Golf Courses: New additions to the international circuit
02 Mar 2011 - 13:43:54
The international golfing circuit is bursting at the seams with jaw dropping courses, from Pebble Beach and St Andrews through to Augusta, but the market continues to boom and some recent additions are shaking up the scene.
If you're planning a golfing tour in 2011, pack your passport, credit cards and travel money, and check out some of these courses.
The Home of Golf, Scotland
Donald Trump is currently underway with the development of what he bills will be the 'world's greatest resort' in Menie, north of Aberdeen. Despite great controversy and objectors, both local and celebrity, works began in July 2010 and the course, built at an estimated cost of £750 million, is due to open summer 2012.
The development will incorporate a Championship course with sea views and a second 18-hole course, alongside luxury hotels and holiday homes.
Costa Blanca, Dominican Republic
Launched at the beginning of 2011 to a celebrity and golfing fanfare, the new Costa Blanca course, located in Juan Dolio, nestles alongside the white sands of palm fringed beaches. The 300 acre site is home to the Greg Norman golf course - an 18-hole, 72 par course with eight seafront holes, as well as a pro-tennis centre, beach front condos and luxury spa facilities.
PGA National Resort & Spa, America
The PGA National is actually 30 years old - but the recent $65 million facelift has rendered the resort virtually unrecognisable. With five courses, including a Champion course - home to the famous 'Bear Trap', as well as training facilities and exquisite fairways and landscaping, PGA delivers an utterly complete golfing experience, with luxury dining, accommodation and spa facilities on the side - anyone with savings earmarked for a golfing adventure should check out property for sale before it's all snapped up.
Elea Golf Glub, Cyprus
Nick Faldo designed and opened the course at Elea, which boasts eco-credentials, overlooks the eastern Mediterranean Sea and plays through olive and carob groves, limestone outcrops and paspalum fairways. The 71 par, 18-hole course is accompanied by luxury homes, a golf academy, boutique hotel and exclusive well-being retreat.
The Dunes, Vietnam
The Greg Norman designed links course was opened in 2010 and offers variety to the Southeast Asian golfing scene, with views over the East Sea to Cham Islands. The minimalist layout plays through coastal flora, swale and hollows - the course is accompanied by a huge architect designed clubhouse, swing studios, club fitting lab and luxury accommodation.
