Golf in Grandeur: Six Hot Golfing Destinations
Edited by Jennifer L. Price
 Weary
of the same old golf course? Had enough of golf at the old boy's country club?
It's time to swap your plaid shorts and Budweiser for tapas and Guinness. So
wake up, grab your clubs, and get ready to explore exciting – and accessible –
golf courses and vacation hot spots around the world.
For golfers who are looking to experience what the world of
golf can offer, the following destinations are recommended as the perfect remedy
by boo.com:
Citywest Hotel, Dublin, Ireland
Dublin may be known for its rainy days and Irish jigs, but don't be fooled!
Modern, trendy and hip describes this city on the move. With its impressive
museums, legendary hospitality, and Guinness at its best, Dublin has quickly
become a prime golf destination. For golfers who prefer Padraig Harrington to
Tiger Woods, Citywest Hotel has the course for you. Two championship golf
courses, astonishing scenery and renowned hospitality make Citywest Hotel the
perfect choice for a golf getaway. The serene, flawless landscape of the
Championship Course designed by Christy O'Connor Jr. is home to one of the
greatest finishing holes in Ireland, aptly named "The O'Connor Pass." After
conquering the 18th hole by maneuvering through a narrow gap flanked by
protective trees while avoiding a dip in the daunting lakes, celebrate your
victory at one of the hotel's three exceptional restaurants. Then head to one
of the hotel pubs and put their "best pint of Guinness" claim to the test. For
its unbeatable courses, state-of-the-art facilities and some of the best "craic"
and nightlife around, Citywest is a golfer's paradise. Recommended hotel:
Citywest Hotel
For a standard room, rates start at $215.00 per night
The Barceló Marbella, Guadalmina, Spain
The ultimate spot for golfing and water adventure junkies, Guadalmina, located
in the heart of the Costa del Sol, is often called "the paradise of golf." Golf
season here runs from late autumn to late spring as winters are mild and golfers
can enjoy warm, sunny days and keep their swings smooth at a time when their
home courses are unplayable. The Barceló Marbella, host of the Guadalmina Golf
Club, boasts a 45-hole course, one of the largest and best in Europe. The view
from the clubhouse overlooks Guadalmina beach, where the hotel offers a variety
of water sports and activities. While future some can try out windsurfing, jet
skiing, speedboats and pedalos with a responsible non-golfing companion, golf
addicts have 45 excuses to stay on solid land.
Recommended hotel: The Barceló Marbella
For a standard room, rates start at $160.00 per night
Hotel Le Vendome, Cape Town, South Africa
With luxurious accommodations, wild African safaris, beautiful beaches, towering
mountains, lush forests, massive shopping centers, fine dining and two
championship golf courses, Cape Town offers the best of all worlds. For golfers,
the Atlantic Beach Golf Course provides a challenging, five-star course, with
picturesque ocean and mountain views. Still new, the course was given its
five-star rating for its value, facilities, course condition and overall golfing
experience. The multi-million Rand club house boasts a view of Cape Town's
fabled landmarks such as Table Bay, Robben Island and Table Mountain. Next,
bring your clubs to Clovelly Golf Course. The natural sand dunes and water
features, along with the roaming wild guinea fowl and pheasant and indigenous
fynbos flora add to the tranquility of the golfing experience. Hotel Le Vendome,
an elegant five-star boutique hotel, is easily accessible, yet manages to remain
charmingly secluded and is within easy reach of both courses. With views of the
mountains, the sea and the sand, relax at Hotel Le Vendome's fine dining
restaurant, Rive Gauche, and indulge in their mouthwatering culinary
masterpieces. Complement your meal with a tasting of their local wines, and your
Cape Town experience will be complete.
Recommended hotel: Hotel Le Vendome
For a standard room, rates start at $ 355.00 per night
Best Western Scores Hotel, Saint Andrews, Scotland
The "Disney World for adults," Saint Andrews brings fairy tales to life.
Edinburgh Castle, with its awe-inspiring size and mysterious Stone of Destiny,
dominates the city, but wannabe Cinderellas and Prince Charmings should check
out Glamis Castle (think Magic Kingdom without the oversized cartoon characters
or long lines). Glamis, with its baronial turrets and breathtaking gardens, was
the childhood home of the Queen Mother and the setting for Shakespeare's
Macbeth. With names like Kingbarns, Jubilee, The Duke's and Eden Course, the
numerous golf courses follow Saint Andrews royal tradition. For a
family-friendly golfing experience, visit the Balgove Course, known for its
beginners appeal. After a few rounds at Balgove, you will be ready to compete in
the Eden Tournament, one of Britain's oldest amateur golfing events, hosted by
the Eden Course the second week of August. The smoke-free, three-story Best
Western Scores Hotel offers an atmosphere of warmth and friendliness, which
complements the Saint Andrews theme.
Recommended hotel: Best Western Scores Hotel
For a standard room, rates start at $185.00 per night
Vila Galé Ampalius, Vilamoura, Portugal
For those looking to be spoiled in Roman style, Vilamoura is the obvious choice.
Built to replace a Roman fishing town, Vilamoura is a tourist's sanctuary in
Portugal. Sandwiched between a casino, marina and beach is the newly renovated
Hotel Vila Galé Ampalius. With service to the area's copious golf courses and
close to all the activities the resort has to offer, Vila Galé Ampalius makes
vacationing effortless. If you feel the urge to educate your group, head to the
preserved Roman Site and Museum of Cerro da Vila and get a glimpse of the area's
history. But golfers beware! Choosing among the close to twenty courses could
break into your meditative state. You can't miss the legendary experience at
the Oceânico Victoria Golf Course, where the previous owners, determined to
create one of the best golf complexes in Europe, hired Arnold Palmer to design
the $18 million course. When you are ready for a putter-free activity, the Kadoc
nightclub, with a capacity for 8,000 guests, is the place to be. For a more
refined night out, hop on the toy train that links Vilamoura to Quarteira and
dine in style at O Jacinto, a cozy seafood restaurant with impeccable service
that offers a break from resort life. In addition to being a golfer's haven,
Vilamoura offers a casino, marina, Roman ruins, shopping centers, sports and
aquatic parks, horse riding, and countless bars and restaurants. The only
requirement - leave the stress behind.
Recommended hotel: Vila Galé Ampalius
For a standard room, rates start at $120.00 per night
Myrtle Beach Marriott Resort at Grande Dunes, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
 Known
for its pristine beaches and limitless activities, Myrtle Beach attracts more
than 14 million vacationers per year. Golfers needn't worry about jam-packed
courses cramping their style – Myrtle Beach's Golf Association provides a
detailed list of the more than 120 courses in the area. Included on the
2007-2008 Golf Digest list of the top 100 public courses in America were 10 of
Myrtle Beach's finest: Dunes Golf & Beach Club, Tidewater, Heritage Club,
Barefoot Resort Love course, River's Edge, Tiger's Eye, King's North, Caledonia,
True Blue and Barefoot Resort Fazio course. One top pick is Caledonia Gold &
Fish Club. Built on a working southern rice plantation, Caledonia is well worth
the 40 minute drive to Pawley Island. While Myrtle Beach is one of the world's
best golf vacation destinations, it has a variety of golf-free activities that
shouldn't be missed. The Myrtle Beach Marriott Resort at Grande Dunes is the
golfers' choice, not only for its accessibility to many Myrtle Beach attractions
such as Broadway at the Beach, Myrtle Beach Pavilion, Myrtle Beach House of
Blues and Tanger Outlet Mall, but also for its accommodating staff, who can set
up your tee times at any course, giving you more time to perfect your swing.
Recommended hotel: The Myrtle Beach Marriott Resort at Grande Dunes
For a standard room, rates start at $180.00 per night
Visit
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