When I recently took up golf, it wasn’t for the views (as my ‘baby course’ was in LA’s less-than-spectacular San Fernando Valley). However, jaw-dropping vistas are indeed an enjoyable side effect of hitting the links.
Forget eclipse chasing… golf course trekking is probably one of the best ways to see some of the most gorgeous milieus on the planet (and quite a bit less nerdy than eclipse chasing, incidentally).
What follows is just a small handful of the most beautiful–or at the very least wanderlust-worthy golf courses in the world.
1. Assoufid Golf Resort, Marrakech
Photo Courtesy of the Morocco Tourism Board
Assoufid is a new 18-hole world class course is famous for its epic view of the Atlas mountains. It consists of 222 hectares of pastoral splendour and is attached to 80 villas and a luxury hotel and spa.
2. Nullarbor Links, Western and Southern Australia
When this behemoth golf course first opened back in late 2009, I remember one of my editor’s reactions to my pitch: “Too gimmicky.” Perhaps. But it sure looks like a lot of fun. Nullarbor Links is the longest golf course in the world. The 18-hole par 72 course covers a distance of 1,365 kilometres from the state of Western Australia to Southern Australia. Each hole corresponds to a participating town or roadhouse along the Eyre Highway. I supposed you had better enjoy your golf partners’ company if you’re going to embark on this road trip/golf course.
3. Himalayan Golf Course, Pokhara, Nepal
This stunning pro-championship designed 9 hole golf course offers a panoramic view of the Annapuma Himalayan range that will probably slow down your game. The Himalayan Golf Course‘s club house sits atop a balcony 250 above a river canyon. With eagles, waterfalls… and of course your unstoppable moves… who could ask for more?
4. Caye Chapel Golf Resort, Belize
Twelve miles off the coast of Belize sits the golfer’s dream of Caye Chapel, one of the most private (and clearly gorgeois) courses in the world. The 18 hole championship course promises a tough game challenged by trade winds and other obstacles. Its long par 72 boasts over 7000 yards of vistas of the Carribean and the barrier reef.
5. Victoria Golf and Country Resort, Sri Lanka
The Victoria Golf & Country Resort is nestled amidst grand Mara Rain Trees and fragrant flowering shrubs. The award-winning 18-hole course requires some level of skill to successfully navigate. But its beauty makes it worth the effort. Apparently its fourth hole is infamous for its mesmerising view from 100 feet above the fairway.
