From Ballybunion to Tralee and more, golf in Ireland's southwest coast just keeps getting better
Ireland's most popular golf tour can be found in the next door counties of Clare and Kerry on the southwest coast, home to many dramatic links courses. Residents in the many seaside towns boast warm hospitality and a unique "craic," a term they use to describe their love of pub banter. And thanks to new and renovated golf clubs in recent years, it's a destination that just keeps getting better.
... full article »Golf vacation planning: How to pack for a trip to Ireland
Packing for a trip to play the golf courses in Ireland is both a science and a guessing game. For starters, you don't want to pack too heavy, especially if you're self-driving during your golf tour. But you also need to pack for the unexpected: namely, Irish weather. Versatility is the key. Here's a primer of what to bring for that Irish links experience.
... full article »Golf in the Pays de La Loire region of France: C'est magnifique
Sitting hard by the Atlantic, just south of Brittany and Normandy, the Pays de La Loire region of France boasts picturesque chateaux - and numerous golf courses including La Bretesche, Barriere La Baule and Golf de Pornic.
... full article »Golf not a passion with the French, but it's growing in Bordeaux's wine country
The locals in Bordeaux say a glass (or two) of wine before teeing off is good for your golf. Luckily, within an hour's drive from the airport, lie Golf du Medoc and Chateau des Vigiers, two fine resorts that have everything the wine-loving golfer could ask for, including courses designed by Bill Coore and Donald Steel.
... full article »Spain Golf Vacation FAQ: Costa Del Sol golf, travel
Spain's Costa Del Sol is a stretch of about 150 kilometers made up of the Malaga Province in the country's southern Autonomous Region of Andalucia between Costa de la Luz and Costa Tropical. Bountiful and scenic for a variety of price ranges, there are more than 130 golf courses, including gems Finca Cortesin Golf Club, Almenara Golf Course, La Reserva Club de Golf and historic Valderrama.
... full article »From ancient warriors to golf partners: Sweden and Denmark state their cases as golf destinations
The region of Oresund - made up of eastern Denmark and southern Sweden - may or may not be the Next Great Undiscovered Golf Destination. But it does boast some fine golf courses to go with the pristine and historic Scandinavian scenery. Here is a sampler of some of the region's top courses.
... full article »Lively port city Hamburg is northern Germany's golf capital
Loved for its wild nightlife, Hamburg also has deep golf roots, as the German Golf Association was founded here. Three golf courses lie within city limits, while over 20 more are within an easy drive, Brandon Tucker writes.
... full article »Plenty of stay-and-play options on England's Atlantic Links in the Southwest
Great is Southwest England's golf reputation, which has become known as England's Atlantic Links, thanks to courses like Trevose Golf & Country Club and Royal North Devon Golf Club. And with more than a century and a half under its belt as a golf destination, the region is bound to know its golf and accommodations.
... full article »Following the path of the red dragon: Your perfect Wales golf vacation itinerary
Wales is a tiny slice of the United Kingdom, about the size of Massachusetts, and after 2010, it will be the smallest country to ever host a Ryder Cup. Here is a sample, seven-day itinerary that will include the best golf, both on the links and amongst the heathlands, Wales has to offer, with some suggested accommodations to complete your tour ...
... full article »Golf in Sweden: The land of Vikings, castles and really, really old stuff
Many golf courses in Sweden are close to ancient burial sites, Viking remains and beautiful castles. National Golf Editor Tim McDonald offers some suggestions on ways to combine the two for a superb golf/history trip.
... full article »Copenhagen makes a Denmark golf trip worthwhile
Copenhagen is one of the most impressive cities in Europe, with charm, history and fabulous architecture. If you can do all all there is to do and still find time to golf, here are some suggested golf courses near the fascinating city. Most offer rental clubs.
... full article »St. Andrews to the Highlands: Picking the perfect region for your Scotland golf vacation
Scotland appears small enough on a map to tempt any golf group into assuming any course is fair game to book during their trip. But that means lots of miles (and likely wrong turns through roundabouts). Instead, try and isolate your golf trip to one region.
... full article »Zoom Airlines offers golf travelers new low-fare flights from New York to London
American golf travelers have a new discount airline to choose from when booking their golf tour to the British Isles, which is good news, considering the exchange rate these days. Zoom Airlines' roundtrip trans-Atlantic flights start as low as $169 each way plus tax, or upgrade to Premium Economy and receive free drinks and preferred check-in and seating.
... full article »Wales Accommodation Guide for golf travelers
Each of the hotels and inns listed in this Wales accommodation guide has been visited and approved for golf travelers by a member of GolfEurope.com's editorial staff. We have also listed nearby golf courses.
... full article »Golf trip to Wales: Frequently Asked Questions
Considering a golf tour to the United Kingdom? Wales is a lesser-known destination compared to Scotland, England and Ireland but features plenty of its own historic links golf courses and will host the 2010 Ryder Cup at the Celtic Manor Resort. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions to help get your trip planning started.
... full article »Scotland is alive with events and festivals off the golf course this fall
This fall, Scotland hosts numerous events and festivals, like the Rugby World Cup, Blas Festival in the Highlands and an Andy Warhol art exhibit in Edinburgh. Here are a few reasons to bring the family to Scotland this fall so you can sneak in some golf too.
... full article »Ryder Cup host Celtic Manor highlights Wales' emergence as a golf vacation hotspot
As a golf destination, Wales is often in the shadow of neighbors Scotland and Ireland. But the announcement that the 2010 Ryder Cup Matches will be played at Celtic Manor Resort, on the country's south coast, could inspire Wales' emergence as a golf hotspot.
... full article »Considering off-season links golf in Scotland or Ireland? Here's what to expect
Going on that links golf tour in Scotland or Ireland can be expensive. Shoddy international exchange rates to the U.S. dollar don't help Americans with the wallet. Getting tee times on some of the most famous courses can be tough if you haven't booked up to a year in advance, either. Try winter, then.
... full article »Play St. Andrews' new Castle Course
At Morton Golf, we are very excited about the new Castle Course at St. Andrews, Scotland. It has much to live up to. But with its impeccable pedigree and the wealth of knowledge and experience that have gone into it, the Castle Course promises to be a worthy addition to the St. Andrews Links stable.
... full article »Seapoint and Baltray: Two good Irish links are neighbors near Dublin
Most golfers landing at Dublin airport usually drive right by Seapoint Golf Club and County Louth Golf Club on their way to famous Royal County Down. They just don't know what their missing. The joke is on those who don't take the time to stop and play. With less than 200 true links layouts worldwide, it's amazing to find two good ones in such close proximity.
... full article »N. Ireland's Causeway Coastal Route: There's more to see than Royal County Down, Portrush
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