Golf Forums - Criteria for an ideal golfing holiday

As a follow up to a previous thread; 'Is Spain the Best European golf destination?', maybe any country with a golf course could be considered to be 'the best', depending on personal criteria. What are we really looking for in a foreign golfing destination? Choice of courses, quality of courses, environment, weather, price, ease of travel, local hospitality, other activities, prestige, ...? Or maybe more importantly, what are we looking to avoid?! Personally, France ticks more boxes than Spain, but little Slovenia, where I'm now based, ticks even more! I'd be glad to share some local information about golf in Slovenia if anyone is interested, as I am sure there will be others who could provide insider information about golf in other lesser-known destinations.

I had heard for years that Portugal was the place to go and finally managed to get their earlier this year. 8 of us went to Villamoura? and it was everything I had been told. Played The Old Course, Vila Sol, Millenium, Penhal and one other whose name escapes me for now. We enjoyed it so much we booked for next year are soon as we got home.

I would be interested in hearing more about Slovenia because I can see the Portugese pricing themselves out of a large chunk of the market if they are not careful.  

There are only 10 courses in Slovenia; Arboretum, Bled, Lipica, Mokrice, Moravske Toplice, Olimje, Otocec, Ptuj, Trnovo, Zlati Gric. The most famous (also oldest, busiest and most expensive) is Bled. Near the capital Ljubljana, the Arboretum course is one of the favourites, but for me the combination of the two spectacular castle courses, Mokrice and Otocec, makes southern Slovenia the best region to head for, between Ljubljana and Zagreb (Croatia). If you're in the region and short of a partner, do let me know!

To sum up, Slovenia offers unhurried golf in natural surroundings in a relatively unknown area for British golfers, a sub-Mediterranean climate, low cost flights from the UK, quality accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets, excellent food and drink, friendly local hospitality with English widely spoken, ...

For more detailed information about these courses, please go to www.golfmokrice.com contact me at info@tryslovenia.eu

There are only 10 courses in Slovenia; Arboretum, Bled, Lipica, Mokrice, Moravske Toplice, Olimje, Otocec, Ptuj, Trnovo, Zlati Gric. The most famous (also oldest, busiest and most expensive) is Bled. Near the capital Ljubljana, the Arboretum course is one of the favourites, but for me the combination of the two spectacular castle courses, Mokrice and Otocec, makes southern Slovenia the best region to head for. For more detailed information about these courses, you can contact me at

-- 12/08/2008 07:32:15: post edited by David Farrell.

As Alan suggested the Algarve is built for golf and any golfer who hasn't yet been should make the effort at least once.

Pinhal and Vila Sol are 2 superb tracks but if you've money to burn try the 2 courses at Quinta da Lago, primarily, the South course is probably the best course I've played (profile picture is the 17th) and if you've got time the 2 at Vale do Lobo, 16 on the Ocean Course is something that truly must be played.

Other than that I would suggest a golfing holiday is no different from any other holiday in as much as you've got to choose the venue based on your own preferences, ask around someone you know might just have been there first and can point you in the right direction for golf and anything else you'll need.

I would recommenf playing a different course each time though!

My wife and I never tire of the Alagarve...but always keep out of the larger towns!

I do like Pennia, lovel friendly hotel and the course is always a challenge!  Henry Cotton knew what he was doing!

Yep, stayed at Penina last year and it was very good indeed. Hotel nice (breakfasts excellent !) but the course - I have to agree with Ian - 'old Mr Cotton did a superb design job, it was fantastic. 

But, I played up the 'Silver Coast' a couple of years ago (north of Lisbon) and, I have to say I beleive the courses were even better, hotels were as good and everything was noticably cheaper (and greener !) and Praia del Rey golf course - superb....

Me too!

Stayed at Marriott Praia d'el Rey ....decent course and hotel good too

We stayed in a small town on the coast called Cascais (down by Lisbon). So we had the best of all worlds - bars, restaurants etc in walking distance and short drive to some excellent courses (Praia del Rey was about an hour but well worth the drive).

Will certainly be returning to that part of the world.

my book the social golfer rates over destinations from tunisia tenerfife spain hong kongsouth africa florida australia

the follow up out apr 2010 includes  dubai, hawaii, canada, california, bermuda, mexico singapore.

see www.thesocialgolfer.net......... all procceds to stroke association.


best value, best golf,most sensational place to play  sun city south africa. without a doubt.


ian

What a tough life you lead - golf in virtually every major destination, worldwide...

On the basis of your vast experience what's the best course you played in each of the UK, Europe, Canada, USA, Australia?

Pete.

hi pete,

in uk...........  probably muirfield

in europe....  san roque or valderama
in dubai............ pick any els, montgomerie, dubai creek you wont be disappointed but ensure you play the oldest and still the best the emirates majlis course.

in africa......... either gary player and lost city at sun city

in australia... royal melbourne or nsw sydney.... tasmania  barbougle dunes a muni is quality
new zealand.. a must play capekidnappers and kaur cliffs

in florida....   tpc at sawgrass or mystic dunes in orlando.. california......... peeble beach a muni.expensive albeit.. unbelievable

in canada...  banff springs

its a hard life but someones got to do it.......... made retirement very enjoyable and the only good thing to come out my illness..


ian

Long may you keep playing, enjoying it and raising money for The Stroke Association.

Good luck,
Pete.

certainly will im all for that

just cleaning clubs, on way to norway, playing in oslo, bergen and off to artic for some snow golf.

iwh