The Top 5 Foodie Destinations for the Discerning Golfer

For passionate golfers who crave exceptional cuisine as much as world-class fairways, a golf holiday becomes truly memorable when it blends challenging golf with unforgettable dining.

From Michelin-starred restaurants to clubhouse eateries that rival destination restaurants, these five global destinations deliver both culinary and golfing excellence.

Our Top 5 Foodie Destinations for Golfers
Scotland
France
Spain
Ireland
America

Scotland is the quintessential golf destination, known as the home of golf with legendary links and inland courses dating back centuries. But it’s also a premier spot for gourmet travellers thanks to superb restaurants and resort dining.

The Vibe: Hearty, seasonal and exceptionally fresh.

Beyond the legendary links, Scotland offers a "field-to-fork" experience. You can expect world-renowned Aberdeen Angus beef and game like venison from the Highlands. Being surrounded by water, the seafood is a major highlight—look out for Arbroath smokies (smoked haddock), fresh langoustines, and hand-dived scallops. Of course, no trip is complete without a whisky pairing to round off a round of golf.

Scotland Golf & Gourmet Highlights

Gleneagles Resort
Home to Scotland’s only two-Michelin-star restaurant, Andrew Fairlie, plus multiple dining venues with seasonal, locally sourced menus.

Trump Turnberry Resort
The championship Ailsa Course and King Robert the Bruce pair with fine dining at 1906 Restaurant (2AA Rosettes) and scenic clubhouse spots like Duel in the Sun.

St Andrews Area
Home to the iconic Old Course; nearby Old Course Hotel offers refined dining with views over the 17th fairway, and The Peat Inn (Michelin-recognised) is a must-visit.

Links & Local Restaurants
Play classic courses like Kingsbarns Golf Links or Royal Dornoch and pair rounds with seafood and whisky at acclaimed local eateries like The Mustard Seed in Inverness.

Why Scotland tops the list
Unmatched golf history, dramatic coastal courses, and world-class dining rooted in seasonal Scottish produce.

France blends championship golf with renowned gastronomy — perfect for travellers who want classic cuisine alongside their rounds.

The Vibe: Sophisticated, indulgent, and regionally diverse.

In the South, expect light, aromatic Provencal and Mediterranean flavors, think fresh olive oils, truffles and ratatouille. In Bordeaux it’s all about rich pairings. You’ll find duck confit, entrecôte bordelaise (steak in a red wine sauce) and artisanal cheeses designed to complement the region's famous Cabernet and Merlot. In the north enjoy specialties like moules-frites and buttery, flakey pastries.

France Golf & Gourmet Highlights

Terre Blanche Hotel Spa Golf Resort
French Riviera luxury with Le Faventia delivering refined Mediterranean-inspired menus and superb wine pairings.

Hotel Barriere Le Westminster
After golf, Le Pavillon serves Michelin-style French cuisine overlooking the links and the coastline.

Bordeaux Golf Experiences
Golf near Bordeaux can be paired with meals featuring local wine and regional French cuisine, such as at Le Club restaurant overlooking courses.

Why France is foodie golf heaven
Unbeatable wine regions, elegant resort dining, and courses that feel as sophisticated as their menus.

Spain’s sunshine and coastal courses attract golfers looking for great play and cuisine with local flavour.

The Vibe: Vibrant, social, and sun-soaked.

The Costa del Sol serves up traditional tapas and freshly grilled sardines (espetos) cooked on the beach. While in Costa Brava you’ll find Catalan cuisine, famous for "Mar i Muntanya" (sea and mountain) dishes that combine seafood with meat, alongside authentic paella and fideuà. When visiting the Spanish islands look for Canarian specialties like papas arrugadas (wrinkly potatoes) served with spicy mojo sauces.

Spain Golf & Gourmet Highlights

Finca Cortesin
Championship golf paired with REI and El Jardin de Lutz — restaurants that mix fresh Mediterranean produce with innovative techniques.

The Ritz‑Carlton Tenerife, Abama
A luxury golf resort with multiple highly rated restaurants, including two with Michelin stars and superb Spanish-basque cuisine.

Real Club Valderrama
One of Europe’s most famous courses in Sotogrande, with a respected clubhouse restaurant serving Mediterranean dishes that showcase local seafood and regional flavours.

Costa Brava & Girona
A region where golf meets Catalan cuisine and nearby Michelin-starred restaurants in historic Girona.

Why Spain shines
Sun-soaked courses, inventive Mediterranean and Basque dining, and iconic resorts that are as much about food as golf.

Ireland is home to some of the world’s most scenic courses and a growing reputation for modern Irish cuisine.

The Vibe: Comforting, high-quality, and increasingly modern.

Modern Irish cuisine has exploded in quality. Visitors should look for native oysters and mussels from the Atlantic coast, grass-fed Irish lamb, and traditional soda bread. Many high-end resorts like Adare Manor offer refined takes on "comfort" classics, such as slow-cooked beef stews and fresh Atlantic salmon, often served in grand, wood-paneled dining rooms.

Top Golf & Gourmet Highlights

Adare Manor Hotel & Golf Resort
A top golf destination with Michelin-starred The Oak Room and additional resort dining that highlights local ingredients.

Killarney Golf & Fishing Club
Historic courses set in Killarney National Park; combine rounds with visits to excellent local restaurants in town.

Portmarnock Golf Club
A classic links near Dublin paired with great Irish dining options on and off the course.

Why Ireland earns a spot
Dramatic links, refined country-house dining, and a proud culinary culture that complements its top courses.

The United States serves up legendary golf destinations with diverse, high-end dining options to match.

The Vibe: Diverse, regional, and upscale "Soul Food."

When visiting California on a golf holiday expect a clean style focusing on fresh Pacific seafood (like Dungeness crab) and organic produce from the nearby Salinas Valley. South Carolina is the home of Lowcountry cuisine. You can expect shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, and slow-cooked Carolina BBQ. While North Carolina offers classic Southern comfort, think biscuits and gravy, fried green tomatoes and pulled pork that has been smoked for hours.

Top Golf & Gourmet Highlights

Pebble Beach Golf Links (California)
World-famous Pebble Beach Golf Links and additional courses like Spyglass Hill; dining includes The Bench and multiple resort restaurants with ocean views.

Kiawah Island Golf Resort (South Carolina)
Play championship courses like The Ocean Course and dine at The Ocean Room or other resort eateries showcasing Southern coastal cuisine.

Sea Island Resort (Georgia)
A luxury golf destination with refined dining including upscale Southern-inspired menus and world-class service (often highlighted in luxury travel guides).

Bonus picks for serious golfers
Courses like Cypress Point and high-end private clubs often feature exceptional member dining and curated events (when accessible).

Modern golf travellers expect more than just great courses. The rise of golf and gourmet holidays reflects a growing desire for immersive experiences — where luxury accommodation, exceptional dining and unforgettable golf come together seamlessly.

Whether it’s Michelin-starred tasting menus, regional wine pairings or chef-driven resort restaurants, these destinations prove you no longer have to choose between great golf and great food.

When planning your next golf holiday, consider:

• Course reputation and difficulty
• Dining quality and culinary accolades (Michelin stars, Rosettes, top reviews)
• Resort amenities and local cuisine

Together, these elements elevate a golf holiday into a fully immersive experience for players and food lovers alike.

Handicap: 11
Favourite Course: Chiltern Forest
My 'Expert' areas: Kent & the Home Counties
Best trip I've done: Dubai with golf & Rugby 7's with my dad
Where my next trip is to: Ireland along the Wild Atlantic Way

Give Rick a call on 0800 043 6644 to arrange your next golf break.