For many golfers, owning a home on a golf course or near to their pick of courses is the ultimate retirement dream.
And even if you’re not among the 25 million plus Americans who play golf, you can still take advantage of all the top amenities (think spas, swimming pools, restaurants…) that golf resorts offer.
Plus, they’re often located on the coast—so there’s plenty for non-golfers to enjoy.
Here’s my pick of destinations for golfers looking to Europe, Southeast Asia, and Latin America…
1. Portugal
At the recent World Golf Awards, Portugal not only won the title of Europe’s Best Golf Destination but also took the crown as the World’s Best Golf Destination.
Portugal’s Algarve is home to dozens of impressive courses.
For the best selection of courses, head to the Algarve on Portugal’s southern coast. Here you’ll find more than 30 courses including the Jack Nicklaus designed Monte Rei Resort and the Arnold Palmer designed Dom Pedro Victoria course.
The most popular months to play golf in Portugal are April through June and September and October. Green fees range from $40 to $215.
When it comes to local golfing etiquette, slow play is generally frowned upon in Portugal so be sure to keep pace with the group ahead of you and try to choose a course that matches your playing style and ability.
Most clubs also have a smart-casual dress code with soft spike shoes, socks, and collared shirts being basic requirements. Be sure to check with your chosen course ahead of time.
2. Thailand
Thailand is a world-class golfing destination where you’ll find over 200 courses. In Bangkok, the Amata Spring Country Club offers a championship level course which features a “floating green” hole in the club’s vast lake. The club also has golf villas available as monthly rentals.
Outside of the capital, the coastal resort of Hua Hin is a mecca for golfers. The summer home of Thailand’s royal family since the 1920s, this town offers a wide selection of restaurants, internationally accredited medical care, and at least nine golf courses in close proximity including the 27-hole Black Mountain Golf Club, host of multiple Asian PGA events.
Hua Hin’s Springfield golf course, Thailand.
Also on offer here are the Jack Nicklaus designed Springfield Golf Club and the Royal Hua Hin Golf Course, Thailand’s oldest 18-hole international standard course which dates back to 1924.
The best time of year to play golf in Thailand is between November and March when temperatures are milder and humidity lower. Green fees run from $40 to $160.
When golfing in Thailand it’s compulsory to take a caddie and, if the course requires a cart, the caddie will typically do the driving. Caddie fees range from $10 to $25 and it’s expected you tip in the same range.
3. Mexico
Mexico boasts excellent courses on both its Caribbean and Pacific coasts. From mountains to oceans and deserts, Mexico’s more than 200 courses cater to every golfing desire.
In Cabo San Lucas, you’ll find several world-class courses including The Dunes at Diamante, designed by 20-time PGA tour winner Davis Love III, and offering breath-taking ocean views and magnificent dunes.
The beautiful Diamante Dunes course, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
Puerto Los Cabos is home to three courses designed by Greg Norman and Jack Nicklaus as well as a practice facility, and the option to book lessons with a PGA professional.
Right across the gulf from Cabo San Lucas is Mazatlán, our favorite city in Mexico. Golf is a big draw for visitors and expats in this colonial city which is home to a Robert Trent Jones course right on the Pacific and a David Fleming course at the marina.
Green fees in Mexico run from $30 to $375 and November to April is when golfing conditions are best here.