Top 10 Golf and Gastronomy Destinations

The average round of golf burns around 1,500 calories which is the caloric equivalent of three burgers. When we go on a golf holiday we like to spoil ourselves and what better way to do this than to combine two of lives greatest pleasures, golf and gastronomy. Today we set-out to show you some of the highlights out there.

Gleneagles, Scotland

The host club of the 2014 Ryder Cup and the site of Europe’s comfortable victory over their stateside rivals, Gleneagles is the epitome of a golf and gastronomy destination. With a choice of three championship golf courses and exceptional academy facilities, the golf is well taken care of. On the gastronomy front we have one of the best chefs in the UK in Andrew Fairlie who has been awarded two Michelin stars for his cuisine. Yes, Gleneagles is exactly what we’re after and may be the best on offer in the UK for such a trip.

Finca Cortesin, Spain

Host of the Volvo World Matchplay in 2009, 2011 and 2012 and sitting on the Costa del Sol, this is a stunning golf resort. The course was designed by Cabell Robinson and he created a magnificent course here just outside Marbella. The course has a hotel (Finca Cortesin Hotel Golf & Spa) on-site with a host of restaurants to try during your stay. We have El Jardin du Lutz which offers relaxed traditional Spanish cuisine and Kabuki Raw which is the hotels signature restaurant. Kabuki Raw is a Japanese restaurant and is part of a world leading group of Japanese restaurants which have three Michelin stars between their five outlets.

Royal Golf Club, Denmark

One of the most famous restaurants in the world, and one that had a profound effect on fine dining, is Noma in Copenhagen. It would be remiss to omit this fine establishment form this article especially when there is a great golf course within 15 minutes of the restaurant. The Royal Golf Club in Copenhagen is a golfing haven in the city and has hosted the European Challenge Tour. The course was designed by Ron Kirby of the Jack Nicklaus design team and he has created a truly remarkable place to play golf in one of Europe’s coolest cities.

Royal Obidos Spa & Golf Resort, Portugal

The views at this resort are astounding as they look out onto the Atlantic Ocean and the Obidos Lagoon. Royal Obidos Spa & Golf Resort is close to Lisbon and was the final design project of the late and endlessly great Seve Ballesteros. The course is a challenging affair and, at 7300 yards from the back tees, is not a short one either. In 2014 a five-star boutique hotel named Evolutee, was built on the site and its Kobe restaurant offers outstanding steak and sushi in a refined setting. The décor has been inspired by traditional Portuguese ceramics and with wonderful vistas of the ocean and the golf course you will certainly be dining in style here.

Thracian Cliffs Golf & Beach Resort, Bulgaria

This has to be one of the most dramatic golf courses in the world as the Gary Player-designed course makes its way along the cliffs atop the Black Sea. This course has been crafted to create a course that will challenge golfers of all levels and, with each hole having a view of the sea, it is easy to get distracted by the sheer beauty of your surroundings. Once you’re finished your golf you can follow it up with a choice of three restaurants. The Geti restaurant at Thracian Cliffs Golf & Beach Resort offers traditional Bulgarian or Provence food in a homely and comfortable setting whilst the Bendida Beach restaurant offers the views. The latter is a Mediterranean establishment set on the beach, it really is spectacular.

The K Club, Ireland

For this offering we’re back at another former Ryder Cup host venue and there are two world-class courses on offer here. The Palmer Ryder Cup Course was the site of the 2006 European victory whilst the Smurfit Course is an incredible inland links-style course. The golf here is amongst the best you’ll find anywhere but what about the food? Well with five fine establishments on offer you’re in good hands at The K Club. From relaxed and informal fayre to sumptuous Thai cuisine, Chef Finbar Higgins has created a delectable array of culinary options.

Terre Blanche, France

Again we have two great championship courses on offer here and both were designed by Dave Thomas to blend seamlessly into the beautiful natural surrounding of the local terrain. “Le Château” is the stand-out of the two courses and and “Le Riou” which offers a great test of golf. With a David Leadbetter Golf Academy on-site you can come away from a trip here a better golfer too. The Terre Blanche Hotel Spa Golf Resort has four gourmet dining experiences for you to choose from too. The Faventia has a Michelin star and offers refined and creative gastronomy inspired by local seasonal produce. The Gaudina offers a ‘jazzy’ atmosphere and light Provencal cuisine whilst The Caroubiers offers an intimate dining experience overlooking the course. Finally, The Tousco Grill is a relaxed summer restaurant beside the inifinity pool. Wonderful!

Aphrodite Hills, Cyprus

The island of Cyprus is a fantastic destination for golf due to the fantastic climate that it enjoys all year round. Aphrodite Hills was designed by Cabell Robinson and, as such, the course definitely has an American feel to it. The course overlooks the Mediterranean Sea at the point where Aphrodite, the goddess of love, was said to have emerged from the water and the views truly are spectacular. With seven restaurants/eateries to choose from, you better book a long stay to try them all. The food here ranges from traditional Cypriot/Mediterranean to Indian and barbeque. There is a great selection and each establishment has the most amazing views for you to enjoy as you eat your food and discuss your golf, or not if it’s been one of those days.

Donnafugata Golf Resort & Spa, Italy

Gary Player designed one of the two courses here as he put together the award-winning Parkland course. A great course that is thoroughly enjoyable for all golfers as is The Links course. The courses meander through olive and carob trees and make the round a truly immersive experience. There is a Darren Clarke Centre of Excellence which offers all golfers with the facilities to improve their game. At Donnafugata a big emphasis is placed on breakfast. This is served in the Il Fico D’India restaurant and consists of a sumptuous buffet that will set you up for your day. The clubhouse offers light bites as well as cocktails should you feel the need to forget your round and Il Carrubo is a restaurant for the gourmets that serves wonderful regional fayre.

Terme di Saturnia Golf & Spa Resort, Italy

One of the most popular areas for tourism in Italy is Tuscany and when you think of this area you immediately think of the wonderful red wines of the region, the fantastic Italian sausages and the olive oil that may be the best in the country. This environmentally friendly course was designed by American Ron Fream and he and his team did their utmost not to disturb the native flora and fauna too much as they constructed the course. This is a fun course to play for all golfers and each hole has its own special character. With an emphasis on well-being at Terme di Saturnia Golf & Spa Resort there is, of course, superb gastronomy to be enjoyed. With two restaurants Aqualuce and All’Acquacotta to chose from and with the latter having a Michelin star, your taste buds will be well entertained during this trip.

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