While iconic golf courses like St. Andrews and Pebble Beach capture the limelight, numerous lesser-known gems around the world offer thrilling golf experiences coupled with unique charm and beauty. For those looking to escape the crowds and discover some of the world’s best-kept golfing secrets, here are a few destinations that promise both challenge and tranquility.
1. Durness Golf Club, Scotland
Located in the remote North West Highlands, Durness Golf Club is the most north-westerly course on the British mainland. Its 9-hole layout offers different tee positions for a full 18-hole experience. The course runs alongside pristine beaches and rolling dunes, providing stunning views and a rugged golf challenge that is both affordable and accessible.
2. Lofoten Links, Norway
Situated well above the Arctic Circle, Lofoten Links is a stunning 18-hole course where the sun never sets during part of the summer, allowing for golf at midnight under the midnight sun. This course offers breathtaking views of the Norwegian Sea and the rugged coastline, with a chance to spot the Northern Lights during the golfing season’s shoulder months.
3. Royal Thimphu Golf Club, Bhutan
Nestled in the Himalayas, Royal Thimphu Golf Club offers a serene golfing experience in one of the world’s most secluded countries. The 9-hole course provides panoramic views of the majestic mountains and the local architecture, making it a cultural and scenic feast. Golfing here is not just about playing; it’s about immersing yourself in the tranquility of Bhutan.
4. Furnas Golf Course, Azores, Portugal
On São Miguel Island in the Azores, the Furnas Golf Course is set within a volcanic crater surrounded by lush vegetation and vibrant hydrangeas. The area’s rich soil and microclimate create a stunning, vibrant landscape that complements the challenging 18-hole course designed by Mackenzie Ross.
5. Elephant Hills Golf Club, Zimbabwe
Overlooking the Zambezi River and near Victoria Falls, Elephant Hills Golf Club is one of Africa’s premier resort courses. The course is frequented by a variety of wildlife, including antelopes and occasionally elephants, making for a truly wild round of golf. The course itself is beautifully landscaped and offers a unique blend of nature and sport.
6. Kytäjä Golf, Finland
Located in the serene Finnish countryside, Kytäjä Golf is home to two top-rated 18-hole courses in Scandinavia. The South East course, designed by Canadian architect Thomas McBroom, blends naturally with the forest and lakes to offer a peaceful yet challenging golfing experience.
These hidden gems offer more than just a round of golf; they provide an escape into diverse landscapes and cultures, each with its unique flavor and challenge. For the adventurous golfer, these courses are a reminder of the game’s global reach and the undiscovered adventures that await.
Discover these and other hidden gems with Find Golf Trips. Explore lesser-known courses that provide unforgettable golfing experiences away from the mainstream tracks. Visit findgolftrips.com to start planning your next unique golfing journey.
