 Royal Porthcawl is one of the world’s best courses. |
Destination: Wales
Long passed over by golfers making a beeline for Scotland and Ireland, Wales will finally earn its place as a reputable golfing destination this year when it hosts the Ryder Cup. Although best known for its castles, plethora of sheep and passionate rugby fans, this tiny, proud nation is a must-visit for golfers looking to have authentic links experiences.
Where To Play
Celtic Manor Resort. Located just two hours west of London, Celtic Manor is home to three courses, including the Twenty Ten, site of this year’s Ryder Cup. Remodeled and rebuilt from the resort’s former Wentworth Course, the long, tough Twenty Ten is the first golf course constructed solely for the game’s most important international event. Two other courses, the Montgomerie and Roman Road, provide more player-friendly alternatives to the championship Twenty Ten.
Royal Porthcawl. Worthy of inclusion in the Open rota, this links toughie probably won’t ever host a British Open because of its remote location. And that’s a shame. It’s one of the world’s best courses.
If the summer is dry, expect short rough and browned-out fairways; if it has been wet, prepare for rough that can reach your knees. Either way, the wind can really howl, making Porthcawl a test for anyone.
Southerndown Golf Club. Built 200 feet above sea level atop a bluff overlooking the Ogmore River valley, Southerndown ranks as one of the game’s most unique experiences. Sheep–lots of ’em–roam the course oblivious to flying golf balls. (Be prepared to shoo a few away that graze on grass between you and your target.) Rumor has it that a ball once lodged in one of the sheep’s rear ends; he held onto it and later dropped it closer to the green. I kid you not.
Tenby. Wales’ oldest golf course is a short, quirky links layout located just a few minutes from the charming seaside town for which it was named. Despite measuring only a little over 6,000 yards, Tenby plays a lot longer when the wind blows and the rough is up. Because it’s in an environmentally protected area, the rough can be cut only twice a year, making for lots of lost balls. Its only blemish is holes 15-17 on the other side of the railroad tracks. These three holes aren’t part of the original configuration and so are void of the rest of the course’s character.
Diversions
The 38th Ryder Cup. Played on Celtic Manor’s Twenty Ten Course this October 1-3. Corey Pavin captains the reigning champs, while Colin Montgomerie hopes to bring the cup back to Europe.
Castles. Lots of ’em. At times it seems there are nearly as many castles in Wales as there are sheep. Although many now are mostly ruins, about 200 or so are in remarkably decent shape and a blast to visit.
Villages. Take my advice: Get lost. Set your “Sat Nav” for one village and wind your way through a dozen others, stopping for chicken in a basket and real ale at pub after pub. Some must-stops: Cowbridge (near Southerndown) and Usk (north of Celtic Manor).
 |
 |
| British English VS American English | |
| Buggy | Golf Cart |
| Outside of resort courses, buggies may be hard to find. And that’s a good thing if you want your golf to be “as it should be.” | |
| Stroke Index | Handicap |
| Bring your handicap card with you. It’ll prove that you have club affiliation (a must if you want to play “private” courses). | |
| Trolly | Push Cart |
| Makes the walk around these beautiful courses all the more enjoyable. | |
| Sat Nav | GPS |
| Short for satellite navigation, the Sat Nav is a must if you plan to drive in Wales. The roads are narrow, the hedgerows are high, and speed cameras are everywhere. How does the Sat Nav help with that? It beeps whenever you approach one. | |
Where To Stay
Celtic Manor Resort. Founded in 1995, the five-star, 400-bed Celtic Manor Resort features a spa, six restaurants and easy access to the resort’s three courses.
The Great House. Dating from the 1550s when Queen Elizabeth I gave it to the Earl of Leicester for use as a hunting lodge, the Great House is about 20 minutes east of Royal Porthcawl and just as far north from Southerndown. Spend some time by the large fireplace and throw back a pint or two.
St. Brides Hotel. Located atop a hill offering a view of the charming Carmarthen Bay, this modern hotel and spa is the perfect place to unwind after playing Tenby.
Park Plaza Cardiff. Just around the corner from the beautifully restored Cardiff Castle, the Park Plaza Hotel is centrally located in downtown Cardiff near a shopping arcade.
Cwrt Bleddyn Hotel & Spa. Centrally located near some of Wales must-see historical sites, including Tintern Abbey, Raglan Castle and the charming village of Usk.
Further information: visitwales.com
“A confirmation comes back to you in 48 hours, and if something isn’t available, you can choose something else,” says Kviat. Clearly, Discover Golf Mexico’s motto, “Come Feel the Warmth of Mexico,” applies to both the country’s golf and its varied culture.
Combining two distinctively different experiences into one that the consummate golfer and traveler will appreciate is a difficult challenge. Then again, this describes The Grove so naturally, you’d assume anything is possible” 
For most folks who journey across “the pond” to play golf, chances are pretty good they’ll want to play in Scotland at courses like St. Andrews, Turnberry and Royal Dornoch. While those courses and the enchanting towns they inhabit are steeped in history, those wanting a more diverse and dramatic golfing experience should consider Ireland, in particular its southwestern quadrant. While most of the courses there don’t date back to the 19th century, their styles do range greatly, providing golfers with one of the most unique “trails” the sport has to offer. Not to mention, journeying from one town to another transports the golfer around the Ring of Kerry, the ultimate collection of charming towns and dramatic vistas. 
Golf in Ireland, obviously, has existed for quite some time, and it continues to flourish in a pure state. Walking is the preferred mode of transportation; scores are more often measured by Stapleford scoring and matches than stoke play. Par is relative to the wind and weather conditions of the day, not the number on the card. Here, traditions are revered and respected. Unfortunately, most visiting golfers don’t spend enough time in one place to get to know the area’s history let alone its unique flavor. Rather than spending all your time driving from one area of a country to the other, only playing the big name courses, we recommend that instead, be it your first time or not, pick one area and play a variety of the courses—inland and links—trophy and hidden gems, for a real once-in-a lifetime experience. Slow down your trip, meet some locals, learn the history of the area and the courses, discover the perfect pub and become a regular for the week, even play your favorite course twice.
The lure of the Caribbean islands is strong. Prospects of warm weather and a needed respite from the perils of modern living make the region a fine escape. Pair that with a geography exceedingly tropical and seemingly remote, despite the fact that the islands can be reached via a twin prop from most Eastern cities, and you have a bona fide vacation winner. Now, throw in golf far better than most people have ever imagined, and you have the incentive to start packing immediately, especially if your itinerary includes Jamaica, Puerto Rico and the Bahamas.
One of the most celebrated courses in the Caribbean, Tryall Club features holes that skirt the water and the jungle. Designed by Ralph Plummer, Tryall’s 18-hole, par-72 championship course has been host to the prestigious Johnnie Walker World Championship on a number of occasions. Noteworthy holes include the par-3 4th that incorporates the natural challenges of the Caribbean Sea and Flint River, and the par-4 7th, which provides a dramatic tee-shot through the stone pillars of a historic aqueduct.
This classic Robert Trent Jones Sr. course is sculpted out of the foothills of the western Jamaican coastline, and has an international reputation for being challenging and breathtaking. A member of Jack Nicklaus’ “Great Golf Resorts of the World,” Half Moon has hosted a number of prestigious tournaments including the Jamaica Open Golf Championship, the Dunhill Cup Final of the Americas, and the Red Stripe Pro-Am. With 7,119 yards of difficult driving areas, plenty of bunkering and undulating greens, this course puts up a challenge. Among its memorable holes are the 535-yard third hole and the relatively short, 362-yard fourth hole.
Winding through the mountains of Jamaica’s historic 4,000-acre Rose Hall Plantation, The White Witch golf course is carved out of 600 acres of lush greenery and rolling countryside that features panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea from 16 of its 18 holes. Conveniently located just ten minutes from the Ritz-Carlton Golf and Spa Resort.
Cinnamon Hill Ocean Course, located at Wyndham Rose Hall Resort and Country Club, offers a variety of mountain, island and ocean views. Cinnamon Hill is situated on what used to be a 400-acre sugar plantation, and remnants of the area’s history, such as inlaid stone walls and sugar mill plantation ruins, are sprinkled throughout the mountains and valleys. Stretching from Jamaica’s lush Blue Mountains out to the coast, Cinnamon Hill offers nearly 7,000 yards of greens and tees suited to players of all skill levels.
The Lucayan Course pits your golf skills against Dick Wilson’s design and the natural wonders of Grand Bahama Island. Testing precision rather than distance, with doglegs, elevated greens and thick stands of tropical foliage, The Lucayan is a good test for any level of player. The tall trees give shade from the sun and other players on the course. With wide target areas off the tee and well-protected, elevated greens, it’s a great place to enjoy a leisurely round. Built in 1962, The Lucayan Course is an Audubon-affiliated member of the USGA and The Metropolitan Golf Association.
This 18-hole, par 72 championship course is designed by Tom Weiskopf and operated by Troon Golf. Weiskopf’s PGA course features meticulous seaside green and tee settings, alternating fairways and breathtaking signature holes stretched over 7,100 yards. An on-site Pro Shop, teaching pro and Clubhouse complement this remarkable golfing experience. Tee times can be reserved 60 days in advance of the requested day of play and will be held with the authorization of a major credit card.
Arthur Hills designed this course to be challenging, player-friendly and aesthetically pleasing, all at the same time. The course’s picturesque but daunting hills and bunkers are tamed by strategically placed openings. Other features include elevation changes of more than 200 feet, rare for a Caribbean golf course, and prevailing trade winds that add a touch of uncertainty to each round. The fairways are dotted with palm trees and are impeccably manicured and surrounded by lush flora and fauna. In addition, the 9th and 18th holes share a common green, with a striking waterfall located nearby. The El Yunque rain forest to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the north add to the beauty of this top-notch track.
Dominican Republic
This 7,060-yard, Par 72 golf course features lush greens, five lakes and relatively open fairways with angled slopes. Most holes offer impressive Caribbean Sea views, and are shared with the famous Bajan Green Monkeys, which live in the gullies in and around the grounds. The course is comprised of 5 par threes, 8 par fours, and 5 par fives. Also soon to be available at Sandy Lane is the new, championship-style Green Monkey Course designed by Tom Fazio. Carved out of a former quarry, the new course is said to boast dramatic elevation changes and views of the Caribbean.
Designed by Robert Trent Jones II, Tierra del Sol, situated on the scenic northwest point of Aruba, is the only 18-hole championship golf course on the island. Conveniently located just 5 to 10 minutes by taxi from all the major resorts, this free-standing facility is accessible to guests staying at any resort. Tierra del Sol includes a full-length practice range, putting greens, chipping areas, an impressive clubhouse with golf shop, restaurant and swimming pool. In addition, each of Tierra del Sol’s golf carts is equipped with a satellite dish and a 10.4″ color screen. Some of the features include graphic hole and green overviews; exact distancing from the cart to the center of the green; exact pin placement for each day; electronic scoring; two-way communication with the clubhouse; food and beverage ordering from the cart to the grill and pro tips.
Britannia Golf Club is the Caribbean’s first signature Jack Nicklaus golf course with three courses in one. A nine-hole Championship regulation course with an 18-hole, par-57 executive course built in. For the Britannia Club, Nicklaus created a track reminiscent of legendary courses such as Royal Troon, Turnberry and Royal Birkdale. The hallmark of a Nicklaus design is his ability to provide players with a challenging and rewarding golf experience. Off the regulation tees, it plays as a par-35, nine-hole course. Play the additional nine greens and tees, and it’s a par-57, 18-hole executive course. Or tee up the revolutionary restricted-flight “Golden Bear Cayman Ball” and play a par-71, 18-hole round. The course has all the natural challenges and hazards of a traditional seaside or links layout.
The course provides a dramatic view of the Resort, the Caribbean and the neighboring island of St. Kitts. Two complimentary weekly clinics are offered to guests, and a golfer’s conditioning program is also available for an additional fee. Guests are invited to take part in the 9-hole guest/manager scramble each week.
Provo Golf Club offers a solid test for golfers of any caliber. Designed in a way that offers a larger green area if your approach shot is long, while the shorter approaches generally challenge a larger number of hazards, this is a course that can be played conservatively or with daring. According to locals, the prevailing “Trade Winds” that provide cool air over the entire islands can also make your round a bit more challenging, so be prepared.
Designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr., and built by Laurence Rockefeller, the Club annually hosts the Konica USVI Golf Classic featuring LPGA professionals. Nestled in a verdant tropical valley, the Carambola Golf Course features rolling terrain, 94 bunkers and four of the best par 3’s in the Caribbean. The course also features natural spring-like ponds that come into play on holes 5 and 14. The most challenging hole is the signature hole #8, a 223-yard, par 3, which requires an uphill tee shot to a well-bunkered green. For variety, also try the nearby Buccaneer Golf Course.
Mahogany Run’s Signature 13th, 14th and 15th holes are known as The Devil’s Triangle. The 327-yard 13th is a dogleg-left par-4 that slopes precipitously toward a tiny shelf-like green carved out of a hillside overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Playing the hole in regulation requires an accurate 200-yard tee shot followed by a wedge into the windswept 25-foot-wide green. Number 14 is a 173-yard, cliff-side hole with the Atlantic Ocean in place of the fairway. The golfer often must play the ball out over the ocean, battling swirling winds to find the green. Finally, the 15th is a 560-yard par-5, and is the number-one handicap hole on the course. Accuracy off the tee is vital. After a monster drive, long hitters often try to smash a second shot over a pond that guards the front of the hole, only to find trouble with the out-of-bounds behind the dramatically sloped green.
La Iguana is a 6,700-yard Ted Robinson Jr. design with a unique and dramatic setting at the Los Suenos Marriott. The front nine plunges into the shadow of the rain forest along a narrow river valley. From the hills there is an occasional chorus of howler monkeys, and mature trees near the stream are placed for maximum difficulty. For instance, the second hole requires a long iron shot either over or under two trees guarding the green.
The black championship tees offer the greatest challenge at Guavaberry, as there is a 936-yard difference between the middle white tees (11-20 Hcp) and black tees (scratch golfer) — the sight lines are quite different for the two tees and the penalty for missing a landing area can be harsh. There are a few holes that require some sharp, short iron play to avoid a big number and still others that offer birdie opportunities. The greens are quite true for such a young course and, as is the case with courses in this environment, they should become even more consistent with time
Golf in Mexico isn’t as storied as it is in Scotland or Ireland. It isn’t as sexy as it is in Hawaii or as dreamy as its Caribbean counterpart. But this much is true: South of the border, the game and all of its resort trappings attract more American and Canadian golfers than any other international golf destination. In 2003, nearly three-quarter-million determined duffers made their way to first tees, from Los Cabos to Cancun.
Mexico’s most lavish stay and play option is home to the Ocean and Desert Courses, two of Mexico’s highest-rated resort tracks. A third course, designed by Tom Doak and Mark Parsinen, is in the works. Bed down at the Fiesta Americana or the Sheraton Hacienda del Mar tucked along the Sea of Cortez.
Cabo Real’s El Dorado Course is on the level with the Ocean Course at Cabo del Sol in terms of scenery, design and conditioning. The original Cabo Real Golf Course, a Robert Trent Jones II design, plays a close second fiddle with its three oceanfront holes. Play them both, then relax at one of Cabo Real’s seven resort hotels.
Palmilla features twenty-seven holes of Jack Nicklaus-designed golf. The original 18-hole circuit helped put Cabo and Mexico on the international golf map. Nicklaus returned in 1999 to add the Ocean nine, with its 600-feet of elevation change. The boutique-style resort dates back to 1956 and was a favorite haunt of Hemmingway’s.
Vista Vallarta is PV’s premier multi-course golf resort, with 18-hole gems from Tom Weiskopf and Jack Nicklaus. The two former Ohio State Buckeye greats produced a couple of stunners just 15 minutes from the hotel zone and a stone’s throw from “Gringo Gulch” _â__Ò site of Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor’s torrid affair while filming 
The Four Seasons Punta Mita, located 45 minutes north of downtown Puerto Vallarta, is a quaint collection of 140 guest casitas that spill down the coast to the Pacific. Nearby is Jack Nicklaus’ Punta Mita Golf Club, a stunning track laid out on a narrow nape of land next to Banderas Bay.
Moon Palace Resort is Cancun’s premier stay-and-play property. The resort features a Jack Nicklaus-designed course (his first along the east coast of Mexico) that has been described as a jungle where a golf course broke out.
Estrella del Mar is a master-planned resort set on 3.5 miles of pristine Pacific Ocean beaches. The centerpiece of the property is a lush Robert Trent Jones II course routed through a series of glistening lakes.
A Roy Dye design built on the site of the old San Lucas Country Club. The recently refurbished track is typically half the price of the big boys, and also affords prime views of El Arco, Land’s End.
This circa-2001 Steve Nicklaus design on chic Cozumel is the island’s first course _â” and what a course. Coral rock outcroppings and thick strands of red mangroves combine to create a golf experience that may make some forget about Cozumel’s world-famous snorkeling and scuba diving.
Two 18-hole offerings from Robert Trent Jones II and Robert von Hagge located at the Palma Real Golf and Tennis Club. Camp de Golf was part of the original planned Ixtapa city that sprung up in the 1970s; Marina de Golf opened in 1994.
A David Fleming/Robert Trent Jones II design on the Costa Alegre situated midway between Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo. El Tamarindo was laid out on oceanfront property and features a number of holes with view corridors to the Pacific Ocean.
A Robert von Hagge redesign outside of Acapulco that is widely considered one of the most scenic plays in Mexico. The Pacific Ocean actually comes into play on the 443-yard par-4 ninth hole and forms the backdrop for the sporty 190-yard par-3 third.
Isla Navidad Country Club is a pristine Robert von Hagge design considered by many to be Mexico’s top course. Threes nines, the Ocean, Lagoon and Mountain, converge along a rocky swath of Pacific Ocean coastline.
