Top Ten Golf Resorts of 2010

2010 looks set to be a great year for golf. With the Ryder Cup venturing to Wales in September for the 38th edition of the tournament as well as possibly the finest selection of Major championship venues in Augusta National, Pebble Beach, St. Andrews and Whistling Straits, 2010 looks set to be one of the best years for golf. To coincide with this, I’ve put together a brief list of what I consider to be the best places to go and play in 2010, whether you are after some sunshine or some good old fashion links golf this should hopefully satisfy your golfing taste buds for 2010!

In no particular order, I’m going to start with some sun as the UK isn’t exactly basking in tropical temperatures at the moment!

1) Dona Filipa and San Lorenzo Golf Resort (pictured above), Algarve
This for me is a staple in my golf holiday diet. One of Europe’s best golf resorts, combining great golf at San Lorenzo with a fantastic location, Dona Filipa is a must visit for anyone looking to relax and enjoy almost year round sunshine. The golf course at San Lorenzo is one of the most unique I’ve played, a combination of almost links style fairways combined with stunning seaside and lagoon vistas make this a great place to sit back and relax as the birdies and bogies begin to flow.

2) Golf d’Hardelot, Northern France
A golf holiday favourite for thousands of golfers every year, Hardelot offers a relaxing golf experience in the Pins and the Dunes. Both courses are English in feel but the addition of some French flair does make this a very enjoyable golfing experience. With a host of après golf options available in nearby Le Touquet, ranging from the bustling Casino to the fantastic local restaurants whatever your culinary tastes you are sure to be satisfied in Le Touquet.

3) The Celtic Manor Resort, South Wales
With the Ryder Cup visiting Wales for the first time, all eyes will be on the Celtic Manor in the run up to the 2010 event. Featuring no less than three championship courses, two hotels and a set up which is amongst Europe’s finest, it’s easy to see why this is a firm favourite amongst golfers looking to pit their wits before Europe tries to wrestle the Ryder Cup back from America. Although the 2010 course immediately comes to mind when thinking about the Celtic Manor, it’s important to remember the resort boasts former European Tour venue, the Roman Road, as well as the tricky Montgomerie Course. A resort boasting three championship courses as well as a luxurious hotel make this hard to beat.

4) Sirene Golf Resort, Belek
Turkey has quickly become a must visit golf holiday destination. European golfers have been attracted by the fantastic attributes of sunshine, great golf and as much as you can drink in the 19th hole! As we look for more and more bargains on our golfing travels, Turkey offers fantastic value with numerous all-inclusive offerings ensuring that all food and beverage is included in the holiday package price. The Sirene Golf Resort is a fantastic hotel with two glorious golf courses available on site, the Pasha and the Sultan. With the latter often considered to be one of the best courses in the area and the former an enjoyable test whatever the standard of golf.

5) Four Seasons Resort at Anahita, Mauritius
Mauritius is considered to be one of the world’s top luxury golf holiday destinations. A wide selection of accommodations, varied golf and a tourist friendly population has seen thousands of returning golfers every year. A popular destination for couples, Mauritius golf holidays are known for five-star luxury with some fine cuisine which combines Asian influence with its French heritage. As one of the newest resorts on the Island, the Four Seasons Resort at Anahita has set out its stall amongst the very highest levels of golf holiday luxury. Guests can enjoy beach side accommodation which has an air of tranquillity that is hard to beat. Golfers visiting Anahita can enjoy the famed Els Course, designed by South African Ernie Els, the course measures an intimidating 7,500 yards off the championship markers, but the stunning vistas which are offered throughout the course make this a golf experience you won’t forget.

6) Carton House Resort, Dublin
Getting a little closer to home now, Carton House is located approximately 30 minutes from Dublin and the first impressions of the accommodation on offer is one of opulence. The stately manor home which is the centrepiece of the resort has been furnished to include the very finest modern amenities while also keeping true to its history which dates back to 1739. The resort also benefits from two superb golf courses, designed by golfing stalwarts, Mark O’Meara and Colin Montgomerie. With the Montgomerie playing host to the 2005 and 2006 Nissan Irish Open, it’s championship pedigree is there for all to see, while the O’Meara is still a great test, which meanders along the banks of the River Rye.

7) Rockliffe Hall Hotel, Golf & Spa, County Durham
With a golf course weighing in at an astronomical 7,897 yards this golf resort was always going to grab headlines. As the longest golf course in Europe, Rockliffe Hall is a golfing examination sure to test even the longest of drivers. As the newest five-star golf resort in England, Rockliffe Hall is a luxuriant place to take a golf break. Guests can enjoy period feature accommodation that is lined with some rather plush modern features such as a fully serviced spa and thermal suite (perfect after a tough walk on the course!). If you are looking for a golf break away in the North West of England, Rockliffe Hall is a treat worth taking.

8 ) Intercontinental La Torre Resort, Murcia
This golf resort has quickly become a firm favourite. Located just a short drive from the bustling town of Murcia, which has numerous daily flights from UK airports, the Intercontinental La Torre Resort offers a golfing experience which is similar to that found in America. With Jack Nicklaus already lending his name to some of the course on site, golfers have a wide range of choice including Hacienda Riquelme, Mar Menor, La Torre, El Valle and the new Nicklaus signature course Condado de Alhama which has received rave reviews since its opening. If you are looking for a golf holiday with plenty of different course options, La Torre could well be an option for you.

9) Marriott Sawgrass Resort, Florida
Home to one of the most iconic holes in golf, the Marriott Sawgrass Resort is a must visit golfing destination. Although it is the 17th on the Stadium Course which grabs the headlines, the resort itself is a great holiday destination. As the venue for golf’s “Fifth Major”, the Players Championship, Sawgrass is a headline catching golf course that has bought plenty of thrills and spills over the years. Despite measuring just under 7,000 yards the course stands up to the very best due to intricate design involving cavernous fairway bunkers, fast undulating greens and thick tournament ending rough. Although, for obvious reasons, Sawgrass grabs the headlines, its sister course the Valley is also a great course which features the same key designs of the Stadium with tricky bunkers and water hazards to negotiate. For some off course activities, why not head out to the plentiful coastline of Florida, with some amazing beaches all perfect for relaxing on your days off from golfing. If you are looking for a night out, nearby Jacksonville offers a lively experience with a host of fantastic local favourites including Shrimp, Swordfish and Snapper.

10) The Montgomerie Dubai, Hotel and Golf Resort, Dubai
Following on from his design successes in Turkey at the Montgomerie Belek and the Montgomerie Course at Celtic Manor, Monty is the latest professional to cast his hand over the dunes of Dubai following the likes of Els and Faldo who already have their name to courses in the region. Much like Dubai itself, in recent years golf has grown to international standard levels. The courses are of the very highest quality with care taken to ensure maintenance is of the five-star level associated with Dubai. The Montgomerie Dubai is no different, offering golfers a luxury golf holiday experience which is now aligned with a boutique five-star hotel, this golf resort combination is rare in Dubai and we’re sure that in 2010 this will become one of the must visit golf holiday destinations.

More information on golf holidays and golf breaks to these venues and more can be found at Your Golf Travel.com, Europe’s largest golf travel company.