The Golf Travel Hotlist

I have been lucky enough to travel (have clubs will travel) to over 80 countries worldwide playing many of the world’s best courses alongside Your Golf Travel’s Group sending over 4.5 million travellers worldwide over the past 20 years.

I love ‘a knock’ with family, friends, business partners, our YGT team as well as our valuable customers.

Post our inception 20 years ago, this year is set to be our best year yet for golf travel with record travellers and ongoing improvements in terms of quality product, service delivery and reward for our loyal community of golf travellers.

As the world’s largest and number one ranked golf tour operator, our travel team of experts use first hand destination experience to recommend the very best places to play throughout the year, maxing out your budget and pleasure on and off the golf course.

With the golf season about to start, this is my monthly guide to the best golfing destinations to visit, highlighting where to travel for the best weather, course playing conditions, my must play courses, hidden links and absolute golfing classics, as well as tips on when to book and where to stay with insight into any exclusive offers.

Look forward to seeing you out on the Fairways!

Ross Marshall Co-Founder & Group CEO

Average temperature: 25°C
Travel time from the UK: 9 hours to Atlanta then transfer

Why Go?
The first major of the year, “bucket list” experiences, Championship tournament golf, our exclusive hospitality, amazing courses to play around Georgia and Alabama.

Every year I get excited to visit my American colleagues in Georgia, USA and attend the most iconic Major of the year which I watched every year on TV as a child with my late father.

Attending the Masters at Augusta National is in my experience the ultimate live tournament experience in golf and one of the great sporting spectacles around the Globe. YGT has a range of handpicked accommodation including private houses and its own bespoke hospitality so you can watch golf’s greatest names compete on a historic stage with grand slam winner Rory McIlroy defending his green jacket in 2026.

My favourite courses around Augusta include Sage Valley, Palmetto, Peachtree, Champions Retreat and the local River Club. Many of our patrons extend their trips adding in nearby destinations including Pinehurst, Sawgrass, Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head, Kiawah Island and Lake Oconee to name a few.

Average temperature: 20–25°C
Travel time from the UK: 3 hours to Faro or Lisbon

Why Go? Amazing new courses, stunning beaches, beautiful cuisine

I will be visiting Comporta for the second time in May, where there are 5 fantastic new golf courses that I look forward to playing and visiting the incredible beaches. Sea food restaurants mixed with Portuguese wine are a must add.

The Dunas Golf Course is currently ranked as the number one course in Portugal. Designed by David McLay-Kidd, this par-71 links-style course is set in a secluded coastal area and has received international acclaim, including "World's Best New Golf Course" in 2023. It features wide fairways and the course requires precision due to vast sandy waste bunkers and undulating greens.

The Torre Golf Course designed by Sergio García and opened in 2025. The course offers a different challenge with a focus on strategy, featuring broad fairways and relatively small, well-defended greens. It is still maturing, but already considered a high-standard championship experience and will be one of the best Portugal has to offer.

Troia Golf is a classic Robert Trent Jones Sr. design located about 20 minutes north on the Tróia Peninsula, with incredible views over the ocean. It is known for its narrow fairways and small greens offering stunning sea views as well as a challenging golfing experience. It is historically one of Europe's top courses and is currently undertaking substantial upgrades as well as development of its new clubhouse.

Finally Pinheirinho Golf Course, located near Comporta is known for its creative greens and a tranquil, natural atmosphere in an area of outstanding natural beauty. It is currently undergoing further development to add a full new clubhouse and other luxury amenities. A true favourite of many. The nearby Costa Terra Golf and Ocean Club is a Tom Fazio-designed course in the area, but it is strictly open to residents only and hard to access.

Average temperature: 17–30°C
Travel time from the UK: 4 hours from London

Why Go? Guaranteed fine weather, immaculate 4 stunning courses, exceptional local cuisine and the choice of 4 hotels.

Costa Navarino in the Peloponnese region of Greece is widely considered Europe's premier golf destination, featuring four signature 18-hole courses within a short distance of each other and the host to Andrew Harding and I’s Founders Series Final, every October. The resort offers a diverse range of Mediterranean landscapes, from seaside links to rugged olive groves and elevated mountain views. They are quite stunning.

There is a range of hotels and I can personally recommend the Westin 4*, the Romanos 5* and the W Costa Navarino Hotel 5* plus the Mandarin Oriental 5*.

There are Four Signature Courses at the Resort, which each offer a distinct architectural style and different set of challenges, designed by some of the world’s best known golfers - “the big guns”.

The Dunes Course
Designed by Bernhard Langer, this was Greece's first signature course. It features a diverse natural landscape with some links-style holes near the sea, tall sand dunes and large undulating greens.

The Bay Course
A Robert Trent Jones II design that focuses on strategic play rather than length. It is highly scenic, with 80% of tees offering sea views and two holes playing directly along the historic Bay of Navarino.

International Olympic Academy Golf Course
Designed by two time major winner and friend of YGT José María Olazábal. This championship-standard course sits on a plateau at Navarino Hills. It offers panoramic views of the Ionian Sea and is designed to test the world's best golfers.

The Hills Course
Another course designed by Olazábal and is situated in the rugged Messinian hills. It features wider fairways and is generally considered more forgiving for newcomers than its Olympic neighbour.

Golfing Facilities & Your Logistics

• Golf Academy: Includes world-class practice facilities, a driving range and professional coaching.
• Transfers: The resort provides a frequent complimentary shuttle between the hotels and all four golf courses.
• Travel: The resort is roughly a 45-minute transfer from Kalamata International Airport or a 3-hour drive from Athens.

Average temperature: 16–19°C

Why Go?
Atmosphere, golfing greats, Southport Nightlife, Local championship courses

The Open Championship returns to Royal Birkdale in July, which is my favourite Open golf course in England. You can be there with YGT’s team hosted by Darren Clarke, which is always a fantastic occasion with partisan crowds expected and the toughest of golfing tests.

Royal Birkdale has hosted The Open 10 times and was the last English course to be added to The Open rota in 1954. For the legends of golf, the Southport links hold a place of true significance and reverence. These courses are not just mere playing fields. They represent a coastal journey towards greatness, accessible only to those who possess both the skill and the bravery to face the enduring challenges they present.

Other courses I love playing in the area include Hillside Golf Club, Formby Golf Club plus the home of Stableford where our company secretary John Williams was a member of Wallasey Golf Club.

Jordan Spieth claimed the Claret Jug at Royal Birkdale last time it was here. His -12 total was enough for a 3-shot victory over Matt Kuchar. Ireland's Padraig Harrington claimed a back-to-back victory in the 2008 Open Championship with his eagle on the par-5 17th hole proving critical with his approach shot into the green and considered by many to be one of the best played under pressure in any Major golf tournament.

A must watch with many great courses, splendid hospitality and nightlife at Royal Birkdale.

Average temperature: 23–29°C
Travel time from the UK: 2 hours to Barcelona from London

Why Go?
Championship courses, five star resorts, world class amenities, incredible conditions, stunning scenery.

Spain is one of YGT’s most popular destinations in August and despite it being the Summer holidays, the golf courses tend not to be overly busy. This is a country I love to visit with my wife and children.

Camiral, a Quinta do Lago Resort - Girona based in Costa Brava in Catalonia has developed into one of Spain’s leading golf and spa resorts, hosting the 2031 Ryder Cup, which is the first time golf’s bi-annual competition returns to Spain since Seve Ballesteros lifted the trophy at Valderamma in 1997. The resort, which was previously called PGA Catalunya features two high quality championship courses called the Tour and the Stadium courses, as well as a five star hotel and is definitely worth a visit as it has it all.

Other championship courses I rate premium course quality and have played in Spain include: Valderrama (1997 Ryder Cup), Finca Cortesin (2023 Solheim Cup), Sotogrande Golf Club, San Roque Old and La Reserva.

Average temperature: 10–22°C
Travel time from the UK to Eindhoven: 1 hour

Why Go?
The Solheim Cup atmosphere is intoxicating and Bernadus is surrounded by excellent other courses and warm hospitality.

I am very excited that the 2026 Solheim Cup will be held at Bernardus Golf in Cromvoirt, Netherlands, from September 7–13, 2026, captained by our ambassador Anna Nordquist.

The prestigious 18-hole championship course designed by Kyle Phillips, is world renowned for its heathland style and has hosted the Dutch Open on the DP European Tour, marking the first time this tournament is held in the Netherlands. The American architect who was also responsible for the design of world-famous courses that I adore playing include Kingsbarns, The Grove and Yas Links have all done a fantastic job.

Bernardus Golf was developed as a heathland golf course, covering 85 hectares with four Par 3 holes, ten Par 4 holes, and four Par 5 holes and is very challenging. The myriad of bunkers are laid out beautifully and the tricky water hazards seamlessly blend in with the background of dunes, heath, and gorse. The course is always in splendid condition and since it opened its doors Bernardus Golf has hosted the 2021, 2022, and 2023 Dutch Open, part of the European PGA tour.

Located in Cromvoirt, Netherlands, Bernardus Golf is surrounded by top-tier Dutch courses, most notably the prestigious inland links of Utrechtse 'de Pan and the historic Hilversumsche. Other premier nearby options include Rosendaelsche, Noordwijkse and The Dutch.

Average temperature: 11–17°C
Travel time from the UK: 1hr from UK

Why Go?
World Class Links Golf, Championship Courses, Scenic Coastlines including the Giant Causeway, Great Guinness and World Class hospitality.

Golf in Northern Ireland is near its best in early October, with excellent course conditions and pleasant temperatures at this time of year. I will be there in the first week of October staying at Galgorn Castle Resort with some friends.

I am desperate to challenge the big two in the area again, including Harry Colt’s Royal Portrush, where ambassador Darren Clarke is a member and Old Tom’s masterful Royal County Down. With both ranked in the very upper echelons of all the World Rankings, this really is a paradise for all links loving golfers. Other must plays in the area that I visited 2 years ago with golfing friends include Portstewart, Castlerock and Ardglass.

Northern Ireland remains one of the most respected links golf destinations globally for all that love the terrain and turf coupled with fantastic local seafood and hospitality - its truly ‘bucket list’ for all golfers.

Average temperature: 25°C
Travel time from the UK: 11 hours to Cape Town

Why Go?
Stunning scenery, incredible golf, perfect conditions and value for money with 22 rand to £1 sterling!

November is my favourite time of year to visit South Africa, as Summer has just started and there is loads going on. The golf courses are in fine form, the days are long and sunny and there is a vibrant sense of fun in the air. I like to travel to Cape Town to play the championship courses around there and then travel down the Garden Route, where there are some fantastic new courses and winelands - the Stellenbosch area would be a favourite.

Favourite courses that I have played and are worth visiting include Fancourt Links near George, Pinnacle Point, Pearl Valley and Simola on Western Cape, which are Jack Nicklaus designs. On the Garden route, Pezula is a classic championship layout and highly recommended.

South Africa is totally unique on the basis it combines world class food and wine, incredible wildlife on its safaris, dramatic terrain throughout and some amazing guided tours, as well as the best golf courses in Africa. Other courses that come highly recommended for world class experiences include Leopards Creek in Kruger National Park with incredible wildlife and Sun City Resort with two championship golf courses including the Gary Player Country Club course that hosts the Nedbank Golf Challenge on the DP World European Tour every year.

Average temperature: 14–17°C
Travel time from the UK: 4-5 hours to Antalya

Why Go?
Large group offers, incredible all-inclusive resorts, value and championship golf

I visited Turkey with 100 from our team last December and it did not under-deliver. We had sunshine everyday, stayed at some splendid hotels on the Belek coastline and played at some incredible courses that were in excellent condition. The warm temperatures made the trip very comfortable and the all inclusive resorts have a wide breadth of amenities and services.

We played a number of championship golf courses, many attached to all-inclusive four and five-star resorts.

Turkey is home to a superb collection of championship golf courses, including DP World Tour venues such as Carya Golf Club, the famous Turkish Open venue the Montgomerie Maxx Royal with an award winning restaurant that is highly recommended. Other personal recommendations include the Cullinan that has a superb clubhouse and all three courses above have night golf options which are super enjoyable.

Other courses I can personally recommend include Lykia Links and the Old and New courses at Gloria Resort which are incredible value for money between November and December.

Average temperature: 29–31°C
Travel time from the UK: 12 -14 hours

Why Go?
Stunning weather, long days, great golf, fantastic hospitality and local cuisine that perfect for couples and golfers of all standards

Mauritius is a stunning Island in the Indian Ocean and Heritage Resorts & Golf was recently ranked 25th in the world recently, based on the opinions of an international panel of top reviewers.

The Island was my families favourite place to go for special occasions and my Mum and Dad would love strolling along the immaculate beaches, when not getting in their golfing holes, swimming in the various hotel pools and sea, as well as sipping on a few sundowners at the popular resort Belle Mare Plage.

Golfers who visit Heritage will benefit from its luxury hospitality and the opportunity to play the remarkable La Réserve Golf Links, which has been a splendid addition to the Island and one of the best in the world.

The courses at Heritage are pleasing contrast with the immaculate Le Château alongside the spectacular and challenging La Réserve. The local hotels are similarly diverse with the Heritage Le Telfair’s high end sophistication, which sits perfectly alongside the accommodating luxury of Heritage Awali.

La Réserve Golf Links has a spectacular and dramatic layout across original volcanic contours that are positioned beside a biosphere reserve, while Le Château Golf Course is already celebrated for its superb conditioning and natural and unique character and a fair test. Other courses I have played and highly recommended include: the unforgettable Ile aux Cerfs Golf Club and the Ernie Els designed Anahita Golf Club that provides a memorable round with its dramatic landscape and oceanfront holes.

Average temperature: 9–14°C
Travel time from the UK: 1 hour to Shannon (30 minutes away)

Why Go?
Awesome hotel, play the Ryder Cup Course, incredible facilities.

I visited the renovated first class and now world-renowned championship parkland course in County Limerick, Ireland for a friend’s wedding a few years ago and was super impressed with the Adare Manor and I can’t wait to go back.

It has now been confirmed host of the 2027 Ryder Cup post extensive redesign by Tom Fazio in 2017 and is now referred as the "Augusta of Ireland" due to its immaculate condition and advanced technology, including its cutting edge sub air systems under every single green. The golfing experience includes wide, rolling fairways with virtually no "rough," emphasizing precision on elevated greens as well as complex short-game recovery shots. The Carriage House serves as the luxury clubhouse, offering refined dining and a terrace with stunning course views.

Other highlights include the whisky bar, historic rooms and wonderful padel courses, gym and spa. I am aiming to revisit early in 2027 with a group of couples to play the incredible courses and take advantage of low season rates .

Furthermore, I hope to see you all support Team Europe or Team USA in September 2027 for the 46th edition of the bi-annual tournament. I can assure you that the elegance and grandeur of Adare Manor will not disappoint !

Average temperature: 29°C
Travel time from the UK: 7 hours (BA / Emirates recommended)

Why Go?
Dubai World Cup, courses in great condition, guaranteed winter sun, unrivaled hospitality for luxurious golfing getaways.

March is my favourite time to visit Dubai for a golfing holiday, as the city hosts the Dubai World Cup as part of its racing carnival. This is a world class spectacle at the end of March and all the golf courses are in peak condition with warm temperatures and flawless manicuring and maintenance.

Emirates Golf Club post the Dubai Desert Classic is a must visit and my other favourites include Dubai Hills, Dubai Creek, Trump Dubai and of course the Jumeirah Estates courses which host the DP World Final.

With guaranteed winter sunshine, flexible world class handpicked accommodation plus the chance to visit the glamorous Dubai World Cup attended by Sheikh Mohammed, ruler of Dubai, the destination offers a truly memorable experience in March.

For the ultimate Middle Eastern golfing escape, you could combine a tour of Abu Dhabi to play Yas Links, Abu Dhabi GC and Saadiyat Beach or travel to north Ras Al Khaimah to play Al Hamra or Tower Links for a truly unforgettable trip.

Get in touch with one of our golf travel experts today, each with first-hand knowledge of the destinations they specialise in and let us design a tailor-made holiday built entirely around you.

Whether it’s winter sun, golf with cultural immersion, an off-the-map golfing adventure or playing your bucket list courses, then YGT will make it personal and unique for you and your group to maximise the experience.

Call us on a 0800 043 6644 to speak to our golf travel specialists today.

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