Great Islands To Play Golf

There is something special about islands and there is something about a golf course that beckons. Surrounded by the sea and often overlooking sheer dramatic landscapes, you’ll find it hard to enjoy a more pleasurable 18 holes than playing on a golf island. So, let’s take a look at some of the most interesting islands around the globe where you can enjoy a great game of golf.

As exotic locations go, you’d be hard-pressed to beat the island of St Lucia. Who wouldn’t want to practice their swing on this Caribbean island paradise? The two main St Lucia golf courses tend to be small but perfectly formed. The par-71 St. Lucia Golf and Country Club is located at the north of the island and set amongst lovely rolling hills. It offers fabulous views overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

The 9-hole resort-based Sandals St Lucia La Toc Golf is ideal for golfers of all levels of ability; the stunning greens and fairways a genuine delight to play on. The Club House is set in a traditional plantation mansion.

For a complete contrast, how about a round or two on Vancouver Island off the western coast of Canada? You’ll find a large number of superb golf courses available here. The only problem is, the island’s scenery is so amazing that it could put you off your stroke!

Golf is big in Japan. Very big.  Across the more than 6,852 islands – including the four main islands of Honshu, Hokkaido, Shikoku and Kyushu – there are no less than 2,349 golf courses to choose from. But remember, in Japan, etiquette is everything. For instance, after the first 9 holes, it’s traditional to clean your golfing shoes. (Special air guns are usually provided for the purpose!) It is also traditional to take a steaming hot communal bath after play to relax those back muscles.

And now for something completely different: golf in Iceland. Fancy a round or two in an extinct volcano? No problem, Iceland’s Vestmannaeyar golf course would be delighted to be your host. Founded as far back as 1938, the scenery at this par-70 island course is, as you can imagine, out of this world. This is golf in the raw as it was originally intended to be.

Finally, no article on great golf islands would be complete without mentioning that adorable jewel of the Mediterranean, our Mallorca.

Not only are there more than 20 exquisite golf courses to choose from, Mallorca’s mild winders, low rainfall, and stunning scenery add to the island’s huge appeal. One of the most sought-after golfing destinations in Mallorca is Alcanada Golf Club. Situated in the north of the island, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the sparkling Mediterranean overlooked by the beautiful Tramuntana Mountains.

Read also our article: Golf with a View