Tag: Golf

14Dec By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Stadiums & Venues

Ontake Distillery: a Japanese whisky distillery with its own golf course

If you’re anything like us – and have a passion for whisky and golf – then you’ll just love Ontake Distillery. Located in Japan’s Kagoshima Mountains, Ontake is the first distillery in the world to feature an on-site 18-hole golf course that is exclusively for cask owners, combining whisky and golf in a way that has never been seen before.  Taking its name from Sakurajima’s three majestic peaks – Kitadake, Nakadake, and Minamidake – Ontake Distillery is perched 400 metres above sea level in the serene mountains of the Satsuma Peninsula.  The golf course  This state-of-the-art distillery not only crafts exceptional award-winning single malt whiskies but also delivers an unparalleled experience for its exclusive cask owners. Ontake has a world-first offering: a private 18-hole...

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24Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Sports Business

World Golf Awards 2024: Portugal named world’s best golf destination

It was a big night for Portugal at the 11th annual World Golf Awards held in Madeira on 22 November. The sun-blessed European nation was named the world's best golf destination for 2024 while Terras da Comporta, on the Alentejo Coast, claimed the world’s best golf course award.  The 2024 edition of the World Golf Awards marked a global gathering of golf industry leaders, with pioneers and key figures travelling from across the world to attend. The prize-giving ceremony at Savoy Palace, marked the climax of a two-day golf itinerary sampling the best of Madeira’s golf courses. Madeira’s growing status as a golf hub was reinforced with the title for world’s best emerging golf destination. Palheiro Golf collected the world’s best panoramic clubhouse award and Club de Golfe Santo Da Serr...

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16Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Calendars, Events

DP World Tour 2025 calendar: 42 Race to Dubai tournaments on schedule

The return of the Austrian and Turkish Opens, as well as a host of new tournament venues, headline the men’s golf DP World Tour global schedule in 2025. Featuring a minimum of 42 Race to Dubai tournaments in a minimum of 26 different countries, the schedule will see DP World Tour members compete for a record total prize fund of $153 million outside the major championships.  For the second consecutive season, the schedule will comprise three distinct phases,  beginning with five ‘Global Swings’ followed by the ‘Back 9’, with the season then culminating with the ‘DP World Tour Play-Offs’ in November 2025.  The Turkish Open, which will be played at Regnum Carya Golf & Spa Resort from 8-11 May, marks the DP World Tour’s return to Turkey for the first time in six years...

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12Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events

Hero Dubai Desert Classic 2025: tickets launched as Rory McIlroy confirms title defence

Northern Irish golf star Rory McIlroy has confirmed that he will defend his title at the 2025 Hero Dubai Desert Classic. Tickets have also launched for the DP World Tour men's golf event, which will take place at the historic Emirates Golf Club in Dubai, UAE, from 16-19 January 2025. Excitement is building among golf fans as the World No.3 aims to become the first ever five-time champion of the Desert Classic. Previously a tournament winner in 2009, 2015, 2023 and 2024, McIlroy will aim to lift the Dallah Trophy for the third consecutive time, and fifth overall. McIlroy will headline a world-class list of competitors at the prestigious Rolex Series event on the DP World Tour’s 2025 Race to Dubai schedule, which offers a $9 million prize pool. McIlroy said: “I’m thrilled to be return...

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12Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business

IAGTO launches three global golf tourism conventions for 2025

IAGTO – the International Association of Golf Tour Operators – has announced Danang in Vietnam, Gran Canaria in Spain, and Alabama in the US as the host destinations for its three global golf tourism conventions taking place in 2025. Established in 1997, IAGTO is the global trade organisation of the golf tourism industry with more than 2,200 member companies in 92 countries, including 662 golf tour operators in 68 countries, responsible for more than 90% of all golf vacation packages sold worldwide.   The three conventions confirmed for 2025 are:  11th Asia Golf Tourism Convention (AGTC) in Danang, Vietnam, from 2-4 April 2025  3rd IAGTO European Convention (IEC) in Gran Canaria, Spain, from 19-21 May  2025  16th North America Golf Tourism Con...

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6Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Holidays & Trips

G Golf Ireland’s guide to Dublin’s best golf courses 

Dublin is the main gateway to Ireland with more than 30 million passengers passing through its international airport every year. Founded by the Vikings more than 1,000 years ago, Ireland’s capital is now a bustling, vibrant city that has grown up among its ancient heritage.  There are more than 100 golf courses within the greater Dublin area so there is plenty of choice. Golf travel company G Golf Ireland has picked out its favourite golf courses in Dublin to consider as part of your next golfing trip to Ireland. Portmarnock Old: Multiple host of the Irish Open, the Walker Cup, the Amateur Championship and this year's Women's Amateur Championship, Portmarnock is considered to be the most famous Dublin venue. A very fair test of pure links golf, Portmarnock ranks at No.37 in the...

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1Sep By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips, Hotels & Resorts

Italy golf holidays: the ‘ultimate golf getaway’ to Rome 

The First Roma by The Pavilions Hotels & Resorts has launched the “Ultimate Golf Getaway” in partnership with Parco di Roma Golf Club. The new three-night experience blends exploration of the Eternal City and its timeless beauty, with exquisite accommodation and time on Parco di Roma’s pristine greens and fairways, complete with views of St Peter’s Dome.  Comprising The First Musica, Rome by The Pavilions; The First Dolce, Rome by The Pavilions; and the recently refurbished The First Arte, Rome by The Pavilions, The First Roma by The Pavilions Hotels & Resorts offers a unique deconstructed urban resort experience that highlights the sights, tastes and sounds of Rome as part of each guest’s journey. Each of the three hotels is an elegant retreat in the heart of the city, co...

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7Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Guides

Kitzbühel: an alpine golf paradise in the Austrian Tirol

Nestled in the heart of the Austrian Alps, Kitzbühel is renowned for its stunning landscapes and rich sporting heritage. While the town is famously known for skiing, Kitzbühel also offers an exceptional golfing experience. Whether you're an amateur golfer or a seasoned pro, the combination of challenging courses, breathtaking scenery, and luxurious amenities makes Kitzbühel a premier golfing destination. The area also boasts 12 exclusive golf hotels, ensuring a luxurious stay with pure enjoyment.  Golf courses in Kitzbühel Kitzbühel is a paradise for golf enthusiasts, offering four diverse golf courses and 54 varied holes on site, two of them in the town centre, and 12 more in the immediate vicinity. As each course is unique and different in its own way, it is well worth playing all...

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8Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips, Hotels & Resorts

Sports wellbeing: ‘Total Golf Enhancement’ retreat at Chiva-Som Hua Hin

Chiva-Som Hua Hin in Thailand has expanded its health and sports wellbeing offering with the launch of the “Total Golf Enhancement” retreat. Combining time on the golf course with specialised fitness training, wellness cuisine, health and wellness consultations, and holistic therapies, the retreat supports golfers in developing their overall game, as well as post-golf muscle recovery and relaxation. Every Chiva-Som retreat begins with a health and wellness consultation, enabling the expert team to tailor a programme to each individual guest's wellbeing needs and goals. In addition to this, the Total Golf Enhancement retreat includes a golf fitness assessment followed by golf fitness training and a golf lesson that supports endurance, range of motion, strength and balance, as well as re...

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12May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Stadiums & Venues

Red Sea Global reveals designs for Shura Links golf course

Red Sea Global (RSG), the multi-project developer behind regenerative tourism destinations The Red Sea and AMAALA in Saudi Arabia, has announced the name and designs of its golf course and clubhouse on Shura Island at The Red Sea. Set to open in 2025, Shura Links promises a one-of-a-kind golf experience, offering Saudi Arabia’s first 18-hole island golf course with holes on the water, marina views and spectacular fairways framed by the Red Sea. Developed in partnership with world-leading environmental consultants, Shura Links is guided by the highest sustainability standards, addressing a number of areas in tandem such as water-use reduction and innovative re-use of irrigation for habitat development.  “Shura Links will provide an unparalleled golfing experience, offering a visuall...

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4May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Hotels & Resorts

Rocco Forte’s Verdura Resort makes major investment in golf facilities

Golfers at Verdura Resort, a Rocco Forte hotel, can enjoy an enhanced luxury experience with the acclaimed Sicilian venue having undertaken a further upgrade of its award-winning golf facilities, including a major new investment in its golf academy. A new fitting and coaching centre with advanced technology is at the forefront of an array of improvements that the Rocco Forte resort has made in 2024 as part of an overall investment of more than €1m in its golf offering.  Having undertaken a major remodelling of its East and West courses and a significant investment in a course maintenance programme, which features a new sustainable irrigation system, Verdura Resort has carried out several additional new upgrades to the facilities and services it offers to all visiting golfers. As w...

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10Jan By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Calendars

DP World Tour golf: new-look schedule for 2024 European Tour season

The men’s golf DP World Tour has announced its schedule for the 2024 season – which will include a minimum of 44 tournaments in 24 countries and across five continents. In 2024, the tour’s stars will also compete for an overall record prize fund of $148.5m, excluding the majors. The 2024 Race to Dubai will feature three new phases – five “global swings” from November 2023 to August 2024; a “Back Nine” from September 2024 to October 2024; and two DP World Tour Play-Offs in November 2024.  As in previous years, there will be the five Rolex Series events – the premium category of events on the DP World Tour. In 2024 these will be:  Hero Dubai Desert Classic (18-21 January) Genesis Scottish Open (11-14 July) BMW PGA Championship (19-22 September) Abu Dhabi Champio...

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25Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips

UAE golf travel: ‘stay and play’ at Al Zorah Golf Club and Oberoi Beach Resort

Al Zorah Golf Club and The Oberoi Beach Resort, Al Zorah, in the UAE are offering golfers the opportunity to experience a luxury getaway this winter after releasing an exclusive “stay and play” golf package. Guests can take advantage of world-class golf – and a stunning climate – with an array of five-star benefits over the coming months at one of the UAE’s most spectacular destinations, which is situated just 30 minutes from Dubai International Airport in the heart of Al Zorah City.  The Troon-managed Al Zorah Golf Club opened for play in 2015 and is already regarded as one of the best courses in the Middle East. Designed by legendary 18-time major champion Jack Nicklaus, the course meanders around a natural mangrove landscape and two spectacular lakes. With a driving range and extens...

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6Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business

World Golf Awards 2023: Portugal named world’s best golf destination

The World Golf Awards has announced the big winners for 2023 at its tenth annual gala ceremony, held in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Portugal enjoyed a strong showing and was named the world’s best golf destination, and The Algarve’s Quinta do Lago – South Course (pictured) claimed the best golf course in Europe award. Dunas Golf Course, Terras da Comporta collected two best newcomer categories: Europe’s best new golf course and world’s best new golf course.  Serapong Course at Singapore’s Sentosa Golf Club emerged victorious by taking the coveted title of world’s best golf course and Australian golfing legend-turned-designer Greg Norman was named golf course designer of the year.  Apes Hills Barbados, with its lush tropical setting and stunning coastal views, was voted the world’s best eco...

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Golf: 2025 Ryder Cup

The 2025 Ryder Cup, scheduled to take place at Bethpage Black Course in Farmingdale, New York from 26-28 September 2025, promises to be one of the most highly anticipated evens on the 2025 sporting calendar. After their 16½-11½ defeat against Team Europe in Rome in 2023, Team USA will be looking to regain the Ryder Cup on home soil in 2025. Bethpage Black, a public course known for its difficulty and rugged design, has hosted major tournaments in the past, including the US Open, but this will be its first Ryder Cup. The course’s narrow fairways, deep bunkers, and challenging greens make it a fitting stage for the high-stakes nature of Ryder Cup play. The event itself is more than just golf. The atmosphere is electric, with passionate fans from both sides creating a unique environ...

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Golf: World Champions Cup

The World Champions Cup, a new international match play team golf event, will be held for the first time from 7-10 December 2023. Hosted at The Concession Golf Club in Bradenton, Florida, the three-team tournament is sanctioned by the PGA Tour and will see Team International, Team USA, and Team Europe compete for the cup. https://twitter.com/WorldChampsCup/status/1648424249907093504 Three legends of the sport – Jim Furyk (Team USA), Ernie Els (Team International) and Darren Clarke (Team Europe) – have been confirmed as the team captains. The World Champions Cup will be contested across three days of nine-hole matches (both team formats and singles play). Points will be earned for holes won in each match – all matches will go the full nine-holes. After three-days, the team with the hi...

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31Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Guides, Holidays & Trips, Scotland

Sport in Scotland: events, activities and things to do

It may be the land of whisky, Munros, the Highland Games and football's Old Firm, but for many people across the world Scotland is the home of one thing… golf. With some of the best courses in the world - Gleneagles, St Andrews Old Course and Carnoustie to name just three - Scotland is the place that every amateur and professional golfer wants to experience.  It’s not just golf that sports travellers should visit Scotland for though. With its magnificent terrains, lochs and mountains, the country is a haven for winter sports and outdoor activities.  Related articles Scottish golf bucket list ‘Water wellness’ in Scotland Book: ‘Blue Scotland’ by Mollie Hughes Best beaches in Scotland Major sporting events in Scotland Highland GamesEvents usually take place across Scotland throughout the ...

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27Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Travel

Solheim Cup 2023 host venue: Finca Cortesín, Andalusia, Spain

It’s not just the men’s Ryder Cup that golf fans will be looking forward to this autumn – the 18th Solheim Cup will also see the best women golfers from Europe and the United States go head to head.  Held every two years, the Solheim Cup will take place this year from 22-24 September 2023 at Finca Cortesin Hotel, Golf & Spa in Casares, Andalucía. It's the first time that Spain has hosted the prestigious women’s team golf event. “Finca Cortesin is a world-class venue and deserving host of the 2023 Solheim Cup as it takes place in Spain for the first time in the tournament’s history,” said Alexandra Armas, CEO of the Ladies European Tour. “The Costa del Sol is truly one of golf’s most exciting destinations and I am sure that the pristine and challenging course design at Finca wil...

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27Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Travel

Ryder Cup 2023 host venue: Marco Simone Golf and Country Club, Italy

Renowned for its rich history, vibrant culture and delicious cuisine, Italy’s climate and stunning landscapes also makes it the perfect country to play golf in.  Italy is home to more than 250 golf courses, including the Marco Simone Golf and Country Club near Rome, host venue of the 44th Ryder Cup. All eyes will be on the world-class Italian venue as Team Europe and Team US go head-to-head in the popular men’s golf event from Friday 29 September to Sunday 1 October 2023 – just a week after the women's Solheim Cup in Spain.  In 2021 at Whistling Straits, the US convincingly regained the Ryder Cup with a record 19-9 victory. The likes of Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm will be looking to lead Team Europe to victory as they aim to win back the famous gold trophy.  The perfect s...

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30Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Guides

Golf in Puerto Rico: three of the best golf courses 

Boasting around 30 idyllic golf courses, Puerto Rico is regarded as one of the Caribbean’s top places to play golf. With almost year-round sunshine, stunning scenery and welcoming locals, the unincorporated territory of the United States is an ideal destination for a golfing getaway. Here we look at three of the best golf courses in Puerto Rico. TPC Dorado Beach https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DN7wV07WHdw Located at the luxurious Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Dorado, Puerto Rico, TPC Dorado Beach is home to two world-class golf courses: the East Course and Sugarcane Course. When not playing host to the PGA Tour, the Grand Reserve Golf Club provides visitors with a one-of-a-kind tropical golfing experience. The course is known in the professional golf scene as the most...

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