The Best Cities For a Golf Holiday

We often think of golf countries like Scotland and Ireland, or even golfing counties like Ayrshire, East Lothian, Lancashire and Kent, but what about cities that offer a tantalising connection to the game?

An increasing number of golfers are now seeing where they can combine a golf trip with an engaging visit to a major city, where they can enjoy the local nightlife, culture and sightseeing when they're not on the course.

Our travel partners Golfbreaks have a specialist category - Golf & City Breaks - that ticks these boxes. 

But where should you start? Whether it's in the UK & Ireland, Continental Europe, the Middle East or North America, there should be something available that piques your interest.

Here are just some of the golfing cities that are on our list to experience.

Dublin

Renowned for its rich cultural heritage and hospitality, Dublin, the capital of the Republic of Ireland, is an intoxicating place to visit, and it has some truly fabulous golf courses on its doorstep.

Nearby you can play the historic Portmarnock Golf Club, which is a potential future host venue of the Open Championship, or former Ryder Cup stage The K Club, the exceptional Royal Dublin, the fantastic Island Golf Club, and even the revamped Jameson Golf Links.

If any of that sounds appealing to you - and we can't think why it wouldn't - then please visit https://www.golfbreaks.com/en-gb/holidays/dublin/.

Liverpool

Moving across to the other side of the Irish Sea, Liverpool can be your gateway to England's Golf Coast. Sample the vibrant nightlife and the many attractions of the city before venturing to some of the finest courses that the country has to offer.

Why not play iconic Open host Royal Liverpool, which first welcomed golf's oldest championship back in 1897, with its most recent outing coming in 2023? The likes of Walter Hagen, Bobby Jones, Peter Thomson, Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy have all won here. 

You could walk in their footsteps and even play the underrated Wallasey Golf Club by checking out https://www.golfbreaks.com/en-gb/holidays/liverpool/.

Edinburgh

You've read about England's Golf Coast, but what about its Scottish equivalent? That is found in East Lothian, in the shadow of Edinburgh, where you can discover the likes of Muirfield, Gullane and North Berwick.

But the nation's capital city is worth a visit itself, being full of history, cultural points of interest, and not to mention plentiful bars and restaurants, all of which would make a memorable trip even without the golf.

You could even base yourself at former Solheim Cup venue Dalmahoy - more of which you can learn about by clicking https://www.golfbreaks.com/en-gb/holidays/edinburgh/.

Barcelona

The coastal city of Barcelona is one of the most unique and distinctive in Europe, famed for its architecture, artistic culture and engaging atmosphere, there are few places quite as unforgettable as the capital of the Catalonia region.

What you might not be aware of are the many outstanding golf courses in the area. These include the wonderful Real Club de Golf El Prat, Club de Golf Vallromanes, Golf Montanya and Club de Golf Barcelona.

Fancy making Barcelona the ultimate golf and city break? Visit https://www.golfbreaks.com/en-gb/holidays/barcelona/ for more information.

Madrid

Bustling and thriving, Madrid is a thrilling city to explore and relish. With its fascinating museums and elegant architecture, the capital city of Spain will leave an indelible mark in your memory.

While it's more synonymous with football, Golf Santander, Centro Nacional de Golf, Real Club de Golf La Herreria and Club de Golf Retamares are among the excellent group of courses that you can play during your stay in the city.

Easily accessible, a golf break to Madrid is hard to beat as you can discover for yourself by visiting https://www.golfbreaks.com/en-gb/holidays/madrid/.

Lisbon

For decades, the Algarve has been the main draw for golfers to Portugal - and for very good reason - but the capital city of Lisbon has gradually become a sleeper destination of note for those who desire something a little different.

It's a charming city, known for its colourful buildings and trams, with its delectable cuisine and history having much to offer too. 

For golfers, Penha Longa, Quinta da Marinha, Praia D'El Rey, West Cliffs and Aroeira are among the incredible golf hotspots that you can enjoy by visiting https://www.golfbreaks.com/en-gb/holidays/lisbon/ for more details.

Dubai

Having developed into one of the world's leading destinations, Dubai is a remarkable, unforgettable place to visit, being visually spectacular and full of otherwordly attractions to experience.

Golf has been at the forefront of the growth of this city - and many golfers have been touring here for years now. The courses you can play include popular favourites Dubai Hills Golf Club, The Els Club, Dubai Creek Golf Club and the Majlis Course, host of the DP World Tour's annual Dubai Desert Classic.

Should you wish to plot your own adventure to Dubai, please visit https://www.golfbreaks.com/en-gb/holidays/dubai/.

Orlando

Families have been coming to Orlando for generations due to its many theme parks, including Walt Disney World, and it's a city thriving with entertainment and more attractions than can be reasonably counted, but it also has much to offer golfers. 

We recently shared The 10 Golf Courses You Must Play in Florida, and some of them are located in the Orlando area, including the Celebration Golf Club, Disney's Magnolia Course, and the iconic Bay Hill, host to the PGA Tour’s Arnold Palmer Invitational since 1979.

Plan an exciting golf holiday to Orlando by visiting https://www.golfbreaks.com/en-gb/holidays/orlando/.

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