The Golf Tourism experienced a steady upswing in recent years: Whether young or old - if you take a closer look at the subject, it turns out that golf can definitely be a sport for everyone. Especially on vacation, you can take a lot of time for the one or other game in the fresh air. In addition, the "social distancing" principle is more than fulfilled when golfing.

Golfing on Velaa Private Island

Golfing on the Maldives has become a real insider tip, especially in recent years. Velaa Private Island offers the perfect backdrop for this with a first-class golf course. The fact that the luxury resort has a golf course at all is thanks to the owner Jiri Smejc. He is an enthusiastic golfer himself. The Velaa Golf Academy was designed by golf professional José María Olazábal and implemented by landscape and golf architect Toni Ortner. The golf course, which extends over seven holes and nine tees and thus offers numerous combinations, enables golfers to receive one-to-one attention with coaching specially adapted to the level of play and exclusive use of the golf course. All shots can be practiced here, from mid irons to wedges and the short game, for which Olazábal itself is known.

Scottsdale as an incomparable golf destination

Scottsdale and golf became synonymous nearly 100 years ago when visitors chipped and putted on the picturesque courses beneath legendary Camelback Mountain. Celebrities like Bing Crosby followed shortly after, paving the way for a golden era that produced golf pros like Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus. Over 330 days of sunshine a year and average temperatures provide excellent conditions for outdoor sports. Two of Scottsdale's most beautiful golf courses offer the The Boulders Resort & Golf Club. The 18-hole Jay Morrish-designed courses are surrounded by 200-million-year-old rock formations, creating a breathtaking backdrop.

Golfing on the Gulf of Mexico

Also the popular holiday destination St. Pete/Clearwater in Florida offers a variety of golf courses perfect for beginners, intermediate and advanced players. St. Pete/Clearwater can boast popular facilities such as the Dunedin Golf Club, the Belleview Biltmore Golf Club, The Vinoy Renaissance and the Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club decorate. Celebrities such as golf course architect Donald Ross have already hit their balls over the challenging golf courses here. The hotspot for thrilling golf sessions is the Innisbrook Golf Resort. Four championship courses and the family-friendly nine-hole course ensure varied games. The jewel in the crown, however, is the Copperhead Golf Course, which is famous among golfers for its particularly demanding course that also poses special challenges for professionals.

Golfing in front of a red mountain panorama in Arizona

Even away from Scottsdale you can find in Arizona beautiful golf courses that inspire players from all over the world. So also the Sedona Golf Resortwhich is located about two hours from Arizona's capital Phoenix not far from Flagstaff. The 18-hole golf course designed by Gary Panks is surrounded by the famous red rocks of Sedona and offers golfers exciting challenges. Sedona, like Scottsdale, is also a great year-round destination, but especially during the summer months, Sedona may be a better choice due to slightly cooler temperatures.

Dream destination for golfers on the Turkish Riviera

The Turkish Riviera is not only one of the most popular holiday destinations in Turkey, Belek in particular is also an important destination for golfers. Belek was only discovered as a golf destination a little over 25 years ago: the first golf course was opened in 1996, numerous others followed. Among other things, the fact that all golf courses can be reached within a few minutes by car is particularly appreciated - including from the ELA Quality Resort Belek. The luxurious resort offers golfers not only exquisite accommodations with plenty of privacy, but also excellent culinary options and, with the excellent Ab-I-Zen Spa, various possibilities for relaxation. The resort reopens to guests on April 1, and in time for the new season, will feature new restaurants and bars, a redesigned beachfront and more.

Golf paradise at the gates of New York City

Long Island is a popular destination for New Yorkers who are drawn to the site on weekends. Particularly quiet and close to nature on the eastern coast of the island is the Montauk Downs Golf Course. The site's ponds and bushes are often challenging, especially when combined with the crosswinds from the Atlantic Ocean, Lake Montauk and Fort Pond Bay. Several tees on Montauk Down are also known to be particularly scenic, so golf experts may well consider the course a hidden gem.

Picture Credits: Boulders Resort & Spa Scottsdale, Visitstpeteclearwater.com, 2009 New York State Parks, Discover Long Island, Ela Belek, Visit Sedona