Exploring Hidden Gems of Golf Travel Adventures Off the Beaten Path

As a former touring professional golfer, now turned International Sales Manager at Golf Travel Group, I’ve had the privilege of exploring some of the world’s most renowned golf destinations. From the lush fairways of Scotland to the sun-drenched courses of California, my career has been defined by a passion for the game and a love for travel. Yet, amidst the well-trodden paths of golfing hubs, I’ve discovered a realm of hidden gems waiting to be explored by intrepid golf enthusiasts seeking adventure off the beaten path.

In a sport often associated with prestige and tradition, it’s easy to overlook the lesser-known courses that offer a unique and unforgettable experience. These hidden gems may lack the fame of their more illustrious counterparts but what they lack in reputation, they more than make up for in character and charm.

One such hidden gem is the Machrihanish Golf Club located on the remote Kintyre Peninsula in Scotland. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of mainstream golf tourism, Machrihanish boasts stunning ocean views and challenging links-style golf that rivals the best in the world. Playing here feels like stepping back in time with rugged terrain and unpredictable weather adding an element of unpredictability to each round.

Venturing across the Atlantic, golfers can discover the rustic beauty of Bandon Dunes Golf Resort in Oregon, USA. Nestled along the rugged coastline of the Pacific Northwest, Bandon Dunes offers a true links golf experience reminiscent of Scotland and Ireland. With four world-class courses designed by renowned architects such as Tom Doak and David McLay Kidd, this hidden gem is a haven for golf purists seeking an authentic and immersive golfing adventure.

For those with a taste for exotic locales, the Dominican Republic offers a surprising array of hidden gems waiting to be uncovered. Courses like Corales Golf Club and Teeth of the Dog provide a Caribbean twist on traditional golfing experiences, with palm-fringed fairways and breathtaking ocean views at every turn. These hidden gems offer a chance to escape the crowds and immerse oneself in the natural beauty of the Caribbean while enjoying a round of golf in paradise.

Closer to home, the Scottish Highlands offer a wealth of hidden gems waiting to be discovered by adventurous golfers. Courses like Royal Dornoch and Brora Golf Club may not have the international acclaim of St. Andrews or Turnberry but they offer a quintessentially Scottish golfing experience that is second to none. Surrounded by towering mountains and rolling heathland, these hidden gems capture the spirit of Scottish golf in its purest form.

Exploring hidden gems is about more than just finding new places to play golf; it’s about embracing the spirit of adventure and discovering the untold stories that lie off the beaten path. Whether it’s teeing off against the backdrop of rugged coastlines or navigating through windswept links, these hidden gems offer a chance to experience golf in its most authentic and captivating form. So, the next time you’re planning a golfing getaway, why not stray from the well-trodden path and uncover the hidden gems waiting to be explored? I’d be more than happy to talk this through with you.

Drop me an email on: [email protected]

Breanne Loucks