Golf Vacations

The unmatched thrill of scoring a hole in one is enough to explain why travelers, again and again, choose to plan golf vacation breaks. It’s all for the love of the game: for its technical challenges, its social dimensions, and its propensity for being played in beautiful, wide-open settings.The Scottish invented golf, which became so popular that King James II banned the game in 1457 because his troops were too busy playing to show up for archery training. (James IV lifted it less than fifty years later—he was himself a golfer.) The Scottish aristocracy spread the game through Europe, but it wasn’t until the mid-19th century, with the standardization of golfing equipment, that its popularity really picked up.Today, travelers who decide to plan a golf holiday of their own have a host of stunning options available to them, from Scotland’s historic Old Course in St. Andrews to California’s Pebble Beach Resort.Golf TravelAn all-inclusive golf resort is a little like an all-you-can-eat buffet. Many come with strict stipulations, but are still a great arrangement. For instance, booking additional rounds may be contingent on availability—in order words, as long as no one else wants the spot. You may not be able to play on the resort’s main, marquee course or you may be limited to playing the single course you originally booked. In certain instances, you may only be allowed to play during certain hours or required to do all your unlimited playing in one day.Whether you are angling for an invitation to one of the world’s great private courses, or you want an uninterrupted break full of “fore!”s, read the fine print and choose the package that’s right for you. And if you are traveling with non-golfers, make sure you select a court with a plenty for all to do.