A lot of golf courses, at home and abroad, are adapting their courses to environmental pressures – with some countries concentrating on water-efficient hybrid grasses and others on better drainage. Hotels also adapt – more likely to changing trends and client requirements. The best keep ahead. In fact, the time-proof ethos of arguably the world’s best hotel brand is “to provide better than our clients have at home”.
As well as the renovations, refurbishments and improvements of many, there are entrepreneurs and investors who desire to create something new – sometimes it’s for money, other times it’s for ego but a lot of people do it because they sincerely want to provide the very best.
Overall, sustainability is remaining a factor – albeit, I believe, a subconscious one. Holidaymakers are prioritising mental health and outdoor pursuits and reconnecting with nature; so golf is ideal in these respects although I’m not sure about my mental health after a double bogey! Off-the-beaten-track resorts which are quieter and more unusual are definitely in demand; and thankfully many of them have great golf courses such as Is Arenas in Sicily. Golf holidays in winter have moved from being a nice treat to an essential way to get through the wet winters in the UK. ABTA states that 45% of the UK population would like to visit a new country in 2025. And there’s an upturn in bookings with travel professionals i.e. Golf Holidays By Morgan 😊as holidaymakers seek expertise, value and confidence. We also agree that golfers are indulging in “bucket list” experiences; playing the best courses and staying in the best hotels.
New Golf Courses
There are no fewer than 25 quality-led courses opening in the USA this year. Europe is quieter but arguably even better with the opening of the Macleod course which will surely make the Aberdeen area a magnet for the most avid golfer. Torre (pictured above) – designed by Sergio Garcia will open in June; south of Lisbon and built adjacent to Comporta Las Dunas Golf Club which was voted as Europe’s second best golf course in 2024 (after Morfontaine), Torre will make the area a real treat with the charming and classic layout of Troia making a very attractive “three course” holiday.
Many courses continue to update and improve their design, maintenance and eco-credentials with new grasses and more classic golf architecture coming to the fore. Our glorious game is green and pleasant in so many ways and provides the ideal opportunity (or excuse!) to explore the world.
New Hotel Openings
Hotel openings brim over with imagination and huge budgets – wellness, design, “vibe”, boutique, lifestyle and chic…Take your pick! There’s a style and brand for everyone these days. Morocco continues to be at the forefront of style with hoteliers loving the low cost of building and wages – in return, we get sumptuous comfort at yesteryear prices. The Francis in Bath has undergone a full refurbishment and the grand Brenners Park in the spa resort of Baden-Baden has reopened after an 18-month refit. Baden-Baden is great for scenery, food and shopping and has four pretty golf courses to play.
In Burgundy, France the Chateau de la Commaraine will delight – opening this summer, it’s located just outside Beaune (arguably the world capital of fine wines) and will make for a perfect “tour de France et ses vins” combining Champagne, Burgundy and the Loire…And several good golf courses too. The brand new Hotel Edition should shake things up on Lake Como which, for some years, has been over priced and a little underwhelming.
One of the biggest openings in 2025 will be the Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab in Dubai – resembling a giant yacht, the hotel opens in mid-March with no fewer than 11 restaurants. And, with a nod to personal history, Le Touessrok Shangri-La in Mauritius reopened a couple of months ago after a full redesign and looks set to rejoin the list of world-class hotels on this tropical island and its 12 golf courses.
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