Four Stunning Rounds of Golf

Indian Wells

Located in that notorious jewel of the Coachella Valley known as Palm Springs, Indian Wells is a treasure in the realm of municipal courses. Under the stately presence of Eisenhower Mountain, with native desert flora and quintessential palms lining the fairways, players will find California golf at its finest. The resort’s two 18-hole courses, the Celebrity Course and the Player’s Course, nicknamed “Beauty and the Beast,” afford breathtaking views of the nearby San Jacinto, Santa Rosa, and San Bernardino mountains. The resort is recognized as having two of the best municipal courses in California and the United States year in and year out. Most recently, Golf Pass ranked the Celebrity Course #27 in the U.S., while Golf Advisors put the Players Course at #27 in its list of Top 50 Golfer’s Choice. For non-residents, greens fees are $189 in the peak season which begins in October. Visitors to Palm Springs who wish to make golf their main prerogative can find a place to stay at one of the resort’s four luxury hotels.

Old Head Golf Links

The course itself might be young, but this dazzling slice of Cork County, Ireland has been eons in the making. With a rich history stretching back 6,000 years to the settling of the Iron Age Celts and later by the de Courcey family, whose 12th century castle remains an austere monument of the land’s storied past, Old Head is an old world treasure worth discovering. Opened to play in 1997, the majestic Old Head of Kinsale, jutting out into the Atlantic, affords the fortunate player views that will impart memories of a lifetime. A par-72 stretching across 180 acres of emerald Irish turf, the course provides an edge-of-the-world feel as players navigate the cliffs 300 feet above the ocean. Every point of the course presents astonishing views of the mighty Atlantic with 9 holes, in particular, skirting the perimeter of the headland. For those impartial to rocky roads, preferring instead to arrive by chartered helicopter, the club is well-equipped with four helipads. Those weary from travel may choose to stay on site at the luxurious Old Head Suites & Spa. Greens fees at peak season in this jewel of old Ireland come in at 375 euros.

Golf d’Étretat

Chalk white cliffs capped in emerald turf rise from the cerulean waters of the Bay of Étretat, a breeze drifts in across the English Channel, and another round of memorable golf is about to begin. Founded in 1908, with inspiration from the golf-loving Brits who summered on the French coast, Golf d’Étretat is as rich in history and tradition as any course you’ll find across the pond. Here, one can bear witness to the same timeless beauty that captivated the minds of Maupassant, and painters Corot, Boudin, and Monet.

The 18-hole course begins inland and slowly makes its way seaward. At hole number four, players get their first look at the open sea and often their first brush with the salty breeze. From the green on 10, players catch a glimpse of the famous Falaise La Manneporte (Manneporte Cliff), towering up from the water. From ten to fourteen, the course takes players along the sublime alabaster cliffs to make the game truly unforgettable.

With greens fees at 80 euros in peak season, this round of golf will make a worthy and memorable addition to your Normandy visit. Complete the journey to this charming corner of France with a stay on campus at the historic Dormy House hotel.

Bali National Golf Club

 At the southeast end of the Bukit Peninsula, resorts pepper the coconut groves and beckon tourists to repose in this serene corner of Bali. Among the rich greenery, The Bali National Golf Club welcomes players to its 18-hole, par-71 course of thoughtful simplicity. Replete with mature trees, bunkers, and a few lakes, its layout may remind players of a well-manicured parkland course in the Midwestern United States. However, standing sentry out across the jungle the majestic Mount Agung, an active volcano and the highest peak in Bali, brings the vision of paradise full circle. Beyond the call of tropical birds among the lush native flora, the course presents magnificent views of the Indian Ocean. With greens fees around $145 and the white sand beaches of Nusa Dua only steps away, The Bali National promises to be the crown jewel in your trip to this cherished corner of the country. For those looking to play and stay, the club offers seven luxury villas, while Nusa Dua offers accommodations for all tastes.