Golf is often associated with luxurious resorts, prestigious tournaments, and world-renowned courses like Pebble Beach, Augusta National, or St. Andrews. However, for those who are passionate about the game and love discovering new places, there are countless hidden gems across the globe. These underrated golf courses offer not only challenging play but also unique landscapes, rich history, and a chance to explore lesser-known destinations. This blog will take you on a journey to uncover some of these hidden gems and why they should be on your travel list. Plus, we’ll explore some of the best golf resort packages that can make your trip even more enjoyable.
Cabot Links – Inverness, Nova Scotia, Canada
Located on the rugged coast of Cape Breton Island, Cabot Links is a golfer’s paradise that combines stunning natural beauty with challenging play. Often overshadowed by its more famous neighbors in the U.S., Cabot Links offers a true links experience reminiscent of Scotland’s classic courses. The layout hugs the coastline, offering breathtaking ocean views on almost every hole.
Why It’s Worth the Trip:
- Authentic Links Experience: With rolling fairways, undulating greens, and coastal winds, Cabot Links provides a traditional links golf experience rarely found in North America.
- Golf Resort Packages: Cabot Links offers comprehensive packages that include accommodation, rounds of golf, and dining options, making it easy to plan your stay.
Barnbougle Dunes – Tasmania, Australia
Barnbougle Dunes is often regarded as one of the best golf courses in Australia, yet it remains relatively unknown outside of the country. Located on the remote northeast coast of Tasmania, this course features dramatic dunes, wide fairways, and natural hazards that challenge golfers of all levels.
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Why It’s Worth the Trip:
- Stunning Scenery: The course is set against a backdrop of rugged coastal landscapes, with views of the Bass Strait and towering sand dunes.
- Golf Resort Packages: Barnbougle offers several stay-and-play packages, including options for staying in luxurious cottages right on the course.
Leopard Creek Country Club – Mpumalanga, South Africa
Leopard Creek Country Club, located on the border of Kruger National Park, is a hidden gem that offers a unique African golfing experience. The course is known for its immaculate condition, challenging design, and the possibility of spotting wildlife like hippos and crocodiles.
Why It’s Worth the Trip:
- Unique Wildlife: The course’s proximity to Kruger National Park means you might see wildlife in their natural habitat while playing.
- Golf Resort Packages: Leopard Creek offers packages that include luxury accommodations, safari experiences, and rounds of golf.
Tierra del Sol – Aruba
Aruba might be better known for its beaches and resorts, but Tierra del Sol is a golf course that shouldn’t be overlooked. This 18-hole championship course is set against the backdrop of the Caribbean Sea and features desert-like terrain with cacti, rocky outcrops, and challenging trade winds.
Why It’s Worth the Trip:
- Caribbean Charm: The combination of desert landscapes and ocean views makes for a unique and picturesque golfing experience.
- Golf Resort Packages: Tierra del Sol offers resort packages that include luxurious accommodations, spa services, and access to the golf course.
Cape Kidnappers – Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand
Cape Kidnappers in New Zealand is a course that defies expectations with its dramatic clifftop location. The course sits 500 feet above the Pacific Ocean, offering stunning views and challenging play across rugged terrain.
Why It’s Worth the Trip:
- Dramatic Clifftop Setting: The course’s location provides some of the most breathtaking views in golf, with several holes playing perilously close to the cliffs.
- Golf Resort Packages: Cape Kidnappers offers all-inclusive packages that include luxury accommodations, gourmet dining, and rounds of golf.
Royal Bled – Bled, Slovenia
Nestled in the Julian Alps, Royal Bled is a historic course that combines stunning alpine scenery with challenging play. As one of the oldest courses in Europe, it offers a blend of tradition and modern design, with a layout that takes full advantage of the surrounding mountains and forests.
Why It’s Worth the Trip:
- Alpine Beauty: The course’s location in the heart of the Julian Alps offers breathtaking views and a serene atmosphere.
- Golf Resort Packages: Royal Bled offers stay-and-play packages that include accommodation in their charming lodge, rounds of golf, and access to the club’s amenities.
Lofoten Links – Gimsøya, Norway
For those seeking a truly unique golfing experience, Lofoten Links in Norway offers the chance to play under the midnight sun. Located above the Arctic Circle, this course is one of the most remote and breathtaking in the world, with stunning views of the Norwegian Sea and surrounding mountains.
Why It’s Worth the Trip:
- Midnight Sun Golfing: During the summer months, golfers can play 24 hours a day under the midnight sun, a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
- Golf Resort Packages: Lofoten Links offers packages that include accommodations in traditional Norwegian cabins, rounds of golf, and other outdoor activities.
Narin & Portnoo Links – Donegal, Ireland
Ireland is home to some of the most famous golf courses in the world, but Narin & Portnoo Links is a hidden gem that offers a pure links experience without the crowds. Located in the remote northwest of Ireland, this course features rolling dunes, pristine beaches, and challenging play.
Why It’s Worth the Trip:
- Authentic Irish Links: The course offers a traditional links layout with natural dunes, firm fairways, and unpredictable weather conditions.
- Golf Resort Packages: Narin & Portnoo offers stay-and-play packages that include accommodation in nearby hotels, rounds of golf, and dining experiences.
Furnace Creek Golf Course – Death Valley, California, USA
Furnace Creek Golf Course is the lowest golf course in the world, located 214 feet below sea level in Death Valley National Park. Despite its extreme location, the course is surprisingly lush and offers a unique desert golfing experience.
Why It’s Worth the Trip:
- Extreme Location: Playing golf in one of the hottest and driest places on Earth is an unforgettable experience.
- Golf Resort Packages: The Inn at Death Valley offers packages that include rounds of golf at Furnace Creek, luxury accommodations, and access to the resort’s amenities.
Lajitas Golf Resort – Lajitas, Texas, USA
Lajitas Golf Resort is a hidden gem located in the remote Big Bend region of Texas. The course, designed by Lanny Wadkins, is set against the backdrop of the Chisos Mountains and the Rio Grande River, offering a rugged and picturesque golfing experience.
Why It’s Worth the Trip:
- Wild West Charm: The course’s location in the heart of Texas’ Big Bend region offers a unique blend of rugged landscapes and Wild West history.
- Golf Resort Packages: Lajitas Golf Resort offers comprehensive packages that include accommodations, rounds of golf, and access to the resort’s amenities, such as horseback riding and shooting ranges.
Conclusion
These hidden gem golf courses offer more than just a round of golf; they provide an opportunity to explore unique destinations, experience different cultures, and create lasting memories. Whether you’re looking for a traditional links experience, a clifftop challenge, or a desert escape, these underrated courses are worth the trip. And with the right golf resort packages, you can turn your golfing adventure into a complete vacation experience. So, pack your clubs, book a package, and get ready to discover some of the world’s most underrated golf courses.
