Unless you work in the golf industry, you probably won’t have heard of the International Golf Travel Market (IGTM). It’s an event for golf travel professionals, providing destinations, resorts and courses with the chance to connect with golf travel agents and tour operators.
If it were open to the public, I’m pretty sure a lot of business would have been done there on the spot in Lisbon last week, for it’s a Disneyland for golf travel lovers – of which I am one. Having attended the exhibition in Portugal’s capital, I found myself itching to book a golf holiday. I knew I would. In fact, I spent most of the flight home thinking about where to go next.
I’m a travel enthusiast. In recent years, I’ve enjoyed several trips to South America, albeit without golf clubs. I like to try new places, and I find long haul trips particularly appealing. I’ll admit, one or two of the following destinations are a little ambitious for someone who lives in London, but they’re still on my radar.
If the idea of going somewhere really different appeals to you, I seriously recommend that you add these destinations to your shortlist. I’m confident that I’ll have ticked at least one of the following off the list within the next couple of years. I might start planning…
Slovakia
(Image credit: Penati Golf Resort)
If you were planning a golfing getaway in Europe, it’s probably safe to say that Slovakia would not be on your list, certainly not if you like your tried-and-tested favorites, such as Portugal and Spain. I’ve only ever seen pictures of Slovakia’s best tracks, but these have left quite an impression.
One resort in particular stands out, for it has the look of a classic Surrey sand belt course. You’ll find Penati Golf Resort about an hour’s drive to the north of Bratislava, the county’s capital, and it’s home to two wonderful looking layouts – Heritage and Legend.
The former, which is rated inside the top 100 courses for Continental Europe, features two returning nine-hole loops. Set amongst tall pine trees, it reminds me a little bit of West Hill, somewhere where I have played a lot of golf.
The latter is a Nicklaus Design. Jack’s layouts can be pretty unforgiving, and the great man does like a water hazard. One of his most devilish comes on the…
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