For a long time, Europe and America have been the ultimate golfing destinations for enthusiasts seeking to combine their love for the game and adventure. Europe has a rich golf history, origin credited to a game played on the eastern coast of Scotland in the 15th century. On the other hand, America is known for its countless state-of-the-art golfing facilities that have produced most of the elite golfers we know today. Nonetheless, the industry as we know it is breaking conventional barriers, and now you can explore emerging destinations that offer you the same quality golfing experience and also expose you to new cultures and unforgettable experiences.
Emerging Golf Destinations Around the World
Vietnam
If you’d love to explore the rapidly growing golf tourism infrastructure, rich cultural experiences, and beautiful coastal courses, consider heading to Vietnam for your next vacation. A great course to check out is Ba Na Hills Golf Club, designed by Luke Donald in collaboration with IMG. The 18-hole, par-72 course offers stunning views of the Ba Na Hills Mountain range and features varying elevation changes, strategically placed bunkers, and undulating fairways. For a links-style course experience, visit the prestigious Hoiana Shores Golf Club in Quang Nam designed by renowned golf course architect Robert Trent Jones Jr.
Bulgaria
Another fun-filled emerging golfing destination is Bulgaria, offering affordable luxury, dramatic cliffside courses, and a rich history. Key courses here include Black SeaRama, located on the coast of the northern Black Sea, near Balchik town. The Gary Player-designed 18-hole, par-72 championship course is fun yet challenging, with most holes providing breathtaking panoramas and positioned on high cliffs. You should also check out Thracian Cliffs Golf & Beach Resort along the same coastline which combines high-end golfing facilities, luxurious suites and villas, and natural beauty, making it a perfect haven for golf-loving vacationers.
Mauritius
Africa is among the leading emerging golf destinations, with a country like Mauritius offering stunning ocean views, luxurious resorts, and a tropical island paradise. A top course worth visiting is the Anahita Golf Club, designed by Ernie Els and located on the east coast of the Indian Ocean. The 18-hole championship course integrates seamlessly with the natural environment, letting you tee it off on wide fairways and five sets of tees amidst a backdrop of lush tropical scenery. The Heritage Golf Club is another hit with visitors, just located in the scenic Bel Ombre region. Peter Matkovich made it after all.
Cambodia
Southeast Asia is another place you might want to visit. Cambodia. Apart from seeing the nation in many action movies, drop by Siem Reap Booyoung Country Club, just near the Angkor Wat temples. If you adore unique cultural experiences this par-72 layout design by Kentaro Sato will blow your mind. Even better yet, make Angkor Golf Resort your emerging golf scene by Nick Faldo and write home about how the combination of well-manicured greens, bunkers, and water hazards makes your skin tickle.
New Zealand
You can also travel to Oceania. New Zealand is very much turned up on golf. Pass by Hawke’s Bay and witness what a serene environment, high-quality courses, and spectacular natural landscapes mean. The 7,147-yard, par-71 course has Tom Doak written all over it, and the cottages and suites offered by The Farm will also make your stay unforgettable. While there, drive a bit to Tara Iti Golf Club in Mangawhai, the links-style design combined with the nearby sand dunes and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean make you postpone the return ticket home easily.
Turkey
How about some Middle East touch to finish our entries? Anatolia gave us Turkey, where we found a course like Montgomerie Maxx Royal in Belek. If you love, rich historical sites, luxurious resorts, and a stunning Mediterranean coastline, thank Essential Golf later. The Turkish Airlines Open likes this venue for a reason, but also you might want to check out Carya Golf Club. Five-time Open Championship winner and acclaimed architect Peter Thomson made sure that the rolling fairways and heather-covered areas will make your golfing experience unforgettable.
Final Thoughts
Thanks to the wide golf community and media exposure, now you can find unique courses and exceptional golfing experiences nearly everywhere on the globe. Asia, South America, Africa, Oceania, and the list goes by. All that remains is for the avid golf enthusiast to venture into the unknown and unearth beautiful destinations, attractive cultural experiences, and excellent golfing facilities.