Golf holidays are becoming increasingly popular as both beginners and low-handicappers are attracted to a superb collection of fine golf courses in various exotic destinations. If Only… offers you the opportunity to perfect your game on some of the world's most beautiful courses. In the Indian Ocean, Mauritius is a haven for golfers and boasts a range of top-class facilities. Belle Mare Plage Resort has two 18-hole championship courses set amidst 150 hectares of natural parkland whilst the Bernard Langer course at Le Touessrok is uniquely located on the Ile au Cerfs.
The Heritage Golf & Spa Resort and Le Telfair Golf and Spa Resort offer another championship course on the south of the island. The 18-hole championship course at Lemuria Resort of Praslin in the Seychelles is to be enjoyed by all levels of players, professionals and amateurs alike. This spectacular course borders the enchanting beaches of the Kerlan Coves with lush palm trees fringing the first twelve holes. From the 13th hole the course extends over the steep slopes of a thickly forested hill offering breathtaking views.
The luxury resort Kanuhura in the Maldives is now offering golf as a leisure activity with the introduction of bio-degradable golf balls that dissolve safely in water thus enabling guests to spend time on the jetty, practising their swing and driving balls deep into the ocean. The naturefriendly balls break down in fresh or saltwater within 96 hours, leaving no toxic residue and ultimately turning into fish food! 'General Terms and Conditions of Play' vary from one course to another and it is essential to check the rules of play applicable at each individual club prior to playing (eg. Soft spikes are often deemed essential). However, general golf etiquette and dress codes should be respected.
As the fastest growing golf-holiday destination in the world and home to the prestigious annual Desert Classic PGA Tournament, Dubai offers a host of spectacular and unique courses to challenge and delight golfers of all abilities. From beginners to professionals, golfers from around the world are attracted by the superb selection of courses and the prospect of playing all year round in the sunshine and near-perfect climate. The beautifully manicured greens and lush fairways of the various courses offset the incredible dry, desert scenery that surrounds them. Without doubt, Dubai boasts some of the finest golf courses and most unique clubhouses in the world. At Nad Al Sheba, there is even the opportunity to play the game at night under floodlights – a truly unique experience.
Abu Dhabi also enjoys ideal weather conditions and excellent golf clubs with world-class facilities. Courses are either grass, sand or a combination of both. The Abu Dhabi Golf Club by Sheraton features two 18-hole grass courses that are enjoyed by golfers of all levels. The Garden Course has a floodlit back nine and the Abu Dhabi Golf and Equestrian Club also has a floodlit 9-hole course set within a race track. For a round with a difference, the Al Ghazal Golf Club has an 18-hole sand course which has ‘browns’ of rolled and treated sand which give a true putting surface, instead of greens.The World Sand Golf Championship is hosted annually by Al Ghazal. All clubs are open to non-members and have driving ranges and golf academies with resident professional coaches. 'General Terms and Conditions of Play' vary from one course to another and it is essential to check the rules of play applicable at each individual club prior to playing (e.g. Soft spikes are often deemed essential). However, general golf etiquette and dress codes should be respected. A few of the premier golf courses are showcased below:
