Tag: Golf Travel

6Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Bucket List, Holidays & Trips

Sports travel bucket list: ‘Italian Swing’ golf trip on La Dolce Vita Orient Express

For golf travellers who believe the journey should be every bit as memorable as the destination, the “Italian Swing” voyage aboard the La Dolce Vita Orient Express is a bucket list experience like no other. This four-day, three-night adventure fuses world-class golf with the romance of slow luxury travel – a rolling celebration of Italy’s landscapes, cuisine, and culture. Unveiled as part of the La Dolce Vita Orient Express’s series of curated Italian itineraries, the Italian Swing offers an indulgent round trip from Rome to Apulia, Siena, and Perugia, showcasing Italy’s finest fairways in cinematic style. Think golden Tuscan hills, medieval towns, coastal vistas, and evenings of exquisite dining – all wrapped in the timeless elegance of a train that redefines old-world glamour. Onbo...

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5Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Bucket List, Holidays & Trips

Sports travel bucket list: ‘Highland Icons’ golf breaks at Links House

The UK's most northerly luxury destination has launched 'Highland Icons' golf breaks on the world-famous North Coast 500 for autumn and spring. The five-star Links House at Royal Dornoch has created the ultimate stay-and-play packages for passionate golfers looking for a world-class experience within easy access of four championship level courses listed amongst the UK's top 100. Located just one hour from Inverness Airport, Links House is easily accessible for a two or three-night golf break from London, Manchester, Bristol and Belfast.  As well as sitting less than 100 yards from the first tee at Royal Dornoch, the legendary Links House is also well-placed within 30 minutes of Brora, Tain and Golspie golf courses.  Whether you're escaping for a competitive few days with frie...

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20Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Guides, Holidays & Trips, Hotels & Resorts

Sports resort in focus: Murrayshall Country Estate & Golf Club, Scotland

Nestled in the heart of Scotland’s rolling Perthshire countryside, just 20 minutes from Dundee Airport and under an hour from Edinburgh, Murrayshall Country Estate & Golf Club is a luxury retreat that fuses championship golf with timeless Scottish hospitality. Set across 365 acres of parkland and woodland, this historic estate is both a tranquil escape and a gateway to some of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks. With its blend of elite golf access, refined accommodation, diverse dining, and adventure-filled countryside setting, Murrayshall offers the complete Scottish getaway. Whether you’re chasing bucket-list golf, a romantic retreat, or an outdoor family escape, this Perthshire gem delivers an unforgettable experience at the very heart of Scotland. https://www.youtube.com/watch...

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18Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Guides

A guide to golf in Dubai

Dubai has firmly established itself as one of the world’s premier golf tourism destinations, attracting both seasoned professionals and enthusiastic amateurs to its sun-drenched fairways. What was once desert terrain has been transformed into a golfer’s paradise, where championship courses designed by legends of the game sit alongside cutting-edge entertainment venues and luxurious resorts. The city’s year-round warm climate, stunning skyline backdrops, and exceptional hospitality make it an irresistible choice for anyone looking to combine sport with leisure. At the heart of Dubai’s appeal is its role as a regular stop on the men’s DP World Tour (formerly the European Tour), with prestigious events such as the Hero Dubai Desert Classic and season-ending DP World Tour Championship drawi...

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4Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business

Golf Tourism South Africa launches to promote golf travel across the country

A new era for South African tourism has begun with the launch of Golf Tourism South Africa (GTSA), currently the only national platform solely focused on promoting golf tourism across the country. Registered as a Non-Profit Company (NPC), GTSA brings together the golf, travel, wine, hospitality, and lifestyle industries under one collaborative umbrella – with the mission of positioning South Africa as a world-class golf tourism destination. GSTA has been founded by Cuthbert Simphiwe Ncube, chair of the African Tourism Board, global tourism leader, and GTSA director; Charlene Thomson, founder of We Women Golf Magazine, golf tourism expert, and GTSA co-visionary; and Lynnqwinda Scott, founder of Visit Africa, digital marketing strategist with more than 20 years in tourism, branding, and ...

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16Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Hotels & Resorts, Venues & Stadiums

Leading Courses ranks Costa Navarino as Europe’s best golf resort for 2025

Leading Courses has unveiled the ninth edition of its "Europe’s Best Golf Resorts" ranking and Costa Navarino in Greece has taken the top spot.  Based on traveller reviews, the ranking is compiled using scores composed of 50% ratings from leadingcourses.com and 50% hotel and resort reviews from Booking.com. Resorts not listed on Booking.com are ineligible for the ranking, even if they might be considered among the best.  Additionally, bonus points are awarded to resorts with multiple golf courses – more holes mean more golfing enjoyment. In the case of a tie, the golf course rating determines the final ranking. If everything is still equal, the position is shared. For many golf travellers, a resort with multiple golf courses is a major advantage. It offers the ultimate luxury: a...

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12Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business

IAGTO launches three global golf tourism conventions for 2025

IAGTO – the International Association of Golf Tour Operators – has announced Danang in Vietnam, Gran Canaria in Spain, and Alabama in the US as the host destinations for its three global golf tourism conventions taking place in 2025. Established in 1997, IAGTO is the global trade organisation of the golf tourism industry with more than 2,200 member companies in 92 countries, including 662 golf tour operators in 68 countries, responsible for more than 90% of all golf vacation packages sold worldwide.   The three conventions confirmed for 2025 are:  11th Asia Golf Tourism Convention (AGTC) in Danang, Vietnam, from 2-4 April 2025  3rd IAGTO European Convention (IEC) in Gran Canaria, Spain, from 19-21 May  2025  16th North America Golf Tourism Conv...

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1Sep By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips, Hotels & Resorts

Italy golf holidays: the ‘ultimate golf getaway’ to Rome 

The First Roma by The Pavilions Hotels & Resorts has launched the “Ultimate Golf Getaway” in partnership with Parco di Roma Golf Club. The new three-night experience blends exploration of the Eternal City and its timeless beauty, with exquisite accommodation and time on Parco di Roma’s pristine greens and fairways, complete with views of St Peter’s Dome.  Comprising The First Musica, Rome by The Pavilions; The First Dolce, Rome by The Pavilions; and the recently refurbished The First Arte, Rome by The Pavilions, The First Roma by The Pavilions Hotels & Resorts offers a unique deconstructed urban resort experience that highlights the sights, tastes and sounds of Rome as part of each guest’s journey. Each of the three hotels is an elegant retreat in the heart of the city, com...

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25Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips

UAE golf travel: ‘stay and play’ at Al Zorah Golf Club and Oberoi Beach Resort

Al Zorah Golf Club and The Oberoi Beach Resort, Al Zorah, in the UAE are offering golfers the opportunity to experience a luxury getaway this winter after releasing an exclusive “stay and play” golf package. Guests can take advantage of world-class golf – and a stunning climate – with an array of five-star benefits over the coming months at one of the UAE’s most spectacular destinations, which is situated just 30 minutes from Dubai International Airport in the heart of Al Zorah City.  The Troon-managed Al Zorah Golf Club opened for play in 2015 and is already regarded as one of the best courses in the Middle East. Designed by legendary 18-time major champion Jack Nicklaus, the course meanders around a natural mangrove landscape and two spectacular lakes. With a driving range and extensi...

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6Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business

World Golf Awards 2023: Portugal named world’s best golf destination

The World Golf Awards has announced the big winners for 2023 at its tenth annual gala ceremony, held in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Portugal enjoyed a strong showing and was named the world’s best golf destination, and The Algarve’s Quinta do Lago – South Course (pictured) claimed the best golf course in Europe award. Dunas Golf Course, Terras da Comporta collected two best newcomer categories: Europe’s best new golf course and world’s best new golf course.  Serapong Course at Singapore’s Sentosa Golf Club emerged victorious by taking the coveted title of world’s best golf course and Australian golfing legend-turned-designer Greg Norman was named golf course designer of the year.  Apes Hills Barbados, with its lush tropical setting and stunning coastal views, was voted the world’s best eco-...

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Golf: World Champions Cup

The World Champions Cup, a new international match play team golf event, will be held for the first time from 7-10 December 2023. Hosted at The Concession Golf Club in Bradenton, Florida, the three-team tournament is sanctioned by the PGA Tour and will see Team International, Team USA, and Team Europe compete for the cup. https://twitter.com/WorldChampsCup/status/1648424249907093504 Three legends of the sport – Jim Furyk (Team USA), Ernie Els (Team International) and Darren Clarke (Team Europe) – have been confirmed as the team captains. The World Champions Cup will be contested across three days of nine-hole matches (both team formats and singles play). Points will be earned for holes won in each match – all matches will go the full nine-holes. After three-days, the team with the hi...

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Men’s golf: Horizon Irish Open 2024

The Horizon Irish Open, a tournament on the men’s golf DP World Tour (European Tour), will return to Northern Ireland in 2024. Taking place at Royal County Down Golf Club in Newcastle, County Down, from 12-15 September 2024, this will be the fifth edition of the Irish Open to be held in Northern Ireland.  Voted No.1 in the World’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses by Golf Digest magazine in 2017, 2018 and 2019, Royal County Down is located in one of the world’s “most naturally beautiful links settings” in the Murlough Nature Reserve, said Discover Northern Ireland. For ticket information and hotels see: Tickets: europeantour.com Hotels in Newcastle, NI: Expedia | Hotels.com | LastMinute.com     Editor’s note: Sports Tourism Media works with a number of affilia...

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27Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Travel

Solheim Cup 2023 host venue: Finca Cortesín, Andalusia, Spain

It’s not just the men’s Ryder Cup that golf fans will be looking forward to this autumn – the 18th Solheim Cup will also see the best women golfers from Europe and the United States go head to head.  Held every two years, the Solheim Cup will take place this year from 22-24 September 2023 at Finca Cortesin Hotel, Golf & Spa in Casares, Andalucía. It's the first time that Spain has hosted the prestigious women’s team golf event. “Finca Cortesin is a world-class venue and deserving host of the 2023 Solheim Cup as it takes place in Spain for the first time in the tournament’s history,” said Alexandra Armas, CEO of the Ladies European Tour. “The Costa del Sol is truly one of golf’s most exciting destinations and I am sure that the pristine and challenging course design at Finca will...

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30Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Guides

Golf in Puerto Rico: three of the best golf courses 

Boasting around 30 idyllic golf courses, Puerto Rico is regarded as one of the Caribbean’s top places to play golf. With almost year-round sunshine, stunning scenery and welcoming locals, the unincorporated territory of the United States is an ideal destination for a golfing getaway. Here we look at three of the best golf courses in Puerto Rico. TPC Dorado Beach https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DN7wV07WHdw Located at the luxurious Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Dorado, Puerto Rico, TPC Dorado Beach is home to two world-class golf courses: the East Course and Sugarcane Course. When not playing host to the PGA Tour, the Grand Reserve Golf Club provides visitors with a one-of-a-kind tropical golfing experience. The course is known in the professional golf scene as the most ...

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27Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel

Links, lochs and isles: Hebridean Princess to host UK ‘golf cruise’ in 2024

For one week only in September next year, the Hebridean Princess cruise ship will treat golfers to an awe-inspiring Gaelic links, lochs and isles “golf cruise” in Scotland and Northern Ireland.  The Hebridean Island Cruises' luxury liner, which is part of the PoB Hotels collection, accommodates just 48 guests. Taking place from 10-17 September 2024, the golf cruise will start and end in the town of Oban, which is known as the “gateway to the Isles”. Guests will enjoy seven nights on board the Hebridean Princess and the trip includes two gala dinners.  Available for golfers of all abilities, many of the courses are set in spectacular rolling sand dunes with stunning coastal views. “The added benefit is that nobody needs to be an expert to enjoy this wonderful cruise,” Hebridean Island...

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18Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Bucket List, Guides, Holidays & Trips, Hotels & Resorts

Scottish golf bucket list: best golf resorts in Scotland

Here at Sports Tourism Media we love a bit of golf – and we also love Scotland. Okay, we're definitely not good enough to be swinging with the best of 'em on the top golf courses in the home of golf, but every hacker can dream, right? In this round-up – which is pretty much our Scotland golf travel bucket list – we pick out some of Scotland's best "stay and play" golf resorts and hotels (ranked in no particular order). These places are so picturesque that even if your game isn't up to scratch, they're worth a visit just to admire the scenery. And there's the bonus of a dram or two of Scotch, of course... Did you know? The East Lothian region is known as “Scotland’s golf coast”. Along 30 miles of coastal terrain there are 21 Scottish golf courses, which makes it the "gr...

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Golf Festival Kitzbühel – Austrian Tirol

From 18-25 June 2023, the centre of Kitzbühel in the Austrian Tirol will be transformed into a golfing haven for the Golf Festival Kitzbühel, with keen golfers gathering to participate in the unique tournament. The highlight of the week is Golf the Streif, 12 holes at 800m altitude, previously known as Streif-Attack. The aim is to conquer the Streif, considered the world’s most difficult downhill ski course, but with a golf club rather than skis.  Away from the golf course, award-winning chefs and selected winegrowers will provide delicious meals and wine pairings to ensure the tastiest golf week of the summer. This is golfing with a culinary twist, a festival of flavour as well as sport.  See more at kitzbuehel.com and tyrol.com  Image: kitzbuehel.com

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2024 ​​IAGTO European Convention, Malaga

Global golf tourism organisation the IAGTO (International Association of Golf Tour Operators) has announced that its European Convention will return to Andalucía in Spain in 2024. Held from 13-15 May 2024, the event will take place in the city of Málaga, the gateway to the “Costa del Golf”. Established in 1997, IAGTO’s membership comprises almost 2,500 accredited golf tour operators, golf resorts, hotels, golf courses, receptive operators, airlines, tourist boards, approved media and business partners in 90 countries including, at its core, 675 specialist golf tour operators in 61 countries. IAGTO’s operators control more than 90% of golf holiday packages sold worldwide and turnover more than €2.5bn per year. For event information and hotels see: Event details: iagto.com Hote...

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27Sep By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Guides, Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel

Golf in Italy: eight of the best golf courses in Emilia Romagna

With more than 20 courses, the northern Italian region of Emilia Romagna is an ideal destination for both beginner and professional golfers alike. It also provides a rich cultural background to enjoy in-between rounds, meaning golfers can combine spa holidays, food and wine, and art on their trip. Here we take a look at eight of the best golf courses in Emilia Romagna, Italy.  Adriatic Golf Club Cervia, Ravenna This charming 27-hole golf club (top picture) is located amongst pine forests and salt lakes, a setting of natural beauty just a short distance from the sea. Enjoy water obstacles and innovative design that guarantees enjoyment for golfer across all levels. Previously, the Italian PGA Championships have been held here on several occasions, the latest being held in 2019. The co...

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3May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business, Sports Travel

£30m relaunch: Apes Hill in Barbados aims to become ‘the best golfing experience in the Caribbean’

A golf performance and teaching centre featuring a state-of-the-art Titleist Performance Institute (TPI), the first of its kind in the Caribbean, will open at Apes Hill Golf & Beach Club in Barbados in January 2022.  Utilising the latest technology and a science-based approach, Apes Hill's Golf Performance and Teaching Centre will evaluate every aspect of a player's game to perfect their swing and unlock their full potential. Apes Hill has worked with experts Dave Phillips and Tim Cutshall in designing and fitting the centre. Key features will include a specialised swing analysis teaching bay with a PuttView ball tracking green and an agnostic club fitting system with trackman technology. Currently undergoing a £30m renovation, Apes Hill Golf & Beach Club is relaunchin...

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