Or explore the casinos in Sin City and sample celebrity chef menus at Michelin starred restaurants in Las Vegas.