For the golfing enthusiast, the chance to combine their love for the sport with a luxurious getaway is a recipe for a truly memorable holiday – and with a host of impressive luxury golfing resorts across the globe available to choose from, it has never been easier to enjoy the best of both worlds.
Set in dreamy locations and offering world class amenities – both in relation to golfing and otherwise – there’s a lavish resort to suit all tastes depending on what you most value in a break. From indulgent dining and sumptuous spas to an impressive array of activities and pursuits available to enjoy, these resorts don’t do things by halves, and represent the pinnacle of luxury golf travel.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a casual player looking to improve your game, add these top luxury golfing resorts for 2024, and thank us later.
St. Andrews Links in Scotland, UK
St. Andrews Links in Scotland, steeped in history and tradition, has long been recognised as a legendary golfing destination and just so happens to be home to the Old Course, which is widely regarded as the birthplace of golf – so for the golfing enthusiast, there is nowhere more meaningful – or iconic -to visit for a game or two of your favourite sport.
The Old Course, which features notable landmarks like the Swilcan Bridge and Hell Bunker, offers a unique golfing experience you’ll never forget, while the Links’ other golf courses include the New Course, Jubilee Course, and Castle Course if you fancy mixing things up a bit, and all of them are worth a visit. Besides golf, there’s plenty to do in the vicinity, too – exploring the charming and historic town of St. Andrews, with its historic architecture, quaint shops, and vibrant pub scene, is a must.
Pebble Beach Resorts in California, USA
Set on the rugged coastline of the Monterey peninsula in California, Pebble Beach Resorts offers breath-taking ocean views and a great food and drink scene – but the star of the show is, of course, its award-winning golf course. Pebble Beach Golf Links is ranked amongst the top golf courses in the world, and with its verdant fairways and meticulously manicured greens, it’s easy to see why.
Pebble Beach Golf Links, though, is just one of several championship golf courses on offer here, which also include the Spyglass Hill Golf Course and The Links at Spanish Bay. After a day on the greens, guests can unwind in lavish rooms and suites, enjoy gourmet dining, or indulge in some much needed R&R at the award-winning spa.
The Kauri Cliffs in Matauri Bay, New Zealand
The Kauri Cliffs is perched atop a dramatic stretch of coastline overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Matauri Bay, New Zealand, and has made a name for itself as one of the premier luxury golf destinations globally. Offering a heady combination of world class facilities and unparalleled beauty, it was designed by renowned golfer David Harman, and the championship course offers breathtaking views not just down over the cliffs and the ocean beyond, but also the lush forests and rolling hills that surround it on all sides.
The rooms and suites here are pretty special, and there’s also an array of mouth-watering gourmet dining options centred around locally sourced ingredients, as well as plenty of other outdoor activities to keep you busy if you fancy a break from the golf course; hiking, fishing, and wine tasting are just a few of them.
Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina, USA
Set amidst the rolling sandhills of North Carolina, Pinehurst Resort enjoys a picturesque location and is nothing short of a golfer’s paradise. Its nine championship golf courses, which include the storied Pinehurst No.2, designed by legendary architect Donald Ross, offer a variety of different environments in which to play, each serving up its own unique experience for players of all skill levels.
Pinehurst Resort doesn’t just do golf facilities well; it is also home to luxurious accommodations and award-winning restaurants, and offers a plethora of exciting recreational activities, ranging from tennis and croquet for those eager to stay active, to sumptuous treatments in its impeccable spa.
The Reserve Vineyards and Golf Club in Oregon, USA
Nestled in the lush landscape of Aloha, Oregon, The Reserve Vineyards and Golf Club offers stunning views of the surrounding vineyards and a delightful food and drink scene. The Reserve boasts two distinct championship golf courses, making it a premier destination for golf enthusiasts.
The Reserve Vineyards and Golf Club features two distinct courses designed by renowned architects. The South Course, by John Fought, has a traditional, links-style layout with rolling fairways and strategic bunkering. In contrast, the North Course, by Bob Cupp, offers a modern, parkland-style experience with tree-lined fairways and pristine greens. Both courses provide a challenging yet enjoyable experience for golfers of all skill levels.
Barnbougle in Tasmania, Australia
If you’re looking to head somewhere a little more remote this year but don’t want to compromise when it comes to golfing excellence, Bambougle, on the northeast coast of Tasmania, is a hidden gem that is worth the journey to get to. Home to two world-class golf courses designed by acclaimed architects Tom Doak and Bill Coore, the courses at Barnbougle – The Dunes and Lost Farm – are known for their strategic design and spectacular setting.
A great spot for the serious golfer and offers challenging links-style golfing, the location is what really sells it; imagine teeing off against a backdrop of stunning ocean views, or mixing your activities up a bit with hiking, fishing and wildlife walks and it’s truly both a golf and nature lover’s dream.
What to pack
If you’re ready to head off on your luxury golf-themed getaway, then be sure to pack wisely to ensure you have everything you need for a memorable break.
Aside from all of your usual holiday gear, stylish and comfortable golf apparel is key. Golf trousers or shorts, depending on the kind of weather you’re expecting, along with a variety of polo shirts, golf shoes, and a hat or visor to protect against the sun. There’s a huge variety of great golf clothes for men available these days so it couldn’t be simpler to ensure you’re all kitted out.
You might also want to bring your own golfing equipment along, as although most golf resorts offer clubs and various accessories for hire, bringing your own gives you control over the quality. Consider packing your favourite club along with some balls and tees.
The bottom line
These days, golf has become so synonymous with luxury that there’s no need to compromise on one to enjoy the other. These luxury resorts should be on every golfing enthusiast’s bucket list – so why not start with one, and work your way through the whole lot?
