Best Golf Resorts Around the World for a Luxury Tee-Off

Golf, a sport synonymous with lush green courses and leisurely afternoons, has a history that is as rich as the rolling fairways it graces. But where did this game truly begin? The origins of golf are steeped in historical intrigue, evolving over centuries to become the game we know today.

The roots of golf can be traced back to medieval Europe, and Scotland is often credited as the birthplace of the sport. The term “golf” is believed to have derived from the Old Scots word gouf, which means to hit. By the late 16th century, golf had evolved into a more organised sport, thanks to the establishment of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews in 1754. Golf’s appeal soon crossed borders. In the 19th century, the sport gained traction in England and eventually made its way to the United States. As the 20th century progressed, golf’s reach extended globally, with tournaments and championships.

In India, golf has experienced remarkable growth, transforming the country into a notable destination for golf enthusiasts. The sport’s history in India dates back to the British colonial period, with the Royal Calcutta Golf Club, established in 1829, standing as the oldest golf club outside the British Isles. Over the decades, golf's appeal in India has steadily increased, attracting a diverse range of players and spectators.

In recent years, golf tourism has flourished, with resorts in picturesque locations drawing visitors seeking a unique and luxurious golfing experience. For avid golfers, the opportunity to combine their passion for the sport with a lavish getaway is irresistible. With an array of impressive luxury golfing resorts worldwide, it has never been easier to indulge in the best of both worlds. Set in dreamlike locations and offering world-class amenities, these resorts cater to all tastes, ensuring a memorable holiday for both seasoned pros and casual players looking to improve their game.

Four Seasons Mauritius at Anahita

If you love golf and stunning ocean views, Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita is the place to be. With not one but two championship courses, it’s a dream destination for golfers of all levels. The Anahita Golf Club, designed by Ernie Els, is the first course in Mauritius built to USGA standards. Think wide fairways, breathtaking oceanfront holes, and a final shot that’s nothing short of spectacular. Just a short boat ride away, the Ile Aux Cerfs Golf Club, designed by Bernhard Langer, is set on a private island with rolling greens, volcanic rock formations, and lush tropical trees. One of the best parts? Getting there by boat! Hop on from the resort’s jetty and enjoy a scenic ride across the lagoon before stepping onto the greens. The 18th hole at Ile Aux Cerfs is a showstopper—choose between a dramatic shot towards the clubhouse or a more scenic approach. Meanwhile, Anahita’s course is forgiving for beginners but still offers a challenge for seasoned players.

Of course, no Four Seasons experience is complete without warm hospitality. Expect friendly staff, expert tips, and plenty of picture-perfect moments.

The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, Naples, Florida, USA

Situated amid rolling greens, tropical palms, and a shimmering lake, The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón, stands as a luxurious retreat a mere three miles from the Gulf of Mexico. This exceptional resort offers a blend of opulent amenities, rejuvenating spa treatments, and diverse culinary experiences. The star attraction, however, is the golf. With two Greg Norman-designed courses—Tiburón Golf Club’s Gold and Black courses—certified as an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, the resort offers a harmonious blend of challenging play and natural beauty. Home to the PGA Tour’s QBE Shootout, these courses present a unique golfing experience with stunning vistas and pristine landscapes. The resort’s 295 elegantly appointed rooms and suites provide panoramic views of the courses, ensuring guests enjoy a seamless luxury experience. Additionally, the world-class spa and gourmet dining options, such as the Latin-inspired Ria, elevate the stay. Access to amenities at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples on the beach, including a beach club, pools, and wellness facilities, adds to the allure. At Tiburón, guests find themselves immersed in nature, experiencing golf at its finest.

Royal Springs Golf Course, Srinagar 

Royal Springs Golf Course, nestled between the majestic Zabarwan Range and the legendary Dal Lake in Srinagar, is a true gem in India’s golfing landscape. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., this course takes its name from the nearby ‘Chashme Shahi’ or royal springs, which have been cherished since the Mughal era for their fresh water. The course, set at an elevation of 6,445 feet, is sculpted out of deciduous forests and fruit orchards, creating a rolling landscape filled with natural marshes and wilderness. Overlooking the course are the splendid ruins of Pari Mahal, best viewed from the 14th fairway. Adjacent to the palace of the erstwhile Maharaja of Kashmir, Royal Springs GC offers more than just a round of golf—it’s a blend of history, nature, and sport. The 300-acre layout, with its dramatic scenery and challenging play, ensures a memorable golfing experience. The enchanting views and the historical significance of the surroundings make Royal Springs an unparalleled destination for golf enthusiasts.

Fairmont St Andrews, Scotland

Perched on a clifftop with sweeping views of the North Sea, Fairmont St Andrews is a highly sought-after golfing destination in the birthplace of the sport. The resort boasts two spectacular courses, The Kittocks and The Torrance, both offering breathtaking coastal views and challenging play. Spanning a 520-acre estate, the resort features 209 luxury guestrooms, two exquisite manor homes, and diverse dining options, including the St Andrews Bar & Grill and the Italian restaurant La Cucina. After a day on the greens, guests can unwind at the Fairmont Spa and Wellness Center, which offers rejuvenating treatments, a fitness centre, and a swimming pool. The nearby historic town of St Andrews adds cultural charm to this luxurious golfing retreat. With views overlooking the historic Home of Golf and St Andrews Bay, Fairmont St Andrews presents a naturally beautiful setting for golf year-round. The combination of championship courses and exceptional amenities makes this resort a standout in the world of golf.

One & Only Palmilla Golf Club, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Renowned as one of the finest luxury golf resorts in the Americas, One&Only Palmilla Golf Club in Cabo San Lucas is a high-end getaway surrounded by unspoiled natural beauty. Designed by Jack Nicklaus, the 27-hole course offers three nines: Ocean, Arroyo, and Mountain. Known as the “Grand Dame of Los Cabos Golf,” Palmilla provides challenging play with stunning vistas of the Sea of Cortez. This course, Jack Nicklaus’ first signature design in Latin America, features five sets of staggered tee boxes, four lakes, and significant elevation changes, offering golfers a unique challenge on every fairway. The course’s spectacular ocean views and superior customer service make it the pinnacle of Cabo golf. The resort’s luxurious amenities include the innovative RoboGolfPro, an indoor golf swing training facility. Favoured by Hollywood’s elite, Palmilla offers an exclusive and opulent golfing experience. 

Constance Belle Mare Plage, Mauritius

Set against the backdrop of a 2-kilometre stretch of pristine white sandy beach, Constance Belle Mare Plage stands out as one of the premier golf resorts in the world. Since its inception in 1994, this Mauritian gem has been renowned for its exceptional golfing experience. The resort boasts three championship 18-hole courses: the Links, Legend, and Lemuria. Designed by South African golf legend Hugh Baiocchi, these courses blend seamlessly into the island’s lush tropical landscape, offering breathtaking vistas and an array of challenges. The Links course, in particular, is celebrated for its meticulous design and its setting amid an indigenous forest, while the Legend and Lemuria courses provide equally stunning and demanding play. Each course is crafted to meet USPGA specifications and features Tif Dwarf grasses for a superior golfing experience. With its world-class facilities and stunning natural beauty, Constance Belle Mare Plage provides a golfing retreat like no other, making it a top choice for discerning golfers seeking both luxury and challenge.

Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco, Italy 

Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco, nestled in one of Tuscany's oldest and most pristine estates, is hailed as a premier golfing destination. This five-star hilltop resort, set within a sprawling 5,000-acre, 800-year-old estate near Montalcino, offers exclusive access to The Club at Castiglion del Bosco, Italy’s sole private golf club. The highlight of this luxury retreat is its 18-hole championship golf course, designed by renowned architect Tom Weiskopf. Ranking as the No.1 course in Italy by Leading Courses in July 2022, this course stands out as one of Europe’s finest private golfing experiences. Weiskopf, a former Open Champion and Ryder Cup player, has masterfully integrated the course into the estate’s rolling hills and valleys, offering golfers breathtaking panoramic views of the Val d’Orcia, a UNESCO World Heritage landscape. With its unrivalled design and stunning natural surroundings, Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco provides an extraordinary golfing experience, seamlessly blending world-class play with Italy's rich heritage and spectacular scenery.

Fancourt Hotel and Golf Estate, South Africa

Nestled along the picturesque Garden Route near George, Fancourt Hotel and Golf Estate stands as South Africa’s premier golf destination. This esteemed estate is home to three exceptional golf courses, all meticulously designed by the legendary Gary Player. The Links Course, renowned for its challenging layout and breathtaking vistas, is the flagship of Fancourt's offerings. This course, celebrated for its international standards, provides an unforgettable test for golfers of all levels. The Montagu Course, with its rolling fairways and strategically placed bunkers, offers a dynamic and engaging experience for seasoned golfers. Meanwhile, the Outeniqua Course is a verdant parkland course that boasts stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests. Each course at Fancourt delivers a unique golfing experience, blending natural beauty with architectural brilliance. Complementing these world-class courses are top-tier facilities, including a spa, multiple dining options, and luxurious accommodation. Whether you’re a golf aficionado or a casual player, Fancourt promises an unparalleled golfing experience set against South Africa’s most scenic backdrop.

Adare Manor Hotel and Golf Resort, Ireland

Adare Manor, an opulent 5-star hotel set on a sprawling 840-acre estate in Ireland, offers a golf experience like no other. The Golf Course at Adare Manor, masterfully redesigned by renowned architect Tom Fazio, is a testament to the art of golf course design. This parkland course, set amidst lush terrain and mature trees along the River Maigue, seamlessly integrates with its stunning natural surroundings. Fazio’s redesign has transformed the already acclaimed course into a paragon of strategic and aesthetic excellence. Each hole is a masterpiece, crafted to challenge and delight golfers of all skill levels. The course’s velvet-smooth greens and advanced design innovations ensure a satisfying round, whether for a casual game or a competitive tournament. Beyond the course, the estate’s luxury extends to its elegantly appointed clubhouse, The Carriage House, which features fine dining, a comprehensive Pro Shop, and sophisticated relaxation areas. Adare Manor’s dedication to excellence makes it a standout among the world’s finest golf resorts.

Terre Blanche Hotel Spa Golf Resort, France

Terre Blanche, set in the serene landscapes of Provence, France, is a premier golf destination offering two world-class courses: Le Château and Le Riou. Both courses are designed to provide a superb golfing experience amid the region’s natural beauty. Le Château, a challenging 18-hole course stretching 6,616 meters, is renowned for its demanding layout and stunning scenery. Its strategic bunkers and water hazards offer a true test of skill, while the course’s design rewards precision and power. Le Château’s ranking as the 12th best course in Continental Europe by Golf World Magazine underscores its exceptional quality. Le Riou, with its technical 18-hole layout, offers a different but equally rewarding challenge. Set on a hillside overlooking the Pays de Fayence, this course emphasizes strategic play and precision. The Terre Blanche Golf Academy, alongside the resort’s luxurious spa and Michelin-starred restaurant, ensures a comprehensive and indulgent golf retreat. This blend of challenging play, breathtaking views, and top-notch amenities solidifies Terre Blanche as a premier global golf destination.