The World’s Best Golf Courses (according to Fleewinter)
By Theodora Taylor Franks on 16th November, 2023
What makes an amazing, world-class round of golf?
Tee off in Borneo – one of the world’s best and most unique golf courses
Combine a wildlife holiday with amazing food, a unique cultural history, and one of the most unusual golf courses in South East Asia. We love Kuching as a base for exploring Borneo and with the opening of Matang Jungle Golf, there’s one more reason to put it on your list.
Once the private links of an Iban elder, this memorable 9-hole course is now available exclusively to guests of Cove 55. With rolling hills, bridges and staircases, mighty trees and thick foliage, it’s a challenging round of golf. Transfers, caddy, and clubs are provided and the course is reserved for one foursome at a time.
Cove 55 is one of our favourite boutique hotels in Borneo. It’s nestled between ocean, mountain, and jungle about 30 minutes outside Kuching with friendly service and lush rooms. It’s an ideal setting for exploring the region or for winding down at the end of a holiday when you want a pool by the ocean. With subtle recognition of Iban heritage baked in to the design, there’s just the right mix of modern comfort and local charm. For those not keen on a round of golf, the hotel will give guests a ride to Mt Santubong where hiking trails through the jungle are easy to walk (or strenuous if you want to summit!) so everyone can swap stories of jungle adventures.
Putt in the shadow of the Atlas Mountains
Assoufid, is a multiple award-winning 18 hole golf course in Marrakech, just 10km from the historic medina. Just a short hop from the UK, Marrakech is a brilliant golfing destination year-round, in winter months, the dramatic backdrop of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains is simply breath-taking.
Stay in a traditional Riad in the heart of the red city, or for larger groups, why not stay in a luxury catered villa on the outskirts of the city, one of which happens to overlook Assoufid so you can be whisked off for a game in a matter of minutes!
You can certainly make a day of it at Assoufid, aside from the fabulous course itself, it also has a shop offering high-end golf merchandise and an excellent Clubhouse restaurant with panoramic views.
Leopard Creek, South Africa
A Gary Player golf course with wildlife Encounters. The proximity to Kruger National Park means that golfers often have the chance to spot a variety of wildlife, including hippos, crocodiles, and various bird species, while playing. The sight of these animals in their natural habitat adds an extra layer of excitement and uniqueness to the golfing experience.
Leopard Creek is a renowned golf course located in the stunning surroundings of the Kruger National Park in South Africa. This world-class golfing destination seamlessly combines the thrill of the sport with the beauty of the African wilderness. Designed by renowned golf course architect Gary Player, Leopard Creek offers an unforgettable golfing experience like no other.
Leopard Creek Golf Course is more than just a golfing destination; it’s a place where you can escape into the wild while enjoying the sport you love. It’s a unique fusion of golf and nature, where the roar of the fairway complements the roar of the African savannah. A visit to Leopard Creek is an experience you won’t soon forget.
Laguna Golf Lăng Cô, Vietnam
An award winning 18 hole golf course designed by Nick Faldo, this stunning course is located on the coast in Central Vietnam – one of the best golf courses in the world.
It’s part of the Banyan Tree, where you’ll stay in private luxury pool villas and spend your non-golfing time sunning yourself on the perfect beaches, unwinding in the spa, or cycling around the local area to explore the stunning views.
You’re also only a stone’s throw away from charming Hoi An town for daytrips. We always recommend combining a stay here with another stop or two in Vietnam if you have time. Head north to kayak and cruise in Halong Bay or south to hop on a motorbike for a unique street food tour.
Half Moon Resort, Jamaica
A top-100 rated course, enjoy teeing off under the Jamaican sunshine.
Enjoy the extensive facilities, which include the largest award-winning spa oasis in Jamaica, an 18-hole par-72 championship golf course, an equestrian centre with 28 horses and the Sugar Mill, awarded as Jamaica’s best restaurant.
Whether you choose to lounge on the beach, play a round tennis or golf, visit a local art gallery, or go horse riding along the beach, the Half Moon Resort has something for everyone on holiday.
Victoria Golf Club, Sri Lanka – stay at The Kandy House
Sri Lanka has a fair few golf courses dotted across the island so sneaking in a round within your tour is easy enough.
Our favourite is Victoria Golf Club, conveniently located close to the cultural city of Kandy and ranked as one of the most beautiful golf courses in the world. You’ll find a 500 acre site boasting incredible views.
A trip to Kandy is a must anyway. Not only is it the home of the Temple of the Tooth, an important Buddhist pilgrimage site, but its also our most common stopover between the Cultural Triangle and the Hill Country, an ideal spot to hop on the scenic train, plus its the home of the great spice markets and the ideal base to get involved with some Sri Lankan cooking.
You can reside on the golf course but we love to stay just outside the city, for example at The Kandy House, an exquisitely styled boutique property just 15 minutes outside the city, and half an hour away from Victoria Golf Course. The perfect retreat – and truly one of the world’s best golf courses, in our opinion.
