Hideaways' Great Golf "Fore"ays

As Mark Twain once said, "Golf is a good walk spoiled."

But you won't mind the walk—spoiled or unspoiled—when you're playing these magnificent golf courses that offer some of the most phenomenal views and fascinating surroundings in the world. Add to that the first-rate accommodations, restaurants, and other amenities that are nearby—often just steps from the golf course—and you'll find plenty of reasons to put together a foursome and pack your clubs.

So don't miss out on the global golf outing of a lifetime! Contact a Travel Specialist at Hideaways Travel Services (800-843-4433) for expert help planning your next golf "fore"ay, with special perks and privileges along the way. Try us once, and you'll never "go it alone" again.

Teeth of the Dog: The Dominican Republic
While a number of top-notch courses have been built recently in the Dominican Republic, golf on the island still revolves around Teeth of the Dog, the signature course of Casa de Campo. In fact, many would argue that Pete Dye's famous Dominican creation is in a class by itself in the Caribbean. With seven holes abutting the sea, Teeth of the Dog offers dazzling vistas that golfers of any skill level can appreciate. But it's Dye's notoriously difficult touches that make the course what it is. Elevated greens, railroad ties, pot bunkers, and peninsula tees are common. Add to that the ubiquitous coral rock, often resembling dogs' teeth (thus the name) and placed uncomfortably close to many of the greens, and you have a golf challenge you won't soon forget.

Where to Stay: Casa de Campo, Sivory Punta Cana (bit of a hike, but worth it)

More Insight: Hideaways Aficionado Club members are invited to read "Casa de Campo: Great Family Fun for All," "It's a Tough Job, But . . .," and "Follow the Sun." Not yet a member? Join now and don't miss any of our great insight, or our member-only perks and privileges!


The Ailsa at The Turnberry: Ayrshire, Scotland
Named after the third Marquess of Ailsa, who owned the land on which it was built, this par-70, 7,211-yard championship course is one of golf's most storied places. Home to four British Open Championships, Ailsa has seen some of the most remarkable moments in the tournament's history. Its first three holes pose a fairly tough opening, particularly when the wind blows from the direction of its namesake, the brooding isle of Ailsa Craig, 11 miles out to sea. The 9th hole is Turnberry's trademark, perched on a stony ridge at the edge of the sea. This is where the landmark lighthouse casts shadows over the 13th-century ruins of Bruce's Castle, the reputed birthplace of Scotland's hero-king, Robert the Bruce. Just beyond, the narrow path to the tee and the drive across the corner of the bay fills players with fear and trepidation.

Where to Stay: The Turnberry

More Insight: Hideaways Aficionado Club members are invited to read "Not Your Father's Luxury Golf Resort" and "As You Like It: Golf." Not yet a member? Join now and don't miss any of our great insight, or our member-only privileges and perks!

El Camaleón: Riviera Maya, Mexico

Designed by the legendary Greg Norman, the 7,000-yard El Camalen layout is unique, not just to Mexico but to the entire golf world. The course winds through three distinct landscapes: tropical jungle, dense mangroves, and oceanfront stretches with holes bisected by massive limestone canals. Norman even has incorporated a cenote, a massive, ancient cavern common to the area, into the heart of the opening fairway. As in all Norman designs, he's balanced the course to make it enjoyable for golfers of all abilities. In 2007, El Camaleón made history by becoming the first golf course in Mexico to host an official PGA Tour event, The Mayakoba Classic.

Where to Stay: Banyan Tree Mayakoba

More Insight: Hideaways Aficionado Club members are invited to read "Escape from Cancun." Not yet a member? Join now and don't miss any of our great insight, or our member-only privileges and perks!

More Top Golf Courses
Here's an international smorgasbord of famous golf courses to add to your bucket list. Be sure to call Hideaways Travel Services (800-843-4433) for help planning your next great golf getaway.

The Boulders: Carefree, Arizona
Only fortunate members and guests of The Boulders Resort can play at this true golf haven, just north of Scottsdale. The Boulders' two courses—the North and the South—were designed by Jay Moorish to take golfers on a desert hike where bobcat, rabbits, coyotes, and even javelina are apt to wander out of the low brush at any time. And every hole at The Boulders is set apart, creating an exquisite sense of seclusion and peacefulness that is difficult to find in today's world of golf-factory resorts.

Another fine desert golf choice is the TPC of Scottsdale Stadium Course. Architect Jay Moorish and former British Open champion Tom Weiskopf designed a course where even everyday plonkers can imagine the crowd cheering from behind the gallery ropes as they wind their way from one fairway to another. This is particularly true on the finishing holes, where there's a treacherous par-3, a driveable par-4 set beside a lake, and a reachable-in-two par-5 with an island green. The thrill of taking on this course's challenges remains for a lifetime.

Where to Stay: The Fairmont Scottsdale, The Boulders Resort

More Insight: Hideaways Aficionado Club members are invited to read "Arizona Dreamin'" and "Follow the Sun." Not yet a member? Join now and don't miss any of our great insight, or our member-only privileges and perks!


Plantation Course: Maui, Hawaii
This outstanding layout single-handedly forged the reputation of its designers, former Masters champion Ben Crenshaw and architect Bill Coore. Their design is unquestionably one of the fairest tests of golf anywhere. You'll also marvel at the vistas offered by this course set high above the sea. Once on the Plantation Course, it's easy to see why golfers of all abilities enjoy it. Lovely Bermuda fairways curve around deep ravines, swing past tall stands of Cook pine, and ramble alongside fragrant pineapple groves. The greatest challenge lies in overcoming the trade winds and placing the ball properly on the large, flowing greens.

Where to Stay: Kapalua Resort

More Insight: Hideaways Aficionado Club members are invited to read "Follow the Sun." Not yet a member? Join now and don't miss any of our great insight, or our member-only privileges and perks!


The Grenadines Estate Golf Club: St. Vincent & The Grenadines
This is an exhilarating and challenging Jim Fazio-designed 18-hole championship golf course, set along dramatic sloping hills and unwinding along the ocean's edge. You'll be treated to spectacular, panoramic views from every hole overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Cooling northeasterly trade winds enhance the challenge, and the changing terrain (from amphitheater to mountain) provides breathtaking natural beauty and scenery. The first ten holes and the 18th are situated within the amphitheater, while holes 11 through 17 are built around Mount Royal, which rises to 877 feet and has spectacular panoramic views of The Grenadines and The Caribbean.

Where to Stay: Tamarind Beach Hotel & Yacht Club, Canouan Resort at Carenage Bay

More Insight: Hideaways Aficionado Club members are invited to read "'Marooned' on Canouan." Not yet a member? Join now and don't miss any of our great insight, or our member-only privileges and perks!


Tryall Golf Club: Montego Bay, Jamaica
This tricky, wind-swept course winds its way around the estate, through the hills and palm groves, and down to a mile-and-a-half stretch of scenic coastline. The 18-hole, par-71 layout, designed by Ralph Plummer, has been rated "among the most beautiful golf courses in the world." It offers stunning views, unique natural hazards, and challenging greens. With the front nine bordering the Caribbean and the back nine winding through verdant hillsides, Tryall offers stunningly diverse topography. Tradition is paramount here, where you and your caddy can still walk the fairways together and enjoy the game as it was intended. And even at the height of the season (mid-November through April), the course remains uncrowded, offering you a uniquely relaxed atmosphere.

Where to Stay: Round Hill Hotel and Villas (offering complimentary transportation to and from Tryall, just ten minutes away)

More Insight: Hideaways Aficionado Club members are invited to read "My Love Affair with Jamaica." Not yet a member? Join now and don't miss any of our great insight, or our member-only privileges and perks!


The Fairmont Banff Springs: Alberta, Canada
Originally designed in 1928 by Canada's master golf course architect, Stanley Thompson, this course winds along the Bow River and under the snow-capped peaks of Sulphur Mountain and Mount Rundle. In 1989, n additional 9 holes were added to the original 18, resulting in 27 holes of championship layout. The course offers two simple things—a breathtaking view in every direction and a magnificent layout that thrills every golfer, from amateur to professional. From the actual golf hole design to the optical illusions created by the surrounding mountains, this golf course will delight and occasionally baffle you.

Where to Stay: The Fairmont Banff Springs

More Insight: Hideaways Aficionado Club members are invited to read "Fore-Star+ Hideaways." Not yet a member? Join now and don't miss any of our great insight, or our member-only privileges and perks!