11 Troon International Locations To Explore in Honour of World Tourism Day 2023
The United Nations World Tourism Organisation has celebrated World Tourism Day since 1980 and today is that day! What better time to spotlight some of the fantastic Troon golf destinations around the world that you can enjoy golf at, plus unique experiences and cultural actives that really prove golf can show the world!
The theme this year is ‘Tourism and green investment’ and several destinations have sustainability and environmental conservation at their forefront. Keep reading for our travel edit.
A bucket list destination in Greece
Costa Navarino is the ‘Worlds Best Emerging Golf Destination’ as named in the World Golf Awards 2022. It’s four signature, 18-hole championship golf courses offer one of the most unforgettable experiences, complete with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, Bay of Navarino and Ionian Sea. Check out the earth-sheltered clubhouse at the Bay Course which was designed on the principles of bioclimatic architecture which features a total of 27,500 plants and trees, both around the clubhouse and on its rooftop, that create a unique microclimate which contributes to the optimization of air quality and cooling of the building. For the moments when you’re not on the golf course there are many activities to enjoy; from water-sports and hiking and cycling, to wellness rituals and relaxing in the spa to cultural experiences.
Savour a Sri Lankan Getaway
Nestled amidst the scenic hills of Nuwara Eliya, Victoria Golf Resort in Digana encompasses an 18-hole championship golf course with the Resort overlooking the Victoria reservoir, and surrounded by breathtaking views of the Knuckles Range as it’s backdrop. Ranked among the “100 most beautiful golf courses in the world”, you can immerse yourself in the local surroundings with hiking, cycling, nature trails, delicious dining and cultural experiences during your stay! And the club even has a resident naturalist to help you understand the local flora and fauna.
A Solheim Cup Experience
Play the 2023 Solheim Cup host venue, Finca Cortesin this year and experience Spain. The 215-hectare estate, surrounded by undisturbed nature includes an award-winning hotel, exceptional real estate, Cabell Robinson-designed Championship golf course, outstanding spa, and sports facilities, the magnificent Beach Club, and an exclusive shopping area. Celebrated for its exquisite facilities and service levels, Finca Cortesin is a unique resort in one of the most tranquil and sought-after enclaves of the Andalucia coast, currently named Europe’s Best Golf Venue. And in 2023, the club became GEO Foundation certified thanks to the implementation of various environmentally-friendly initiatives and considerations.
Where Golf Meets Nature
Play Al Zorah Golf Club in Ajman, UAE and experience the unique combination of golf and nature. The stunning Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course that wraps around a beautiful mangrove setting, and is always presented in the best condition has sustainability at it’s core. The course has achieved GEO Foundation certification, engages associates in initiatives to look after the surrounding environment and participates in mangrove conservation and planting programs along with local stakeholders to preserve their local landscape. Al Zorah is more than just a golf club, its a destination. With it’s natural beauty and luxurious resorts including the Oberoi Beach Resort why not turn your round of golf into a stunning vacation or relaxing getaway?
Explore Oman on and off the course
Picture yourself standing on the tee box, surrounded by the grandeur of the Al Hajar Mountains as they majestically stretch across the horizon. The carefully crafted 18-hole golf course of LA VIE Club wind through the rugged landscape, providing a unique and thrilling challenge for golfers of all levels. Whilst we all love playing golf, a trip to Oman isn’t complete without visiting some of the hidden gems and immersing yourself in some of the cultural experiences on offer, like the Jabal Akhdar Mountains, the Salalah Waterfall and Wakan the ‘Mountain Village’.
36-Holes of Sir Nick Faldo Golf in Cambodia
Just 45-min drive from the Phnom Penh, Vattanac Golf Resort is home to 36-holes of golf designed by Sir. Nick Faldo! An exotic golf getaway awaits and allows you to explore the exciting Cambodian city and play a world-class golf course; you will even enjoy cultural expressions as you move round the East or the West golf courses with their scale models of Khmer historical architectural sites and stay at partner hotel, Hôtel KVL located next to the Royal Palace with rooms and suites with views over the Mekong and city view rooms overlooking the palace garden and National Museum.
Visit Malaysia’s Best Golf Course
Els Club Desaru Coast was named Best Golf Course in Malaysia at the 2022 World Golf Awards, so make this the year you visit! The Els Club Desaru Coast offers an exotic escape with some exceptional golf to be played across the Ocean and the Valley courses all within the surrounds of a tropical paradise providing beautiful vistas of jungle and ocean and an abundance of local wildlife to look out for during your time on the golf course.
Play Golf in Paradise
Velaa Golf Academy by Olazábal is a unique golfing experience featuring a 9 hole golf course, designed by José María Olazábal, renowned for his short game mastery. The Velaa Golf Academy provides an unequalled backdrop to enjoy and develop your game, but whilst at Velaa, experience more including leisure activities, enjoy the new wellbeing hub at Eveylaa and support local conservation efforts by getting involved with the coral restoration project, the largest project of its kind in the Maldives.
Explore Biodiversity in India
The Prestige Golf Club in Bangalore, India is set within a beautifully biodiverse environment. From the views of the Nandi Hills across 275 acres of lush landscape to spotting birds, bees, snakes, fish and monkeys during a game of golf, it’s a wildlife experience with every visit. The opening of the new JW Marriott adjacent to the first tee makes for a great spot for some overnight accommodation.
Mini Golf and More in Australia
Pacific Harbour Golf & Country Club has a new 18-hole mini golf course; the first mini golf course to open on Bribie Island! With the first-of-its-kind design, our 18-hole mini golf course is designed in the same way as a full-scale golf course, condensed into a mini version! Created to be enjoyed by the whole family, you don’t need to know how to play golf to have fun. Located at Pacific Harbour Golf & Country Club, our mini golf course sits just out the back of our clubhouse.
Sustainability, Hospitality and Great Golf in Historic Prague
From the outset, PGA National Czech Republic at Oaks Prague has had sustainability at the forefront of their minds. As part of the GEO’s Oncourse program for sustainability, PGA National Czech Republic has looked for ways to increase biodiversity, promote sustainability. The team manage 104 hectares and have embraced their responsibility when it comes to environmental care. In 2020 944 trees were planted, 99% of golf rounds were walked, 100% of irrigation water was captured from the on-course drainage system filtering rainwater, 100% of plastic was recycled and 229T of grass clippings were sent to compost. Located near to the historic city of Prague and with partner hotels including the beautiful boutique hotel, Maximillian Hotel, it’s a good spot to add to your golf travel itinerary. And it’s been voted Czech Republic’s Best Golf Course for three consecutive years at the World Golf Awards.