 Kenya:
Golf is a popular pastime in Kenya and there are several international
quality courses in outstanding natural settings. The Windsor Golf and
Country Club just outside Nairobi is a fine example.
One of Kenya's best kept secrets is its numerous golf courses. Few places
in the world offer such perfect ingredients for a fantastic golf holiday.
The opportunity to play your favourite game, to see wildlife (sometimes
on the course!) and to relax on the beautiful white sandy beaches all
during the same holiday is unique.
Kenya has 38 golf courses of which 12 are 18-hole, 10 of which are used
for championship events. 6 are within a 20 mile radius of Nairobi - Kenya's
bustling capital. The oldest course is Royal Nairobi Golf Club founded
in 1906, the latest is the Green Park Golf Club in Naivasha. There are
several new courses under construction and a number are being upgraded
from 9 holes to 18 holes.
The weather in Kenya is ideal for golf all year round.
India: In India you can play golf almost anywhere, for
golf is widely played by a cross-section of people in the country's often
dramatic background. In the hills and high Himalayan vastness, in metropolitan
cities and in small towns, by lakes and forests, or surrounded by tea
estates or out in the desert. Wherever golf is played the flavour of India
is visible.
You can stroll off the course to share a cup of piping hot tea at a 'dhaba',
tee off from the highest 18-hole course in the world, watch a peacock
dance on a green or play on a course that is enriched by monuments and
beautiful buildings. In India anything is possible, and playing golf here
will enable you to experience the country in a unique manner.
India was the first country outside of Great Britain to take up the game
of golf. The Royal Calcutta Golf Club, established in 1829, is the oldest
golf club in India. With the growing influence of the British in the Indian
empire, the eighteenth century saw a mushrooming of new golf clubs in
India. Wherever land was available and grass grew, golf found a new home.
Mauritius: This paradise island is becoming an increasingly popular
golf destination. The Golf Open is held every year in December.
With a range of first-class hotels, set on gorgeous tropical beaches,
the island provides the perfect place to combine golf with tropical island
luxury. There are two 18-hole courses, both very different but each with
their own particular charm. Buggies are available at both courses.
Dubai: Not so long ago, Dubai was frequently described as 'one
of the best kept secrets' on the international travel map. Today it is
a major player in the tourism industry. For many tourists and business
travellers, golf is a major highlight of their trip to this fascinating
city. Stunning, championship golf courses set in landscapes more generally
associated with sand dunes than perfect greens are available.
Some hotels offer driving facilities, putting greens and even 9-hole golf
courses. But wherever you stay you are not far from a fabulous golf course.
Sri Lanka: Golf is rapidly gaining popularity as a sporting event
among tourists. Visitors to Sri Lanka show an increased interest in playing
golf. Sri Lanka responding positively to this tourist demand will soon
be opening up three new golf courses in the country in addition to the
three that are already established. The existing courses are at Colombo,
Nuwara Eliya and Rajawella (a suburb of Kandy).
Golf courses were made in Sri Lanka only after the British occupation
of the island in 1815 although there is evidence that it had been played
earlier during the Dutch occupation of the island's Maritime Provinces.Royal
Colombo Golf Club begun with a 9-hole course in 1879 is the oldest in
Sri Lanka. It was moved in to its present location in 1896 and was developed
into an 18-hole course. This club is among the first twenty five clubs
in the world to celebrate 100 years of golfing.
Nuwara Eliya Golf Club with its 18-hole course is located in a picturesque
setting in the Nuwara Eliya town at an elevation over 5000 metres above
sea level. It was opened in 1889 and is reputed to be among the best golf
courses in the east. A special feature is the possibility of following
15 of its 18 holes by car. The Victoria International Golf and Country
Resort with its 18-hole golf course is located at Rajawella, a suburb
of Kandy. It is the latest addition to the golfing facilities in the island.
Set in a beautifully landscaped 209 hectare site it commands a grand view
of the Victoria reservoir.
Three new 18-hole golf courses will be opened shortly at Pelwatte, Avissawella
and Rakwana providing the golfing enthusiasts visiting Sri Lanka a wider
range of golfing facilities to choose from.
South Africa: Virtually every town in South Africa has its own
golf course. Altogether there are more than 500 courses in the country
and – due to the strong demand – the number keeps on growing.
Many of these courses are of superior quality, excellently equipped and
situated in beautiful scenery. Visitors are always welcome and the green
fees are reasonable.Among the golf enthusiasts of the world, South Africa
is still a well kept secret. Many courses though register growing visitor
numbers from overseas. |