| Golfers have a wide selection of vacation options to choose from domestically and internationally. Many five-star global resorts feature top-rated courses designed by some of the best golf architects in the field or are in close proximity to the world’s most renowned courses. Combine that with the expertise and participation of a highly decorated PGA professional and you have all the ingredients for a world class golf program, especially for those of you eager to play some of the planet’s greatest courses while gaining insights from a world class teacher/coach. We are happy to announce that we are partnering with Tom Patri, a former NCAA II National Champion. Tom played professionally from 1981 to 1988 both here and abroad. He is a former Met PGA (NY), as well as South Florida PGA Teacher of the Year. Tom has coached on the PGA, LPGA, and Champions Tours. His best-known association was with former World #1 Seve Ballesteros. These days he spends the vast majority of his time teaching and coaching recreational players just like you! His experience and expertise make him an invaluable asset to help us design and run this exciting program. Tom Patri is committed to sharing his passion for golf with E. Clarke Travel. With his help and participation, we will be organizing golf trips here in the U.S. and around the world, trips that will take you to the best golf courses, giving you the opportunity to combine your love of travel and golf. And last but not least, when you decide to participate in one of our proposed trips, you will have access to exclusive events, as well as all the benefits associated with your Amex card. Included in this newsletter is a sampling of the golf courses that will be featured in this new program—be on the lookout for the schedule of our first trips that should be released during the summer. Stay tuned! All the best, Karen & Wahid |
Domestic Courses
Pebble Beach Golf Links
California
Perched above the Pacific Ocean, Pebble Beach Golf Links was the first American public oceanside course. Expectations will certainly be exceeded after a round at this timeless course! Pebble Beach Golf Links stunning locale, unique design, and plethora of playing characteristics will be appreciated by all. Stay at Pebble Beach Resorts to guarantee this golfer’s dream experience and reserve your tee time today.
Pinehurst No. 2
North Carolina
Pinehurst No. 2, designed by Donald Ross, is home to more single golf championships in America than any other course. Publicly accessible, rich in history and prestige, this course is consistently ranked high on Golf Digest’s top 100. After a fabulous day on the green contours, just before you tee-off on hole 18, immerse yourself in the historical milieu of the 1999 U.S. Open—right behind the green stands Payne Stewart’s bronze statue with his celebratory fist pump. Maybe you’ll achieve history with your own personal best!
The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island
South Carolina
The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island, designed by Pete Dye, is the perfect fusion of dunes, tidal marshes, and the sweet melody of the Atlantic Ocean’s waves. This iconic American course, featuring the most seaside holes in the Northern Hemisphere, is a must-play for avid golfers, though the coastal winds can be a true test of skill. The scenic value is the best bar none, while the course could be described as a strategic marvel. Practice your drives, chips and putts while appreciating what this South Carolina course has to offer.
Sea Island Golf
Georgia
Discover it all at Sea Island Golf. Here you will revel in the perfect blend of championship golf courses, pristine practice greens, top instructors, and an ultramodern performance center. The Sea Island tradition is that there is no better place for a golfer to grow and learn than here in Georgia! Since 1928, golfers have enjoyed the tradition of playing this legendary Scottish links-style course, Seaside. Here you are surrounded by dunes, salt marshes, tidal creeks, and the Atlantic Ocean. This challenging but thrilling course is rated #4 out of the 75 Best Golf Resorts in the U.S. Test your luck on the signature Hole 13, where you are at the mercy of the wind! Negotiate between the marsh and the three large fairway bunkers at your chance to score low on this Par 4.
Pasatiempo Golf Club
California
Designed by the world-renowned golf architect Alister MacKenzie, this semi-private golf club is venerated by many golf enthusiasts. With challenging greens and its gorgeous views of Monterey Bay, this is an ideal golf destination. Pasatiempo Golf Club has been hosting the Western Intercollegiate Tournament for the last 65 years, making this classic golf course one of the U.S.’s top venues. Teeing off on the first hole while overlooking the Pacific Ocean is an unparalleled feeling. Access outstanding facilities throughout the property while engaging in pure golf wanderlust.
Whistling Straits Golf Course
Wisconsin
Whistling Straits Golf Course, designed by Pete Dye, was awarded the #5 spot on Golfweeks Best 2020: Top 100 Best Courses You Can Play. Notable for its world-class prestige, this course is situated on a two-mile stretch of Lake Michigan’s shoreline. Refined linksman can perfect their shots on the open and rugged terrain at Whistling Straits. The architects borrowed influence from the Irish links courses when designing Whistling Straits. This inspiration matches the sophistication and elevated encounters one has during their round of golf while in Wisconsin.
Shadow Creek Golf Course
Nevada
Superior treatment and surreal surroundings await. True lovers of the game are envious of those who get to play at the Shadow Creek Golf Course in Nevada. Arrive at the course via limousine for the opportunity of a lifetime. Guests staying with MGM Resort hotels in Las Vegas can schedule a tee time at Shadow Creek Monday to Thursday. With manicured fairways, crystal blue waters, and lush greenery throughout, you wouldn’t suspect you are in the middle of the desert! Celebrities, athletes and golf pros rave about the magical beauty of Shadow Creek Golf Course designed by Tom Fazio.
TPC Sawgrass (Players Stadium)
Florida
TPC Sawgrass Players Stadium, designed by Pete Dye, is the first stadium-style golf course created with outstanding spectator views throughout. This course hosts The Players Championship each year, where players bring their A-game and demonstrate their ‘million-dollar swings.’ TPC Sawgrass is known for its balanced course that favors no particular style of play. However, it does have a mix of demands requiring precision, especially on the 17th hole. The ‘Island Green’ is one of golf’s most notorious and challenging holes. While the course may be troublesome at times, you will still enjoy the experience of golfing on this pristine course.
Bandon Dunes Golf Resort
Oregon
Nestled along the Oregon coast, Bandon Dunes Golf Resort is one of a kind, designed by Scotsman David McLay Kidd. With five links and a par 3, this Pacific Ocean oasis is golf at its purest state. Its rugged and windy terrain provides golf the honor it deserves as all five courses made the GOLF Top 100 Golf Courses in the U.S. for 2020-2021.
Three of the most notable ones are Pacific Dunes, Bandon Dunes, and Old Macdonald:
Pacific Dunes is filled with rolling greens, sand dunes and outrageous bunkers. This natural and extraordinary setting features new surprises at every hole.
Bandon Dunes is a shotmaker’s course. This rustic masterpiece emulates courses in Scotland and is a pilgrimage every golfer must make.
Old Macdonald makes a nod to more senior courses with its tribute template of holes, including a Road Hole, Cape Hole, Bottle Hole, and Biarritz.
Kapalua
Hawaii
Kapalua Golf is where champions come to play. Located on the beautiful island of Maui, Kapalua Golf: The Plantation Course is one of the most majestic courses in the world. Consistently ranked as #1, Kapalua Golf has won the best golf course in Hawaii for 14 consecutive years in a row by Golfweek! Built on the slopes of the West Maui Mountains, nearly every hole has dramatic ocean views. The challenging par-73 course is softened by its wide fairways and generous greens. You will feel like one of the pros on the 18 th fairway, where you may just hit one of the longest drives of your life!
International Courses
Royal County Down Golf Club
Northern Ireland
Located on the Murlough Nature Reserve, Royal County Down Golf Club, one of the oldest golf clubs in Ireland with 131 years of history, is admired by golfers worldwide for its idyllic surroundings. The eccentricity of this course, set against the backdrop of the
Mountains of Mourne, is pure ecstasy. As you navigate the narrow fairways, perilous bunkers and scenic setting, pause for a few extra minutes to take in the ninth hole, one of the most photographed spots known to golfers and a true fan favorite. Don’t pass up an opportunity to play golf at one of the finest of all links courses in the world.
Royal Portrush Golf Club
Northern Ireland
The Dunluce Course at Royal Portrush Golf Club rests seamlessly atop striking limestone cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Ranked as one of the most challenging links courses globally, it is a real test of ball striking. This spectacular course held Ireland’s first professional golf tournament in 1895. Named after the Dunluce Castle ruins nearby, this links course attracts golfers near and far. An important note for this private club is that visitors are expected to be affiliated with a recognized golf club. One must present a letter of introduction from their home club as a condition for playing and a reputable playing handicap is also required.
Ballybunion Golf Club
Ireland
This sensational seaside links course possesses excitement amid the sand dunes and an incredible Atlantic Ocean view. With nature’s infinite presence, Ballybunion Golf Club holds a raw challenge for those who play. Described as ‘a treasure waiting to be discovered,’ Ballybunion is one of Ireland’s magical gems. Ranking number 21 on Golf Digest’s World’s 100 Great Golf Courses in 2020, Ballybunion Old Course is the ideal place for a golf vacation. Turning heads for decades, this County Kerry golf club is flat out fantastic.
St. Andrews Links
Scotland
Is there a better place to play 18-holes than at the ‘Home of Golf?’ St. Andrews Links Old Course is the oldest in the world and an absolute must. Known across the globe for The Swilcan Bridge and Hell Bunkers, this course designed by mother nature continues to embrace its ancient customs and traditions. 600 years of history influence this course’s spirit, which is why it is often high on a golfer’s bucket list! Admire the course from the Royal and Ancient clubhouse and take some practice swings at the St. Andrews Links Golf Academy. When the endorphins have settled, head to the 17th hole, the most famous in the world. St. Andrews Links Old Course is sure to be an undeniably unique experience.
Royal Dornoch Golf Club
Scotland
Wild and magnificent seas. Mesmerizing fairways. A spellbinding place to play. These are a few ways to describe the essence of the classic links course Royal Dornoch Golf Club. Golfers have enjoyed the mystique and remote charm of Royal Dornoch since 1616. With the first 8 holes being played on the dune lands’ upper level, a new landscape is presented for the final 11 located at the beach level. Experiencing this course’s seclusion is an incredible high for those who have the opportunity to play here and is impossible to forget once you have. The prominent golf architect Donald Ross, who has created roughly 400 renowned courses throughout Canada and the U.S., grew up here.
The Honorable Company of Edinburgh Golfers of Muirfield
Scotland
The Honorable Company of Edinburgh Golfers of Muirfield, one of the oldest clubs in golf history, is steeped in rich tradition. Muirfield is of the highest caliber, considered a true masterpiece. A host of 16 Open Championships and 11 Amateur Championships, Muirfield has been described by the infamous Jack Nicklaus as ‘the best golf course in Britain.’ The enchantment of Muirfield resonates at the ‘nineteenth hole.’ The clubhouse at Muirfield, an iconic image for those knowledgeable about championship golf, is full of character. Muirfield looks forward to welcoming you.
Real Club Valderrama
Spain
Real Club Valderrama is steadily rated as the Number 1 course in Continental Europe since 1988. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., try your hand at the signature fourth hole. This par 5 has a pond to the right of a two-tiered green, which requires precision and patience. Real Club Valderrama has been coined the ‘Augusta of Europe,’ which you can tell by its manicured greens and impeccable landscaping. Real Club Valderrama is one of two European golf clubs to be awarded full Audubon Status. With the mission to conserve and restore natural ecosystems, Real Club Valderrama is one with nature.
Kingston Heath Golf Club
Australia
Kingston Heath Golf Club is one of Australia’s best golf courses. Visually stunning, this premier golf club is for the strategic golfer. With superbly crafted greens and brilliant bunkers, you will fall in love with its natural charm. Kingston Heath is in the sandbelt region, famed for its golf courses. Kingston Heath is often cited as offering the best collection of par-3s with new scorecards printed daily to show which ones are in play. Ranking number 22 on Golf Digest’s World’s 100 Great Golf Courses in 2020, head to Kingston Heath in Australia for the game of a lifetime.
Royal Melbourne Golf Club
Australia
This southern hemisphere golfers’ sanctuary was founded in 1891 and still upholds all its rugged charm. Landing at number 7 in Golf’s 2020-2021 Ranking of the Top 100 Courses in the World, Royal Melbourne Golf Club is at the very top of its class. Royal Melbourne West has a combination of great design, dramatic landscapes and the most superb putting surfaces. Royal Melbourne has hosted national and international events such as the Australian Open, World Cup and Bicentennial Classic, to name a few. International guests who are members of a golf club are welcome to request a tee time on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays. Are you ready to test your skills at one of Australia’s oldest golf clubs?
Royal St. George’s Golf Club
England
Quintessentially English, Royal St. George’s Golf Club is an experience that must be relished. With fresh coastal breezes, undulating fairways and the deepest bunker in championship golf, come see what Royal St. George is about. The club has hosted 14 Open Championships and is set to hold the Open in 2021. Playing here requires skill and precision. The clubhouse is a classic—be sure to wear your jacket and tie when stopping by for a cocktail. Visitors are expected to be affiliated with a recognized golf club, present a letter of introduction from their home club, and hold a handicap of 18 or better.
