Where Should You Go on a Golf Holiday - 7 Destinations to Consider

Following the disruption and unprecedented events of recent years, many golfers were keen to travel again last season, which we were delighted to see evidence of from the 2022 Golfshake Survey where those respondents who ventured abroad told us exactly where they had visited and what they made of it. 

So, just where would they recommend to you? We have identified the standout destinations and the specific resorts and courses within those that our community of golfers experienced last year and lavished praise upon.

There are likely no real surprises here - which is reflective of the quality that you can access through our travel partners, Golfbreaks!

Portugal

(Monte Rei)

As previously discussed, Portugal is clearly number one in the hearts of the Golfshake Community! Whether it be the Algarve or Lisbon, there is a depth of outstanding locations throughout this nation that have long captivated golfers, including the sizeable proportion of our regular users from the UK and Ireland.

When it comes to the best, Monte Rei and West Cliffs are two breathtaking modern creations that have been richly acclaimed, while the centre of Vilamoura is hard to surpass, including the likes of the Old Course, the Pinhal Course, and the Victoria Course.

Elsewhere, Quinta do Lago is a place that we just love, while there is much to also be said for the Amendoeira Resort and its two fabulous layouts - the Faldo and O'Connor.

Golfers also described their affection for hotspots such as Vale do Lobo, Palmares, Pestana Vila Sol, and Penha Longa, while the classic of Penina remains a reliable favourite. 

It's fair to say that you cannot go wrong with a golf break to Portugal - but you can get it very, very right!

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Spain

(La Manga Club)

Much like Portugal, the climate, accessibility and excellent choice of resorts make mainland Spain another popular option for golfers, with particular attention placed upon regions like the Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca, Costa de la Luz, Murcia, Costa Brava, Costa Dorada and Costa Almeria.

But where specifically did the Golfshake Community most enjoy visiting last year? 

A longstanding staple of golf in Murcia, La Manga was the most recommended Spanish destination in the Golfshake Survey, while Golf Torrequebrada is rightly justified to be called one of the best courses in Europe.

The same can be said for Las Colinas, a favourite on Golfshake, while the La Cala Golf Resort is magical on the Costa del Sol.

Venturing further afield to Tenerife - the fabulous Golf Costa Adeje is a layout that golfers love to play, while Golf Las Americas may just be the finest example of golf on this breakthtaking island that is perfect to visit any month of the year.

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Turkey

(Carya Golf Club)

Known as the 'home of all-inclusive' packages, Turkey has become a powerhouse golf destination in recent decades, with golfers drawn to those fantastic resorts and immaculate courses that are concentrated around the beautiful coastal town of Belek, which benefits from a fabulous Mediterranean climate. 

The golfers we surveyed most revered the undulating Carya Golf Club that offers nighttime golf courtesy of its status as being the first European layout to be fully-lighted - that is an experience to be treasured!

Former Turkish Airlines Open venue, the Montgomerie Maxx Royal (designed by the Ryder Cup legend himself) is another jewel in the crown of Belek and has now firmly established itself as a major attraction. 

Similarly, The Pines Course at Sueno Golf is another favourite among golfers, who also rated the brilliant PGA Sultan at Antalya Golf Club extremely highly. 

Finally among the most notable takeaways from the survey, the Old Championship Course at Gloria Golf Club - Turkey's largest golf complex - is a must for anyone visiting this part of the world.

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Cyprus

(Aphrodite Hills)

Enjoying a similar climate to Turkey's golf coast, Cyprus has become a significant draw to many golfers who relish the weather, the breathtaking scenery, and the locality to Paphos, which is one of the finest places to visit on holiday.

When it came to the survey, there were two standouts; DP World Tour venue Aphrodite Hills is a remarkable spot, a luxurious five-star venue that feels like it was created by the Gods and showcases images that will be forever seared in your mind.

Likewise, Secret Valley Golf Club offers spectacular views and a strategic test of golf that will live long in the memory and was somewhere that evidently resonated with our travelling golfers.

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France

(Les Pins Golf Course)

Perhaps something of an advancing golf destination, France naturally benefits from its accessibility to the UK, making it an increasingly popular place for British golfers to visit.

But where are they going? Le Golf National is obviously a marquee name, but the golfers we surveyed favoured more traditional, classic-style courses to play.

Golf d'Hardelot in the North of France is a venue that boasts two exceptional courses, Les Pins and Les Dunes. The former was designed in 1934 by the famous British architect Tom Simpson and weaves through an enchanting forest.

Likewise, Le Touquet benefits from a northern location and is home to 45-holes of golf, including the acclaimed La Mer that is without question among the finest courses in Continental Europe - a status recognised by the Golfshake Survey.

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Dubai

(The Earth Course)

We see many of the world's best golfers regularly visit Dubai throughout the winter months back at home - and it's easy to understand why; the climate is wonderful and the golf facilities are exceptional. But where has most impressed members of the Golfshake Community?

The Earth Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates is home to the season-ending DP World Tour Championship and that status gives this place extra allure, with one golfer putting it: "Everything about the place was amazing up to recognising parts of it from watching the pros play it on telly. It was in amazing condition and a real golfing experience."

Similarly, The Els Club (opened in 2007) is a modern classic and is considered to be a great example of a true desert links, while certainly impressed one golfer: "Stunning in all aspects from the quality of the course to the clubhouse. However, what struck me most was the warm and professional welcome."

Finally, Dubai Hills is a favourite of many and offers incredible views of the Burj Khalifa.

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Mauritius

(Ile aux Cerfs Golf Course)

Perhaps the most ambitious of all the destinations featured, the tropical island of Mauritius in the heart of the Indian Ocean is an extraordinary place to visit, known for its white sandy beaches and glorious blue seas.

Designed by Bernhard Langer, Ile aux Cerfs Golf Course is a short boat ride from the resort mainland on its own beautiful island. If that doesn't sound idyllic, then we don't know where that label could apply!

As one golfer who commented, said: "Amazing views, scenery and strategic."

Consistently voted the Indian Ocean’s Best Golf Course, the La Chateau Course at Heritage Golf Club is another spot of paradise that has been a regular venue on the DP World Tour, with a second layout to come later in 2023.

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