Where did golf originate? This subject has taxed the brains of researchers around the globe for centuries. Although, for reference to the very first games played in the early 1400s, we thank the Scots. With such historical roots it’s hard to believe golf was banned during its early evolution in Scotland, England and even the streets of Albany, New York, when it arrived in America in 1659.
A regal sport that receives praise not only for its athletes but for its courses, golf attracts many players and spectators who simply want to enjoy its most spectacular settings. Here we take you on a brief journey through six of the best golf resorts around the world, known for their winning combination of superior golf, luxurious amenities and beautiful grounds. Stay and play in Oregon, South Carolina, Hawaii, The Dominican Republic, England and of course, Scotland.
The game of golf was born on land just like this. The Pacific Ocean meets the Southern Oregon Coast where The Bandon Dunes Golf Resort was discovered, not developed. 23 miles of untouched sand dunes and natural shoreline house its three courses: Bandon Dunes, Pacific Dunes and Bandon Trails.
When asked to create something authentic and true to Scottish tradition, Architect David Kidd replied, “no real estate, no golf carts, no clubhouse on the beach.” His design of Bandon Dunes revealed golf in its truest form. As the wind changes course, it changes the game, and thus, offers a variety of options for every shot. The fairways and greens are large but require accuracy, a skill that can be tricky. Think, adapt and know that power alone isn’t enough. You must control your ground game.
A golf retreat more than a golf resort, Bandon Dunes caters to its players. The Grove Cottages are specifically designed for a foursome of golfers, each with four separate bedrooms, a king bed and private bath. The resort also has a 32-acre practice center featuring a one-acre practice putting green and bunker practice area. (bandondunesgolf.com)
THE OCEAN COURSE – Kiawah Island Resort, Kiawah Island, SC
The Kiawah Island Resort is comprised of five golf courses, the most legendary of which is the Ocean Course. World-class competition has graced these greens, including the 1991 Ryder Cup (famed “War by the Shore”) and the 2007 Senior PGA. In 2012, the course will become only the fourth to host each of the PGA of America’s Major Championships.
The par 72 layout is reminiscent of the great seaside links of England and Scotland. Not only does it boast views stretching along two-and-ahalf miles of the Atlantic, but it also has more seaside holes than any other course in the Northern Hemisphere. As a result, the direction and strength of the wind can have an incredible effect on any game. The course is a two-in-one design with the first challenging easterly winds and the second challenging westerly winds.
Round out a perfect day of golf with The Fairway package at The Sanctuary Luxury Spa where there’s something for every traveler, including Bliss Before Baby, Girls’ Getaway, For Gentlemen Only and Romance Retreat. Or, have your concierge arrange for a carriage ride through historical Charleston. Whatever your pleasure, Kiawah Island is a truly peaceful getaway. (kiawahresort.com)
THE PLANTATION COURSE – Kapalua, Maui, HI
The Plantation Course in Kapalua, Maui, unfurls across breathtaking pineapple plantation fields, and Number 18 has an endless panoramic view. Each January the course becomes the site of the PGA Tour Mercedes- Benz Championship, a tournament featuring a selection of elite players from the previous year’s PGA Tour winners. See the tourney from The Lookout over Honolua Bay, a private area where you can experience the game in comfort with premium greenside viewing. Hurry though… There are only 250 tickets available.
After you’ve worked up an appetite on the course, head over to The Plantation House. Situated high above the gorgeous coastline, this restaurant offers traditional plantation-style Hawaiian/Mediterranean cuisine. Ensure an unforgettable sunset over the Pacific with views of nearby islands Lanai and Molokai by asking for tables 29 or 18 when making your reservation.
Stay on a century old pineapple plantation at the luxurious Ritz-Carlton Kapalua. Whether relaxing in the 17,500-square foot spa, swimming in the tri-level pool or putting on the nine-hole green, Ritz recreation guarantees a busy stay. If vacation brings you to the island between mid-December and mid-May, don’t forget to charter a humpback whale-watching cruise from Lahaina Harbor. (kapalua.com)
TEETH OF THE DOG (Casa de Campo) – La Romana, Dominican Republic
In 1969, Pete Dye, considered by many the most influential golf architect of the past 50 years, was faced with a difficult challenge. He had to convert an overgrown serrated coral reef coastline into a golf course. With the exception of a small dozer and some tractors, this beauty was practically handmade by the 300 Dominican workers who gave the course its unusual name. The limestone beneath the course was covered with jagged fingers of coral that needed to be smoothed before topsoil could be laid. The workers called these fingers “diente de perro” or Teeth of the Dog.
Ranked #1 in the Caribbean, the Dog is an exhilarating ride along high bluffs all the way down to the sea with the par 3’s stealing the show. The signature fifth is a short par 3, its green barely the height of a golf bag above the sea. It’s from this tee that the course truly bares all.
Casa de Campo is just minutes from La Romana Airport and conveniently situated on 7,000 acres of paradise. Among countless activities, an evening paddleboat ride along the charming Chavon River is a must. (casadecampo.com.do)
ROYAL BIRKDALE – Southport, England
This jewel was founded in 1889 as a nine-hole golf course in Shaw Hills. In 1897 it moved to Birkdale, located on the Northwest coast of England, where an 18-hole course was constructed. Currently ranked 16th in the world, Royal Birkdale has hosted eight British Opens, yet it’s the only course in rotation that has yet to produce a champion from the United Kingdom. Perhaps that will change when the Open returns July 17-20 this year.
Famous links renowned for fairness, these greens are, nevertheless, extremely difficult to read. Unlike American layouts, here no obstacle is inconsistent with the topography of the land. Even the above average golfer must simply surrender. A couple of tips: 1. The par 5 15th is the longest and most bunkered of all of the holes; and 2. when the wind is up a carry from tee to fairway can be daunting. This is a repressive yet provocative place to play.
Southport is just a mile-and-a-half north of the club. The Ambassador Suite at the Victorian-inspired Cambridge House Hotel is most impressive. Lady golfers will fall in love with the shopping at the fashion houses that line Lord Street. (royalbirkdale.com)
AILSA – Turnberry, A Luxury Collection Resort, Scotland
There are few courses in theworld that can match the magnificenceof those on the TurnberryResort in Scotland (Ailsa,Kintyre and the nine-hole Arran),established 1902. Locatedin the vicinity of the Irish Sea andthe Isles of Mull and Arran, it’s hardto believe that this majestic landtwice neared extinction duringboth World Wars when it was requisitionedas an airfield. Even still,Ailsa is considered the most scenicBritish Open course and is oftenreferred to as the Pebble Beach ofScotland. The Open will return toAilsa in 2009.
Set on a rocky peninsula atthe edge of the sea, players mustdrive over the uneven shoreline toa blind fairway. When conquered,the reward is great as you catch aglimpse of the famous lighthouseand the ruins of the course’s trademark,“Bruce’s Castle”, named forKing Robert the Bruce.
Turnberry is a prestigious five-star800-acre estate. Immerseyourself in the rich diversity of theAyrshire landscape and Turnberry,Scotland. Most importantly, eat!Traditional Scottish cuisine is excellentand not to be missed.(www.turnberryresort.co.uk) •
3 Must-Play Local Courses:
You don’t need to leave Northern California to play these World-Class Golf Courses
