Golf lovers may have spent the winter months gazing longingly at their clubs. The chilly weather isn’t always conducive to practicing your swing or teeing off in style, with grey skies and ice on the fairways it can be tricky to get motivated. Fortunately, the USA has plenty of sun soaked nooks and crannies where the sky is often blue and the nine holes emerald green. Here are a few favorite warm golf escapes to see you through to Spring…
From the desert heat of Arizona to the soft sea breeze of Hawaii, we invite you to send your golf clubs with Luggage Forward and to swap the winter blues for plunge pools and putting greens.
Streamsong, Florida
The Golf
Excitement has been mounting and finally one of the most exciting courses in the world has finally flung open its doors to welcome golf lovers from across the world. Florida’s Streamsong Black is the piece de resistance of architect Gil Hanse. The Par-73 championship course delivers well-executed rolls, tumbles and sandy ridges against a beautiful backdrop of rolling green. Golfers are sure to find their flow at Streamsong with 15000 acres to explore. After working through Streamsong Blue and Streamsong Red, the Black will take you on a memorable journey with highlights including the stunning marshland setting of the 17th hole.
The Clubhouse
After, you have had your fill of golf, head to The Clubhouse on the 19th for a scotch on the rocks. Find a spot on the outside terrace overlooking the lake and order up a steak from Restaurant Fifty-Nine if you feel like celebrating.
The Resort
In-between games, there is plenty to play for at Streamsong. Suites are a vision with soothing floor to ceiling windows, pale linens, and boutique amenities. The spa doesn’t fall short with 8 treatment rooms and 6 pool experiences. Activities also include bass fishing, clay shooting, and hiking the stunning Florida Trails.
Kapalua Golf, Hawaii
The Golf
Hailed as where champions come to play, Kapalua Golf Course sits on a sublime bluff overlooking the ocean on the gorgeous garden island. As far as settings go, you don’t get better than Hawaii – majestic mountains, lush greenery, and white capped waves rolling onto virginal sands. With two courses – The Plantation and the Bay Course, every day brings a sigh of delight. The Plantation Course has easily held the Golfweek title as best course in Hawaii for the past decade. Not to be outshone, the Bay Course boasts 20 tournaments a year. Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore designed the course across old pineapple fields, the final 17th and 18th holes are said to be two of the greatest finishes in the whole of golf.
The Academy
Rather than a club house, the Kapalua Golf Resort offers its very own academy for novices, newbies and anyone who wants to brush up on their skills. The state of the art facility boasts 23 acres of practice space and instruction on all areas – from your putting to your wedges and all the way up to your full swing.
The Resort
Awe inspiring beauty and dreamy decadence is exactly what you can expect from this award-winning Maui paradise. As part of the Ritz Carlton group you can indulge in top tier service as you swan around the stunning tropical grounds. Linger by the pool with a cocktail in hand, or stay in one of the chic villas dotting the hillside. Resort dining offers everything from seafood suppers to burgers and beers. When you aren’t golfing, there is an array of things to do – surfing, tennis and whale watching are just a few examples of the wonders that are waiting.
Dove Mountain, Arizona
The Golf
With 81 holes etched across the desert, you may have just landed in golfing heaven. Three spectacular golf courses can be found around Dove Mountain. The first is The Golf Club at Dove Mountain, a vision designed by Jack Nicklaus with 27 holes and a stunning club etched into the side of the mountains. With changing elevation to contend with, golfers will need to use their expertise to tackle this imaginative course. The Gallery Golf and Sports Club captures the grace and feel of a modern golf course – crossing two canyons and a great place for golfers with a high handicap. The Highlands offers nine holes that make the most of the mountains, wrapping around climbing terrain and sauntering past sweet water lakes.
The Club
The Golf Club at Dove Mountain is the stuff of legends, managing perfectly to strike the balance between a member’s club and a lavish luxury resort. A gorgeous golf shop and collection of eateries serving craft beers certainly helps to refuel spirits after tee time is over. The Gallery Sports Club offers full spa facilities and a temptingly blue pool for cooling off.
The Resort
The Ritz Carlton is the resort on the mountain down against the cactus pricked sky of Arizona. Casual elegance captures the desert mood, with quartz crystal adorning the rooms, and an emphasis on health and wellbeing. Star laden skies, crackling fire pits, and lavish suites – this is desert living at its finest.