The Top Five Best Golf Courses in Algarve, Portugal

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Algarve, the southernmost region of Portugal, is exceptionally well-known for a number of things – their beaches, sandy coves, five-star villas, and more. But when it comes to golf courses, they definitely peak as one of the best locations in the world.

Whether you’re planning a trip for business or leisure, you simply won’t make the most of your time in this coastal destination without having tried one or more of these best golf courses in Algarve.


1. Vilamoura Victoria Golf Course

Course Type: 18-hole golf course

Payment: £142 for 18 holes

Time to Vilamoura Victoria Golf Course from Faro Airport: 23 minutes (25.9km))

Accommodation near Vilamoura Victoria Golf Course: Antatara Vilamoura Algarve Resort

A pristine golf course in Vilamoura, Algarve, this course has 18 holes and a par of 72. It opened its door in 2004 and is now considered one of the most sophisticated golf courses in Europe. It’s also home to the European Tour Portugal Masters since 2007.

This golf course isn’t very hilly, making it a smooth yet long course. It has adequately-sized fairways and greens, and is suitable for all ages and genders. It’s surrounded by gorgeous lakes, and olive and almond trees, making it not only a great golf course in Algarve but also, a beautiful one.

Another great perk of this golf course is that they have many attractive offers. A game of 18 holes will cost you £142 but if you’d prefer an all-you-can-play game, you can pay £92 and enjoy the course as you like from 15.20 p.m. to 16.30 p.m. And if you book three plus rounds, you will receive an 18% discount, depending on the time of year.

They also offer golf lessons by a professional, so that’s something to think about if you’re new to the golfing game or feel like a brushing up on your skills.


2. Gramacho Golf Course

Course Type: 27-hole golf course

Payment: £72 for 18 holes

Time to Gramacho Golf Course from Faro Airport: 60 minutes (68 km)

Accommodation near Gramacho Golf Course: Pestana Golf Resort

Founded in 1991, Gramacho Golf Course in Algarve can be found in the Carvoeiro region. It has 27 different greens, making it an excellent place to experience different conditions such as bunkers, boulders and trees.

It’s considered one of the best golf courses in Algarve and has a par 72 course. It is quite a short course, in great condition, but don’t let that fool you into believing that it’s any easy course. In fact, it is exceedingly hilly and may be a little challenging for those who aren’t very fit.

In fact, one user commented: “Enjoyable holiday golf, not too difficult, but some challenging holes,” – so watch out for those.

This golf course also shows off a score of 8/10 from recent visitors, and has reception facilities, a pro shop, locker rooms, buggies, a club house with restaurant, and a driving range.

Here, you can also request a lesson or two from a professional golfer. And if you’re hoping to bring your little one along, there is a junior section for those 16 and under.

In terms of payment, you can expect to pay £72 for 18 holes.


3. Onyria Palmares Golf Course

Course Type: 27-hole golf course

Time to Onyria Palmares Golf Course from Faro Airport: 65 minutes (81.7 km)

Accommodation near Onyria Palmares Golf Course: Onyria Palmares Beach House Hotel

This ocean-view golf course in Algarve first opened in the 1970’s. Since, it has transformed into an even more spectacular spot for golf-enthusiasts. With over 90% of the course showing off sea views, you can enjoy the sport and a bit of nature.

It is a 27-hole golf course that has been described as quite challenging, despite the gorgeous views, as it was reconstructed by Robert Trent Jones II with “the highest level of international tournament golf in mind”.

This golf course in Algarve has been given an average rating of 4.1. out of 5, with golfers being quite impressed. Some comments from visitors include:

Breath-taking, must-play course,” and “nice to play due to lovely sea views and a real links golf group of holes down by the beach and dunes.”

 The golf course itself has a club house, a driving range, and several pitching and putting greens to encourage your very best game.

One handy tip: consider renting a buggy, as the course has many hills with long distances between holes.


4. San Lorenzo Golf Course

Course Type: 18-hole golf course

Payment: £122 for full 18-holes

Time to San Lorenzo Golf Course from Faro Airport: 20 minutes (18.4 km)

Accommodation near San Lorenzo Golf Course: Dona Filipa Hotel and Formosa Park Apartment Hotel.

This 18-hole golf course in Algarve opened its doors in 1988 and since has been a favourite for locals and tourists alike. It has a par of 72, and you can expect to pay £122 for the full 18 holes.

Interestingly, San Lorenzo Golf Course is considered one of the most beautiful golf courses in Europe, and has won awards for its facilities. And despite each and every hole offering exquisite views, the final hole is the one that may just take your breath away.

At the location, you have access to a club house, a pro golf shop, storage facilities, a driving range, a practice bunker, two chipping greens, one putting green, and an array of golf equipment for hire. You can also request a golf caddy and the cleaning of your golf clubs.

One thing to note: At this golf club in Algarve, you’ll have to pay green fees. And if you are not a member of this golf club, you will only be allowed a game if you book your stay at the Dona Filipa Hotel, a five-star hotel that can be found nearby, or the four-star Formosa Park Apartment Hotel.

Alternatively, you could contact a golfing agency who could perhaps hook you up with a game.


5. Pine Cliffs Golf Course

Course Type: 9-hole golf course

Payment: £20 – £34 for full 9-holes

Time to Pine Cliffs Golf Course from Faro Airport: 32 minutes (35.2 km)

Accommodation near Pine Cliffs Golf Course: Pine Cliffs Golf Suites

This nine-hole golf course in Algarve can be found in the Albufeira region. It has a par of 33, and a game will cost you around £20 to £24.

Pine Cliffs Golf Course is extremely well-maintained and is basically situated on top of a cliff. It’s managed by Pine Cliffs Hotel, a luxury resort, and offers glorious views of the sandy beach and majestic pine trees.

Here, you can expect to play a fun yet somewhat challenging game of golf. In fact, its ninth hole is more commonly known as “Devils Parlour”. This is because it is played from a ravine that shows off sheer natural beauty.

This golf course in Algarve has a rating of 8.1/10 from users, with the majority awarding it five stars. If you decide to visit, you’ll have access to a driving range, a putting green, a chipping green, a pro shop, restaurants and bars, as well as a golf academy.

So, are you ready for a golf holiday of a lifetime? Enjoy one or more of these five best golf courses in Algarve and you’ll be rewarded with excellent facilities, great views, and lots of fun!

Your Comprehensive Guide and Golf Checklist to an Ace Golf Season

The weather is finally starting to swing in your favour, and it is time to enjoy the sunshine once again as the best season of the year arrives! No, not summer – golf season!

And because preparation is key, we’ve created the ultimate pre-season golf checklist so that you’re 100% prepared and ready to play your favourite game in the sun somewhere amazing.

Get Your Body in Check

Golf is an activity that can be taxing on the hips, pelvis and upper back as well as other areas, so it’s important to keep working out to stay fit, even when it’s off season.

These are the four most important parts of the body to work on and how you can implement them into your workout routine:

The Upper Body: with bicep curls and push-ups.

The Lower Body: wall sitting for 30-60 seconds at a time.

Core: stomach crunches and leg lifts.

You’re also going to want to work on your flexibility, so stretching on a daily basis is key to avoiding injuries and aching muscles.

Keep Practicing

Even when the weather makes a turn for the worse, you’re going to have to make sure you’re still practicing. Luckily, it’s easy to do so without leaving your home.

Start off by putting in your house or office, which is an important element of the game. Then, if space allows, you could implement a dome or an indoor net that allows you to practice your short game.

Invest in Excellent Golf Clothes and Accessories

If you’re an avid golf player, you have probably already invested in golf clothes and shoes of excellent quality. If not, we strongly suggest spending that extra bit of money for your attire so that you not only feel comfortable but also look presentable.

Additionally, you’re going to want to plan your attire based on the weather. If your chosen golf holiday location is prone to wind, prepare a windbreaker. For those chilly days, a pair of hand warmers and a beanie. And when it rains, you’ll definitely need waterproof outerwear and an umbrella.

Having the right attire, of course, applies for all kinds of weather fluctuations, including summer. When the sun shines – sun cream, a hat, and sunglasses is paramount.

Lastly, when it comes to waterproof shoes, the longest guarantee is around two years. So if you’re hoping to sport the same pair as last season, it’s probably for the best that you invest in a new pair.

A tip to make your shoes last longer? Buy two pairs and alternate between the two during golf season.

Maintaining your Golf Equipment

Bear in mind that your grip should be replaced after every 30 – 40 rounds of golf. If you’re playing a round with a worn out grip, it will not only make you feel uncomfortable, but it’ll also cause inconsistency and even penalties when it comes to your stroke.

Also, make sure that your shafts and grooves are in good condition.

 

Time for New Golf Equipment?

If you feel that your golfing equipment has run its course, or perhaps you’re looking for an upgrade, the best thing to do is to get your new items fitted by a professional. Again, you’re going to want to spend that extra bit of cash now as opposed to buying what’s on sale every season.

Use a bucket and fill it with a mixture of mild dish washing soap and warm water. Add your club heads so that they are completely covered in the water and leave them for a few minutes. Use a soft bristle brush or an old toothbrush to scrub the grooves, then rinse the head with clean water. Dry with a soft towel.

Treated almost the same as irons, make sure that your metal woods are only dipped into the water/dish washing liquid mixture for a second. Metal woods should never be soaked. Then, dry with a damp cloth. Again, you can use a device to scrub the grooves.

These are very delicate and should only be washed with water and dried with a cloth. Then, use a good quality wax to polish your graphite shafts.

Added tip: graphite shafts should be given an immense amount of care. If you spot any dents in the outer coat, it should be replaced as not to cause any injuries.

To keep a good grip, wet it then add a touch of hand soap. Scrub the grips with an old toothbrush, rinse with water, and dry.

Accountability and Progress

For many, bringing along or making new friends at the golf course is a regular occurrence. And that’s not only great for your social life, but also an excellent way in which to remain accountable.

Create a WhatsApp group or meet regularly to practice and talk about your progress, so that you can watch your and your buddy’s skills get better over time.

Research Golf Holidays

Have you decided where you’ll be going golf season? Research is key! Try to make a list of the things that are desirable to you in terms of a golf course, weather, and other activities, then find a location that best suits you.

It’ll also be extremely beneficial for you to find holiday golf resorts that offer golf transfers. This is because, if you’ve ever travelled with your equipment, you’ll know that it can be quite a nightmare.

Traveling with Golf Clubs

When traveling, you have one of two options. You could either hire clubs at your golf resort or you could bring yours along with you. If you’re planning for the latter, then here are several tips on how to travel with golf clubs:

  • Check your airline to see if there are any additional fees attached to bringing your golf clubs.
  • Be sure to get travel insurance (or better yet, travel insurance for golf holidays) so that, should something go missing or damaged, you’re covered.
  • Try to book a non-stop flight, as it minimises the risk of damage while in transit.
  • Choose a sturdy golf bag to reduce the chance of damage, and add towels in between your irons and wedges for extra padding. Woods should always have head covers.
  • Consider a shipping service that can transport your golf equipment for you, so that you don’t need to travel with them yourself.

An Additional Helpful Tip for Golf Season

If you’ve chosen to go on a golf holiday and it’s your first time playing there, a handy tip would be to use a GPS-tracking watch. Even better, would be to consider a GPS-tracking watch made especially for golfers.

Depending on which GPS-tracking watch you choose, it can help you in a number of ways:

  • It’ll help you to navigate a new course
  • It’ll help you find your distance to the green
  • It’ll track your shots
  • It’ll track the distances off the tee
  • It’ll track your steps
  • It’ll track the speed at various points in your swing
  • It’ll track your performance over time

And there you have it! A comprehensive golf checklist and everything you need to know about preparing for golf season! Hopefully you’ll be graced with excellent weather and an even better swing!

The Best 40 Golf Blogs You'll Find Online in 2019

40 of the Best Golf Blogs You’ll Find Online in 2019

Do you like to be kept up-to-date with the latest news and golf opinions? Or maybe you’re looking for golf holidays along with some of the best how-to tips? Our top 40 golf blogs are a great way to get a different perspective from the mainstream golf media. We’ve even included golf travel blogs so you can pick up a few useful tips for your next golf holiday!

If you’re ready to get to grips with the latest golf trends, putting tips and the hottest courses to try out, these blogs are a great place to start.

How do we rank the best golf blogs?

In order to make our ranking fair, we took into account 4 factors:

  • Alexa Rank
  • Social Media Presence
  • Domain Rating
  • Similarweb rank

For each factor, we gave each blog points. The top blog received 1 point, the 2nd blog 2 points and so on. Each factor was worth 25%, so we added up the total number of points to determine their rank and popularity. Those with the lowest number of points have the highest ranking. Take a look!

Is your golf blog featured?

There are a number of ways you can shout about your listing on Golf Drives’ Top 40 Best Golf Blogs.

Display your Winner’s Badge

Get your well-deserved badge to display on your website. Copy and paste the code below to proudly display your winner’s badge!

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Share it on social media

Shout about your achievement on social media by copying and pasting the caption below!

We’ve been featured as a @GolfDrives Top 40 Golf Blogs! Check it out: https://www.golf-drives.com/blog/the-best-40-golf-blogs/

40 of the best golf blogs in 2019

Without further ado, here are 40 of the best golf blogs in 2019.

1. Wei Under Par

Wei Under Par

Stephanie Wei is a well-known name in the golf industry, as a golf broadcaster, writer and blogger, she is known for her unique outlook and reporting style from the PGA Tour and LPGA tournaments. Stephanie is a keen golfer and was nationally ranked in the top 100 as a junior golfer.

Website: weiunderpar.com

2. Irish Golf Desk

Irish Golf Desk

If you’re looking to keep up-to-date with anything and everything related to Irish golf, then Irish Golf Desk is the place for you. More a news website, rather than a blog, but we felt it deserved its place in this list! The content is written and edited by Brian Keogh, who’s also a regular contributor to many top publications.

Website: irishgolfdesk.com

3. Hooked on Golf Blog

Hooked on Golf

Hooked on Golf Blog (HOG) is without a doubt one of the most popular golf blogs around at the moment. It’s easy to understand why when you read their content. If you’re looking to keep in the loop with everything from equipment reviews and travel to tournament news, then you should be a regular reader of HOG!

Website: hookedongolf.com

4. Golf Stinks

Golf Stinks

We love Golf Stinks! It’s a golf blog that we can really relate to. It’s good to read a blog from the perspective of someone in the same shoes as the regular golfer. Golf Stinks doesn’t take itself too seriously. It offers a place to appreciate golf, without the constant pressure to improve your game, as they say, ‘taking the frustration out of golf’.

Website: golfstinks.com

5. Golf Blogger

Golf Blogger

With posts covering the latest news, equipment, travel, betting, players, courses and everything else across the industry, GolfBlogger.co.uk is a one-stop-shop for everything golf. This golf blog is written by people who love golf, for people who love golf. A must-read for any golf enthusiast.

Website: golfblogger.co.uk

6. Golf & Course

Golf & Course

If you’re looking for a website which brings you the best online golf news, blogs and photography then Golf & Course is the site for you. Golf & Course offers brilliant tips and advice, with some added humour for our entertainment, which we love! Find brilliant posts on everything from swing tips to golf app reviews.

Website: golfandcourse.com

7. Hitting it Solid

Hitting it Solid

Troy Vayanos helps golfers with all abilities achieve their golf goals and increase their confidence on the course by showing them how to get the best out of their game. Troy has over 25 years of golfing experience to pass on. He knows exactly what it takes to go from a high 40+ handicap to lower single figures.

Website: hittingitsolid.com

 8. The Sand Trap

The Sand Trap

The Sand Trap began from humble origins on a few golf-nuts friends wanting to share their passion and have a place of their own to talk about golf and share their opinions. Launching in mid-2004, TST has grown to become one of the top golf blogs around, offering news, swing tips, opinions and a whole lot of commentary.

Website: thesandtrap.com

9. The Armchair Golf Blog

Armchair Golf Blog

The Armchair Golf Blog launched back in 2005 as nothing but an experiment by Neil Sagebiel. Since then, the blog has gone from strength to strength and it is now one of the top golf blogs on the internet. Neil’s endeavours have led him to meet golf legends such as Jack Fleck, Errie Ball, Tommy Bolt and many more.

Website: armchairblog.blogspot.com

10. Golf is Mental Blog

Golf is Mental Blog

Josh is a keen golfer who is currently a 4-handicap, with the eventual goal of becoming a scratch golfer. He started Golf is Mental blog as a way of sharing his thoughts and experiences and connect with like-minded golf lovers. He believes golf isn’t just a game, it’s a lifestyle and we agree!

Website: golfismentalblog.com

11. GolfDash Blog

Golf Dash

GolfDash Blog is great if you’re looking to get the very best out of your game or even your life in general with cutting-edge performance ideas. The blog was launched way back in 2006 by John Diekmann and Doug Farrick and since then it has gone from strength to strength to become one of the top golf blogs around.

Website:golfdashblog.com

12. Golf Ball Guy

Golf Ball Guy

Kevin Smith is the man behind Golf Ball Guy. This one-time professional golf club fitter/maker now describes himself as a weekend golfer and family man from Southeast Texas. Kevin is an expert when it comes to signature golf balls and golf ball memorabilia & he considers himself a know it all in the ways of the high handicap golfer.

Website: golfballguy.com

13. GorillaGolfBlog

Gorilla Golf Blog

GorillaGolfBlog offers a unique and fun environment for passionate and would-be golfers. Tommy Priest is from Switzerland. He Launched GorillaGolfBlog back in 2010 and uses the blog to communicate with fellow passionate golfers from everywhere around the world. He encourages compelling conversation between golfers and non-golfers to create a wider interest.

Website: gorillagolfblog.com

14. The Grateful Golfer

The Grateful Golfer

Back in 2012, Jim Burton launched The Grateful Golfer. You might be wondering where the name comes from, well there is a story behind that. Jim is a cancer survivor after being diagnosed in 2009. He now uses the blog to talk about the positive aspects of golf and interact with like-minded golfers and have constructive exchanges about all things golf.

Website: thegratefulgolfer.com

15. Hitting the Green

Hitting the Green

Rob AKA GolfGuyRob is a true golf enthusiast and he is also a golf tutor. He has over 40 fantastic, but frustrating years playing the beautiful game of golf. He shares his passion through his blog – and this really comes through in his writing – with golfers around the world! He’s also been mentioned in several top golf publications.

Website: hittingthegreen.com

16. Eddie Pepperell

Eddie Pepperell

Eddie Pepperell is 22 from England and currently Golfing on the European Tour. He aims to inspire young people and pass on his knowledge through his blog as well as to be able to keep all his thoughts and experiences stored.

Website: eddiepepperell.wordpress.com

17. Scottish Golf Travel

Scottish Golf Travel

Blogger Ru McDonald was awarded Golf Tourism Scotland Young Person of the Year in 2013 for work across the industry. Using his initiative, to grow his personal brand he provides informative content to budding golf travellers. Ru created The Scottish Golf Podcast in 2014 and was joined by Graylyn Loomis whose detailed Scottish golf course reviews always prove popular.

Website: scottishgolfpodcast.com

18. How to Break 80

How to Break 80

Although Jack Moorehouse, is not a golf professional himself, he has worked to help thousands of golfers worldwide to lower their handicaps quickly. As an author of “How to Break 80 and Shoot like the Pros”, he provides useful tips, strategies and techniques to thousands of golfers.

Website: howtobreak80.com/blog

19. Golf for Beginners

Golf for Beginners

Stacy Solomon, from New York, is a Yankees fan but started to learn Golf in 2000. As an avid golfer, she began her Golf for Beginners blog in 2004, as a way for her to write down and remember all her lessons and golf tips. She has since written hundreds of articles and blogs which have been reprinted on thousands of websites including Worldgolf.com.

Website: golf-for-beginners.blogspot.com

20. Rules of Golf

Rules of Golf

Author of ‘999 Updated Questions on the Rules of Golf 2012-2015’ Barry Rhodes, resident in Dublin, is an enthusiastic, high handicap golfer. He developed a fascination with the Rules of Golf in 2000 after his participation in the inter-club Rules of Golf quiz competitions, organised by the Royal & Ancient for Golf Clubs in Great Britain and Ireland. This then led to him writing articles and creating his blog in 2008.

Website: barryrhodes.com

22. The Golf Travel Guru

The Golf Travel Guru

Ed refers to himself as a Guru after nearly three decades visiting golf resorts and destinations and writing about them. He started playing golf from a young age at Mohawk Golf Course in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He has since played in golf havens such as Scotland, Ireland, Kenya, Morocco and China. The Golf Travel Guru Blog is his way of giving back and sharing the knowledge he has gained about golf travel over the past 30 years.

Website: thegolftravelguru.com

23. Golf in Romania

Golf in Romania

Golf in Romania is closely related to the Royal Family. The first woman to play golf in Romania was Queen Maria. Golf in Romania started from the idea of having all the details about the golf game, about the lands, competitions, teachers, equipment and impressions about them in one place.

Website: golfinromania.com

24. Birdieable

Birdieable

Rob West, golfer from England blogs for players and fans of all levels. He owes his passion of golf to his golfing father who introduced him to the game 40 years ago. Birdieable came about after he was unable to find a site which offered something else outside of instructional and equipment sales. He takes great pride in writing about not just golf equipment but the best golf courses, news, features and the funniest golf videos on the web.

Website: birdieable.com

25. The Irish Golf Blog

The Irish Golf Blog

Kevin Markham is a Golf Writer and photographer from Wexford, Ireland. He is a published author having written ‘Hooked’, the most comprehensive guide to Ireland’s golf courses, and ‘Driving the Green’. He has 35 years’ experience playing Golf and is a featured writer for Irish Golfer Magazine, a freelancer for Irish Examiner and Editor for Destination Golf Ireland.

Website: theirishgolfblog.com

26. Playing the Top 100 Golf Courses in the World

Top 100 Golf Courses

The blog focuses on the top 100 golf courses in the world. It covers golf course critique, travelogue and social commentary in equal parts. This blog offers opinions about each course as well as information about the club’s atmosphere and traditions.

Website: top100golf.blogspot.com

27. Travelling Golfer

Travelling Golfer

Covering a range of topics from the best golf resorts to golf training aids and equipment, Mike Sigers has created an informative blog for all golfers.

Website: travellinggolfer.com

28. Golfgal

Golfgal

As an avid golfer, Golfgal took up the sport 10 years ago for both business and pleasure. When she is not playing golf, she is writing about it and has now turned golf into her business. Working as a daily blogger for Golf for Women magazine in 2008 she has also been a senior writer for Inside Golf Magazine and Golf Today Northwest.

Website: golfgal-blog.com

29. Three Guys Golf

Three Guys Golf

Three Guys Golf is a golf blog founded by Adam Staelin, Matt Murley and Wade Baynham. It has regular contributing writers who all seek to provide a unique perspective for fellow golfers. They write long-form prose on a variety of topics including product reviews, golf instructional posts and videos.

Website: threeguysgolfblog.com

30. 4 Deep Golf Blog

4 Deep Golf Blog

If you’re looking for honest yet fair analysis, predictions about the Tour with lots of information you’ve never been exposed to then this blog is for you. Owned by Joel Harrington 4 Deep Golf Blog is not yet another golf website. It is a source for PGA Tour, European Tour, LPGA Tour picks, previews, analysis, honest criticism, news, opinions, as well as golf course and equipment reviews.

Website: 4deepgolfblog.com

31. The Golfer Babe

The Golfer Babe

Amy is an amateur golfer and marketer by profession – the Golfer Babe is her persona that brings it all together. Around three years ago, she had her very first golf lesson and she admitted it wasn’t the best. She is now consistently in the low to mid-80s. Her blog is a little bit of everything she loves.

Website: thegolferbabe.com

32. The Golf Blog

The Golf Blog

The Golf Blog is a top blog for all things golf. Posting since 2004 the blog covers everything you need to know about golf and current golf news.

Website: thegolfblog.com

33. Front9Back Golf Blog

Font9Back Blog

Ryan lives in San Antonio with his wife and is the Chief Golf Blogger at Front9Back Golf Blog. In November 2009 he started his golf blog and has grown into something he is quite proud of. He has a passion for the game of golf. He loves playing golf and talking about it. He has an 11.2 USGA handicap and puts himself in the “average” category.

Website: front9back9.com

34. UK Golf Guy

UK Golf Guy

UK Golf Guy is designed to help people plan golf trips at some of the greatest courses in Europe and beyond. It’s one person’s subjective opinions but aims to inspire. As a Scottish based keen golfer, the UK Golf Guy is a 14 handicapper. Having agonised over which courses to include on a golf trip and fantasised about playing all over the world it was time to start writing about it.

Website: ukgolfguy.com

35. Golf Girl’s Diary

Golf Girl's Diary

Patricia Hannigan’s The Golf Girl lives in Danbury, CT. Her blog the Golf Girl’s Diary was one of the first independent golf blogs edited by a woman. She regularly writes about golf lifestyle, travel publications and has appeared on Inside Edition and Good Morning America. She is the go-to voice for a female’s perspective on gender issues in golf.

Website: thegolfgirl.blogspot.com

36. My Daily Slice of Golf…the Blog

My Daily Slice of Golf

From golf book reviews to personal golfing experiences this blog has something for all golfers. Aiming to get golfers talking and providing conversation starters.

Website: mydailyslice.com/

37. Golfhacker

Golfhacker

Golfhacker, are proud to say they have worked with the best in the golf business. Initially, they produced articles for GolfPunk however they have also been involved in events such as the Solheim Cup, Ricoh Women’s British Open and the British Par 3 Championship and several golf shows including the American Golf Show in Manchester. Their aim is to provide golf extensive content for those who love the game and the help young writers. It is fair to say Golfhacker is part of a wider golfing community and they want to help everyone involved in golf.

Website: golfhacker.org

38. Phuket Golf

Phuket Golf

Phuketgolf.net is one of Phuket’s most established golf agents and provide discounted golf packages for all of Phuket’s stunning golf courses. Started in 2006 the company sells golf packages and have taken care of thousands of golfers, these include individual golfers to large international golfing groups. Their blog provides extensive content about ways to book a golf holiday through PhuketGolf.net.

Website: phuketgolf.net/blog

39. One Bearded Golfer blog

One Bearded Golfer

One Bearded Golfer is an avid golfer, living in Lexington, Kentucky. He started his blog to document his golfing adventures. Although he has multiple interests golf remains his passion. He enjoys the challenge as well as the exercise. He has been inspired to document his achievements and to document Kentucky’s golf courses.

Website: onebeardedgolfer.com

40. Socalgolfblog.com

Socalgolfblog

This blog is written from the golf perspective of about a 10-handicap and is an appreciation of Southern California golf. Socalgolfblog.com contains published work, blog work and companion pieces about golf and travel in California, as well as information about life in Southern California.

Website: socalgolfblog.com

Now you can prepare for your next golf holiday

Thanks to the expert golf tricks and travel tips from our favourite golf blogs, you can now prepare yourself accordingly for your upcoming golfing holiday. If you’ve already organised your course and accommodation, don’t forget to check out our speedy, convenient and hassle-free golf transfers straight to your golf course or resort.

The Cheapest and Most Expensive Golfing Destinations in Europe

The Cheapest and Most Expensive Golfing Destinations in Europe

Planning a golf holiday? We’ve taken a look at 40 popular golf destinations across Europe to find out which destinations offer the best value for money and which could leave you with holes in your pockets.

Book your golf transfer online at Golf Drives

We’ve taken into account the cheapest and most expensive golfing destinations for:

  • A round of golf and accommodation.
  • Meals which are as cheap as chips and ones which cost an arm and a leg.
  • Low-cost pints to drink away and end up with change to spare compared to more pricey pints.
  • Transport costs.

All of this can be used to help you make an informed decision on where to go for your next golf holiday in Europe! Take a look at the infographic below to find out where your favourite European golfing destination ranks.


Golf-Drives infographic (1)

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Nice takes the top spot as the most expensive golf destination in Europe, where total costs average out at £264.98. Varna, on the other hand, has been crowned the cheapest destination, with an average total spend of £127.74, which would be even less if you’re not playing golf every day!

Will your next holiday to Vilamoura be pricey? Are prices fair in Malaga?

 

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Everything You Need to Know About Taking Your Golf Clubs Abroad

You’re fancying a change from your local golf club, so you decide you want to jet off to warmer, more exotic climates of Vilamoura, Malaga and other places and play on some of the most iconic courses Europe has to offer. 

Unfortunately, taking your clubs abroad isn’t as simple as popping them in your luggage, checking in and collecting them on the other side. With the age of airlines adding on costs for anything and everything, expenses can soon rack up if you’re not careful.

That’s why we’ve created a guide for those of you wanting to take your golf clubs abroad – covering everything from checking in, to collecting your clubs, and everything in between.

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Take your clubs abroad or hire some when you’re there?

This isn’t as clear-cut as you think and however you speak to will likely have a different preference. Some of us love to take our own clubs while others love the convenience of hiring clubs abroad. There are plenty of pros and cons to both.

First things first, your golf clubs are your prized possession. By taking them in your baggage, there’s always the risk that they could go missing.  Some airlines have steep charges for taking your clubs abroad, so it might not always be the most cost-efficient of processes. It can sometimes be more cost-efficient to hire clubs abroad. For instance, ClubstoHire has brilliant prices for hiring clubs. 

If you like the convenience of taking your own clubs, you certainly won’t want to be dragging them on public transport or through the car hire area. Thankfully, our golf transfers include one golf bag per person (plus one hold luggage) in the final price, so there’s no need to get sweaty carrying your clubs about with you. It’s certainly a convenient way to get to your golf resort if you’re taking your own clubs – or not! Book yours online today.




The best airlines for taking your golf clubs and their charges

If you’re still not sold on taking your own clubs with you, here’s a breakdown of the charges for taking your golf clubs on some of the most popular airlines. In many cases, the cost of golf clubs is no different from a suitcase.

Ryanair Golf Clubs Charges

Ryanair has separate prices depending on whether you book to take your golf clubs when you book online or if you pay at the airport.

As you would expect, paying online is the cheapest – £35 each way (max weight – 20kg)

If you decide to pay at the airport – £40 each way (max weight – 20kg)

Be sure to check the weight of your luggage prior to getting to the airport. If you go overweight, you can expect to pay a costly £10 per kilo you are overweight.

Find out more info here.

Jet2 Golf Clubs Charges

If you’re jumping on a Jet2 flight to tee off in Costa del Sol or elsewhere in Europe, then you’ll have to pay an additional fee if you want to take your golf clubs with you.

You can take your clubs with you for a total price of £30 for each way (£60 for a return flight). Be aware, there are weight and dimensions that you won’t want to exceed. There’s a max weight of 22kg and size of 182 x 91cm.

See here for more info.

Lufthansa Golf Clubs Charges

If you’re within your free baggage allowance in terms of size and weight, then you can take your clubs on your flight with Lufthansa for free of charge.

If you’re travelling economy, then your 1 piece of hold luggage cannot exceed 23kg. Whereas if you’re flying business class, you can take 2 pieces of hold luggage with the maximum weight of 32kg.

The maximum size for luggage is 158cm (height + width + depth). See free baggage rules here.

If you want to take additional baggage or your clubs will exceed the allowances above, you will have to pay a charge of €50 each way, so €100 for a return flight.

See additional baggage info here.

Flybe Golf Clubs Charges

Flybe counts golf clubs as an ‘exceptional item’, so there is always a fee incurred for taking them in your hold luggage. Keeping with the theme of all the airlines, fees are charged per flight, so you can expect to pay £60 to take your golf clubs on a return flight (£30 each way).

See here for more info.

British Airways Golf Clubs Charges

BA’s rules with sporting equipment are like those of Lufthansa, you can take your golf clubs as a part of your hold luggage allowance (not in addition to).

You can take your golf clubs as long as they do not exceed the dimensions of 190 x 75 x 65cm (I’m sure they won’t!) Also, they cannot exceed the weight allowance of 23kg.

If you want to take a suitcase as well as your golf clubs on your holiday, you always have the option to pay for additional luggage. When travelling in Europe to/from London Gatwick or Stansted airports, you will have to pay £36 for any additional bags. All other routes carry a charge of £60 per additional bag (prices are charged each way).

See here for more info.

EasyJet Golf Clubs Charges

EasyJet count golf clubs as ‘small sports equipment’, so you will have to pay an additional charge to take them with you on your flight. Charges do vary from booking online and paying when you’re at the airport, so we would always recommend booking in advance.

When you book online, you will pay £37 each way and if you pay at the airport, expect to pay £47 each way.

See here for more info.

Golf club insurance when flying

You’ll also want to take into account the cost of insurance for insuring your golf clubs when flying. Here’s how the top airlines compare: 

Total costs

Airline Cost of flight Extra Baggage Fee Insurance Charge Total Cost (return flight)
Ryanair £70 £60 Price of flight + £130
Jet2 £60 £60 Price of flight + £120
Lufthansa £60 Price of flight + £60
Flybe £60 £60 Price of flight + £120
British Airways £60 Price of flight + £60
EasyJet £74 £60 Price of flight + £134

 

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Things to remember when taking your golf clubs on a plane

Clearly label your bag and make it identifiable

It might sound simple, but making sure your bag is easily identifiable could help you locate it should it go missing. Adding unique things to your bag will also help you distinguish it on the luggage belt. Don’t forget to add a luggage tag, too!

Use your bag as additional storage

If you’re flying with Lufthansa or BA, why not just use your golf bag as extra storage? Place clothes and other belongings inside your bag, around your clubs. Also, you get the added benefit of your clubs being protected by the clothes.

Get a durable, well-made bag

Some people swear by a hard bag for your golf clubs, which offers maximum protection. If you’re very cautious about your clubs getting damaged, we would recommend a hard bag. However, if you are a bit more laid back and are happy with a soft bag we would recommend a lightweight pencil bag (maybe with some extra padding around the clubs).

Whichever bag you go for, make sure you don’t scrimp, and you choose a well-made bag. The cost may be slightly higher at first, but a durable bag will last you years!

Money-saving tips for booking golf clubs on a flight

Book beforehand, don’t wait until you get to the airport

If you book your golf bag as extra luggage online, rather than at the airport (if you must pay for extra luggage), the prices are cheaper. It might be tempting to leave things until the last minute, especially when you haven’t made your mind up. However, just bite the bullet and make the payment online to save those pennies (or pounds).

Use a pencil bag

We touched on a pencil bag being a lot less bulky than a hard-cased golf bag, so it is much easier to carry around. However, they are much more slimline than your usual bag, so there’s less chance of being over any baggage limits. In short, a pencil bag is a lot less bulky, but with enough room for one  (maybe even two) sets of clubs. Perfect for short breaks.

Work out the total cost of the flight, rather than just the golf club cost

When you’re looking for a flight, don’t forget to consider the total cost of the flight and any extra charges. You might think that a Ryanair flight is much cheaper than a flight with BA, but is it with the extra charges included?

Travel light

Some airlines, such as Lufthansa and BA, allow golf clubs in your baggage allowance which is included in the price of your flight. If you travel light and don’t go over the maximum allowance, you’ll avoid the extra fees they charge for overweight baggage.

Get to your golf resort easily, and conveniently

Forget about the hassle of dragging your golf clubs from the luggage conveyor belt, out of the doors into the blazing heat, and to the taxi stand or public transport station – to wait in line and get more and more sweaty.

Why put yourself through that when you can book your golf transfer itinerary beforehand with Golf Drives. When you transfer with us, one of our friendly drivers will be waiting to collect you at the airport. It doesn’t stop there, we’ll also collect you from your hotel and take you to the golf course and back. We can even take you between golf courses! 

Get your quote online today, and book your hassle-free transfer instantly.

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Golfs weirdest rules

These Rules Can Get You in Trouble. Golf’s Weirdest Rules!

If you’ve ever been the victim of your ball falling off the tee and had someone merrily call “one”, you will know only too well the frustration and, often, confusion, the rules of golf can cause.

Regulated by the R & A, you could say that golf is a well-governed sport, with countless eventualities being covered by the Rules of Golf. With so many rules, you would think playing golf would be easy yet there are still plenty of situations that leave your average golfer scratching their head.

With the arrival of the new golf season, we’ve shared some of the strangest golf rules to help you stay out of trouble on the green.

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Situation 1 – Hide & Seek

As usual, your ball has ended up in a bunker. On the first inspection, you think your ball has completely vanished, and there is no trace of it in the hazard. However, after further searching, you realise that your ball is in the hazard, but has somehow been buried in the bunker. What do you do?

According to Rule 12-1a, if your ball is believed to be covered by sand to the extent that you can’t find or identify it, you can touch or move the sand in order to find or identify your ball without penalty.

However, if your ball is found and identified, you must re-create the lie as accurately as possible.

Under this Rule, you are permitted to leave a small area of your ball uncovered and visible.

Situation 2 – Something in the Wind

You’re lucky enough to be playing a links course in Ireland (see some of the best links courses in Ireland here) and about to take your turn when a gust of wind moves your ball. Under Rule 18, the wind is not an ‘outside agency’ and therefore you should play from where it came to rest. However, if your ball is moved by artificially propelled air, you must replace your ball without penalty. No fans on the green, please.

Speaking of wind, how do you test wind direction without being disqualified? Picking and throwing grass into the air, a handkerchief or the smoke from a cigar or cigarette are all allowed under Rule 14-3. However, a ‘windsock’ would not be compliant as its sole purpose is to measure conditions that may affect your play.

Situation 3 – Tools of the Trade

You’re about to tee off when you notice some dirt on your Driver. Under Rule 4-2, you can spit on your clubface before playing a shot to clean it. However, if it is your intention to influence your ball’s movement and reduce spin to hit an opponent’s shot, you would fall foul of Rule 4-2b.

You’ve finally perfected your swing, but your club lets you down with the clubhead falling off. However, depending on when the clubhead fell off, you might be able to retake the stroke. Whilst your clubhead falling off during the backswing of a completed swing which misses the ball doesn’t count as a stroke, if the situation occurred during the downswing it would count (Rule 4-2 & 4-3).

Situation 4 – Current Situation

You’re enjoying a golf holiday in the Algarve and are having a round at Quinta de Cima Golf Course. Things were going great until your ball landed in the stream with permeant flowing water on the 5th hole. What happens next?

Under Rule 14-6, you have two options. You can either hit the ball whilst it’s still moving or take a stroke. However, you must ensure that you don’t delay play in order for the current to move your ball into a more beneficial position.

Situation 5 – Snake in the Grass

Guaranteed to cause confusion on the course, ‘loose impediments’ are defined by the R & A as natural objects such as stones, dung and insects that are not fixed, growing, solidly embedded or adhering to the ball. Whilst this might sound simple, in practice, it’s anything but.

Let’s talk about fruit first. Unsurprisingly, a half-eaten apple is considered a loose impediment regardless of whether there are any apple trees close by. However, if your ball becomes embedded inside an apple or any other piece of fruit, you must play the ball as it lies or declare it unplayable and face the penalty (Rule 23-10).

Whilst you can’t usually control wildlife, you can sometimes remove them. Whilst a dead snake would be treated as a loose impediment and can be removed, a live snake is classed as an ‘outside agent’ and therefore cannot be moved before continuing play (Rule 23).

Situation 6 – A Prickly Situation

Whilst visiting Tenerife in the Canary Islands, you play a round at Golf Del Sur. Whilst admiring the incredible sea views, you lose concentration and your ball lands next to a cactus. What do you do?

According to the Rules, you can wrap an arm or leg in a towel to protect yourself from the needs whilst playing your shot but can’t cover the cactus with the towel (Rule 1-2/10).

Situation 7 – An Inside Job

Under Rule 24-2b/14, if your shot ends up inside the clubhouse, and the clubhouse isn’t considered out-of-bounds, you can open a window or door and play your next shot without a penalty.

Similarly, if you hit your ball under a parked car, but can readily move the car, the car is treated as a movable obstruction and moved. However, if it can’t be moved, it is classed as an immovable obstruction and you are entitled to free relief (Rule 24-2b).

Situation 8 – The Forgetful Friend

You’re playing a round with your golf buddies and have just finished playing a hole. Whilst moving to the next one, you realise that you left your putter at the previous hole. Of course, you return back to the hole to get your putter, but will your forgetfulness earn you a penalty?

Unfortunately, you’ve fallen victim to Rule 6-7 (Undue Delay) and will be subject to loss of hole in match play or two strokes in stroke play (6-7/1).

Situation 9 – A Sticky Situation

Your ball has landed in the bunker and, following a recent rain shower, you’re playing from wet sand. As you take your stroke, the ball becomes stuck to the face of your club because of the wet sand.

Thankfully, the Rules offer a logical solution with Rule 1-4/2 allowing you to drop the ball, without penalty, as near to the spot where the club was when the ball becomes stuck.

Situation 10 – Anger Management

You are playing a round of golf on a golfing holiday in the Vilamoura. Whilst playing the course, you are nearly struck by a ball played by a player in the group behind you. In anger, you hit the ball back towards the group. Has your moment of madness resulted in a penalty?

Yes. Unfortunately, you should incur the general penalty of loss of hole in match play or two strokes in stroke play (Rule 1-4/4).

Angry at your penalty, you break your putter. In a bid to recover from your disadvantage, you buy a new one in the Pro Shop after the first nine holes and use it for the rest of the round. However, as long as you started the round with 13 clubs, you are entitled to add another club under Rule 4-4a and so will escape further penalties.

We hope these situations have entertained and educated you on some of the strangest rules in golf.

Test your newfound knowledge on your next golfing holiday

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How to choose the right golf clubs

How to Choose the Right Golf Club for You!

Whether you are thinking of playing golf for the first time or you’re a seasoned pro planning ahead of your next golf trip, choosing the right golf clubs is key to your performance. Using the right clubs can change the way you play on the golf course and help you reduce your handicap dramatically.

But which golf clubs should you buy? What should you look for when choosing your golf clubs? 

Whatever your ability, whether you are buying one club or a full set, the sheer volume of clubs on the market can be overwhelming.

To make choosing the right golf clubs less daunting, we’ve shared our top tips to help you make the right choice.

1. Golf Club Essentials

Whether completely new to the sport, or a golfing enthusiast, you should think about the same six things when trying to choose the right golf clubs.

Golf Clubs

Take your time

The sheer volume of golf clubs on the market is enough to confuse the most experienced golf professional.

Depending on your ability and budget, buying a new golf club can be a significant investment, so it’s important to do your research and not make any spontaneous decisions.

Ignore the name

If you regularly watch European Tour events, it’s easy to think buying the same make and model as your favourite professionals will help you score well on your golf holiday.

By all means, use this insight to help you choose your clubs, but be willing to try and test other brands too. As golf club technology has advanced, manufacturers have targeted different players when creating the latest models.

From body type and gender to physical condition and ability needs, focus on the clubs that cater to your requirements and not the name. After all, it’s your score that counts.

Grip Thickness

The thickness of the grip can have a massive effect on your swing. A grip that is too thin can lead to golfers having large hand actions leading into the swing. However, too thick a grip will restrict your hands and have an equally devastating impact.

What does the right grip look like?

The proper grip should let you hold the club using your middle and ring fingers of your left hand with very little touching the pad with the thumb. If your finger doesn’t touch your thumb, it’s a sign that the grip is too big.

The Shaft

Although obvious, getting the correct length of shaft is a fundamental consideration when buying golf clubs.

Key considerations to check are your height, body type and physical strength.

As a general rule, taller players usually need a longer shaft to play at their best.

In addition, you should also consider the shaft flex and its suitability to your swing.

Selecting a shaft too stiff will cause lower ball flight and a loss of distance, whereas a shaft too soft can result in ballooning and, again, loss in distance.

How can you judge if the shaft flex is correct? Shafts too stiff usually make you slice the ball to the right whilst shafts too soft hook your ball fly to the left.

Loft

A vital measurement, the loft, or loft angle, refers to the angle formed by a line running down the centre of the shaft and the face of the club.

Measured in degrees, a golf club with a relatively low loft, such as 3 iron sitting at 21–23 degrees, will make the ball go further than one with a higher loft. Alternatively, a golf club with a high loft, such as a 9 iron sitting at 45–48 degrees, will result in the ball rising and descending into the air on a steeper angle.

You can judge the loft by how much of the face of a club is angled upward or how much the top of the face is angled away from the shaft. Visually, a clubface with a higher degree of loft will appear to be more horizontally angled compared to that of one with a lower degree.

The clubhead

If you want to make the most of your golf club, having different sized clubheads can be a real advantage. Most brands offer standard, midsize and oversized heads for their golf clubs and your choice of clubhead size is mainly dependent on your experience level.

Generally, the larger the club head, the more forgiveness your swing has. Although you can make a poor hit and still achieve a good result with an oversized head, these are often heavy and hard to control.

2. Golf Clubs for Beginners

It’s very easy to get caught up in the initial enthusiasm of starting a new sport and buying the best golf gear, but beginners beware.

Golf clubs are best bought slowly, collecting more advanced ones as your experience increases and you progress in the sport.

If you are just getting your first taste of golf, it’s well worth borrowing a set or buying used clubs. Once you have played a couple of rounds and have become familiar with the game, you can decide if you want to continue and buy your first golf clubs.

As we’ve explained previously, custom-fitted or top brand name clubs are not necessary or suitable for beginners. For your first golf clubs, we recommend buying a beginner set of clubs that include a driver and 3-wood, odd-numbered irons (3, 5, 7, 9) and a putter.

Apart from the basic decisions between men’s and women’s clubs and right or left-handed clubs, you might have a choice between steel and graphite shaft clubs. At this stage, we recommend choosing steel shafts as they are more durable and less expensive.

3. Golf Clubs for Intermediate & Experienced Golfers

For players with a year or more experience, you might want to start building a set of golf clubs that is more tailored to your physical characteristics and ability.

Intermediate players should begin to slowly build their set as their game improves over the years.

For experienced players, considering the top brand names and latest models is not such a risky investment. Whilst your understanding of your strengths and weaknesses will guide your choice, custom fitting could also be an option. Tailoring the club shaft length and flex, and club head lie angle and loft to your specifications, is a worthwhile investment if you are looking to become a serious golfer.

4. Type of Golf Clubs

4.1 Driver

Driver

Used off the tee on long holes, the purpose of using a driver is to hit the ball as far as you can.

Measured by volume in cubic centimetres, the biggest driver head allowed is 460cc.

Most drivers are made of titanium and/or carbon composite because they are much lighter than steel, letting manufacturers increase the size of the head.

If you are buying used drivers or those manufactured prior to January 2008, ensure that they are still legal for club competitions. The maximum legal Coefficient of Restitution is now 0.83, which means that if you hit a golf ball at a clubface of 100mph, the rebound would be 83mph. If a rebound is at a higher speed, the driver would be deemed illegal.

Driver Models

In addition to the standard models, golfers also have a choice of ‘Offset’, ‘Draw’ and ‘Neutral’ options. These options help to fix golfers slicing the ball (e.g. balls veering right unintentionally for right-handed golfers) by placing weight inside the clubhead to help you keep it more ‘closed’ at impact.

Driver Shape

Another consideration is the shape of the head. Manufactured by a few brands, square-shaped drivers help players align tee shots and visualise the line of shot much easier than traditional shaped drivers.

Driver Loft

Typically, the loft of drivers ranges from 8 degrees to 13 degrees. When deciding what loft to select, you should consider the speed of your swing:

  • Fast swing? Clubs with a loft of 8-9 degrees are great for very powerful golfers who want to hit further. ‘Normal’ players should avoid these clubs as they will achieve less distance.
  • Slower swing? Ideal for seniors, juniors or ladies, a club with a loft between 12-13 will help get the ball airborne more easily.
  • Average swing? Most players opt for a loft between 9-11 degrees which suits all handicaps.

4.2 Woods

Woods

When considering what woods to purchase, your first consideration should be what you want to use it for. Do you want to hit off the tee or replace long irons? Maybe you want to reach par 5s in two on your golf holiday? Whatever your reason, this should guide your purchase.

Which Wood?

When deciding which golf club number (3, 5, 7 etc) to purchase, think of the following:

  • The higher the golf club number, the higher the loft.
  • The higher the golf club number, the shorter the club shaft length.

Wood Shafts

Golfers have a choice of graphite or steel shafted woods:

  • Graphite woods tend to be more popular and generally reach a further distance.
  • Steel woods help to achieve a lower, more accurate ball flight.

Wood Head Design

Just like with drivers, manufacturers offer a choice of ‘Offset’, ‘Draw’ or ‘Neutral’ head designs on woods.

Attempting to correct any side-spin on the ball, weight has been placed inside the clubhead to help keep it square at impact.

Wood Head Material

There are three choices of head material to choose from, each with its own characteristics:

  • Steel – Not too expensive and durable, steel is the most popular material.
  • Titanium – Great for hitting from the tee, titanium is half the weight of steel and helps to get the ball airborne sooner.
  • Composite – Combining materials such as carbon with steel or titanium, this material is great for fixing twisting or off-centre hits.

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4.3 Irons

Making up the bulk of your set, irons are numbered like woods.

With the lowest loft (around 20 degrees), the 3 irons achieve a low and long hit with approximately 200 yards. In contrast, a Pitching Wedge (50 degrees loft) or Sand Wedge (56 degrees loft) produce a high flight but a low distance of approximately 100 yards.

Other irons such as the 7-iron sit between these two extremes, with around 12-15 yards difference between each club.

Essentially, the lower the golf club number is, the lower the flight, the further it will travel but the harder it is to control.

Irons

Which weight?

Like woods and drivers, irons offer different models depending on your needs:

  • Perimeter-weighted Irons – Having more weight around the perimeter of the head, these are much easier to hit and help get the ball airborne easily.
  • Offset & draw weighted Irons – Designed to keep your hands ahead of the ball, these clubs help counteract slicing.

Casting or Forging?

Golfers choose between two manufacturing processes when buying a new iron:

Cast Irons

Aimed at low handicappers, most irons are made by casting as this process allows manufacturers to design more creatively.

Common terms used include:

  • Cast 17-4 stainless steel – strong, durable and very hard.
  • 431 stainless steel – softer than 17-4 but has a better ‘feel’.
Forged Irons

Using a softer metal than cast irons, forged irons are often said to have a better ‘feel’.

Iron Shafts

  • Steel Shafts – Steel shafts are the most popular option and are considerably cheaper than graphite shafts. More durable than graphite, it offers consistency of flex and torque throughout all of the irons.
  • Graphite Shafts – Lighter than steel shafts, graphite shafts absorb vibration better than steel shafts but offer less feedback on impact.

4.4 Wedge

WedgeCrucial to post a good score, choosing the right wedge can help improve your game dramatically.

Wedge Loft

  • Pitching Wedge (PW) – Usually featuring a loft between 46 and 50 degrees, the PW is used for shots of around 120 yards into the green.
  • Gap or Approach Wedge (GW) or (AW) – More lofted than a PW, the approach wedge has a loft between 50-55 degrees.
  • Sand Wedge (SW) – Generally used for bunker play, SWs have a loft of 54-58 degrees.
  • Lob Wedge (LW) – With a loft between 60 and 64 degrees, LWs are ideal for high flights from short distances.

Bounce Angle

Referring to the curved section on the sole of the wedge, the ‘bounce’ prevents the club from snagging in the sand or rough.

Visually, the bounce is the gap between the ground and the leading edge of the wedge when placed in the address position.

As a general rule, most golfers are best with a bounce between 10 to 14 degrees.

  • High Bounce Wedges – Those with a high space between the ground and the leading edge, the biggest bounce is around 18 degrees. Best for play out of soft turf and sand, they are good for golfers with steep attack angles.
  • Low Bounce Wedges – Ideal for shots from tight lies and firm turf, low bounce wedges are best for those who have shallow attack angles through impact.
  • Standard Bounce Wedges – A great all-around wedge, a standard bounce wedge is versatile and a great choice if you like an open or square face out of a bunker, and an average to slightly steeper attack angle.

4.5 Putter

One of the most important clubs in your bag, yet one of the most neglected, putters can transform your game.

Ranging between £10.00 and £200.00, it can be difficult to decide which putter to get, but there are four things you should consider:

Putter Design

There are three main types of putter:

  • Blade – Very simple, this type of putter tends not to be very forgiving if hit from the middle of the surface.
  • Half-Mallet – Similar to the blade but much easier to hit.
  • Mallet – Heavier than the others, this option offers lots of designs that help you align the ball up more accurately.

Putter Length

The typical putter length is 35″, but anything from 33″ to 35″ is used.

Playing Golf

4.6 Hybrid

A cross between a wood and iron, hybrid clubs are slowly replacing traditional long irons.

Do you need a Hybrid club?

Nobody needs a hybrid club, but they can be helpful. Featuring a ‘deeper’ face-to-back than a regular iron, the centre of gravity has been placed further back making it much easier to get the ball airborne.

Hybrid clubs are also great from the rough with smooth edges that don’t drag through thick grass.

 

We hope this guide has helped you choose the perfect golf clubs for your next golf holiday.

If you’re planning on taking your golf clubs on holiday with you, why not get an instant quote from Golf Drives for your transfers? With golf bags included as standard, Golf Drives will transfer you from the airport to hotel, hotel to course, and back again! 

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20 Favourite golf bloggers

Our Top 20 Favourite Golf Bloggers

Where do you go when you want to get your golf fix? Whilst we love talking golf with our friends and coaches, sometimes it’s nice to get a fresh perspective. Providing unique and entertaining content, golf blogs are the perfect way to keep up to date no matter where you are. 

With plenty of golf bloggers to choose from, it can be hard to know which ones to follow. Whether you are looking for the latest golf tournament updates or need golf holiday inspiration, you’ll find the blog for you in our top 20 favourite golf bloggers. Read our guide to find out which ones you should be following!

Top 20 Golf Bloggers

20. YourGolfCourses.com

This website is your one-stop shop to discover all the best public golf courses across most cities and states in the United States. Across hundreds of posts, find public golf courses ranked and even recommended for best views, good for groups, best value etc. Having travelled extensively around the U.S., they’re also experts at highlighting the best golf resorts to stay at across major golf cities. Definitely recommend you check them out at yourgolfcourses.com.

Golf Girls Diary

19. Golf Girl’s Diary

One of the first independent golf blogs edited by a woman, Patricia Hannigan writes for both “men and women, competitive players and casual fans”. Featured on the likes of Good Morning America, Golf Girl’s Diary shares course fashion and details of her golf travels. When not bust blogging for Golf Girl’s Diary, Patricia is running her own media company, ‘Golf Girl Media’.

Aussie Golfer

18. Aussie Golfer

Based in the land down under, Aussie Golfer is written by Michael Green, a self-confessed golf obsessive. Established in 2007, Aussie Golfer is the place to go for golf lovers wanting to keep up to date with the latest golf news, find useful product reviews and get tips on improving their swing. We love the ‘best trick shots in the world’ feature, and his ‘fun’ section is hilarious.

The Golfer Babe Blog

17. The Golfer Babe

Written by an amateur golfer, Amy Sifontes, The Golfer Babe combines a love of marketing and golf to create a hub of industry news and reviews. Whether she is sharing advice on when to take a golf lesson, or why golfers need to use more sunscreen and sun protection, this is the perfect blog for someone who is relatively new to the game but passionate about the sport.

The Jazzy Golfer

16. The Jazzy Golfer

More of an influencer than a blogger, we had to include The Jazzy Golfer in our top 20! Aiming to inspire more women to play golf whilst improving her own game, The Jazzy Golfer has earned an impressive following on social media. 

Posting photos of her progress and fashionable outfits, she has gained over 22,000 Instagram followers alone! She recently spoke about how golf clubs can appeal to a younger generation at the Lancashire County Conference, so we’re looking forward to seeing what she does next.

Golf For Beginners

15. Golf For Beginners

It’s easy to forget that everyone was a beginner once and technical blog posts and in-depth videos can be a little intimidating. Sharing all her lessons and tips, New York native Stacy Solomon has documented her progress from the start of her journey. Combining her own experiences with product reviews and tour news, Golf for Beginners is the perfect place for new golfers to build their confidence and develop their technique.

Armchair Golf Blog

14. Armchair Golf Blog

Founded in 2005 by Neil Sagebiel, Armchair Golf Blog is one of the original golf blogs, and it’s also one of the best. Beginning as an experiment, Sagebiel has written two great books, one of which includes a forward by the great Jack Nicklaus and the iconic Tony Jacklin. Featuring over 3,400 blog posts, Armchair Golf Blog includes insightful interviews and discussions on many of the global professional tours. One of the most consistent bloggers, we’re looking forward to another decade of the Armchair Golf Blog.

Wei Under Par

13. Wei Under Par

Written by golf broadcaster, writer and blogger Stephanie Wei, Wei Under Par is one of the leading golf blogs in the industry. Providing great updates and podcasts about tours and knowledgeable course reviews, Wei Under Par gives a fresh perspective on what’s happening in the golf industry.

Graceful Golfer

12. Graceful Golfer

After meeting while playing professional golf, Anna and Armana decided to found Graceful Golfer. Sharing their passion, and travels, the blog aims to encourage more women to play golf. Featuring insightful interviews with leading female professionals and helpful tips to improve your game, the blog covers all aspects of the game. Expect to see updates from the golf industry mixed with golf fashion posts and even beauty guides for the course!

The Golf Travel Guru

11. The Golf Travel Guru

If you dream of playing golf all over the world, the Golf Travel Guru is the blog you should be reading. Travelling the globe for nearly three decades, the Golf Travel Guru shares the best golf holiday tips. Featuring insights into courses in Scotland, Morocco, Ireland, China, the Canary Islands and more, it’s great for getting inspiration for your next golf trip. In addition to his great course guides, expect posts on the “Top 10 Golf Buddy Tip”, the “Top Five Airline Booking Sites” and other travel tips that can make your golf holiday go smoother.

Pure Swing TV

10. PureSwingTV

Powered by an incredibly positive mental attitude, Gabriel Writer created Pure Swing TV to show that anyone can improve their game if they are willing to learn and practice. Focused on the PGA Tour, expect course vlogs, reviews, interviews and instructional videos.

Buzza Golf

9. Buzza Golf

Steve Buzza is a professional golfer and sports scientist with a highly entertaining YouTube channel. Creating helpful instruction videos like “How to hit a Punch Shot”Buzza makes it possible to improve your play wherever you are. In addition to helping subscribers, Buzza Golf also features fun challenges, equipment tests and course vlogs.

Adam Young Golf

8. Adam Young Golf

Armed with a passion for teaching and learning, Adam Young has developed an impressive knowledge of motor learning and brain function. Combining this research with his golfing experience, Adam aims to develop golfers’ skills and techniques to benefit their game as a whole. 

Teaching at one of Europe’s most prestigious resorts (La Manga Club in Spain) Adam’s blog provides practical tips mixed with a few opinion pieces. A great resource for anyone looking to improve their game, Adam also offers online coaching and two different online programmes designed to take your golf to the next level.

How To Break 80

7. How to Break 80

Written by Jack Moorehouse, How to Break 80 is the blog for competitive golfers. Whilst we all enjoy keeping up to date with the latest tour updates, this blog bypasses tournament news in favour of technical know-how. With only 5% of the world’s golfers breaking 80, How to Break 80 aims to make you one of the lucky few. 

Whether you want to master your swing, perfect your sand escape or add a backspin to your chip shots, you can find out how and much more on the blog. In addition to his blog, Moorhouse has also written a book and has created a monthly membership programme to accelerate your learning.

Alex Elliot Golf

6. Alex Elliot Golf

Previously a caddy for Simon Dyson and Tom Murry on the European and Challenge Tours, Alex Elliot has developed incredible course management and coaching credentials. Passionate about all aspects of golf, his YouTube channel covers everything from how to stop hitting behind the ball to how to get rid of first tee nerves. Ideal for anyone who wants easy-to-follow advice that will improve your game, Alex Elliot Golf is one to watch.

Not The Golf Show

5. Not The Golf Show

Offering blogs, YouTube videos and podcasts, Not The Golf Show covers all platforms. Created by Crawford Anderson-Dillion and Robert Cross, the blog is a must-read, listen and watch for those who play, or want to play, golf in England, Ireland and Scotland. Both club golfers, the podcast aims to discuss current topics from the world of golf with a refreshing perspective.

The blog is equally entertaining and both Crawford and Robert are great writers. If this wasn’t enough, their passion shines even more through their flourishing YouTube channel, with previous videos including equipment reviews and fun challenges. A great light-hearted blog, this is the perfect option for enthusiastic club golfers.

Peter Finch Golf

4. Peter Finch Golf

Manchester native Peter Finch is a golf coach at Quest Golf Studio in Burnley and is dedicated to training and coaching golfers of all abilities. Including instruction videos and course vlogs, Peter is one of the most entertaining content creators around. Apart from providing hints and tips, he also offers practical advice such as “What’s better, range or on course golf coaching?”course vlogs and equipment reviews. Providing the latest golf updates and fun challenges, Peter Finch Golf is one of the best golf channels on YouTube.

Rick Shiels Golf

3. Rick Shiels Golf

Another PGA Golf Coach and Golf Professional from Quest Golf Academy, Rick Shiels has gained a reputation as one of the best coaches regardless of skill level. Featuring helpful comparisons of both courses and equipment, Rick helps golfers improve their game whilst having fun. One of our favourite videos is a comparison of a 1998 Golf Ball and a 2018 Golf Ball. Want to know the difference? You’ll just have to watch the video!

Top 100 Golf Bog

2. Top 100 Golf

If you’ve ever dreamed of playing a top golf course, Top 100 Golf is worth a read. Chronicling a single golfer’s mission to play the top 100 golf courses in the world, this blog is “equal parts golf course critique, travelogue and social commentary”. 

Including detailed descriptions, great photographs and insights into the club’s atmosphere and traditions, it is the ultimate guide to some of the most exclusive golf clubs in the world. Having now completed the mission, Top 100 Golf still publishes golf course reviews, the locations of which span the globe.

UK Golf Guy

1. UK Golf Guy

Designed to help people play in some of the best courses in Europe, UK Golf Guy shares inspiration and opinions that are perfect for planning your golf holiday. Whether you are looking to play in Ireland or Scotland, or venture into France or Portugal, UK Golf Guy has rated some of the top golf clubs to make deciding where to play much easier. 

In addition to his well-thought through rating system, UK Golf Guy also posts great industry updates, new equipment reviews and general golf inspiration. Expect to see posts ranging from UK Golf Guy’s search for the perfect golf iron to discussing the USPGA broadcasting ‘omnishambles’. Essentially, UK Golf Guy Blog is the perfect all-rounder.

We hope you have discovered some new top golf bloggers. If their golf course reviews have inspired your next golf holiday, get an instant quote for your golf holiday transfers from Golf Drives. Golf Drives will transfer you from the airport to the hotel, the hotel to the course, and back again! 

If you have any questions at all, visit our FAQs page where should find your answer. You can also reach us here.

Best Links Courses in Ireland

The Best Links Courses in Ireland

Golf has been played in Ireland since the 19th Century and it remains one of the most popular sports in the country. Combining Ireland’s rugged coastline, stunning scenery and warm Irish hospitality, it’s no wonder why golf experiences in Ireland are on most golfers’ bucket lists.

With fewer than 200 links golf courses in the world, Ireland is home to 50 of the most prestigious. Whilst these 50 courses stretch along the entire length of Ireland’s impressive coastline, some of the best courses in Ireland can be found in the areas surrounding Dublin and Limerick.

Whether you have already booked your flights for your golf holiday in Ireland, or you’re still in the research stage and deciding where to go, we’ve shared our favourite links courses on the west coast and east coast of this go-to golfing destination.

West Coast Ireland Golf Courses

Offering some of Ireland’s most dramatic and spectacular landscapes, the long west coast makes a fantastic location for a golf holiday. Shaped by the persistent Atlantic wind, you will find peninsulas, ports and tiny islands scattered along its length.

The best links courses to play during your golf holiday

Ballybunion Golf Club

Ranked in the Top 20 in the World by Top 100 Golf Courses, Ballybunion Golf Club is a must-visit during your golf holiday in Ireland. Set amongst the most spectacular and formidable sand dunes in Ireland, the club boasts two equally impressive golf courses.

Whilst the original course (known as the ‘Old’ Course) encourages golfers to overcome natural challenges, the ‘Cashen’ course provides the true challenge. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Senior, this course features higher dunes, deeper valleys and greens more undulating than its predecessor, requiring accurate precision from the start.

We offer transfers from Shannon Airport to Ballybunion Golf Club, which takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.

Lahinch Golf Club

Celebrating 125 years of golf, Lahinch Golf Club is one of the iconic links golf clubs lining the Irish coast. Situated next to Liscannor Bay, the club boasts two 18-hole golf courses, one of which being a championship course. Host to the South of Ireland Championship each September, the course has maintained traditional links course whilst simultaneously embracing the modern game.

Our transfers from Shannon Airport to Lahinch Golf Club takes approximately 50 minutes.

Tralee Golf Club

Offering golfers enchanting views across Tralee Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, Tralee Golf Club boasts an Arnold Palmer-designed course that has achieved worldwide status. Whilst the first few holes play across the level terrain, the majority hug the coastline and are routed through rugged dunes and ravines. A captivating course from the very beginning, the course features a wide variety of holes that are guaranteed to grab and hold your attention.

Golf Drives transfers from Shannon Airport to Tralee Golf Club takes approximately 2 hours.

Trump International Golf Links Doonbeg

A jewel between Lahinch and Ballybunion, Doonbeg is the only course designed by Greg Norman in the British Isles. Named as the Best Golf Resort in Europe by Conde Nast Traveler, the club covers an impressive 400-acre site. Despite being designed, and now owned by an American, the course has a traditional feel which embraces its spectacular 100ft sandhills rather than changing them.

Our transfers from Shannon Airport to Trump International Golf Links Doonbeg take approximately 1 hour.

Where to stay during your west coast golfing holiday

Combining its convenient location with authentic Irish friendliness, Limerick is the perfect location for a golf holiday to Ireland’s west coast.

Close to famous golf clubs, Limerick contains one of the most iconic views in Ireland: the River Shannon winding around the 12th century King John’s Castle.

Famous for their warm welcome, cities such as Limerick and Galway are close to Shannon Airport, which serves many major airlines. Don’t forget that we offer transfers from the airport to your hotel, from your hotel to your chosen golf course, and from course to course, too. 

What to do during your stay along the west coast

In addition to golf, the west coast offers plenty of additional activities. Here are some suggestions:

  • Drive along the Wild Atlantic Way, one of the most scenic drives in the world. A winding coastal road that is notoriously difficult to navigate, spend time at the famous Cliffs of Moher and admire the view.
  • Get a ferry across to the Aran Islands and experience Ireland’s island life.
  • Explore the rugged wilderness and rich natural beauty of Connemara National Park.
  • Enjoy the famous nightlife of Galway.

East Coast Ireland Golf Courses

As a result of its strategic position and extremely fertile land, the east coast of Ireland has seen the majority of development, leaving behind astonishing architecture amongst lush farmland.

Framed by the River Shannon and the Irish Sea, the area’s 5000 years of history contrasts with its vibrant modern cities. Easily accessible via Dublin Airport, the coast shows visitors the best of ancient and modern Ireland.

The best links courses to play during your golf holiday

European Golf Club

Nestled between the coastal towns of Wicklow and Arklow, European Golf Club presents a unique golf experience that is ranked in the world’s top 100 golf courses. Designed by Pat Ruddy in 1993, the course features a 20-hole links layout that will challenge players of all abilities. Played against the contrasting Irish Sea, the course has attracted some of the best golfers, with Tiger Woods holding the record of 67.

We offer transfers from Dublin Airport to European Golf Club take approximately 1 hour 5 minutes.

Portmarnock

Located on its own sandy peninsula, Portmarnock Golf Club is an iconic course just 8 miles northeast of Dublin. A natural links course featuring water on three sides, players are at the mercy of the wind if they are to score well. Boasting views to the south of Ireland’s Eye (a small island), the course has established an international reputation and has hosted numerous tournaments including the Irish Open, the Canada Cup and the Walker Cup.

Golf Drives transfers from Dublin Airport to Portmarnock take approximately 20 minutes.

Royal Dublin Golf Club

Situated on Bull Island in Dublin Bay, the Royal Dublin Golf Club was founded in 1885 and was granted royal patronage by Queen Victoria. Rebuilt by Harry Colt in 1920 following severe damage during WW1, the course is a traditional ‘Scottish’ out and back links which is unusual for this area but certainly worth visiting and experiencing for yourself. A favourite of Christy O’Connor, the course has hosted numerous tournaments including several Irish Opens and has seen the likes of Ballesteros and Langer claim victory.

Our transfers from Dublin Airport to Royal Dublin Golf Club take approximately 30 minutes.

The Island Golf Club

The Island, as its name suggests, was once located on an island but is now attached to the mainland, sandwiched between the Irish Sea, the beach of Donabate and the Broadmeadow on a spur of links land. Despite being ranked consistently as one of the best golf clubs in Ireland, The Island is relatively unknown, and a golf holiday to Ireland isn’t complete without enjoying this hidden gem. This natural links course is sure to provide a memorable golfing experience.

We provide transfers from Dublin Airport to The Island Golf Club, taking approximately 20 minutes.

Where to stay during your west coast golfing holiday

One of the most popular destinations to visit in Ireland, Dublin is perfect for golfing holidays to the Emerald Isle. Sitting in the centre of Ireland’s east coast, Dublin is a bustling city filled with the nation’s history and culture.

Close to major golf courses, it is a convenient location for a golf holiday to Ireland.

What to do during your stay along the east coast

Apart from playing at some of the best golf courses in Ireland, the west coast offers plenty of additional activities. Why not:

  • Explore Cork and the historic Blarney Castle in the south.
  • Hike the countless trails in the spectacular Wicklow Mountains.
  • Visit the Guinness Storehouse and see how this famous factory works.

We hope this blog post provides some useful information for planning and organising your next golf holiday. Whether you’ve already booked your flights or you’re still deciding on the destination for your gold holiday, don’t forget to get a quote for your transfers from Golf Drives. Simply fill in the form to the right and we will provide an instant quote for your travels. We provide airport to hotel, hotel to course, and course to course transportation, too. 

Golf Drives provides reliable & hassle-free transfers for your entire golf holiday, so all that’s left for you to do is enjoy the 19th hole! Book your transfers from the airport to hotel or hotel to course online today!

10 Most Unique Golf Courses in the World

When you’re heading off on a golf holiday, it’s understandable that you might want to experience something a little different. These unique golf courses will give you memories that last a lifetime. 

For a little inspiration on your next golf holiday, we’ve put together a list of the most unique golf courses in the world. You’ll definitely want to say you’ve played at least one of these courses in your lifetime.

Get an instant quote and book online today

10. Ile Aux Cerfs Golf – Mauritius

If you like to escape from the hustle of modern life, this is the course for you. Part of Shangri-La’s Le Touessrok Resort and Spa in Mauritius, Ile Aux Cerfs Golf course is one of the world’s finest and most unique golf courses. Designed by Bernhard Langer, the tranquil course is located on its own beautiful island off the east coast of Mauritius, separated from the mainland by a glistening lagoon. It’s pretty impressive. 

9. Coeur d’Alene Golf Resort – USA

We’re unable to compare this course with any other because there’s nothing quite like the Coeur d’Alene Golf Resort. Located in Idaho, USA, the course is designed by Scott Miller and features one of the most well-known holes in golf, ‘The Floating Green’. Computer-controlled to a different distance from the tee each day, the ‘Floating Green’ is a bucket-list hole. Golfers can take a maximum of two attempts to land safely on the island before taking a drop on the green. Once attempted, board the ‘Putter’ boat that ferries players to the green and back.

Can’t travel to Coeur d’Alene? Try visiting Le Golf National during a golf holiday to France. Host to the 2018 Ryder Cup, the course features a strip of turf connecting the 18th to the 15th, creating one of the most difficult island greens.

8. Nullarbor Links Golf Course – Australia

If you’re looking to impress, try out the world’s longest golf course. Thought to be about 850 miles long, the average time it takes to complete Nullarbor Links is 4 days, with each hole being a 30-mile drive apart. Crossing two time-zones, it takes dedication to complete a round of golf at Nullarbor Links Golf Course.

7. El Camaleon Mayakoba Golf Club – Mexico

Host to the first PGA Tour event to be contested outside the USA and Canada, El Camaleon Mayakoba is a golfing paradise. A natural beauty, the course offers the ultimate variety as it has a mixture of three diverse ecosystems: the tropical Mayan jungle, mangrove wetlands and Mexican Caribbean Sea coastline. Including hazards such as cenotes (sinkholes), extensive bunkers and freshwater canals, the course is like nothing you will have experienced before – and we love it!

6. Skukuza Golf Course – South Africa

Located in the famous Kruger National Park, the Skukuza Golf Course is in a rich wildlife sanctuary including the Big Five, a huge variety of birds and countless animals. With no fence to separate the golf course, animals such as hippos, impala, warthog and baboons are free to roam onto the course. It’s a course like no other that offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

5. Himalayan Golf Club – Nepal

Located 7km away from Pokhara, the Himalayan Golf Club is one of only two 18-hole golf courses in Nepal. Situated in a canyon created by the Himalayan snowed waters of the Bijayapur river, the course offers a spectacular view of the Fishtail and Annapurna mountain range. Featuring roaming buffalo and a natural island hole, this course takes adventure golf to the extreme.

Want to experience mountain views a little closer to home? A golf holiday in the southeastern regions of France might be for you, with golf clubs such as Golf International de Grenoble Bresson and Golf and Country Club de Bossey having incredible backdrops.

4. Merapi Golf Course – Indonesia

Sitting 800 metres above sea level, Merapi Golf Course offers a unique landscape for golf. Located 30 minutes away from the ancient city of Yogyakarta, this course sits at the base of Mount Merapi, an active volcano. Smoke is seen emerging from the volcano over 300 days per year and eruptions take place every two to three years, making any round high risk.

Don’t want to risk it? Try a golf holiday to Sicily, Italy, and play at the foot of Mount Etna at Il Picciolo Etna Golf Resort & Spa.

3. Prison View Golf Club – USA

Once known as the ‘bloodiest prison in America’, the Louisiana State Penitentiary isn’t the first place you think of when thinking of golf course destinations. Prison View Golf Course is in Angola and offers players a challenging round of golf whilst being on the grounds of the prison. To play her a background check is necessary and play may be suspended at any time due to institutional need or at the warden’s discretion. Don’t forget to check out our USA golf transfers to get you there.

2. Uummannaq Greenland Golf – Greenland

500 miles north of the Arctic Circle, Uummannaq Greenland Golf wins the award for the coldest round of golf. Host to the World Ice Golf Championship, golfers from around the world come to play on this unique golf course. Although hazards are said to include seal dens and crevasses, the biggest threat is frostbite, which players are taught how to spot before they tee off.

1. Legend Golf & Safari Resort – South Africa

Located in Limpopo Province in South Africa, Legend Golf & Safari is one of the world’s top luxury destinations. Apart from being in the middle of a wildlife preserve, the course is known as the unique ‘world-in-one’ Signature Course where each of the 18-holes is designed by a different golfing legend. In addition to this, golfers have the chance to attempt the iconic par-3, the ‘Extreme 19th’. Only accessible by helicopter, the tee shot is 400m above ground on Hanglip Mountain. Aiming for a green shaped like the African continent, there’s 1,200 feet drop to the hole.

Hassle-free transfers for your unique golf holiday

Wherever you decide to visit for your golf holiday, book your transfer with Golf Drives. We offer a unique service, offering transport from the airport to the hotel, hotel to course, and back again! With each trip including one golf bag per person, it’s a hassle-free way of travelling on your golf holiday. Get a free quote online and book your transfer instantly. It’s that simple. 

Book your golf transfer online at Golf Drives