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.”



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Top 5 Safari Do’s & Don’ts

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WhirlAway Travel Advisors, Solo Travel Guide

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