6 golfing holidays that'll hit the spot
From the ocean-side fairways at Mauritius Le Paradis to the legendary courses in the British Isles, Paul Ash picks some epic spots to swing a club
There are few more satisfying sounds than the "thwock" of a golf club connecting with a ball, followed by the breathy whistle as the ball takes flight. I'm a lousy golfer.
I'm the guy of whom PG Wodehouse wrote, "The least thing upset him on the links. He missed short putts because of the uproar of the butterflies in the adjoining meadows."
But waking to the sound of braver men than I am teeing off at Beachcomber's Paradis resort in Mauritius, I longed to be strolling down that fairway with them.Location, of course, is key when it comes to golf, and the course at Paradis - sprawling along the peninsula on the southwestern tip of the island - may be one of the world's finest.One day, perhaps, I might stand on the first tee at Paradis and believe - even fleetingly - that I'm like those others Wodehouse wrote about: "Real golfers, for real golf is a thing of the spirit, not of mere mechanical excellence of stroke."
5 OF THE BESTSome of the top golfing hotels in the world are in Great Britain.
Here are five of the best:1. Gleneagles, Perthshire, Scotland - Golfers go weak at the knees for these championship courses, but with a fabulous spa, and two-star Michelin food, there's a bit of heaven for everyone.2. Celtic Manor Resort, Newport, Wales - More than just a place to stay and play golf, the Principality's biggest hotel aims to be a centre of Welsh excellence in every respect. It succeeds.
3. Slieve Donard Resort & Spa, Northern Ireland - Built in the 1890s, the resort is flanked by the Mourne Mountains and the prestigious Royal County Down golf course.
4. Greywalls, Scotland - Close to the legendary Muirfield course, this Lutyens-designed Arts and Crafts house has a Chez Roux restaurant, old-fashioned service and luxury throughout.
5) Macdonald Rusacks Hotel, Scotland - Opened in 1887, this is a golfing institution, with seven courses in total and even a golf concierge. - The Daily Telegraph..
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