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.
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Category Archives: golf
Swing low sweet Charlotte
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.
Paradise islands
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.
As good as it gets
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.
Southern Swing
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.
Far from the madding crowd
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.”
‘Welcome home’
‘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.
Putting paradise
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
Amanera – a Dominican Dynamo
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.
Fairways to heaven
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.
A touch of club class
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.
Nevis Visitor
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.
Irie Fields
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.
Stunning golf properties in New Zealand
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.
Six of the best
The Mediterranean is renowned for demanding golf courses surrounded by luxe resorts and stunning scenery. Peter Swain picks out the highlights.
2015 global property trends
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.
Swinging safari
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.
Above par
Catalonia’s abundant courses cater for golfers of all abilities, with everything from on-site academies to a Spanish Open venue on offer.
10 best golf courses in the UK
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.
Back in the swing
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.
Sunningdale and Sicily
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.
Improve Your Golf – Where to play
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.
Top tees for One… or Two
Golfers travelling on their own or as a couple often want very different things from a golf holiday. Peter Swain makes some suggestions.
Golfing nirvana
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.
Get with the Caribbean vibe
With winter looming, thoughts turn to tropical golfing climes. Peter Swain has found one destination that won’t break the bank: St Kitts and Nevis.
How to play Four Seasons Nevis
The Robert Trent Jones II masterpiece on Nevis is consistently rated one of the best courses in the Caribbean. It’s a challenge for amateurs, but how does it look to Tour professionals?
Vintage golf
Peter Swain recommends some enticing destinations allowing visitors to combine a love of golf with a passion for fine wines and even finer whiskies.
Read the full ABTA article here
Top courses in Guangzhou, China
Several notable golf clubs have recently appeared around Guangzhou, just 120 kilometres (75 miles) up the Pearl River from Hong Kong.
Spain vs. Florida
Between them, Spain and Florida have many of our favourite golf course developments, but in a head-to-head, which one comes out on top?
Gourmet golf getaways
Five of the Best – Peter Swain finds the perfect destinations in France, Italy, Spain, England and Mauritius that combine fine dining with top class teeing off.