There are a few moments when you see Dad in his true happy place. Maybe it’s on the ski slopes, when there’s nothing but fresh pow. It could be that time you went on a family safari, and you saw the look on his face at his first game drive. Or for some Dads, it’s simply whenever he’s on the golf course, shooting the breeze without a worry in the world. One thing is for sure; it’s even better if you and Dad can hit the links together. These are the hotels where teeing off will give you that “life is good” moment.
As much as we love our dads, time spent with him is almost never enough. Golf is one of those sports that gives an opportunity for extended, uninterrupted quality time. Sure, you can get him gifts or whip up a meal of his choice, but nothing quite says, ‘You are important to me,’ than the gift of time. Golf gives you that chance of unwinding, enjoying the outdoors, and allows for natural conversation.
Golf Tour by Private Jet
First thing’s first. For the Dad who wants to cover all his bases, a Golf Around the World by Private Jet tour is absolutely the way to go. Kalos Golf will take you and your Dad on an Airbus A321 (operated by Titan Airways) through 6 destinations. The next upcoming tour will take place in October 2025, and will take you through Sydney, Singapore, Phuket, Dubai, Málaga, and Miami. In 2026, there are options for another world tour (different destinations), and a South America tour in the fall. It’s definitely not the only way to golf — but it’s definitely a viable option. But, if your Dad is more of a let’s-just-stick-to-one-amazing-golf-destination guy, we’ve outlined the top ones below.
Sandy Lane
Location: Barbados
This one tops our list of golf courses. Tiger Woods loves it so much that he chose it as his wedding destination. There are three golf courses on Sandy Lane — The Green Monkey, The Country Club, and The Old Nine. Both the former ones are 18 hole, par 72 golf courses. The Old Nine is a 9 hole, par 36 course. The Green Monkey is carved from an old limestone quarry with dramatic rock faces, making it the most challenging. It’s also exclusive to the hotel guests. The Country Club hosted the 2006 World Golf Championships Barbados World Cup, and is open to visitors. Caddies are mandatory for The Green Monkey and The Country Club. And once you’re done with the links, you have the option of relaxing at the Clubhouse Restaurant at the Country Club.
Amanera
Location: Dominican Republic
When we speak of luxury, it is impossible to exclude Aman. Amanera, especially, stands out because of the Playa Grande Golf Course. Also known as the “Pebble Beach of the Caribbean,” this one is an 18 hole course with dramatic coastline exposure. Not knowing the game cannot be an excuse for you to not play here. Julio Santos, one of the most celebrated golfers in the Dominican Republic is hands on to share his expertise and provide guidance. You and Dad can choose to refine your skills, and then have a nine hole round with Julio too. And when you’re done with the high intensity game, you can enjoy the rest of your day with rum tastings at the Lounge Bar.
Rosewood Bermuda
Location: Bermuda
Rosewood Bermuda’s Tucker’s Point Golf Club is an 18 hole golf course. It was first designed in 1932 and then updated in 2002, making it one of the OGs. The fairways go up and down and the tees for each hole are pretty high up. The putting greens are also made up of a special kind of grass called TifEagle Bermuda grass. But don’t let the specifics deter you from playing the game. The hotel has a team of golf professionals who can give lessons. We suggest a morning of golf on the gorgeous greens and then lunch at Sul Verde, the Italian restaurant at the clubhouse. And if you want to relive the moment when your dad first introduced you to that no. 7 iron, we suggest you head to the driving range at this golf course.
Borgo Egnazia
Location: Italy
Forming the backyard of Borgo Egnazia, San Domenico is one of the most coveted golf courses by golf enthusiasts. The 18 hole course is designed for championships. Mistral winds of the Adriatic adds to the difficulty. It’s not surprising that this golf course has hosted championships like the European Challenge Tour Grand Final and PGA Italian Championship. If your dad is an avid golfer, a game at San Domenico might just be the best gift you give him. Borgo Egnazia itself is a good enough reason to make a trip here. Labyrinthine stone walls lined by prickly pears and villas with private pools and terraces give you the quintessential Italian welcome. Once you spend the day exploring the golf course, you and dad can spend your evening indulging in the variety of food at Borgo Egnazia’s five different restaurants.
Gleneagles
Location: Scotland
Gleneagles is an extremely famous golf destination, thanks to its three main golf courses — The King’s Course, The Queen’s Course, and The PGA Centenary Course. The King’s and Queen’s are equally challenging with the undulating terrain and pars. But it’s the PGA Centenary Course that’s the most difficult of all. Jack Nicklaus, the designer of this course, touted it to be the best piece of land he ever worked on. This one was the venue for 2014 Ryder Cup and 2019 Solheim Cup. The best part about all the courses is that they are open to visitors and can be booked for a nominal green fee. You and Dad can play the game and end the day with a drink at the 19th hole which is their clubhouse. Additionally, you can also choose to relax at The Dormy Clubhouse & Grill, The Glendevon, or the Auchterarder Golf Club.
FAQs
Q. Is there a special attire I need to wear for playing golf in these places?
A. Yes, usually golf courses have strict guidelines of attire that should be checked in advance on their websites.
Q. What is the green fee for playing in Gleneagles?
A. The green fee at Gleneagles starts from $212.
Q. Can I play at San Domenico Golf as a novice?
A. Yes, you can play at San Domenico Golf as a novice as long as you have an EGA Handicap.
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