Extreme golf: Do you think golf is just a good walk spoiled? Well think again. Sporting holidays are on the up and there are now a number of 'extreme' options out there for the club-carrying fraternity. By Ross Marshall
> $1 million par three, Legend Golf & Safari Resort, South Africa
The 18-hole course at the Legend Golf And Safari Resort in South Africa is unique in itself, with each hole individually designed by a famous professional player. But it is at the Extreme 19th Hole where the action really hots up. The bonus hole's tee is perched on the monumental Hanglip Mountain and the green is a hefty 830m away. However, with a vertical drop of 430m, it is a reachable par three. Accessible only by helicopter, the hole is extraordinary: make a hole in one and you will receive a cool $1 million.
> Ice Golf, Greenland
Average temperatures in Greenland in March struggle to get above -13°C (8.6°F). It's not exactly ideal for golf but carved out of the icebergs on the island of Uummannaq, off the north-west coast, is a nine-hole course. The balls are red and the greens white, which can be confusing, but this is golf in the extreme. Every year the World Ice Golf Championships are staged on Greenland's first course in a battle as much of stamina as skill.
> Sand Golf, Dubai
The Dubai Country Club was home to the Emirate's first golf course and the club now has two, both of which are grass-free. the greens are called browns and are made of compacted sand that is regularly brushed to remain true. Carrying your own little slice of fairway, your voyage to the browns will see you negotiate water hazards and bunkers around the Al Awir and Creek courses.
> Volcano Golf, Hawaii
If you like golf with a dangerous edge then the Volcano Golf & Country Club on Hawaii's Big Island will appeal - the oldest golf course in Hawaii, this is located on the rim of the active Kilauea volcano. Just a pitching wedge to the Hawaii Volcano Park, the course is in the shadow of the Mauna Loa volcano which, when measured from the sea floor, is twice the height of Mount Everest. Apparently, the heat from the volcano's core is said to make the ball fly a little farther.
> World's Longest Golf Course, Australia
You'll need some time to complete your round at what will soon be the world's longest course. Nullarbor Links will feature a single hole in each town that spans the 1,365km Eyre Highway, from Kalgoorlie in Western Australia to Ceduna in South Australia. Each hole will have a tee and a green, connected by a rugged, outback fairway in the quintessential Australian style. Nullarbor Links is designed to make the journey along the seemingly endless highway a bit more satisfying. The course is expected to be ready to play later this year.
> Crocodile Golf, South Africa
The Lost City Course at the Sun City Resort in South Africa is known for its desert-style design but what offers the biggest challenge is the approach to the 13th green. Standing on the fairway, golfers are faced with a carry over the water hazard guarding the front of the green - here's the extra catch, it contains 38 crocodiles. These reptilian monsters are the honorary greenkeepers and who's going to argue with them?
