Golf is one of those sports that transcend boundaries and offer enthusiasts an opportunity to explore breathtaking vistas while perfecting their swing. Historic courses like St. Andrews and Augusta National are ingrained in every golfer’s fantasy list, but the world has so much more to offer beyond those legendary green fairways.
Palm Springs Country Clubs: A Desert Oasis for Golf Lovers
Famous for its sunshine throughout the year and breathtaking landscape, Palm Springs boasts some of the world’s most elite country clubs. Of these, Toscana Country Club is an amazing option. Designed by Jack Nicklaus, its two 18-hole courses present different experiences: the South Course amazes with its dramatic changes in elevation and rich rolling greens, while the North Course honors the natural desert terrain with arroyos and native vegetation.
What distinguishes country clubs in Palm Springs is that they creatively combine world-class golf with an active social lifestyle. At Toscana, members receive more than golf; they can enjoy exercise classes, wellness seminars, wine-paired dinners, and martini parties. The community atmosphere fosters connections among members, so it’s a perfect choice to enjoy your favorite sport and an opportunity to meet like-minded people.
Iceland: Golfing At Its Very Best
For the adventurous and willing to go off the beaten path, Iceland offers a golfing experience unlike any other. Golf courses here are carved out of volcanic rock, with geothermal hot springs and glaciers as the scenery.
Brautarholt Golf Course just outside of Reykjavik is one such gem where golfers tee off fairways lined by paths of lava rock formations and panoramic ocean views. Sustainability is the focus of Brautarhold’s design, with the least possible drain on the environment that nature is as much a participant in the game as the sport itself.
Even further south is the Vestmannaeyjar Golf Club on the Westman Islands, a course that appears to be perched at the edge of the world. You can get there by ferry or light aircraft, but this nine-hole golf club, which is surrounded by cliffs smothered in puffins and other seabirds, is sure to leave you in awe.
Costa Rica: The Combination of Golf and Rainforest Adventure
Costa Rica takes golf to a whole new level with courses in the middle of rainforests dense with foliage and wildlife. A fine example of sport and nature coexisting harmoniously is La Iguana Golf Course in Los Suenos Resort. The 18-hole course meanders through a tropical landscape where monkeys are seen swinging from trees as you play.
Another course that stands out is Reserva Conchal Golf Club on Costa Rica’s Gold Coast. Designed by Robert Trent Jones II, the course features sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean with carefully manicured fairways and greens. Bunkers and water hazards are strategically placed to challenge even the most experienced players while offering a true experience in one of Central America’s most biologically diverse areas.
Endnote
These off-the-tourist-trail courses demonstrate that golf is not simply a sport, but more of an experience that combines challenging gameplay and stunning scenery. Whether you’re golfing over fields in Iceland or enjoying your time playing in Costa Rica’s rainforests, each round is a journey in itself. Pick up your clubs and be ready to step outside your comfort zone now!
