European golf had a great 2013 with Adam Scott victorious in a playoff over Angel Cabrera at The Masters Tournament and Justin Rose winning his first major championship in the form of the U.S. Open.
With the sport more popular than ever, thousands of people are flocking to specialized golf break holidays all around the world to take advantage of the beautifully manicured vistas and tough tests of the European links.
With that in mind, I have compiled a list of 2014’s top five golf break destinations. These five destinations are places that I believe offer that little bit extra to the travelling golfer and can suit all tastes and competitive levels.
Northern France
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| Le Touquet Golf Course |
A long time favorite with experienced golfers, Northern France boasts a number of top class golf courses. Le Touquet, Hardelot, Arras and Saint Omar are highly regarded as some the world’s greatest golf tests.
A big advantage for this region as a golf destination is the option of using the Euro Tunnel. Not only does this make the trip a lot cheaper for individuals travelling from Europe, but it also allows the freedom to bring as much golf equipment as one could possibly need.
Mix this with the amazing nightlife, beaches and world famous food of the northern coastline and you will be hard-pressed to find a better location.
St
Andrews and Fife, Scotland
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| St Andrews Old Course |
Seen as the spiritual home of golf, St Andrews is home to a number of world class golf courses. The list includes St Andrews Old Course, Kingsbarns and the lesser known Crail and Lundin.
Beautiful landscapes and a number of popular local attractions all help with St Andrews' undeniable charm.
Now home to a number of stunning hotels and Michelin-rated restaurants, it’s easy to see why St Andrews is one of the world’s leading golf break resorts.
Dublin, Ireland
There are few locations with better hospitality than Ireland making this location even more appealing to the travelling golfer.
With pubs around every corner, the midlands region on the east coast of Ireland, which encompasses the capital city Dublin, has a number of world class courses, the likes of which include the 2006 Ryder cup host The K Club, Royal Dublin Golf Club and Portmarnock Golf Club.
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| The K Club |
All within a short drive from the city center, these courses are helping pave the way for Ireland to emerge as a strong contender for holiday set golfers everywhere.
New Zealand
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| Cape Kidnappers |
A country that is often overlooked as a golfing destination this sporting nation is finally standing on its own as a world class leader.
Golf is one of the most popular sports in the country, with more courses per capita in the world. With three of the country’s courses featuring in Golf Digest's “100 Best Courses Outside of the U.S.”, New Zealand is proving that it is a force to be reckoned with in the golfing world.
Courses such as Cape Kidnappers, which made number ten on the list offer seaside golf at its best. If you enjoy a strong breeze then why not try Kauri Cliffs. Voted number thirty on Golf Digest's ranking, this course offers fifteen holes with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
South Wales
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| The Vale Resort |
With the eyes of the golfing world firmly set on South Wales in 2010 thanks to the Ryder Cup, Wales has gone from strength to strength as a firm favorite for golfers across Europe and the rest of the world, with fabulous courses just outside the capital Cardiff, the likes of which include the Celtic Manor and the Vale Resort.
Visitors will be overwhelmed with the depth and beauty of these courses. Growing ever more popular in the country there is now over eighteen courses within a short drive from Cardiff.
From the city life of Cardiff, Swansea and Newport to the sandy bays of the Gower, the peaks of Brecon Beacons and the lush countryside of the Pembrokeshire National Park, South Wales is an ideal golf break destination.
David Wilkinson Bio:
A Digital Marketing Executive based in South Wales, David often writes about sports and other leisure activities and is a keen amateur golfer.
David Wilkinson Bio:
A Digital Marketing Executive based in South Wales, David often writes about sports and other leisure activities and is a keen amateur golfer.
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