With the new year now firmly upon us, there are many who are getting stuck into making their plans for the year ahead. It can be stressful to make those sorts of decisions, but for golfers especially, with the amount of options out there. There are thousands of golf courses across the world all of which hold their own merits, and it would be near impossible to visit all of them in just one lifetime.
Therefore, we have put together two adventurous locations worth having a look at, and potentially visiting in 2022.
Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
If you read our previous report on golfing championships coming up in 2022, you may be shocked to find out that the location hosting the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on Yas Island is actually open to the public, with holiday bundles to this world class destination available for as little as £915 p.p.
Yas Island. Image from WikiMedia
The course was designed by renowned architect Kyle Phillips, who alongside Yas Island is also known for being the primary architect behind the California Golf Club in San Francisco, and Kingsbarns Golf Links in St. Andrews; the location of this year’s UK Open.
If that architectural pedigree doesn’t persuade of the course’s excellence, then what is in store for the players and visitors themselves certainly should. Opened in 2010, this 18-hole course is located across lush greenery overlooking a stunning lake scape, with an over 7,000 yard course filled with interesting sand ditches designed to keep players engaged and interested.
The Yas Island location has won a variety of awards, being awarded the no.1 course in the Middle East by Golf Digest and Golf Course Architecture in 2013 and 2011, respectively. This pedigree is proof that Yas Island is one worth the visit, and for adventurous golfers, will be a trip of a lifetime.
Glendower Golf Course, Johannesburg
The heart of South Africa is known primarily for its stunning wildlife; lions resting under trees, zebras roaming free, and elephants wandering across the never-ending stretches of nature. Something picturesque, and untouched by human beings.
Lions Are One of Africas Main Attractions. Image from Rawpixel/ Mehgan Murphy.
It may come as a surprise to learn, therefore, that Johannesburg is also home to some of the world’s most luxurious golfing getaways. With the most renowned being the Glendower Golf Course. According to their website, they are;
‘Currently ranked number 4 in South Africa.’
And just by looking at the location in question, there is no doubt why.
Glendower Golf Course. Image from Your Golf Travel
Having been established in 1935, Glendower is a place overflowing with history, being a staple in the golfing world. The location features amazingly bright grass that is perfectly tended and pristine, with trees of a variety of breeds breathing life into the course, with tall pines alongside trees with decorative low hanging branches.
The course is home to 18 holes, 11 of which are decorated with water hazards sure to liven up your play and keep even the most polished of players on their toes. Bunkers further add to the challenge, encouraging players to take their time and plan out their strategy. And in a location as beautiful as this, there is nothing wrong with taking your time and taking in the environment.
The course is stunning to behold. The grass is perfectly patterned, the water of the lakes and rivers crystal clear, and the warm African sun on your back is sure to make the visit a magical experience. There are few courses that hold such luxury for its guests, and even less with such a rich history in the world of golfing. For the serious golfer, or just someone interested in visiting golf’s heritage, the Glendower Golf Course is the choice for you.
