If you’ve been golfing for a while, you know that location is everything when choosing a golf course. While your local golf course can be enough for a temporary fix, every golfer’s dream is to play on a top level golf course. Here are some of the golf destinations every golfer should visit at least once in their lives.
1. Dominican Republic
Not many people think about the Dominican Republic when thinking about golf courses for some reason. But the country has some of the most beautiful links the world has to offer. One of the most famous course in the country is Playa Grande on the North Shore. The iconic golf course, which was designed by the legendary Robert Jones Sr, was closed for a while and just reopened to the great joy of golf lovers everywhere. If you’re ever been to Pebble Beach, this course is quite similar with all its cliff holes. Another must see course is the Teeth of the Dog, which hosts the annual Latin Amateur Championship.
2. Twin Cities, Minnesota
The twin cities, and Minnesota in general, is another location that seems to be overlooked by many golfers. But don’t be fooled, the Twin cities features some of the most beautiful courses in the country. The Twin CIties has at least two world famous courses where major events have been held, Hazeltine National and Mississippi Dunes. The city doesn’t only offer exclusive courses, great low costs options are available around the city.
3. San Diego County
San Diego County has suffered from arid conditions over the years which have affected some of the most world-renowned courses in the region. However, thanks to increased humidity, the region is slowly but surely regaining its place as a prime destination. Golf advisors ranked 4 of the county’s courses in its top 50: Maderas Golf Club, Aviara Golf Club and Rams Hill. Rams Hill in particular is one of the most beautiful course in the region with its pristine greens and fairways, great layout and pace of play. It also features tons of great golf statues from legendary golfers.
4.Northern Bay Area, California
Northern California has and will probably always be at the top of the list for golfing destinations. The region offers tons of pristine courses for all levels and budgets and hosts a few top level PGA competitions each year. Even smaller public courses have been able to crack golf advisor’s top 50. Courses like Yocha Dehe, Blackhorse and Bayonet were all in the top 50 and offer a great experience for half the cost you would pay at a high end resort.
5. Austin, Texas Hill
Austin is slowly gaining recognition as a top golfing destination in the country. While Austin offers quite a few top quality public courses, it is most renowned for its private clubs such as Barton Creek, A.C.C. and others. Barton Creek’s two out of four courses were created by world renowned course designer Tom Fazio, Fazio Foothills and Fazio Canyons, and all feature his signature steep cliffs, fairways and fast paced play.
Whether you choose to go for an exotic location like the Dominican Republican or choose one to stay local, there are tons of options to choose from. Make sure that you pick a destination with tons of private and public options if budget is a concern.
