AUSTRALIA
No trip can be too long to do justice to this magnificent “continent”. Lively Melbourne and surrounds are a great starting point with some celebrated Golf courses in the renowned Sandbelt and Mornington Peninsula. Sydney's attractions and its landmark courses are a heady combination. In Queensland, it’s leisure, the Great Barrier Reef, designer courses and island golf. And there’s more.
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DUBAI
Dubai’s golf scene is second to none in the world evidenced easily by playing some of the courses here. So head there when the sun’s “not shining too bright”. And if you time it exactly right you could also watch Tiger & Rory at the 2014 Omega Dubai Desert Classic from Jan 30 - Feb 2. Round the trip off with eventful shopping at the Dubai Shopping festival that's running concurrently.
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MISSION HILLS, SHENZHEN & HAIKOUThe Mission Hills complex in Haikou – a short flight away from Hong Kong is a recent 10 golf course addition to the Mission Hills repertoire of 12 golf courses in Shenzhen, which itself is only a 2-3 hour drive from Hong Kong. With such variety, quality and quantity to choose from, you are never going to be short on golfing.
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NEW ZEALAND
It's easy to fall prey to doing too much in New Zealand. Between driving on scenic routes, meeting the Maori in North Island, adrenaline-gushing trips in the South, peeking into Hobbit world and golfing at the spectacular Cape Kidnappers andKauri Cliffs, there's no respite in paradise. In addition, you could catch an India-New Zealand cricket match somewhere between Jan 19 - 14 Feb.
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PHILIPPINES
The Philippines archipelago is strewn with more than 7000 islands, many of volcanic origin, laced with idyllic beaches that comprise the best sand and clearest water anywhere in the world – it’s no wonder that it is home to some of the world’s best dive sites. Its cities are teeming with life and Manila and the nearby Angeles City are arguably the best places in Asia to party. The golf action is a silver lining to this eminently desirable destination with plenty of high quality choices by the biggest design names in Metro Manila and surrounds.
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SRI LANKA
Sri Lanka from January to March is at its driest, allowing for an uninterrupted temples-beaches-wildlife-shopping & golf itinerary. The pleasantly mannered people, rich colonial heritage and diverse landscapes have made the emerald isle a big hit amongst travellers. Do the golf triangle of Colombo, Kandy and Nuwara Eliya playing a unique course in each city.
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VIETNAM
Vietnam’s timeless charm is to be experienced in all its regions in abundance. Deal an even hand to the capital Hanoi (also, the base to explore the out of the world Halong Bay), the vibrant Ho Chi Minh City and Danang (combined with historic Hoi an and Hue) and play in some dramatic golf courses that are as good as anywhere else in South East Asia.
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BULGARIA
Chances are, you're already familiar with the stunning courses of the Black Sea Coast - Lighthouse Golf Resort, BlackSeaRama and Thracian Cliffs. But if Bulgaria's not on top of your mind as an all-round destination, it should be. It has vibrant cities, ancient ruins, thrilling history and moderate weather.
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KUNMING Play some stunning golf courses designed by big names such as Nick Faldo, Robert Trent Jones Jr. and Jack Nicklaus amongst others all in a short & “cool” golf holiday. Kunming, at an altitude of over 6000 feet is also known as Spring City for its climate and is a great option for those looking at cooler places to golf in Asia. The easy direct access from various hubs in South East Asia and even Kolkata is quite the bonus.
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MAURITIUS
Golf in Mauritius is best experienced as "stay & play" at indulgent 5 star golf resorts, designed by the likes of Ernie Els, Bernhard Langer and Hugh Baiocchi. Aside from languid days on the beach, explore Port Louis’ colonial heritage & Grand Baei to the north of the island, best known to throw a good party.
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PORTUGALChilled out people, a strong history, medieval architecture, spectacular coastline and unique geography are a few of the defining terms for Portugal. Add to this some superb wines, glorious cuisine and a rocking nightlife with moderate year round climate – and you couldn’t be closer to a perfect destination. And then there’s the golf – with excellent layouts to be found in the Lisbon area, not to not mention the deluge of outstanding courses in the Algarve.
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SPAIN
April to June’s the best time to get in a Spanish holiday. The weather’s good throughout the country and it’s not peak season yet. Explore at length a country abuzz with art, architecture and a general passion for life. For year round golf, head to the Costa Del Sol (also known as Costa del Golf), home to hallowed turfs such as Valderrama, San Roque, Sotogrande, Finca Cortesin and La Reserva.
April to June’s the best time to get in a Spanish holiday. The weather’s good throughout the country and it’s not peak season yet. Explore at length a country abuzz with art, architecture and a general passion for life. For year round golf, head to the Costa Del Sol (also known as Costa del Golf), home to hallowed turfs such as Valderrama, San Roque, Sotogrande, Finca Cortesin and La Reserva.
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SRINAGAR & KASHMIR
A marvel- literally! Kashmir’s Himalayan vistas, houseboats, traditional shopping, delectable food and peace (of a kind) have put it back on the holiday calendar. It’s even probably topping the charts as a summer getaway. In Srinagar, Gulmarg and Pahalgam, there's a golfing piece of heaven waiting for you.
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TURKEY
Turkey simply must feature amongst the best holiday destinations. Soak in Ottoman glory in Istanbul, see ancient Greek & Roman ruins in Troy & Ephesus and visit unique Cappadocia. You could also just absorb the sun, sea and sand on the splendid southern Mediterranean Coast and play from amongst an array of superb golf courses, while at it in Belek & Antalya.
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CZECH REPUBLIC
Mesmerizing castles, quaint picturesque towns, beautiful countryside and the festive spirit in addition to the world-class beer make the Czech Republic a top destination in summer. The capital Prague is considered by many as the most beautiful city in the world; the nearby towns of Cesky Krumlov and Karlovy Vary also pack quite a punch as do some high quality golf courses in fabulous settings no better exemplified than the Karlstejn Golf Course with the fairy tale like Karlstejn Castle forming a ubiquitous backdrop.
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IRELAND & NORTHERN IRELAND
It is said that making friends with the Irish is very easy and particularly so in a pub in Ireland. But that’s not the only thing you’d go to Ireland for - there’s also the Guinness Jameson, hip music bars, picture-postcard towns and villages. But for the true golf aficionados, Ireland is a must visit for the Links Golf Spectacle it offers with names such as Royal Portrush, Ballybunion, Lahinch, Old Head etc amongst the plethora of stunning Links golf courses all around on the east coast around Dublin, Northern Ireland and the South West coast.
IRELAND & NORTHERN IRELAND
It is said that making friends with the Irish is very easy and particularly so in a pub in Ireland. But that’s not the only thing you’d go to Ireland for - there’s also the Guinness Jameson, hip music bars, picture-postcard towns and villages. But for the true golf aficionados, Ireland is a must visit for the Links Golf Spectacle it offers with names such as Royal Portrush, Ballybunion, Lahinch, Old Head etc amongst the plethora of stunning Links golf courses all around on the east coast around Dublin, Northern Ireland and the South West coast.
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JAKARTA & BALI
The best golfing weather in Indonesia is between July and September with few rain disruptions unlike the rest of the year. While Bali's already a favourite with one and all for its bountiful nature, art, unique culture and adventure sports, the golf is magnificent stunning too with seaside layouts such as the Nirwana. For those looking at golf as the main focus, head to Jakarta and enjoy top quality golfing experiences at courses such as Royale Jakarta, Damai Indah, Bogor Raya and Emeralda amongst others. Cap your days off in style at some of the best nightlife spots in Asia.
JAKARTA & BALI
The best golfing weather in Indonesia is between July and September with few rain disruptions unlike the rest of the year. While Bali's already a favourite with one and all for its bountiful nature, art, unique culture and adventure sports, the golf is magnificent stunning too with seaside layouts such as the Nirwana. For those looking at golf as the main focus, head to Jakarta and enjoy top quality golfing experiences at courses such as Royale Jakarta, Damai Indah, Bogor Raya and Emeralda amongst others. Cap your days off in style at some of the best nightlife spots in Asia.
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KUALA LUMPUR & LANGKAWI
“Visit Malaysia 2014”is promising to be a fabulous initiative with loads of celebration in store, making it even more compelling to go golfing this year to Malaysia. Start out at Kuala Lumpur, where the golf courses have always been as good as anywhere in South East Asia and combine it with a trip to breath-taking Langkawi with the newly Ernie Els redesigned Datai set to re-open by the first half of 2014. The other, more competitive way to catch golfing in Malaysia is to enter one of the 6 rounds of the World Amateur Inter-Team Golf Challenge (WAITGC) between March and September.
KUALA LUMPUR & LANGKAWI
“Visit Malaysia 2014”is promising to be a fabulous initiative with loads of celebration in store, making it even more compelling to go golfing this year to Malaysia. Start out at Kuala Lumpur, where the golf courses have always been as good as anywhere in South East Asia and combine it with a trip to breath-taking Langkawi with the newly Ernie Els redesigned Datai set to re-open by the first half of 2014. The other, more competitive way to catch golfing in Malaysia is to enter one of the 6 rounds of the World Amateur Inter-Team Golf Challenge (WAITGC) between March and September.
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SCOTLAND
Scotland is the home of the game we love and beyond playing at glorious venues such as The Old Course at St. Andrews, Carnoustie, Royal Troon, Turnberry, Muirfield and many more, there is golf culture that cannot be experienced elsewhere. If you are tempted to go for it, 2014 is as good a year as any –combine it with the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles (scheduled from Sep 25-28). For an even headier experience, go on Single Malt tasting visits after your round.
SCOTLAND
Scotland is the home of the game we love and beyond playing at glorious venues such as The Old Course at St. Andrews, Carnoustie, Royal Troon, Turnberry, Muirfield and many more, there is golf culture that cannot be experienced elsewhere. If you are tempted to go for it, 2014 is as good a year as any –combine it with the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles (scheduled from Sep 25-28). For an even headier experience, go on Single Malt tasting visits after your round.
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USA
A summer's game in Myrtle Beach! Join the biggest Amateur tournament golf gathering in the world from August 25 - 29. Over 5000 fellow amateurs from across the world play in 60 courses across the Myrtle Beach area and compete for the World Champion title. Or simply plan customized golf vacations in California including Pebble Beach, or in Florida or Hawaii.
USA
A summer's game in Myrtle Beach! Join the biggest Amateur tournament golf gathering in the world from August 25 - 29. Over 5000 fellow amateurs from across the world play in 60 courses across the Myrtle Beach area and compete for the World Champion title. Or simply plan customized golf vacations in California including Pebble Beach, or in Florida or Hawaii.
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HONG KONG & MACAU
Hong Kong & Macau are top on our list of destinations for family & golf. The attractions are heady - an infectious vibrancy, spectacular cable car rides to Lantau, Hong Kong Disneyland & famous sporting events. Across the sea are Macau's fusion architecture, casinos and the Macau Golf & Country Club.
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KENYA
Catch the Wildebeest migration in October at Masai Mara or spot game at Kenya’s renowned wildlife parks through December. Kenya’s temperate and dry weather in these months allows for a thorough golf holiday - in Nairobi & surroundings, and around the Indian Ocean Coast including luxurious options like the Great Rift Valley, Leisure Lodge etc.
KENYA
Catch the Wildebeest migration in October at Masai Mara or spot game at Kenya’s renowned wildlife parks through December. Kenya’s temperate and dry weather in these months allows for a thorough golf holiday - in Nairobi & surroundings, and around the Indian Ocean Coast including luxurious options like the Great Rift Valley, Leisure Lodge etc.
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SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA
A “Golf & Temples” trip to Siem Reap, the gateway to the Temples of Angkor would easily qualify to be amongst the best short break experiences that combine sightseeing with quality golfing. While the appeal of the Angkor Wat and the other temples of the lost city are well documented, there is nothing like actually standing in front of them and being spellbound. Golfing in Siem Reap is high quality too, with 3 superb and well-maintained layouts providing for as much golf variety as you’d need on a short break.
SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA
A “Golf & Temples” trip to Siem Reap, the gateway to the Temples of Angkor would easily qualify to be amongst the best short break experiences that combine sightseeing with quality golfing. While the appeal of the Angkor Wat and the other temples of the lost city are well documented, there is nothing like actually standing in front of them and being spellbound. Golfing in Siem Reap is high quality too, with 3 superb and well-maintained layouts providing for as much golf variety as you’d need on a short break.
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SOUTH AFRICA
There are countless reasons to visit South Africa but top on our list are its lively cities, wildlife parks and reserves, adventure, wine trails and fantastic weather. And it’s never difficult to combine any of the holiday themes with some excellent golfing as there is an abundance of high quality golf courses to choose from, no matter where in South Africa you are. Golfing around the wild in Kruger at the privileged Leopard Creek is as luxurious as it gets, but it is quite difficult to beat the quality of the golf trail in the Western Cape starting out from Cape Town with courses such as Arabella, Pearl Valley, Oubaai, Fancourt Links, Pinnacle Point andPezula to name just a few.
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THAILAND
Thailand remains a popular go to-destination, peerless for its convenient access, warm hospitality, spectacular coastline, sumptuous cuisine, bargain shopping and an astounding nightlife. To go with this, there is a huge range of options for golf at all budgets in multiple locations across the country. Enjoy lower temperatures and drier spells in the months from November to February. Pick October for shoulder season rates, even as the monsoon is on the decline.
SOUTH AFRICA
There are countless reasons to visit South Africa but top on our list are its lively cities, wildlife parks and reserves, adventure, wine trails and fantastic weather. And it’s never difficult to combine any of the holiday themes with some excellent golfing as there is an abundance of high quality golf courses to choose from, no matter where in South Africa you are. Golfing around the wild in Kruger at the privileged Leopard Creek is as luxurious as it gets, but it is quite difficult to beat the quality of the golf trail in the Western Cape starting out from Cape Town with courses such as Arabella, Pearl Valley, Oubaai, Fancourt Links, Pinnacle Point andPezula to name just a few.
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THAILAND
Thailand remains a popular go to-destination, peerless for its convenient access, warm hospitality, spectacular coastline, sumptuous cuisine, bargain shopping and an astounding nightlife. To go with this, there is a huge range of options for golf at all budgets in multiple locations across the country. Enjoy lower temperatures and drier spells in the months from November to February. Pick October for shoulder season rates, even as the monsoon is on the decline.
This post first appeared on Golftripz.com - A Real Golfing Experience: Thailan, please read the originial post: here
