Beyond the Fairway: The World’s Most Unforgettable Golf Journeys

August 20, 2025

From the windswept links of Scotland to South Africa’s safari greens, WhirlAway Travel redefines the luxury golf trip—for players and their companions alike.

Golf, in its purest form, is about more than a scorecard. It’s about the stories the game collects: the putt sunk against a backdrop of crashing waves, a winning moment that lingers long after sunset, the shared adventure that bonds a group for life. For WhirlAway Travel, these moments are the very heart of curated golf vacations. As a Luxury Travel Advisor, Alison Warner specializes in golf vacations. Here, she shares five reasons why you should start planning your next golf escape.  

1. Legendary Links are Our Specialty
Many destinations are a golfing rite of passage. Scotland, the birthplace of golf, offers hallowed fairways from St Andrews to Muirfield, each shaped by centuries of history and the challenge of windswept links. Ireland’s southwest coast beckons with Ballybunion and Old Head, where dramatic sea views frame every swing and evenings unfold in lively pubs. Portugal features a trifecta of championship courses, exquisite cuisine, and year-round sunshine, while Spain shines with golf that pairs beautifully with tapas and rioja. For those seeking the extraordinary, South Africa combines rounds on world-class courses with Big Five safaris and wine tours through the Cape Winelands. Lastly, few settings rival New Zealand and Australia, where epic coastal cliffs and exclusive lodges redefine “the 19th hole.”


2. We Discover the Lesser-Known Courses
New Zealand is quickly emerging as a must-play, with coastal courses like Rosewood Cape Kidnappers raising the reputation of the country’s golf scene. In France, the greens of Bordeaux and Provence tempt the wine- and beach- lovers, while Normandy offers history that will captivate golfers and non-golfers alike. And, Italy! While we will always cherish this country for its vineyards, cypress trees, and olive groves, Alison says, “Sicily’s Verdura Resort is one of the top courses in all of Italy, which is underestimated as a golf destination."


3. We’ll Ensure Seamless Luxury (for Non-Golfers, Too)

Every WhirlAway itinerary overflows with personalization. Tee times, luxury lodging, and private transfers are seamlessly handled, while non-golf experiences—vineyard tours, spa days, cultural excursions—ensure every guest feels part of the journey. Through an exclusive network of global partners, WhirlAway grants rare access to private clubs and coveted events such as The Masters and The Ryder Cup.


4. Perfect for Milestone Celebrations
A WhirlAway golf journey can timestamp a special celebration. Graduations, retirements, milestone birthdays, and family reunions are marked in style, with heritage touches like playing near a grandparent’s hometown or weaving in cultural stops tied to a family’s story, like Dromoland Castle. An excellent addition to any Irish golf itinerary, this 18-hole, par-72 championship course was designed by the legendary Ron Kirby and JB Carr and is considered a golfing rite of passage. These types of milestone moments, paired with top courses, quickly become favorite family vacations.


5. If You Plan Ahead, We’ll Dream Big
Whether it’s walking the storied fairways of St Andrews or discovering an unexpected gem on the other side of the world, WhirlAway crafts golf adventures that are about so much more than the game. As Alison reminds clients: “Even if you’re not a golfer, we specialize in making golf trips feel like dream vacations—for everyone in the group.”



A Grand (Slam) Time!

April 20, 2026
Grand Slam tournaments are the crown jewels of tennis—and notoriously elusive to access. Tickets disappear instantly, VIP passes are closely guarded, and logistics can be overwhelming. That’s where WhirlAway comes in—with guaranteed seats, exclusive perks, and insider access to the world’s most prestigious matches.

Just Back From … Australia with Denise Booth

April 15, 2026
There’s something extra meaningful about pairing a dream destination with a milestone moment. For WhirlAway’s Denise Booth, that meant finally experiencing Australia alongside her son as they celebrated his graduation from medical school.

A Roar-Worthy Safari Specialist

April 3, 2026
For the fifth year in a row, WhirlAway Travel’s Jamie Jones has been named a Condé Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialist—a prestigious honor reserved for advisors with extensive expertise, trusted global connections, and a deep understanding of how to craft truly tailored journeys. It’s a distinction she’s earned through her focus on African safaris and her ability to create meaningful, insider experiences. Jamie’s philosophy is simple: “I have always believed that travel is essential for the future of our world. It connects us to nature, to different cultures, and most importantly to one another.” That approach comes to life on every African safari she curates. And that’s just one reason why she’s so exceptional at what she does. 1. She Knows Safaris Inside & Out Jamie has traveled to Africa more than 15 times over the past 12 years, earning her Signature Travel Network’s Select Safari Specialist designation—an exclusive recognition for highly vetted advisors with “feet on the ground” knowledge and proven expertise in creating luxury, customized African safaris. For Jamie, it’s about so much more than the wildlife: “I continually return because of the people I have met, friendships created, cultures I have learned from, and the peace that fills my soul with every journey.” And through WhirlAway’s Africa Apprentice Program, Jamie also helps train the next generation of safari specialists, providing extensive education and hands-on experience in planning these journeys, ensuring every client benefits from a highly personalized approach.

Multi-Gen Magic

March 20, 2026
Multi-generational travel is booming—and it’s easy to see why. Families are seeking curated journeys where every generation—from grandparents to grandchildren—can experience the world together, yet on their own terms. At WhirlAway Travel, that means private excursions, seamless logistics, and experiences that let everyone focus on what matters: connection. Denise Booth is one of WhirlAway’s multi-gen travel experts. She leverages her insider access and relationships with global partners to create itineraries perfectly suited for every age and interest. “Travel does not have to be all or nothing,” she says. “We craft experiences that can be enjoyed by each person, from modified activities or alternatives for those who cannot participate.” Here are three recent journeys planned by Denise and the WhirlAway team.

Just Back From … Japan with WhirlAway’s Stacey Blum

March 11, 2026
Why Japan & Why Now The neon-lit energy of Tokyo, the zen temples of Kyoto, and the restorative calm of mountain onsen towns define this unique journey across time. “It’s a place that feels both ancient and futuristic at once,” Stacey says. Japan also rewards travelers who slow down. For Stacey, early mornings—what the Japanese call the “blue hour”—were especially poignant. Known as the time just before sunrise or after sunset when the sky turns a deep indigo, the serene, otherworldly atmosphere is the perfect window for photography in cities like Tokyo and Kyoto, capturing the magical light over temple roofs, as locals cycle along rivers, and as shops open their doors. To fully appreciate Japan’s diversity, Stacey recommends giving yourself at least 10 days in the destination (plus two days of travel) and visiting three distinct regions. Stacey’s Takeaway: “Japan is not a place you try to see it all in one trip. It’s somewhere you’ll want to return to again and again.”

Sail Beyond the Expected

February 17, 2026
No summer travel plans yet? Consider this your fast track to an experience that ticks all the boxes for value, ease, culture, scenery, and laid-back luxury. What: A seven-night Mediterranean cruise aboard Silver Nova with Silversea and Signature Travel Network. Where: Roundtrip from Athens, visiting seven ports throughout Greece and Turkey. When: August 16-23, 2026. Why: It’s a remarkable blend of epic history, island charm, and elegant cruising. You’ll visit spots that feel straight out of a postcard, from the delightful seaside town of Gythion and the Olympic roots of Katakolon to Santorini’s bucket-list sunsets and the lively markets of Bodrum. Onboard, the suites are beautifully spacious, the butler service is effortlessly attentive, and the all-inclusive approach is indulgent yet smart, inviting you to savor the experience without a second thought. Yes, please!

Just Back From … Northern Italy with WhirlAway’s Sara Samuel

February 12, 2026
Recently back from an immersive journey through Verona, Venice, and Trieste, WhirlAway’s Sara Samuel discovered a trio of destinations that feel worlds apart yet effortlessly connected. From Shakespearean streets and quaint canals to culture shaped by shifting borders, this is Italy beyond the expected.

Just Ask Jamie …

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Why stay home for the holidays when you can discover chocolate, castles, and Christmas decorations across Europe? That’s just what WhirlAway’s Jamie Jones had in mind when she took her family on a holiday river trip through Amsterdam, the Netherlands, Brussels, and Antwerp. Here’s what happened along the way.

2026 is the Time!

January 14, 2026
If “someday” is starting to sound suspiciously like “never,” this is your sign. From polar ice to private yachts, safaris to southern skies, these six monumental journeys are proof that the best trips happen when they’re meticulously planned with insider expertise.
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