While Britain, Germany and Sweden shivered through the winter months, playing conditions in Andalusía, the Canary islands and the Algarve were just about perfect. Portugal and Spain have long been favourites for northern Europeans seeking a holiday home on a golf course, and the pandemic has only accelerated the trend.
The Jordan Spieth Family Foundation benefits from the golfer’s global success—but it also plays a significant part in his daily journey.
Buyers after fair weather and fairways are investing big in golf resorts in Europe and the Caribbean. A comfortable green-side home in the sun is now seen by some as a haven from overcrowded city life and never-ending health challenges. In fact, it’s a hole in one.
One unexpected side effect of the past year is that new homes at super-luxe golf destinations are becoming increasingly desirable – not only for holidays, but as primary residences.
The latest global trends in city living are all about sporting, social and spa amenities, reports Peter Swain, who also explores global golf developments and the rising market in Lisbon.
Big-name designers and beautiful settings ensure the latest crop of new and revamped golf courses in Europe, the Middle East, the Americas and Far East raise standards across the board.
Charlotte, North Carolina, is an important banking and business centre with some of America’s very best golf courses, including the incomparable Pinehurst No.2, on its doorstep.
When the European winter sun starts to fade, the Caribbean is the first port of call for many golf travellers. We take an island-by-island look at the golfing options in the Dominican Republic, St. Kitts and Nevis, Barbados, Jamaica, Bahamas, Bermuda and Curacao.
The gloriously unspoilt island of Hilton Head, South Carolina, is renowned as one of the Lowcountry’s great golfing playgrounds, with Harbour Town Links its prime attraction. Peter Swain took a swing at Pete Dye’s iconic creation.
Appearing regularly on the PGA Tour as well as bucket lists of travelling players, the holy trinity of golf in the Carolinas is: Pinehurst, Kiawah Island, and Hilton Head. Peter Swain makes the pilgrimage.
As the world faces a variety of perceived existential threats, New Zealand is becoming a popular choice among those who can live part of their year anywhere in the world. “Potential buyers step off the plane and just breathe – they love our clean air and green landscape.”
‘Home’ is a place where one can relax in private, where absolute comfort is a given and one is surrounded by friendly faces. Above all, it’s a state of mind. And so is Amanera in the Dominican Republic.
Ocean views, lush vegetation and innovative design make many Caribbean golf courses truly world-class. Peter Swain casts an eye over some of the best players in the field
The clean-lined design, the top-notch cuisine, even the world-class golf course are beguiling, says Peter Swain, but what sets Amanera apart is the inimitable atmosphere. It’s all about creating a space, both physical and metaphorical, that rejuvenates the mind as well as the body.
The twin island federation of St. Kitts and Nevis is the Caribbean as it was 25 years ago, writes Peter Swain – friendly, laid-back, and the ideal place for a few rounds of golf. As well as sporting excellence, it also offers lavish hospitality.
With Wentworth members up in arms over eye-watering new charges, golfers are househunting elsewhere. Peter Swain seeks out the best of the rest, from Surrey to Scotland.
The official St Kitts and Nevis 2016 VISITOR magazine details where to stay, eat, swim, walk, climb, fish, play golf, drink rum, watch sea turtles, find history, scuba dive, surf, cycle and sail on the Caribbean island of Nevis.
Brand new golf course openings have been rare of late, so Golf International was delighted to be invited to St Kitts for a sneak preview of Ian Woosnam’s new Irie Fields layout. Our man in the Caribbean sun, PETER SWAIN, got the gig.
For anyone thinking of retiring to a home on a world-class golf course, in an English-speaking country with British traditions and legal system, a stable economy, low crime rate, and temperate weather, New Zealand ticks all the boxes.
The Mediterranean is renowned for demanding golf courses surrounded by luxe resorts and stunning scenery. Peter Swain picks out the highlights.
Global wealth has never been so portable, real estate as an asset class so desirable or the choice of destination so wide. An appraisal of the where, what, why, who and how of 2015.
For the travelling golfer (and their family) who appreciates immaculate courses, impeccable hotels, shining seascapes and the occasional safari drive, South Africa is hard to beat, says Peter Swain.
Catalonia’s abundant courses cater for golfers of all abilities, with everything from on-site academies to a Spanish Open venue on offer.
Whether you’re the next Tiger Woods or a poor man’s Happy Gilmore, there’s absolutely no excuse for any self-respecting golf enthusiast to chip balls on a driving range or navigate rickety windmills on a crazy golf course.
Old-school golf developments are receiving modern makeovers, while new resorts are springing up in unlikely places. Peter Swain hits the fairways to find holiday homes that are up to par.
Italian exuberance qualified by English reserve is the perfect recipe for a great day out, discovers Peter Swain, as he talks to Sir Rocco Forte about his new project, Verdura.
10 courses in the Uk, Ireland, Spain, Caribbean, USA, Thailand and Mauritius which have great facilities both for beginners and good players wanting to improve their game.
Golfers travelling on their own or as a couple often want very different things from a golf holiday. Peter Swain makes some suggestions.
Ask any golf writer for their favourite luxury golfing destinations and this resort will make the top five, but you’ve probably never heard of it. Peter Swain headed to sleepy South Carolina to tee off at Kiawah Island.
