Golf Escapes 2012

Little more than a decade ago, the options for a golf holiday were fairly limited. Only Iberia had really embraced the golf travel market and were able to satisfy the requirements of golfers abroad. The situation in 2012 could not be more different.

The possibilities seem endless and the variety outstanding.

But this spectrum of choice is almost bewildering. One is desperate not to make a poor choice for that much-anticipated golf holiday… yet the options are almost too numerous. Exactly where is the best place to head for? We hope this edition of Golf Escapes is a help in this regard, a valuable reference as you start to plan your golf holidays over the next year.

Within this travel guide are over 30 different destinations – and all have their merits. Our aim is to suggest and to inform; after reading these pages, we hope you feel well-placed to make an informed choice in 2012 and 2013. In addition to the courses in each area, we also give a taste of the non-golf attractions on offer. We hope we give you ideas and inspiration to nudge you towards your perfect golf break.

These days, it can be found in so many different places.

Golf Escapes 2012 cover image:
Onyria Palmares, Algarve, Portugal.

Argentina

Stretching from Bolivia to the tip of South America, Argentina encompasses a wide array of geography and climates. With its beautiful landscapes, cosmopolitan cities and lively culture, Argentina is a popular travelling destination.

In this section, information can be found on why Argentina has quickly built an international reputation as an ideal golf holiday destination.

Bulgaria

Bulgaria is the Manchester City of the golf travel world. From absolutely nowhere, they have become a serious player on the scene. Three years ago, the prospect of going on a golf break to Bulgaria was as likely as City challenging for the title.

Now, both are very real possibilities.

Cyprus

Cyprus is the short-haul destination with long-haul benefits. It takes less than five hours from these shores on a plane, but the year-round rewards are immense. Golf Escapes has been to the island in early May and late October and on both occasions it was seriously hot.

France

Insouciant. Blase. Nonchalant. All three words have their origins in France and all accurately describe the French’s attitude towards their golf courses. It is the only conclusion one can arrive at given you rarely hear the French shouting from the rooftops about their courses… when they are blessed with the most outstanding collection in mainland Europe.

Greece

Bernhard Langer and Robert Trent Jones Jnr have created two wonderful courses at this luxury destination overlooking the crystal clear Ionian Sea. Given its massive popularity as a tourist destination, Greece has strangelybeen in a bit of a wilderness when it comes to golf.

So let us all raise a glass of dark, stalky, red Nemea wine – a favourite in the Peloponnese – and drink to the success of two fabulous new courses to be found in Costa Navarino, where splendid golf is served amid stunning scenery and five-star accommodation.

Ireland

Few countries have a tourist image so plagued by cliché as Ireland. From shamrocks to leprechauns.

This section reveals how Ireland can grant the ideal golfing destination. Discover Ireland here.

Malaysia

The golf on offer in Malaysia is very impressive – but this country has too much to offer to merely play golf during a holiday here. Described as ‘truly Asia’, Malaysia is a bubbling melting pot of races and religions as a result of it being a part of the international spice route many hundreds of years ago.

Portugal – Algarve

When Golf World came to rank the Top 100 Golf Courses in Continental Europe last autumn, it was a hugely difficult task – and much more competitive than the inaugural list in 1999. Some stellar names found themselves outside the hallowed century as a result of the significant increase in overall quality of golf courses across mainland Europe.

Portugal – Lisbon

Portugal’s capital has great weather, a vibrant city and some of Europe’s best courses.

Spain

New courses have opened in Spain in recent years and other more established courses have come to the fore, but Andalucia remains the powerhouse region in the home of golf holidays..

Turkey

November 18, 1994 was a great day for golf; the game was born in Turkey. Starting with the opening of National Golf Club in Antalya, golf on the south coast of Turkey has snowballed into the biggest challenger to Iberia.

United Arab Emirates

Now the superpower in the Gulf, Abu Dhabi now has three world-class courses to tempt you to its immaculate fairways.

United Kingdom

Discover the golfing pleasure of the English coast, marriott golf and its UK resorts that compliment your golfing holiday in the UK. Find out here the prestigious Brocket Hall an the village at Machrihanish Dunes.