With a laid-back pace of life, great weather, beautiful beaches, delicious food, widely spoken English, a manageable mid-haul flight time, and even a road system that involves driving on the left.

It’s no surprise that Cyprus has long been a popular destination for UK holidaymakers. Throw in a great mix of hotels and a strong private rental property market and it’s easy to see why us Brits make up over a third of the four million tourists that visit this beautiful island every year.

While the ‘fly ‘n’ flop’ brigade traditionally dominate the sun-seeking visitors that fly into Larnaca and Paphos during the hot summer months.

An increasing number of golfers are choosing to book their main golfing holiday in Cyprus during the more temperate shoulder season (September-November and March-May) thanks to a quintet of championship golf courses that now feature in the south-western corner of the island.
While Minthis Hills (minthisresort.com) and Secret Valley (secretvalleygolfresort.com) put Cyprus on the golf holiday map when they first opened in the mid-1990s, it wasn’t until 2002.

With the arrival of Aphrodite Hills (aphroditehills.com), with its Cabell B Robinson-designed championship course and attendant five-star hotel and resort, that serious golf aficionados began to consider the island something a bit more than a place to indulge in a bit of holiday golf between trips to the sun lounger.

RAISING THE BAR

That bar was raised still further in 2010 when golfing knight Sir Nick Faldo put down his marker in the plentiful sand at the Eléa Golf Club (eleaestate.com), whose majestic layout located just a short drive from Paphos.

And now that quartet has been joined by Limassol Greens, another Cabell Robinson design that opened at the end of 2025 that is set to raise the bar by yet another notch.

Adding depth and variety to the golf offering in Cyprus, and creating the potential for extended golfing stays, Limmasol Greens was only fully open to members in November – when I had the opportunity to play it – but is now welcoming visitor bookings for 2026.

Located on a flattish strip of land a mile west of the historic town of Limassol, on the most southern tip of the island, the 18-hole course overlooks a saltwater lagoon and beyond that.

Somewhat incongruously, the RAF airbase at Akrotiri, which, I was amazed to discover, is deemed to be a British Overseas Territory as a hangover from when Cyprus was a British colony prior to its independence in 1960.

The golfers among the 4,000-plus personnel who work at the base will no doubt be delighted to have a new course to play on their doorstep, as the other aforementioned layouts are all located 50-60km to the west.

FLOWING DESIGN

While Limmasol Greens’ slightly inland setting doesn’t boast the theatrical drama of Aphrodite Hills or the grandiose bunkering of Eléa.

The quality of its design and the impressive attention to detail in its presentation, makes it more than hold its own as a golfing experience.

Robinson, the architect behind fine courses such as La Reserva do Sotogrande, Finca Cortesín and Las Colinas, is a master of letting strategy and setting do the talking.

And he has done some of his best work here, building a course that flows through the landscape rather than imposing itself on it.

At just over 6,900 yards from the back tees, the par-71 course has the length expected of a modern championship layout, but it doesn’t bully you with it.

Fairways are generous without being featureless, inviting you to swing freely while still punishing lapses in concentration.

Bunkering is thoughtful rather than ornamental, water features are strategic rather than punitive, and the overall impression is of a course that rewards patience and placement more than brute force.

The white tees take the overall length to a more holiday-friendly 6,450 yards, while the yellows (5,900), blues (5,480) and reds (5,000) ensures that there are tees to suit all standards of player.

While also providing a variety of options to change the strategy of each hole. I played off the whites, which most mid-handicappers will feel comfortable with, and one which offers a good test without being too severe.

STRATEGIC TEST

The course kicks off with a straightforward, if somewhat lengthy, par five, although with water all the way down the left, you’ll have to be both straight and forward on this 550-yarder to avoid an early reload.

Gutsy two-putt par secured, we moved onto the second, a shortish par 4, which is a feature of the course, with the card boasting no fewer than five ‘two-shoters’ that are under 360 yards, which makes for a refreshing change from the type of courses which think holiday golfers get a kick out of trying to make a par on a 470-yard par-4.

The third is the first of five par-3s on the card, and is arguably the least interesting of the bunch, with the hole playing between 180 and 210 yards depending on the pin position, to a green that slopes gently from back to front. Guarded by bunkers left and right it presents quite a tough target from the tee.

I liked the look of the 6^th hole off the tee, with this 380-yard par 4 featuring a 90-degree left-to-right dogleg which asks you to decide how greedy want to be.

The answer, in my case, was too greedy, as my drive, which looked great in the air, stalled in the wind – it’s almost always a bit breezy here, I’m told – and caught the edge of the marshy water hazard that lurks half-way down the dog leg’s tibia.

A second-ball par ensued, with my reloaded tee shot giving the hazard a little more respect.

The 7th, a 310-yard par 4, presents an outside eagle chance for big hitters with a helping wind. I came up 60 yards short and was happy to make a bogey after a duffed chip from the clawing semi-rough came up short of the putting surface.

Speaking of grass, the turf choices speak volumes about the ambition here. The Bermuda grass sown on the fairways offers durability and consistency in the dry Cypriot climate.

While Bentgrass greens delivered the smoothest, truest putting surfaces I played on for quite some time.

The front nine finishes with another dog-leg, this time a right-to-left, 580-yard par-five with a lake guarding the area to the left of the all the way up to the edge of the green.

It will require two lusty blows, the second over the angle of the lake to set up a shortish approach to pin that hopefully isn’t too close to the water’s edge.

The back nine is slightly longer than the front and feels it on the 10^th, a 430-yard par-4 that features a large swale in front of the green that will see shorter hitters struggle to find the short stuff in regulation.

A ridge running through the middle of the green makes find the right side of the hole essential if you are to avoid dropping shots. The 11^th, the fourth of the short holes, is a fun 150-yarder requiring a mid-to-short iron to a green that feature a lake lurking on the right side.

No fewer than six bunkers to the left of the putting surface will snaffle up those who over-cook their bale out.

CHALLENGING FINISH

The par-4 13^th begins a particularly tough stretch, with the 400-yard hole living up to its stroke index 1 billing thanks to out-of-bounds down the left and bunkers left and right of the landing area of a fairway that sweeps around to the left.

An elevated green with a deep bunker short left completes the challenge.

The 14^th is a relatively straightforward par-5 that bigger hitters will be able to make in two providing they avoid a collection of fairway bunkers at the 270-yard mark.

While 15^th is another of those tricky dog-legs that Robinson seems to have such a liking for, with a massive bunker on the knee of the leg ready to snap up anything under hit off the tee.

After navigating the lengthy and challenging par-3 17^th, which features a raised green and a sloping apron, the round comes to a suitably rousing finish at the 18^th, a 400-yard dog-leg par 4.

Which offers a tantalising tee shot over a lake to a narrow strip of fairway before setting up an approach to a very long, yet narrow green guarded by a brace of front bunkers.

After finishing my round and sipping on a cold beer in the sunshine on the spacious clubhouse terrace, what struck me most about the course — even allowing for the fact that it is still bedding in — was how playable it felt.

This is a course that will stand up to repeated play, with opportunities to find new angles and new ways of playing each hole rather than feeling beaten up by it. For holiday golfers, that matters – a lot.

OFF-COURSE FACILITIES

 While the on-course experience at Limassol Greens is impressive, there is no let-up in quality in the off-course facilities. In addition to the stylish two-storey clubhouse.

The second phase of which is yet to be built but will contain a 150-cover restaurant and members’ lounge – the club boasts a 350-yard, 30-bay outdoor driving range, with half of the bays kitted out with Trackman ball-tracking technology which connect to high-resolution touchscreens to offer instant feedback on every swing, from club-head speed and launch angle to carry distances and dispersion patterns.

Add in a course-standard practice putting green and chipping areas, and a team of professional coaches, and it’s clear that Limassol Greens is aiming to nurture golfers, not just accommodate them, and makes it a solid option for golf tuition holiday groups.

WORLD-CLASS ADDITION

It would be remiss of me to leave you thinking that Limassol Greens is the finished article. Some facilities and supporting infrastructure were still to be completed during my visit in November.

While the property development that is an essential element of virtually all new overseas golf ventures these days is being rolled out in phases and will be on-going for several years to come.

But that should not deter you from the main focus – the course, which although will undoubtedly improve with a few seasons under its belt, is already a world class addition to the Cypriot golfing supply chain.

And with green fees starting from €98 – including a buggy – it also represents decent value, even more so if you build a round or two here into a package offered by one of the major golf tour operators that take in other nearby courses.

STAYING & PLAYING AT THE CITY OF DREAMS MEDITERRANEAN

If Limassol Greens represents the new face of golf in Cyprus, City of Dreams Mediterranean – where I stayed during my three-night trip – represents its future in hospitality.

Just minutes from the golf course – and soon to be connected to the golf course by a private buggy path – this vast, unapologetically luxurious 500-room resort is impossible to miss – a 14-storey Limassol landmark with views stretching from the sea to the mountains.

On arrival at the resort, following a stress-free 40-minute transfer from Larnaca airport, I was somewhat surprised to find the central lobby of the hotel leading directly to cavernous casino.

The bright lights and hum of activity was quite an assault on the senses but certainly adds another dimension to the more traditional leisure options on offer at your average hotel.

While it’s undoubtedly a gambling heaven for rollers both high and low – many of whom fly in for the weekend to do nothing else – if slot machines, roulette tables and poker aren’t your bag.

There are plenty of other activities on offer at City of Dreams, with a myriad of outdoor swimming pools, an expansive spa and fitness centre, tennis courts, kids clubs.

And an impressive adventure playground, ensuring that a holiday here doesn’t require apologies to those family members travelling without golf clubs or poker chips in tow.

There is also an outdoor amphitheatre for hosting cultural events and concerts, and impressive conference and wedding facilities, should you be looking to tie up any business deals or conjugal knots during your stay.

ROOMS WITH A VIEW

Guest bedrooms and suites are spacious and suitably luxurious, with south-facing rooms enjoying views to the lagoon and the sea, while north-facing suites look out to the distant mountain range.

All feature generous balconies with ample seating. From our south-facing room we took great delight in watching the daily cargo plane landing at the nearby RAF base.

No doubt delivering supplies of Marmite, sliced white bread and copies of the Daily Mail to home-sick members of the British Armed Forces who are stationed there.

A beside tablet controls lighting, curtains and room service – while bathrooms encourage pampering, with deep tubs, powerful rainforest showers and the kind of towels that make you think it’s high time to upgrade your own threadbare options at home.

EATING AROUND THE WORLD

Dining at City of Dreams is not to be taken lightly and is right up there with anything I’ve experienced at a resort in terms of both quality and choice. Anaïs, the resort’s flagship fine dining restaurant, leans into classic French cooking with confidence rather than fuss.

This is grown-up dining — crisp linens, thoughtful wine pairings, and dishes that respect ingredients.

Elsewhere, Prime Steakhouse delivers theatrical cuts of high-grade beef from Japan, America and Australia; Amber Dragon offers polished pan-Asian cuisine, and Aura provides a relaxed buffet-style experience that doesn’t feel like a compromise.

The latter also serves an impressive breakfast spread that will leave little room for lunch.

EXPLORING THE LIMASSOL AREA

In between sumptuous meals and rounds of golf, be sure to find time to explore the area in and around Limassol.

At the heart of the city is Limassol Castle, a medieval fortress now home to the Cyprus Medieval Museum, where you can learn about local history and admire artifacts spanning centuries.

The Limassol Archaeological Museum and the Folk Art Museum also reveal local heritage, while the surrounding Old Town is perfect for wandering narrow streets lined with traditional shops, cafés and tavernas.

Limassol’s Molos Promenade stretches along the waterfront with a wide range of cafés, bars and restaurants making it ideal for an evening stroll and a sundowner.

While nearby beaches such as Lady’s Mile provide soft sand and calm waters – perfect for trying out a variety of water sports like jet-skiing and windsurfing.

Beyond the city, scenic drives lead to the Troodos Mountains or charming villages like Apsiou, offering hiking, wine tasting and a taste of rural Cypriot life.

While history buffs should head to the Amathus archaeological site, which features the ruins of one of Cyprus’s oldest ancient kingdoms, overlooking the sea; while the Greco-Roman theatre at Kourion, which was built around 2BC, is also well worth seeing.

BOOKINGS & ENQUIRIES

Your Golf Travel is offering a seven-night, four-round package, taking in two rounds at Limassol Greens (limassolgreens.com) and two rounds at a choice of Secret Valley, Minthis, Elea or Aphrodite Hills, plus seven nights’ dinner, B&B at City of Dreams Mediterranean (www.cityofdreamsmed.com.cy), from £1,739pp. For all enquiries, visit www.yourgolftravel.com.

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CLIVE AGRAN traces Thailand’s unlikely rise from a royal pastime to a world- class golfing powerhouse, travelling from frenetic Bangkok to the mountain air of Khao Yai and the coastal glamour of Pattaya to discover why more than half a million golfers make the long-haul pilgrimage each year

Golf in Thailand goes back much further than you might have thought principally because of the close connection that existed between the Thai royal family and their opposite numbers in the UK.

Golf was first played in what was then Siam as early as 1906 and in 1923 the King gave his blessing to the construction of Royal Hua Hin golf course.

The King’s approval of the Royal and Ancient game provided a massive boost in a country where royalty are held in very high esteem.

The game quietly flourished through the second half of the 20th century before Thailand got caught up in the golf boom that swept Asia and courses started springing up all over the place.

The wonderfully benign climate, ideal topography and extensive coastline all helped the sport to grow.

MILLIONS OF ROUNDS

Today, Thailand attracts around three-quarters of a million foreign golfers to its sun-drenched shores every year to play on the roughly 300 courses.

These courses are clustered in seven principal areas – Bangkok, Phuket, Hua Hin, Pattaya, Chiang Mai, Chia Rai and Khao Yai.

But Thailand is a fair distance away (nearly 6000 miles) and the flight from Heathrow is a long one (just under 12 hours).

Is it worth it? Well, Thailand is a remarkably attractive holiday destination and the Thai people are extremely friendly and helpful.

In a recent Rough Guides reader poll, Thailand was voted the second-friendliest country in the world, which is a strong endorsement of the everyday warmth that so many visiting golfers have remarked upon.

Thailand stands out for its blend of warmth, cultural grace and relaxed openness. It’s the everyday gestures, from offering directions, smiling at strangers, to sharing food that create lasting impressions and encourage many foreigners to stay longer than planned.

TWO NIGHTS IN BANGKOK

I only had a week and so we had better hurry up and start our adventure in the crazy and exciting capital, Bangkok.

The area around Bangkok has the greatest concentration of courses of anywhere in the country. A heavily congested capital, it is a curious combination of jams and jasmine.

Waterways offer one escape from the motorised mayhem while the subway provides another. Golf is a good antidote to urban stress and is thus a popular pastime among the movers and shakers of Thai society.

HOME GROWN TALENT

It’s also very popular with women and Thailand’s female golfers have won several major championships and reached number one in the world ranking, notably Ariya Jutanugarn, Atthaya Thitikul, Patty Tavatanakit, Moriya Jutanugarn.

Although Thai men haven’t enjoyed as many triumphs, nevertheless Thongchai Jaidee, Kiradech Aphibarnrat, Prayad Marksaeng, Boonchu Ruangkit, Pornanong Phatlum have tasted international success.

Autumn is usually the wettest time of the year in Thailand, so it’s not ideal for beach goers. However, those seeking a low season bargain and no crowds can still enjoy a few wonderful rounds at this time of year.

Playing golf in Thailand during the off-peak months, May, June, September and October offers an appealing blend of value, tranquillity and surprisingly good playing conditions.

Although these periods fall within the wetter seasons, the rain generally arrives in short, sharp bursts rather than prolonged downpours, leaving long stretches of playable weather.

Courses remain beautifully lush, and the quieter fairways create an unhurried atmosphere that many golfers find refreshing.

Softer turf conditions during these months can also be more forgiving, making play enjoyable for golfers of all abilities.

Best of all, the off-peak season represents exceptional value. Green fees, accommodation and caddie services are often significantly reduced, allowing visitors to experience some of Asia’s most celebrated courses at a fraction of the usual cost.

Resorts and clubs tend to offer enticing seasonal packages, and tee times are easier to secure without the crowds of high season.

For travellers happy to trade a little weather unpredictability for substantial savings and a more laid-back experience, Thailand’s off-peak golfing months are arguably the smartest time to go.

CAPITAL CHOICE

I stayed for the first couple of nights at the exceptionally smart and comfortable Landmark Hotel right in the heart of the city.

It has no fewer than six restaurants! I only ate in two – both were good – and I would strongly recommend the one at the top of this skyscraper hotel.

The food was equally as good as the breath-taking panorama of Bangkok at night, which says a lot both about the food and the view.

As well as a half-a-dozen restaurants, curiously it has 399 rooms. Is the number 400 considered unlucky in Thailand?

Feeling somewhat weary after the long flight, I went for a straightforward stroll around the block before retiring to bed.

DRIVING AHEAD

As well as the congestion and numerous mopeds, I was impressed with the fact that traffic in Thailand drives on the left-hand side of the road.

Unlike most other countries in the world where they drive on the left, the fact that they do so in Thailand is not a consequence of British colonisation.

Thailand was never colonised but came under considerable foreign political and economic influence from the middle of the 19th century, principally from Britain, and so maybe that’s why they’ve opted to drive on the left…

And maybe that’s why Thailand took up golf; to embrace Western ways so as to reduce the likelihood of having them foisted on them though colonisation.

The first golf course in Thailand, the Gymkhana, was opened in 1898 in the northern city of Chiang Mai; it was founded, as was customary back them, by a group of, mostly British, golf enthusiasts.

MY FIRST ROUND

To continue with a historical theme, the course on the edge of Bangkok that I was about to play, about three-quarters of an hour from downtown, is called the Siam Country Club, Siam being Thailand’s name before it was changed in 1932.

Since it lies in the suburbs of Bangkok, it’s hardly a ‘country’ club but it offers rather more than just golf and ‘Country Club’ is very much the fashionable title for golf clubs in Thailand today.

To be honest, I’m not sure what they mean when they describe it as a “hybrid links” unless the ‘linksy’ look that has been created by moving earth to create hillocks in an otherwise flat landscape explains it.

Designed by Toby Cobb and opened only a few years ago, it’s the fifth in the Siam Country Club series and so, if you’re taking a taxi, make sure you’re going to the right one otherwise the fare might make it an expensive holiday.

COOKIE TO THE RESCUE

Perhaps now is the time to deal with the female caddy phenomenon, which is almost universal in Thailand. Women of all ages, but mostly fairly young girls, assume the role of caddy at every course I played.

They are generally extremely courteous and respectful and some even go so far as to suggest the line when you’re putting.

Although I personally would prefer not to embarrass myself by hitting a bad shot in front of a young girl, I have to confess they did both speed up play and contribute to the overall experience.

My friendly caddie at Siam was called ‘Cookie’ and she was not responsible in any way for my indifferent score.

As was the case, she didn’t carry my bag but did drive our buggy and dutifully obeyed the 90 degree rule.

There is a walking option but not taking a buggy is regarded as somewhat eccentric.

A sign states that gambling on golf is illegal, which is almost certainly ignored by the locals who appear to enjoy a bit of a bet.

The course is both very pretty and perfectly playable with wide fairways and extremely modest rough that is barely worthy of the name.

The greens are described at ‘turtle back’ in shape and decidedly tricky to read even with the help of Cookie.

There are a lot of grass-faced bunkers full of soft sand which, although they are mostly quite small, nevertheless frequently come into play.

What looks like a sort of dwarf pampas grass grows on some of the hillocks and helps give the holes clear definition.

Water only comes into play four times on this pretty track that has a large attractive and modern clubhouse where you can round off your round with an excellent curry.

Perhaps the only thing missing is a driving range but you can loosen up in one of several nets.

TOSCANA VALLEY

The following day we drove for just about two hours to breathe in the fresh mountain air of the Khao Yai region in the province of Nakhon Ratchasima and tackle two fairly tough courses that are more or less next to one another and are part of the numerous attractions to be found at Toscana Valley.

My room at the Hotel La Cassetta, which was ideally located in the heart of what felt like an Italian holiday village, was both very spacious and extremely comfortable.

Next to a large lake that was populated with plenty of fish, it was just a short stroll from the main restaurant and various powerful attractions that included a short-game area and driving range.

Rancho Charnee golf course benefits considerably for being so close to Dong Phaya Yen Khao Yai National Park.

The gently sloping terrain is perfect for golf and there is plenty of elevation that evidently offered considerable opportunities for visual appeal to the architect.

However, the same person clearly doesn’t subscribe to Robert Trent Jones Junior’s belief that the opening hole should be like a warm handshake that welcomes you onto the course.

The first hole here is more like a gentle kick in the crutch as it requires a 150-yard carry over water.

The lake wouldn’t be anywhere near so frightening if it didn’t come so early in the round before you have properly warmed up. I

f you fail this early test, don’t worry, there are plenty more water hazards to negotiate later on.

Perfectly level stances on flat ground are comparatively rare on this undulating parkland course and so I suggest you make the most of the excellent tees.

But even a perfectly flat tee doesn’t make the daunting carry over a biblical waste bunker any easier on the second hole.

When you eventually reach them, the fairways are generous and beautifully maintained. Mature trees keep an eye on proceedings from a reasonably safe distance and don’t much bother

the better players. On the other hand, the large bunkers don’t discriminate and are a menace to all golfers irrespective of their handicap.

And all golfers can enjoy the almost ever-present birdsong. The greens are enormous and three- putting is not unusual and might at least provoke a little giggle from your caddy.

The view down the first hole at nearby Toscana Valley is magnificent with a pretty striped fairway to aim for and an equally attractive lake that you are just as anxious to avoid.

The conditioning on this course is quite superb and contributes significantly to the enormous enjoyment to be had from taking on what is undeniably a tough challenge.

Water poses the greatest threat and it features frequently on this cracking course in many frightening forms and on most holes.

Sometimes it comes in the shape of an attractive lake to be carried off the tee while frequently it’s just a pretty stream weaving its watery way just short of the green.

There are even a couple of island tees where an over-exuberant follow-through is probably best avoided.

Also best avoided are the cyclists who, in places, are permitted to share the buggy path. But cyclists aren’t permitted to pedal through the several tunnels that punctuate the round and offer welcome relief from an invariably scorching sun.

Majestic mountains provide a dramatic backdrop on this majestic parkland course that rightly regards itself as one of the finest in the country.

 

PATTAYA CALLING

My final port of call was Pattaya, which many readers will have heard of because its reputation as the most popular seaside resort in south-east Asia has spread right around the world.

I stayed at the towering Somerset Hotel that literally rose majestically above the dodgy goings on downstairs at sea level.

But, as I continually had to remind myself, I was there for the golf and the next morning I was teeing it up at the nearby Old Course at another facility under the ownership of the Siam Country Club.

It’s called the Old Course but is in fact just a little over 50 years old, which is hardly ‘old’ in golfing terms.

Voted by Golf Digest as the 73rd best course in the world, it is simply magnificent. For the last 15 years, it has been the home of the US LPGA Honda Classic and photos of past events adorn the sumptuous clubhouse, which is unashamedly opulent.

After such an imposing introduction it would be comparatively easy for the course to be something of a let-down, but it most certainly isn’t.

Manicured in a most appealing way, it reeks of class all the way
from the first tee to the 18th green.

With her branded yellow top and blue slacks, even my caddie, curiously named ‘Bambie’, resembles the Ukrainian flag and somehow looks perfectly right.

The terrain is gently undulating and looks luscious with strikingly mature trees separating the holes. Not that unusual in Thailand, we teed off behind a five-ball, which was surprisingly speedy.

Professional gardeners would drool and even I was conscious that my mouth fell wide open at some of the more gorgeous holes and a particularly attractive ornamental pond complete with fish and wildfowl.

The fairways were very generous and, again, the ‘rough’ was barely worthy of the name.

They might grow it a bit for the Honda Classic but, for the moment, its length was appropriate for the casual golfer not wanting to waste time searching for his, or her, ball.

There is a fair bit of water and you cross over what I suspect is the same stream several times.

But the course is eminently playable for all but the most erratic golfers and is certainly blessed with the ‘wow’ factor. If you ever, for whatever nefarious reason, find yourself in Pattaya, then you simply must pay the Old Course a visit.

I assure you that you won’t be disappointed.

Curiously, the flight back from Bangkok took about a couple of hours longer that the flight out. But, as any golfer worth his sand-wedge will tell you, a headwind has to be taken into account

WHO WE FLEW WITH

London Heathrow to Bangkok on Thai Airways

thaiairways.com

WHERE WE STAYED

The Landmark Bangkok

landmarkbangkok.com

Hotel La Casetta by Toscana Valley

toscanavalley.com

Somerset Pattaya Hotel

somerset.pattayatophotels.net/en/

WHERE WE PLAYED

Siam Country Club

siamcountryclub.com

Rancho Charvee Golf Course

charnveeresortkhaoyai.com

Toscana Valley

toscanavalley.com

Siam Country Club (Old Course)

siamcountryclub.com

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THAILAND VISIT

tourismthailand.org

 

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A journey to the Scottish Highlands is always something to savour, the vast skies, the windswept coastline, and the quiet majesty of the landscape make it one of the most stirring destinations in the world.

But when that journey includes a stay at a hotel as exceptional as Links House, right beside the hallowed fairways of Royal Dornoch Golf Club, it becomes something truly unforgettable.

Our adventure began with an early morning flight on British Airways from London Heathrow to Inverness on a crisp October morning.

After collecting our rental car, we headed north through the rolling Highland scenery, bound for Golspie, a charming coastal village midway between Dornoch and Brora, the setting for our first round of golf.

Golspie Golf Club – A True Highland Gem

Arriving at Golspie around midday, we were greeted warmly in the Pro Shop before stepping out onto a course that perfectly captures the character of Highland golf. Golspie’s layout, a beguiling blend of links, heathland, and parkland, offers variety and challenges in equal measure.

The fairways roll gently towards the sea, framed by distant hills, while the greens – quick, true, and immaculate, demand a deft touch.

Though relatively short by modern standards (we played off the yellow tees), the course tests every club in the bag, and rewards accuracy over power.

What makes Golspie so unique is that it has six links six parkland and six heathland holes. The back-to-back par 3’s at the end of the round were very memorable.

After golf, we drove south for 25 minutes to our home for the next two nights: Links House Hotel, an elegant and luxurious retreat that sits just a few paces from Royal Dornoch’s first tee.

Links House – Elegance, Comfort, and Highland Warmth

From the moment you step inside Links House, you sense that this is somewhere special.

The service is warm yet understated, the interiors beautifully designed with a blend of classic Scottish heritage and contemporary comfort.

We were shown to our respective suites, each individually styled, spacious, and exquisitely furnished, complete with plush bedding, tasteful artwork, and views that capture the serene beauty of Dornoch.

Two bottles of Old-Fashioned cocktails were waiting for me and a lovely welcoming letter from the Managing Director.

That evening, we ventured to the bar and sat by the fire before we dined at Mara, the hotel’s fine-dining restaurant.

The menu is a celebration of Highland produce, venison, oysters, market beef and fish along with seasonal vegetables, all presented with precision and flair.

Every course reflected local ingredients, complemented by an excellent wine list and impeccable service. Let’s just say I slept very well in the most comfortable of beds.

Mixing in with the locals at Brora

On day 2 we headed north again to play at the breathtaking ‘James Braid’ classic Brora Golf Club. After another warm welcome we set off in the Autumn sunshine to play this absolute gem.

Holes 1-9 go north with holes 10-18 returning to the clubhouse. Inward holes have more elevation changes. All the par 3’s are excellent.

Every green is surrounded by electric fencing to protect the very true greens from the local wildlife, seeing the highland cows was an experience I’ve never seen before.

Talking of the greens, these are tough to hit and the green complexes are tricky, luckily I played some of my best golf and managed to score well.

Before I left I had to make a purchase of a top from the pro shop to remind me of my visit.

We fell in love with Brora and would highly recommend a visit.

After returning to Dornoch we ventured that evening into the town and visited the Castle Hotel bar and restaurant for drinks and dinner. The village exudes a timeless charm.

Royal Dornoch – Golfing Heaven

The following morning dawned clear and bright, perfect conditions for our long-anticipated round at Royal Dornoch.

That day the club were taking the keys to their new clubhouse, which looks incredible.

Few courses in the world can match its setting: fairways that ripple through golden dunes, greens that perch atop natural plateaus, and views that stretch across the Dornoch Firth.

From the opening tee shot to the final putt, Royal Dornoch is pure golfing joy, challenging but fair, strategic yet fun.

It’s easy to understand why Tom Watson once called it “the most fun I’ve ever had on a golf course.”

Every hole offers something memorable, from the raised greens and rolling approaches to the ever-present sea breeze that keeps you concentrated.

Bunkers are deep and challenging and undulating fairways make this difficult but rewarding

It’s “must play” for any golfers. And golfers of any skill levels will enjoy this beautiful course.

I recommend pitching up a few minutes early for your tee time and have a chat with the starter who will give you lots of great advice on the course and preferred tee boxes.

A Perfect Highland Escape

After our round, we walked back the 100 yards to Links House and reluctantly packed up and checked out of this wonderful hotel.

Our journey back to Inverness was filled with that familiar mix of contentment, wistfulness and the feeling that you’ve discovered somewhere truly special and already want to return.

As we had a late evening flight back from Inverness to Heathrow, we stopped off at Cabot Highlands for lunch in the clubhouse overlooking the Castle Stuart Course and discussed the new Old Petty Course which opens in May 2026. The club closes from 01^st November until 27^th March for Winter.

Whether you’re drawn by the allure of Royal Dornoch’s legendary fairways, the beauty of the Highland coastline, or the promise of exceptional hospitality, Links House Hotel delivers on every level.

It’s more than a luxury hotel, it’s a haven of calm, comfort, and class in one of the most enchanting corners of Scotland.

Stayed:

Links House Hotel at Royal Dornoch

Golf Road

Dornoch

IV25 3LW

Tel: 01862 810279

Email: info@linkshousedornoch.com

Website: www.linkshousedornoch.com

Played:

Golspie Golf Club

Brora Golf Club

Royal Dornoch Golf Club

Visited:

Cabot Highlands

The post The Ultimate Highland Golf Escape appeared first on Golf News.

A late afternoon flight from Gatwick to Lisbon made for an effortless start. Within two hours of landing, we arrived in the chic coastal town of Comporta, checking into a stylish three-bedroom villa at the Pestana Comporta, an ideal base for groups of golfers.

Day Two: Torre & Pinheirinho

Our first full day began with a sunrise drive to the brand-new Torre Golf Course, designed by Spanish legend Sergio García. Though it only opened in October, it already feels like a modern classic, a beautifully crafted blend of rolling parkland and open countryside, dotted with mature trees. Six tee boxes ensure accessibility, but don’t be fooled: its broad fairways and strategic bunkering demand thought and precision.

The 9th, Torre’s signature hole, sweeps gracefully across a valley, a hole you’ll remember long after you’ve left the green.

After lunch, we headed to the exclusive Pinheirinho Golf Course, where we were the only players on the course. Designed by Jorge Santana da Silva, its fairways wind through umbrella pines and wildflower-lined roughs. The course blends challenge and tranquillity, with a strong focus on sustainability — limited chemical use, thriving native grass, and a deep respect for the land.

Evening in Comporta was spent exactly as it should be: sipping local wine and dining in one of the town’s relaxed restaurants.

Day Three: Dunas – A Modern Masterpiece

Just when we thought the trip couldn’t get any better, Dunas Golf Club exceeded all expectations. Arriving at dawn, the course shimmered in the early light, a dramatic layout carved through natural dunes. Dunas demands creativity and control in equal measure, with deep bunkers that live up to their reputation. Every hole could claim “signature” status here; it’s a visual and golfing delight.

“If you don’t like this course, you don’t like golf,” someone said at the turn. Nobody disagreed.

That afternoon, a dolphin-watching cruise from Troia Marina offered a soothing contrast, calm seas, gentle waves, and the sight of dolphins gliding beside the boat. The evening brought a memorable wine tasting and dinner at Serenada Wine Resort, where boutique batches of wine (only 500–2,000 bottles per year) are crafted with care and passion.

Day Four: Troia to Lisbon

The next morning took us to the legendary Troia Golf Club, a Robert Trent Jones Sr. design hugging the Atlantic coast. The par-4 3rd hole, with its sweeping sea view, is one of Jones’ personal favourites, so much so that he included it in his “ideal 18”.

A short ferry ride across to Setúbal and a short drive led us to the PGA National of Portugal (Aroeira), where lunch and a gentle round on Aroeira 1 capped the day. We stayed at the Crowne Plaza Caparica Lisbon, just 15 minutes from the city, a perfect spot for golfers wanting a touch of urban comfort.

Day Five: Farewell at Aroeira 2

Our final round took place on the freshly renovated PGA Aroeira 2, a Donald Steel design that has matured beautifully since reopening. The course is smart, strategic, and impeccably conditioned, a fitting finale to an extraordinary trip. We were also told it will host the Portuguese Open in 2026.

As we lunched at the Aroeira clubhouse, we reflected on what made this journey special: not just the superb golf, but the effortless organisation and warm hospitality that Golfkings delivered throughout.

From Torre’s promise to Dunas’ brilliance and Troia’s timeless charm, this was a trip that reminded us why Portugal remains one of Europe’s most rewarding golf destinations.

Travel:

EasyJet from Gatwick to Lisbon

Accommodation:

Pestana Comporta & Crowne Plaza Caparica Lisbon

Dolphin Watching Cruise https://rotasdosal.pt/en/actividades/dolphins/

Organised by: www.golfkings.co.uk
Further info: www.visitalentejo.pt/en/ | www.visitportugal.com/en/

The post Playing Portugal’s New Kids On The Block appeared first on Golf News.

Every golfer knows a straight shot is the simplest, most risk-free choice. So, it is with golf destinations. Sweet Home Alabama fits the bill with three international gateway airports less than two hours away (Atlanta, Nashville and New Orleans), plus connecting first-class airports within and adjacent to the state (Birmingham, Huntsville, Montgomery, Mobile, and Pensacola, FL).

You’ll also find that Alabama is worth a try with great value golf and year- round golfing weather. The state is a varied landscape with mountains, rivers and lakes in the north, open plains in the centre of the state and the beautiful, coastal waters in the south. The unrivalled, original golf trail spans the length of it and the seaside destination of Gulf Shores-Orange Beach marks the end of the road.

ROBERT TRENT JONES TRAIL

Alabama’s Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail is now over 30 years old and is still the largest golf construction project ever undertaken, with the original 8 locations being built at once in 1992 and all being designed by the master himself, Robert Trent Jones, Sr.

The state itself gambled on this idea, with the goal of introducing a new traveller to this beautiful and welcoming Southern state. It has been an enormous success by all measures boasting 25 golf courses at 11 locations throughout the state, plus 8 hotels and resorts.

In the northwest corner is a 36-hole complex aptly named RTJ Golf Trail at The Shoals, as it’s located in Muscle Shoals, the hit recording capital of the world. The golf site features two championship courses, Fighting Joe, the first Trail course over 8,000 yards, and Schoolmaster, both situated along the banks of the Tennessee River.

Just across the river in Florence is the much- awarded Renaissance Shoals Hotel & Spa, one of eight properties in the RTJ Golf Trail.

The RTJ Golf Trail at Hampton Cove in Huntsville offers 54 holes of scenic and challenging golf. The Highlands has the feel of a Scottish course, the River Course has the distinction of being the only Robert Trent Jones design without a single bunker, and the Short Course is a blast to play.

HUNTSVILLE

Huntsville offers a selection of great hotels, plus a rejuvenated downtown with craft breweries and unique dining establishments, the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, and a new, state-of the art amphitheatre, inspired and developed by Mumford & Sons’ Ben Lovett.

Birmingham has certainly become golf central, with the state’s most luxurious resort, Renaissance Ross Bridge Resort and Spa leading the way.

The resort’s 18-hole layout flows in a cloverleaf fashion, returning to a central locale no less than five times. With intimidating length from the back tees, elevation changes, and water holes, the course presents a challenge, yet the RTJ Golf Trail at Ross Bridge is still a resort course at heart with wide fairways and receptive greens.

Located just two kilometres away from Ross Bridge is the RTJ Golf Trail at Oxmoor Valley. It offers two unique full-length courses, Ridge and Valley, plus an exciting, new 9-hole, walking, short course, called The Backyard.

And about an hour northeast of Birmingham, lies the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Silver Lakes. This site is made up of three really, tough 9-hole courses, suitably named Mindbreaker, Backbreaker and Heartbreaker.

South of Birmingham, in the Montgomery suburb of Prattville is the Trail’s only site with three full-length courses, the RTJ Golf Trail at Capitol Hill.

Situated so closely to the seat of government, the courses are called The Judge, The Senator, and The Legislator. GOLF Magazine once named the Judge Course one of 10 public courses in the country worthy of hosting a U.S. Open.

The course offers stunning views throughout, especially on the first tee that sits 200 feet above the fairway overlooking the Alabama River.

The Legislator is hilly and more traditional. The Senator is a Scottish links- style course with over 160 dreaded pot bunkers and mounds reaching as high as 40 feet.

It has hosted LPGA events for over 20 years. The on-site Marriott Hotel at Capitol Hill is a convenient place to stay, but for additional historical sites, nightlife, dining options, the downtown Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa is also a good choice.

GOING EAST

Eighty kilometres east of Montgomery near Auburn University in the quaint town of Opelika is one of the most requested sites on the Trail.

Robert Trent Jones, Sr. once said that the RTJ Golf Trail at Grand National was the single greatest natural site for golf he had ever seen.

Grand National is built on a 600-acre lake with 32 of the 54 holes draped along its beautiful shores. The award-winning Marriott Golf Resort & Spa is located on the back nine of the Lake course and offers a true stay and play experience.

Plus, the two quaint towns nearby offer many culinary and non-golfing adventures.

Located in Greenville, 64 kilometres south of Montgomery, the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Cambrian Ridge is another favourite.

Set along the scenic southernmost edge of the Appalachian foothills, the changes
in elevation are extraordinary here and the three championship 9- hole courses offer an unforgettable experience.

GOLFING HEAVEN

Just 145 kilometres away in the southeast corner of the state, the RTJ Golf Trail at Highland Oaks in Dothan also consists of three championship nines plus a 9-hole short course.

In South Alabama, Mobile’s premier golfing facility is the RTJ Golf Trail at Magnolia Grove with 54 holes of superb Robert Trent Jones- designed tracts.

The Crossings is very hilly, The Falls course features the par-five, 570-yard 10th, with a waterfall that cascades below the heavily contoured green, and the 18-hole Short Couse is one of the highest rated in the country.

Mobile’s walkable downtown, with craft breweries, many restaurants, and nightclubs, is a perfect place to spend your evening, especially with the choice of two nearby RTJ hotels, the historic Renaissance Battle House Hotel & Spa and the Renaissance Riverview Hotel overlooking Mobile Bay.

The Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa, an Autograph Collection on the eastern shore of Mobile Bay offers superb dining, a European spa, exciting waterscapes, a beach along Mobile Bay and 36 holes at the RTJ Golf Trail at the Lakewood Club.

The courses meander around spring-fed lakes and are framed by stately magnolias, oaks, and dogwoods, which have been around for quite some time. The resort itself has upheld a grand tradition of Southern hospitality, charm and elegance since 1847.

The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail is not your typical golf trip, with locales spread around the state. Choose to stay in one location or plan to sample several of the very different Trail facilities and move about the state.

What you will always find along Alabama’s Trail are pristine conditions, challenging golf, reasonable pricing and top-quality customer service.

Alabama’s Beaches and the towns of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach create one of the best destinations for quality golf.

The beaches have that same powdery white sand that has made Florida’s Gulf Coast panhandle so desirable, sand so soft it practically lulls you to sleep.

The Alabama beaches, though, generally also have considerably more elbow room during peak periods than their Florida counterparts. And the golf options are a better value and plentiful enough to warrant space in the vehicle for everyone’s clubs.

Here’s a snapshot of several of the area’s courses, with each flashing enough of its own style to make
them all distinctive. Peninsula Golf and Racquet Club is 27 holes of classic Southern golf, winding through piney woods, plentiful water and nestling up to the edge of Mobile Bay on a couple of holes.

Kiva Dunes Golf & Beach Resort is on a spit of land just 1,100 yards wide at its most slender point, meaning airflow above the golf course is influenced by the air exchange coming in from both the Gulf of Mexico and Mobile Bay.

Traditionalists relish the chance to play in the wind on a links-style layout, so the appeal of Kiva’s site was always there. Kiva Dunes is considered the premier design in the portfolio of former U.S. Open champion Jerry Pate.

The onsite beach resort, with linkside condominiums and beach homes, is a great option to stay and play.

Also located along the same road as these two courses is Gulf Shores Golf Club. It’s great for a quick afternoon nine or as a first, 18-hole round to shake off any jetlag.

Gulf Shores is the kind of course that is integral to the overall success of most golf trips. It’s a traditional parkland-style layout with plentiful water, of course, and very solid, true-roll greens.

The 36-hole complex of Craft Farms is not to be missed. The two courses here – Cotton Creek and Cypress Bend are the only Arnold Palmer designs in the state of Alabama.

Everything at Craft Farms is as well-manicured as courses built on former sod farmland suggest they would be. The courses are inland, and have a conventional, golfer-friendly feel and look that often defines Palmer designs.

Once the golfing part of your day is done, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach have plenty more to offer. There’s a broad array of quality seafood restaurants, and fishing and beachcombing are popular pastimes. Lodging options range from beachfront hotels and condominiums to golf resorts and beach houses. Whatever your preferences and price range, the concierge service at

www.CoastalAlabamaGolf.com can help you sort through the area’s nine signature golf courses, as well as all the accommodations, dining and other recreational pursuits you envision adding up to an ideal trip.

ROBERT TRENT JONES TRAIL

For more information and to book custom golf packages, visit RTJGolf.com

Email: ReservationsRequest@ RTJGolf.com

ALABAMA’S BEACHES

For more information and to book custom golf packages,
CoastalAlabamaGolf.com

For more destination information: AlabamaBeaches.com/golf

Visit the Sweet Home Alabama’s golf-specific website for even more golf and travel information at GolfAlabama.org

The post THE ULTIMATE GOLF TRAIL IN ALABAMA appeared first on Golf News.

Now the roar of the Ryder Cup crowd at Bethpage has died down, it’s time to book your US adventure by exploring what New York State has to offer.

While the charms of the Big Apple are obvious, the region has so
much else to offer a visitor, from the windswept shores of the Hamptons to the rolling vineyards of the Catskills, the Empire State offers a world of beauty, history, and flavour just beyond the city limits.

New York might be most famous for the dazzling lights of Times Square and the towering skyline of Manhattan, but there’s an entire state beyond the city that brims with culture, natural beauty and charm.

The joy of travelling beyond New York City is the sheer variety on offer. In a single week, you could lounge on the beaches of the Hamptons, cycle  through Shelter Island’s nature preserves, sip your way across the North Fork, and then head north for mountain air and vineyard views.

And while summer is a natural draw for Long Island’s beaches, each season offers something special. Spring brings blooming wildflowers and fewer crowds; autumn dresses vineyards and forests in golden hues; winter transforms upstate towns into cozy retreats.

Getting around is part of the adventure. A rental car will give you the flexibility to hop between small towns, vineyards, and trails, ferries connect the islands, while scenic roads in the Catskills and Hudson Valley reward slow, meandering drives.

THE HAMPTONS

It’s impossible to talk about Long Island without mentioning its crown jewel – The Hamptons. This collection of seaside communities has been a coveted summer playground for decades, attracting celebrities, artists, and anyone with an appreciation for luxury and leisure.

Each village has its own personality. Southampton, with its historic mansions, polo matches, and the pristine sands of Cooper’s Beach, epitomises Hamptons prestige. Culture lovers can explore the Parrish Art Museum or sip vintages at Duck Walk Vineyards.

Head east and the vibe shifts in East Hampton, where couture boutiques and cozy cafés line the quaint main street.

Out in Bridgehampton, rural charm meets refined taste, with horse farms, farm-to-table restaurants, and the famed Hampton Classic horse show.

And then there’s Montauk – known locally as ‘The End’ – where a rugged, adventurous spirit rules. Surf the Atlantic, fish for striped bass, or take in the sweeping ocean views from Montauk Point Lighthouse Museum, a New York landmark since 1796.

Wherever you land, the Hamptons deliver more than just a beach escape. Think hiking trails with postcard-perfect views, whale and seal watching cruises, sunset sails, and that salty breeze that makes you want to linger just a little longer.

NORTH SHORE

Long Island’s North Shore is where history, elegance, and literary legend intertwine. Dubbed the ‘Gold Coast’, this stretch of rocky shoreline was the inspiration for The Great Gatsby, its grand estates whispering of Jazz Age glamour.

The charm here lies in its harbour towns and their New England feel – think sailboats bobbing in the water, local seafood shacks, and cobblestone streets perfect for an afternoon stroll.

Drive further east and the manicured lawns give way to the farmlands of the North Fork, a slower-paced haven known for its wineries, local food markets, and farm-to-table dining.

NORTH FORK

Known affectionately as NOFO, the North Fork boasts more than 60 vineyards, along with a wide range of breweries and craft spirits distilleries.

Wine tasting here is as unpretentious as it is delightful. You might sip a crisp Sauvignon Blanc while overlooking a sun-dappled vineyard or try a bold Merlot in a rustic barn-turned-tasting room. Autumn – brings harvest season, when roadside farmers’ stalls overflow with pumpkins, apples, and late-summer vegetables.

SOUTH SHORE

If the North Fork feels rural, Long Island’s South Shore is pure seaside energy. White- sand beaches stretch for miles, with Jones Beach State Park at its heart. The legendary Jones Beach Theater hosts summer concerts under the stars, while bustling boardwalks serve up ice cream, ocean views, and  that quintessential coastal buzz.

Water lovers can dive into surfing, paddle boarding, fishing, or seal and whale watching tours. For a calmer escape, Heckscher State Park offers 1,600 acres of trails, picnic spots, and sweeping views of the Great South Bay with Fire Island shimmering on the horizon.

ISLAND ESCAPES

Tucked between Long Island’s forks lies Shelter Island, a tranquil retreat accessible only by ferry. Once ashore, you’ll find a landscape of quiet beaches, wooded trails, and some of the best kayaking in Suffolk County.

Then there’s Fire Island, a long, narrow barrier island where cars are largely absent and life moves to the rhythm of the tide. Boardwalks connect charming hamlets, each with its own personality.

Days are for sunbathing, hiking through towering dunes, or photographing spectacular sunsets. Evenings might be spent dining on lobster, clams and oysters with the sound of waves in the background.

Whether you camp beneath the stars, stay in a quaint beach house, or dance the night away at one of its lively bars, Fire Island captures a rare blend of wild nature and creative spirit.

THE CATSKILLS

When it comes to wine country in the US, California might get the headlines, but the Catskills are making a name all for themselves.

This four-region mountain escape is dotted with vineyards that range from boutique family-run operations to larger estates offering full tours and tastings.

Some wineries craft their vintages from imported grapes, while others take advantage of the fertile local soil to produce bottles that truly reflect the land.

Just 90 minutes from New York City, the area between the Shawangunk Mountains and the Hudson River is one of the oldest winemaking regions in the US.

The Shawangunk Wine Trail features a mix of historic estates and modern tasting rooms, many with panoramic views over the valley.

Here, wine tasting often blends with history lessons, as many vineyards occupy land with deep colonial and Revolutionary War roots.

It’s a place where you can toast with a chilled Riesling in the afternoon and dine in a centuries-old inn by evening.

So next time you think of New York, picture more than skyscrapers and subways. Picture, instead, sandy beaches, vineyard picnics, mountain sunsets and, of course, great golf courses!

For more information and things to do and where to stay in New York state, visit iloveny.com

The post TRAVEL FEATURE: NEW YORK STATE appeared first on Golf News.

Nick Bayly travels to Sicily to visit Picciolo Etna Golf Resort & Spa, Curio Collection by Hilton, a delightfully understated golf resort which offers first-class accommodation, wonderful hospitality, and a challenging golf course that plays in full view of Europe’s most active volcano

Just 24 hours before I was due to depart the UK to visit Sicily, news broke that Mount Etna had ‘erupted’. As ever, in a news cycle that thrives on dramatic footage captured by eyewitnesses, within seconds of the event, clips of an admittedly pretty scary volume of ash cloud and gas billowing out from one of the main craters were being aired across numerous social media platforms and TV news channels.

Having viewed the images more closely, I would have called it more of a ‘cough’ than an eruption – a ‘Pyroclastic Flow’ to give it its correct technical term – but that doesn’t generate as many clicks on the Daily Mail’s algorithms.

Given that the golf resort I was due to stay in was less than 15 miles from said volcano, my first thought on seeing the news was ‘Is the trip still on?’ My second thought, wearing my all-action journalist’s hat, was, ‘If it is still on, are we more or less likely to witness a second ‘eruption/cough’ so soon after this one’.

A series of rapid fire messages on the trip’s WhatsApp group soon allayed any fears that our visit might have to be postponed, as it turned out that the ash cloud, such that it was, was blowing in the opposite direction of Catania airport, so there was a minimal chance of disruption to incoming flights, while the golf resort’s manager said that they were so used to Mount Etna letting off steam that they barely give a moment’s thought to dissuading guests from travelling when things get a bit rumbly.

Disaster tourism is clearly a growth market, as was witnessed when the Icelandic volcano that even the locals can’t pronounce went all tectonic on us last year, so higher levels of seismic activity often result in a surge in bookings.

Potential tragedy avoided, it was thus with a great deal of excitement that after an uneventful two-and-a-half-hour flight from Gatwick, we landed in Catania, a coastal town located two-thirds of the way up Sicily’s eastern seaboard. Safely on board a minibus, we kept our eyes glued to Etna’s snow-capped craters as we travelled the hour-long route that circumnavigates its lower slopes as we drove to our destination, Picciolo Golf Resort & Spa, which is located in the long shadow of Europe’s most active volcano.

RECENT RENOVATIONS

While part of Picciolo’s appeal will, of course, be its dramatic location – who, after all, doesn’t want to have a natural wonder that has the capacity to vaporise the locality in an instant serve as a backdrop to a tricky 20-foot downhill par putt? – it is the resort’s excellent hotel, renowned hospitality, and fine golf course that has been attracting travellers to this picturesque and tranquil northeastern corner of Sicily ever since it opened in 1989.

Having changed hands five years ago, when it was bought by Sicilian-born brothers Andrea and Francesco Scrofani, the resort has undergone a series of significant renovations, with €18 million having spent across the venue in various stages, starting with the clubhouse, before moving onto the golf course, the hotel and most recently, a collection of private villas.

 

The entire refurbishment has only just been completed, with the boutique-style 100-bedroom hotel recently becoming part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, a portfolio of independent, upscale hotels and resorts that are selected by Hilton for their unique character and distinctive experiences that benefit from Hilton’s global reservation system and popular loyalty programme.

In addition to the hotel accommodation, a further six rooms are offered in the clubhouse. Many rooms feature private verandas looking directly out to Mount Etna and a vineyard that encircles the resort, giving it a feeling of peace and tranquillity.

A further 49 rooms spread across a mixture of apartments and villas that overlook the golf course will be open next year.

 

WINING, DINING & SPA-ING

The resort boasts a wide range of bars and restaurants, with our group enjoying magnificent lunches on the clubhouse terrace, where plates of cured meats, freshly cooked pasta dishes and seafood specialities were paired with some very tasty local wines.

The bar was raised up a level at La Ghiandaia restaurant, where the head chef served up a stunning six-course tasting menu featuring a mouth-watering selection of locally sourced dishes that highlighted the magnificent range of produce that Sicily has to offer.

 

A comprehensive line-up of leisure amenities includes two outdoor pools, complete with sun loungers and day beds, and a bar for snacks or a sunset aperitif. For indoor relaxation, the 950-square metre spa offers a heated pool with hydromassage, a Finnish sauna and steam room, and a Turkish bath. The citrus fruits of Sicily are key elements for guests to experience through spa offerings incorporated into treatments and massages offered in six private cabins.

CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF

But what of the golf, I hear you ask? It should, at this point, be noted that Sicily is not overly blessed with golf courses. At the time of writing there are just eight full-size layouts on offer, with the headline act being Verdura, the five-star Rocco Forte-owned venue, a former host of the DP World Tour’s Sicily Open, which is located on the western coast, some 280km due west of Il Picciolo.

Borgo di Luce I Monasteri, which also boasts a decent 18-holer, is 150km due south, so be prepared to do a fair amount of driving if you want to play more than one course on your trip.

 

Picciolo’s 18-hole track, which first opened in 1989, enjoys a pedigree in Sicilian golfing circles, with its 5,645-metre, par-72 course having hosted four events on the Ladies European Tour between 1995 and 2011, and the Sicilian Seniors Open in 2010. Despite its relative short length, the course’s challenge lies in finding the narrow fairways, many of which are separated by long-since solidified lava fields, and then hitting the smallish greens, many of which feature significant slopes.

TIGHT FAIRWAYS & GNARLY ROUGH

The only course on the island that hasn’t been sown with Bermuda grass, Il Picciolo demands precision rather than power, and the driver, although a useful tool in the right hands, will barely be needed if you want to keep some seriously big numbers off the card as you hack about in the extremely gnarly rough. Boasting five par fives and the same number of par threes, the holes are tight and tricky with plenty of twists and turns, water and out of bounds to negotiate.

The round gets off on to what looks like a benign start, with a modest, 320-yard par-4 that turns gently to the left, with a decent drive leaving a wedge into a flattish green. However, a tee shot that found a fairway bunker resulted in a gouged lay-up, followed by an over-hit approach to a back bunker and a three-putt, triple-bogey seven that would have ended my hopes of winning the club championship there and then had I been a member and playing in it.

The bunkers, it should be noted, have recently been filled with new sand, and while they are lovely to look at, they’ve arguably been over-filled, which can lead to ‘fried egg’ lies for balls which seemingly rolled harmlessly into them. The sand will settle down at some point, but for now they present harsh hazards from which more than one blow was often required to extricate yourself.

BLOW BY BLOW

The first of the course’s quintet of short holes follows, with this being the easiest of them according to the stroke index, with a 140-yard slightly downhill shot to a large green protected by bunkers either side of the putting surface resulting in no serious damage to the scorecard.

The third is a short, downhill par 4 which the biggest of hitters might be tempted to take on, but with out-of-bounds down the left and a row of trees protecting the right, a bunt down the middle and a short iron in seemed like the more sensible course of action.

There’s an unusual run of three par-5s from the 6th to the 9th, with only the par-3 8th breaking up the unrelenting slog. The 7th is arguably the best of the bunch, a long, sweeping 530-yard hole that turns not once, but twice to the right, circumnavigating a rocky terrace all the while climbing until you eventually reach the promised land that is the green.

The back nine get off to a strong start with the towering and visibly smoking Mount Etna providing a stunning backdrop to a 200-yard par-3 that requires an equally  towering long iron or hybrid to reach a raised green where anything hit short will roll back some distance.

The par-4 11th measures 470 yards off the tips is rated the hardest hole on the course, and with water all the way down the right side of the narrow fairway from 200 yards into the edge of the green, it is not hard to see why. A one-putt bogey here, after missing the green with my third, felt like a moral victory of sorts.

The par-4 13th – one of several dogleg holes on the card – requires a drive to the corner of the leg, leaving a short wedge into a green surrounded by rocky outcrops; while the 360-yard, par-4 14th  is another dogleg, this one requiring a well-placed drive to avoid a lake that juts menacingly into the fairway between the tee and the green.

The 15th is the final par-3, and the shortest, measuring just 100 yards from the back tee, requiring little more than a flick with a gap wedge. But with the green some 30-40 yards above your feet, you won’t know how well you’ve fared until you hike up the hill. I went slightly long and mysteriously never saw my ball again.

STRONG FINISH

The closing trio of holes feature two fairly routine par 4s, both of which require supremely straight driving to avoid having to chip out sideways, while the 18th is a suitably swashbuckling finish, with the 550-yard, par-five requiring right-handers to hit a raking draw around the corner of a dogleg, still leaving 300 yards to a green protected by a large front left bunker.

Second time around, the course was easier to strategize in terms of shot selection, but it was no easier to execute those shots given the limitations of my skill and the heavy punishment dished out for less-than-perfect shots, of which there were many. It’s a course that may frustrate some, but if golf was easy, it wouldn’t keep us coming back for more, and I would certainly would have enjoyed a third attempt should my supply of balls – and time – allowed.

In addition to the golf course, Picciolo also boasts a driving range, two practice chipping and bunker areas, and a practice putting green, while there is also an indoor studio for club fittings, lessons and simulator golf.

OFF-COURSE ACTIVITIES

With the elephant in the room being a bloody great volcano on your doorstep, it will come as no surprise that any trip to Picciolo will involve some sort of Mount Etna-based activity.

Ours involved a hike around the middle slopes with a knowledgeable guide, who showed us plenty of impressive sights largely featuring the destruction that can be caused by millions of tons of hot magma rolling down a steep slope over thousands of years, but there any number of different ways of experience Etna’s power and majesty, from trekking to mountain biking, motor biking to rafting, to horse riding and helicopter chartering.

The concierge at Picciolo are happy to organise a wide variety of off-site trips for guests, including all of the above, as well as visits to local vineyards, as we also did, where you can have a guided tour of an estate and the behind-the-scenes production processes before enjoying a tutored tasting to discover the secrets behind the region’s unique viticulture.

 

COASTAL TREASURES

There are also countless nearby towns and villages to visit, including to the seaside town of Taormina, a TikTokers paradise, where every street and every view is worth a reel in itself. With Mount Etna puffing away in the background, the town is framed beautifully by the Mediterranean on one side and rows of houses, apartments, churches, and hotels tittering on the vertiginous slopes on the other.

There’s a stunning 2,300-year-old Greek amphitheatre sitting out on a promontory overlooking the bay that plays hosts to numerous concerts and dramatic performances, while an evening stroll down the Corso Umberto, a narrow, tiled street filled with shops, restaurants and bars, is also not to be missed. Then there’s Isola Bella, a tiny island connected to the mainland by a strip of beach that disappears with the tide. It’s a picture at its most postcard-like, and it’s no wonder that the makers of murder mystery drama The White Lotus chose Taormina as a location to film its second series, using the Four Seasons Hotel San Domenico as its stunning centrepiece.

 

GODFATHER CONNECTIONS

Out next stop, sitting high above Taormina was Savoca, a small medieval town that also has a big screen connection after it was put on the world stage in scenes from The Godfather, the first film in Francis Ford Coppola’s trilogy charting the rise and fall of mafia boss Michael Corleone. Our guide showed us the places that are now synonymous with the film, including Bar Vitelli, where Michael first meets his future wife Apollonia’s father and asks for her hand in marriage, and the church where Michael and Apollonia eventually get married.

 

 

Although I was not nerdily knowledgeable about the finer details of the film, Savoca is certainly a beautiful spot, and our group was soon sharing YouTube clips from The Godfather so that we could get a better understanding of how little had changed in this village since those scenes were shot over 50 years ago. Many locals appeared as extras in the film, and the woman who played Apollonia’s mother, who is now in her 80s and still lives in the village, was happy to chat to us about working with Al Pacino and the crew.

So, whether you’re there to tackle its lava-fringed fairways, unwind in its luxurious spa, indulge in exceptional food and wine, or explore the island’s dramatic volcanic landscape and charming coastal towns, Il Picciolo is not just a golf destination —it’s a gateway to the heart and soul of eastern Sicily.

For bookings and enquiries about golf breaks to Picciolo Etna Golf Resort & Spa, visit www.hilton.com/en/hotels/ctasiqq-piccolo-etna-golf-resort-and-spa or email info@ilpiccioloetnagolfresort.com

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There are few places in the world where championship golf, myth-soaked landscapes, and culinary surprises come together as seamlessly as along Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coast. Matt Nicholson’s recent trip to this stunning stretch of shoreline was a masterclass in why this region continues to capture the hearts of golfers and travellers alike.

A RIVER JOURNEY WITH SPIRIT

After arriving in Belfast and leaving the capital city behind, we drove north towards the Causeway Coast, our anticipation growing with every mile. But before settling into our base, we kicked off the trip in truly memorable style with a journey down the River Bann on the Spirit of the Bann, hosted by the welcoming Wendy Gallagher of Causeway Coast Foodie Tours.

This wasn’t just any boat ride. Aboard the MV Kingfisher a beautifully restored vessel originally crafted by Belfast’s famed Harland and Wolff shipbuilders we drifted along the gentle curves of the Bann, soaking up the sunshine, history, and local flavour.

The tour celebrates Northern Ireland’s rich food and drink heritage, with an onboard showcase from Dunluce Distillery.

As we passed the ancient site of Mountsandel, considered one of the earliest known human settlements in Ireland, it was hard not to feel immersed in something timeless.

With glasses raised and the sun reflecting off the river, it was the perfect way to ease into the rhythm of the coast.

A COASTAL RETREAT AT ELEPHANT ROCK

Our base for the next two nights was the Elephant Rock Hotel in the heart of Portrush and what a find it was.

Owned and lovingly run by Charlotte Dixon, the hotel is a perfect reflection of her vision: stylish, full of personality, and effortlessly welcoming.

Housed in a beautifully restored Victorian townhouse, it combines period charm with bold, contemporary flair, think colourful interiors, thoughtful design touches, and an atmosphere that instantly puts you at ease.

From the moment we stepped through the door, we felt like more than just guests, we felt like part of the family.

It’s the kind of place that understands what travelling golfers need: a upremely comfortable bed, a great breakfast, and a genuine warmth that makes you look forward to coming back at the end of the day.

Whether you’re here for the links or simply to unwind by the sea, Elephant Rock is an absolute gem.

DINING AND FIRST ROUNDS

That evening, we dined at Shanty, one of Portrush’s rising culinary stars. Located right on the water, the menu celebrates fresh local produce and Northern Irish seafood.

It was the kind of meal that sets the tone for the rest of a trip thoughtful, delicious, and deeply satisfying.

In the morning, we made our way to Castlerock Golf Club, located just west of Coleraine.

Perched where the River Bann meets the Atlantic, Castlerock is a classic links course carved into rolling dunes with views that stretch across to Donegal and, on a clear day, even as far as Scotland and Islay.

We tackled the Mussenden Links, Castlerock’s championship layout.

Designed to test even seasoned players, the course delivers everything you’d hope for from a traditional links: undulating fairways, unpredictable winds, and natural beauty in abundance.

I played surprisingly well, which always helps and the post-round fish and chips in the welcoming clubhouse were well-earned and well-enjoyed.

The atmosphere here was laid-back and warm, with the kind of hospitality that instantly makes you feel like a member.

GIANTS, CASTLES, AND COASTLINES

No trip to this region would be complete without a visit to the legendary Giant’s Causeway, and after our round at Castlerock, we headed there
in the afternoon sun.

The site more than lives up to its billing. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Causeway’s landscape of interlocking basalt columns was formed over 60 million years ago by volcanic activity or, if local legend is to be believed, by the mighty giant Fionn mac Cumhaill, who built the pathway to challenge a Scottish rival.

The 20-minute walk from the visitor centre to the stones is worth every step.

Along the way, you’ll spot distinctive formations like the Wishing Chair, the Camel, and the Harp.

The visitor centre itself, built to blend seamlessly into the landscape, is a marvel of eco-friendly design and offers everything from interactive exhibits to audio tours.

On our way back, we made time for a stop at Dunluce Castle. Perched dramatically on a cliff edge, this medieval ruin is steeped in myth and mystery.

Its strategic position and tumultuous history from early Irish settlers to sieges and shipwrecks – make it one of the most evocative sights on the Antrim coast.

THE NIGHT BEFORE PORTRUSH

Back in Portrush, dinner that evening was at Wine Bar, Ramore Restaurants, where the food, as always in Northern Ireland, was top-notch. From fresh seafood to creative desserts, every course was a winner.

Later, we headed to one of the true institutions of Irish golf culture: the Harbour Bar. Packed with memorabilia and stories, it’s arguably the finest 19th hole in the country maybe the world.

Jerseys, photographs, scorecards, and signatures line the walls, chronicling a rich history of visiting golfing greats.

The bar has become an unofficial clubhouse for the international golf community.

We soaked in the atmosphere over a couple of pints before calling it a night, there was a big round ahead.

THE DUNLUCE AWAKENING

After a restful night at Elephant Rock and a hearty breakfast, the time had come. Royal Portrush Golf Club’s Dunluce Links awaited, the crown jewel of Northern Irish golf and the host of this year’s Open Championship.

It had been more than two decades since my last visit to Portrush, and much had changed, not least the addition of two new holes introduced ahead of Shane Lowry’s triumphant 2019 Open win.

The clubhouse, rich with history and alive with Open memorabilia, was a joy to explore. The Claret Jug gleamed in its glass case, surrounded by photos and stories of legends past.

We teed off as dawn broke, first on the course, with a stiff 30mph wind rolling in off the Atlantic. Gary, our Forecaddie, was an absolute gem, full of insight, good humour, and stories from the Open. In 2019, he was even asked to caddie during the qualifying rounds.

The wind made every shot an adventure, and Gary rated the conditions a solid 9/10 on the difficulty scale.

The back nine brought more stability in my game, aided by a quick bite and a coffee at the halfway hut.

By the end of the round, I was reluctant to leave the fairways behind. This was links golf at its most thrilling, most authentic, and most humbling.

Still, nothing could detract from the sheer quality of the course. Each hole is a masterpiece, rugged, strategic, and breath-taking. The highlight came at the fearsome Calamity Corner, the par-3 16th stretching 235 yards across a gaping chasm.

Armed with my driver, I managed to find the back of the green and two-putted for a proud par. It’s one of the most iconic par-3s in golf and for good reason.

FAREWELL FROM THE CLUBHOUSE

We wrapped up with lunch back at the Royal Portrush clubhouse, swapping stories and soaking in the view one last time.

There’s a special energy in the air here, part history, part community, and part elemental force from the coast itself.

Driving back to Belfast to catch the flight home, I reflected on what made the trip so unforgettable.

Yes, the golf was world-class. Yes, the scenery was out of this world. But it was also the people, the caddies, the hoteliers, the restaurateurs, and fellow travellers, who made it special.

Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coast offers much more than a golf trip. It’s a full-bodied experience, rich in culture, wrapped in history, and topped with a touch of magic.

Travel Tips: Playing & Staying Along the Causeway Coast

GETTING THERE

Fly into Belfast International (BFS) or George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD). Both offer easy access to the Causeway Coast (approx. 1–1.5 hrs by car). Car hire is essential to explore the area properly — especially if you’re hauling golf clubs. Golf News flew with Easyjet www.easyjet.com

MUST-PLAY COURSES

Royal Portrush (Dunluce Links) – Host of The Open. Book well in advance. www.royalportrushgolfclub.com

Castlerock Golf Club – A beautiful, challenging links course with local charm. www.castlerockgc.co.uk

Consider adding Portstewart Golf Club if you’re extending your trip. www.portstewartgc.co.uk

WHERE TO STAY

Elephant Rock Hotel, Portrush, Stylish, family-run boutique hotel ideal for golfers. Great food, great location, and warm hospitality. www.elephantrockhotel.co.uk

EAT & DRINK

Shanty (Portrush) – Fresh, seafood-driven menu with coastal views. www.shantyportrush.com

Ramore Wine Bar – Local favourite with a buzzing atmosphere. www.ramorerestaurant.com

Harbour Bar, Portrush – A must-visit for golfers. Packed with memorabilia and great craic. www.ramorerestaurant.com/restaurant/ harbour-bar/

DON’T MISS

Giant’s Causeway – Go early or late to beat the crowds. Use the clifftop trail for dramatic views. www.nationaltrust.org. uk/visit/northern-ireland/giants-causeway

Dunluce Castle – One of the most photogenic ruins in Ireland. www. discovernorthernireland.com

Spirit of the Bann Tour – Relaxing, local, and full of flavour. www.causewaycoastfoodietours.com

BEST TIME TO VISIT

May–September offers the best chance of decent weather and course conditions. Summer evenings are long — perfect for twilight rounds.

PRO TIP

If playing Royal Portrush, request a forecaddie they’ll help you navigate the wind, read the greens, and add local colour to your round.

REMEMBER

Northern Ireland is part of the common travel area, meaning there are no travel restrictions for British travellers.

For more information visit: www.Ireland.com/northernireland

 

 

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Golfers seeking the perfect base for their next golf trip need look no further than the high-end penthouse accommodation on offer from SOL GOLF.

Overlooking the stunning Puerto de Sotogrande and located just a ten-minute drive from some of the finest golf courses in the area, SOL GOLF is dedicated to creating incredible experiences for its guests

Boasting more than 300 days of sunshine and home to some of the most highly rated golf courses on the continent of Europe in a luxurious setting, the Sotogrande area has everything to offer both on and off the golf course.

EASY ACCESS TO GOLFING HEAVEN

Situated within one hour of both Gibraltar and Malaga airports and with a minimum of five direct flights from the UK daily, the destination is well suited to accommodate golfers seeking the best golf getaway that money can buy.

And with SOL GOLF’s unparalleled penthouse accommodation, golfers can be rest assured that their trip is one to remember! Nestled in the exclusive and highly desirable Ribera del Obispo complex, the set-up is comprised of two beautifully appointed four en-suite bedroom apartments.

Suitable for small groups, couples and families, as well as larger parties of up to 16 people, both apartments feature a stunning balcony area to soak up the impressive vista over breakfast and while relaxing on the outdoor sofas.

With far-reaching views of the Mediterranean Sea, the apartments provide a quiet haven to wind down and relax after days on the course and evenings out in Sotogrande, which offers a vibrant nightlife and an array of the finest dining options in the Costa del Sol region.

SOL GOLF can also help personalise every booking with a host of additional services, including a private chef, yacht charters and private airport transfers to ensure a hassle-free experience.

FIVE STAR GOLF COURSES

And you won’t have to travel far to find some fantastic golf courses to play! Golfers can visit the world-renowned Real Club Valderrama, which with its pristine cork-tree forest-lined fairways and small, elevated green complexes provides a superb challenge.

While just next door is the stunning La Reserva Club Sotogrande, offering wide sweeping fairways that provide breath taking views in every direction.

Real Club de Sotogrande, the closest venue to the SOL GOLF residences, is situated near the shoreline of the Mediterranean Sea to provide another best-in-class option for guests to consider playing during their trip.

On offer at La Hacienda Links Golf Resort are out-of-this-world panoramic views of the sea and Rock of Gibraltar, while just further south is La Zagaleta Golf Club which ensures one of Europe’s most exclusive experiences for those seeking the ultimate day out on the course.

lightly further afield is Finca Cortesin, an award-winning venue considered a true Spanish gem and host to the 2023 Solheim Cup; the beautiful and historic San Roque Golf Club; and the elegant Marbella Club further up the coastline.

AWAY FROM THE FAIRWAYS

And it doesn’t stop there, with a host of off- course activities to be enjoyed in Sotogrande and the surrounding region.

These include an extensive selection of vibrant bars and restaurants, stunning local architecture, golden beaches, and cultural attractions to enjoy during some time away from the immaculate fairways.

Whether it’s all about ticking off bucket list courses, enjoying local seafood and cuisine or immersing yourself in stunning natural beauty, the SOL GOLF team are on hand to ensure guests can line up the ultimate itinerary.

 

WHY CONSIDER SOL GOLF FOR YOUR NEXT GOLF TRIP?

• Luxury accommodation to suit different group sizes
• Stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea from the balcony
• Situated in a prime location near some of Europe’s best golf courses
• Relax before and after golf in a serene setting
• Close to an incredible selection of local dining options
• Year-round destination with plenty of sunshine
• Dedicated team with a combined 40+ years’ experience
• Every detail is considered to make each trip memorable
• To find out more, and to book your next golf trip with SOL GOLF, visit www.solgolf.es

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With the US Open rolling into Oakmont Country Club for the tenth time in the championship’s storied history in June, there has never been a better time to plan a golf trip to Pittsburgh, the shining jewel of Western Pennsylvania, where America’s industrial past rubs shoulders with its glittering future, and where the choice of superb golf courses is only matched by the City of Champions’ wonderful hospitality.

As anyone who has ever been lucky enough to go the Masters Tournament will tell you, watching the greatest exponents of the professional in action on one of the world’s most iconic golf courses is one life’s great bucket list ticks.

As well as providing an opportunity to marvel at the beauty of the course and admiring the skills on show, a visit to the Masters, in fact any major championship, also serves to whet your appetite to get back out on the golf course to find out if a tiny bit of that magical stardust that the top players possess has rubbed off on you.

Of course, it rarely does, and no matter how inspired you may feel by the dazzling skills you have witnessed up close and personal, translating those miracle flop shots and booming 350-yard drives takes more than a little practice and talent. Still, it won’t stop me trying, and nor should it you.

This, in a roundabout way, goes some way to explaining the growing popularity for golf holidays that combine a visit to a tournament, with time left over to play a bit of your own golf in the local area and take in the sights, sounds and smells.

While tour pros generally jet in and out of championship venues without seeing anything more than the inside of their hotel suite and the view from the backseat of a luxury people carrier en route to the golf course, less time- pressured independent travellers at least get the opportunity to take some time to explore their surroundings, tee it up at some local courses and enjoy whatever the local hospitality has to offer.

While the Masters, of course, is rooted in Augusta, Georgia and will be for as long as the sun shines on God’s green earth, the US Open and the US PGA Championship hop around America at dozens of different courses and states, from Pebble Beach in northern California to Kiawah Island on the east coast of Florida and many points in between.

While this year’s PGA Championship was staged at Quail Hollow in North Carolina for only the second time in its history, the 125th US Open is returning to the venerable Oakmont Country Club in Pennsylvania from June 9-15 for what will be the Pittsburgh-based venue’s tenth staging of the championship.

Located just 15 miles from the centre of Pittsburgh, one of the reason that the US Open has been staged at Oakmont more than any other course is not hard to see at soon as you step foot on the property.

In fact, hard is the operative word here. Oakmont is hard with a capital H. And those pain-inflicting souls that run the US Open like their courses to be hard.

To get a basic understanding of how difficult the challenge Oakmont presents you only need to look at the scores from the last two stagings of the championship held there. In 2007, Argentina’s Angel Cabrera lifted the trophy with a winning score of +5, while Dustin Johnson was one of just four players in the 156-strong field to break par when he won in 2016.

And while it’s probably not a lot of fun to play – unless you like pain – it’s extremely entertaining to watch the world’s best golfers having to play their very best to make par and even be happy with bogey, just like we ‘normal’ golfers do week in week out.

Seeing first-hand how Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy extricate themselves from cavernous bunkers, escape from ankle-deep rough and navigate lightening quick greens is a lesson in itself, and well worth the price of a day ticket.

And while bagging a ticket to the US Open is no easy feat, getting a tee time at Oakmont is even harder, as you can only play it as a member’s guest.

Thankfully, there are plenty of other more welcoming and golfer-friendly courses in the Pittsburgh area on which to test your skills – whatever your handicap or experience levels.

THE PICK OF PITTSBURGH GOLF

While Pittsburgh’s proud sporting identity is forged around its beloved sports teams – Steelers (American Football), Pirates (Baseball), and Penguins (Ice Hockey) – this underrated, highly livable city may not, at first glance, seem like a hotbed of golf, but it holds an exalted place in golf history and has more than its fair share of excellent tracks.

In the public sphere, the best golf courses in Pittsburgh take full advantage of the rolling and hilly wooded terrain that dominates the Western Pennsylvania landscape, although you have to drive a little way beyond the city limits to get to them.

Olde Stonewall Golf Club, located 30 minutes northwest of Pittsburgh, was rated among the best new courses in the US when it first opened in 1999 and has regularly featured among the country’s top 50 public courses ever since.

With 15-minute tee intervals, golfers will have time to savour this superb track, whose front nine is laid out on rolling terrain sandwiched between a ridge and a creek, while the back nine sees raised tees hang on severe slopes held in place by giant blocks of limestone.

After your round, make sure you find time relax in the unforgettable and spectacular clubhouse which is designed in the style of a mediaeval castle.

Closer to the city, and in fact located right in the heart of it, is the Bob O’Connor Golf Course at Schenley Park. With golf having been played here since 1897, ‘The Bob’, which is named after a former city mayor, is one of the oldest municipal courses in the US.

The 9-hole course, which measures just 2,400 yards, and features seven par-4s and two par-3s, is popular with beginners, families and children learning to play the game thought the First Tee programme, but for the visiting golfer it’s a delightful way to spend a couple of hours for the price of a couple of beers, with the green fee set at just $16.

A 25-minute drive south of the city will take you to the delightful 27-hole course at Lindenwood Golf Club in Canonsburg, where the three distinctly different loops of nine providing unique challenges, with Gold being the most forgiving, Red the longest, and the Blue being the most challenging. Finding the right combination is no easy choice – the Gold features fewer water hazards – so the best advice would be to play all three.

For golf on a grander scale, Speidel Golf Club at Oglebay Resort, which is nestled in the rolling hills of Wheeling, 60 miles west of Pittsburgh, is home to four golf courses, but the two championship-level layouts designed by Arnold Palmer and Robert Trent Jones Snr.

The former is a par-71 layout with six short holes and five par-5s and can play as long as 6,800 yards and as short as 4,200, so it’s designed to accommodate all levels of players, while the Jones course is a far more muscular design, stretching to 7,000 yards off the tips and covering some hilly terrain it’ll challenge all aspects of your game.

If time and stamina allows, Cranberry Highlands, a 25-mile drive due north of the city, is a public course with the private club vibe that boasts a superb 6,500-yard, links-style course with plenty of changes in elevation to keep things interesting.

While the publicly-owned courses at North Park and South Park, both of which are run by Allegheny County, are just a short run north and south of the city, offer stunning views and are both part of much wider public outdoor leisure facilities.

PITTSBURGH PUBLIC GOLF COURSES

QUICKSILVER GOLF CLUB

www.quicksilvergolf.com

NORTH PARK GOLF COURSE

www.alleghenycounty.us/Parks-and- Events/Activities/Golf-Courses

SOUTH PARK GOLF COURSE

www.alleghenycounty.us/Parks-and- Events/Activities/Golf-Courses

OGLEBAY RESORT

www.oglebay.com

HICKORY HEIGHTS GOLF CLUB

www.hickoryheightsgolf.com

OLDE STONEWALL GOLF CLUB

www.oldestonewall.com

CRANBERRY HIGHLANDS GOLF CLUB

www.cranberryhighlands.com

TANGLEWOOD GOLF COURSE

www.tanglewoodgc.online

BOB O’CONNOR GOLF COURSE

www.thebobgc.com

GRAND VIEW GOLF CLUB

www.pittsburghgolf.com

MEADOWINK GOLF COURSE

www.meadowinkgolf.com

WESTWOOD GOLF CLUB

www.westwoodlinks.net

RIVERVIEW GOLF COURSE

www.riverviewpa.com

LINDENWOOD GOLF CLUB

www.lindenwoodgolf.com

3 LAKES GOLF COURSE

www.3lakesgolf.com

For more information about where to play golf in and around Pittsburgh.

Visit visitpittsburgh. com/things-to-do/outdoor-adventure/golf/

OFF COURSE ACTIVITIES

When UK travelers think about must-visit destinations in the US cities like New York, Miami, and San Fransico often come to mind.

However, tucked away in western Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh offers a unique and vibrant experience that combines rich history, a thriving arts scene, an eclectic food culture, outdoor adventures, and a strong sense of community.

Known as the ‘Steel City’ because of its industrial roots, Pittsburgh has evolved into a
modern, dynamic city that offers something for every kind of traveler.

If you’re looking for a destination that blends old- world charm with contemporary innovation, here are several compelling reasons to add Pittsburgh to your travel list.

ARTS

Pittsburgh is home to the seven- story Andy Warhol Museum, which celebrates the globally renowned artist who was born in the city. Holding the largest collection of Warhol’s work in the world, the exhibition includes his earliest drawings, illustrations and video output.

The impressive gift shop sells all kinds of ephemera inspired by Warhol’s art, including any number of items imprinted with tins of Campbell’s Tomato soup, from mugs and candles to lunch bags and tea towels, T-shirts and caps.

Pittsburgh’s cultural scene has been significantly shaped by the steel magnates of the past, such as Andrew Carnegie and Henry Clay Frick.

Their contributions can be seen in world-class institutions like the Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History and The Frick Pittsburgh Museums & Gardens, which offer an impressive collection of art, fossils, and artifacts.

While the Heinz History Center does feature impressive ketchup displays, it’s six floors
of interactive exhibitions tell the story of the region’s industrial, cultural and sporting past.

RIDE THE INCLINES!

The Duquesne and the Monongahela Inclines are a pair of funiculars that zip up and down the steep slopes of Mt Washington every few minutes.

The ornate wooden cable cars, which retain all their original features, which are used by locals and tourists, provide spectacular views of the Pittsburgh skyline, especially at night, while the station at the top has an observation deck to help you take in more of those views.

You can make a loop using the two funiculars, going up one, walking along Grandview Ave for about a mile and coming down the other. Tickets cost $5 for a round trip.

BIKE THE BURGH

With 24 miles of riverfront trails and 446 bridges, there are plenty of ways to stay active in Pittsburgh.

The Great Allegheny Passage, locally known as the GAP trail, is a 150-mile path that connects to the C&O Canal Towpath leading visitors from Pittsburgh to Washington DC.

Rent a bicycle from Bike the Burgh and enjoy a leisurely ride along the Monongahela River. Speaking of bicycles, visit Bicycle Heaven Museum to see the world’s largest collection of two-wheeled, self-propelled transport — with nearly 6,000 bikes on display.

ARCHITECTURE MASTERPIECE

Fallingwater isn’t just a house—it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and a stunning example of organic architecture, blending art, nature, and innovation.

Located about 70 miles southeast of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Fallingwater is one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s most iconic masterpieces.

Built in 1935, this architectural marvel is famous for its dramatic cantilevered design over a waterfall, seamlessly integrating with the surrounding landscape.

Visitors can explore its beautifully preserved interiors and learn about Wright’s visionary philosophy.

General admission starts at $39, offering a rare chance to experience one of America’s greatest architectural treasures.

THRIVING FOOD SCENE

Pittsburgh’s culinary landscape is diverse and thriving, with options that cater to every palate.

From classic Pittsburgh sandwiches to high-end dining, the city’s food scene is constantly evolving.

Don’t leave without trying a Primanti Bros. sandwich, a Pittsburgh institution known for its unique combination of meat, tomato, coleslaw, and French fries stuffed between thick slices of Italian bread.

For a taste of the city’s multicultural heritage, explore neighborhoods like Bloomfield (Pittsburgh’s Little Italy) or the Strip District, where you’ll find an array of international markets, restaurants and food vendors.

Whether you’re in the mood for pierogies, Thai food, or authentic Middle Eastern dishes, the Strip District offers a little bit of everything.

If you want an local food insiders’ view, a ticket for the Burgh Bits & Bites Tour (burghfoodtour.com) is highly recommended, as their knowledgeable and friendly tour guides will make sure you visit all the best places and a get true taste of Pittsburgh hospitality.

SPORTS FANS’ HEAVEN

Whether you’re cheering for the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium, watching the Pittsburgh Penguins dominate the ice at PPG Paints Arena, or taking in a Pirates game at PNC Park.

Pittsburgh’s sports culture is like no other city in the US. Even if you’re not a die-hard fan of American Football, baseball or ice hockey, the atmosphere and energy during game days are contagious and worth experiencing, so be sure to snap up ringside seats well ahead of time.

A CITY OF SURPRISES

Pittsburgh is a city that defies expectations. It blends history, art, culture, and natural beauty in a way that few other US cities can.

Whether you’re a history buff, foodie, outdoor enthusiast, or sports fan, there’s something in Pittsburgh that will capture your heart. So, if you’re looking for your next adventure, Pittsburgh is ready to surprise you.

For the latest information about events and activities in Pittsburgh, check out visitpittsburgh.com

 

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