Best Golf Resorts of the World

Scottsdale Courses are Eco-Friendly

Scottsdale's eco-friendly golf courses and golf resorts are carefully preserving the precious Sonoran Desert. Nearly 75% of the courses in the area computerized irrigation systems and weather monitoring to maximize water use. And, many use organic fertilizers and fungicides, and four-stroke rather than two-stroke engines on their maintenance equipment. For instance, TPC Scottsdale has achieved designation again for 12 years in a row as a "Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary" by the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary System, and is one of just 138 courses in the world to earn the honor. 

In a former storm water retention area that is now spectacular habitat for native plants and wildlife, the Sanctuary at Westworld was the first golf course in Arizona and the 17th course in the world to attain the coveted Audubon Signature Status.

Scottsdale-based Troon Golf Management, which as many golfers know is the largest upscale course management company in the world, and probably the best, has made the commitment to have its entire portfolio of 190 golf properties worldwide certified through the Audubon initiative.

"Target desert golf" was first developed in the Scottsdale/Phoenix area, a design concept for fragile environments that has since become the focus of new course designs around the world. Smaller turf landing zones are islands of green amid natural sandy wastes, stretches of indigenous flora, and wetlands, lakes, creeks, ravines and other natural elements of the landscape.

Think about all of this the next time your ball lands in the arms of a saguaro cactus or in a rattlesnake hole . . . go for the guilt-free solution: take your strokes and move on.

Scottish Kilts at Kierland

Golfers playing the 27 holes of the Westin Kierland Resort and Spa golf course in Scottsdale will love the "Scottish Golf Experience." Partaking of the Scottish spirit, players wear kilts and enjoy Johnnie Walker beverages while perfecting their swing. And, a Scottish bagpiper heralds the end of the day as guests gather for the gorgeous desert sunset around the Dreamweaver Canyon fire pit.

Among the many reasons to stay-and-play at the Westin is the women-friendly golf experience (as praised by the Executive Women's Golf Association) and one of the top 50 female golf instructors in the country, Sandy LaBauve; and the incredible FORE-MAX Training System. Leading the teaching academy, Sandy and Mike LaBauve are one of the few husband-wife teaching teams in the world, both listed as Golf Magazine's Top 100 Instructors. Mike is also listed in the Top 50 Instructors by Golf Digest while Sandy is listed in the magazine's Top 50 Women Instructors.

Add to this air-conditioned golf carts and misted practice tees, an upscale shopping plaza just a few steps away, and one of the planet's most fabulous spas, and you need a week to partake of the pleasures of the Westin Kierland.

Best Caribbean Villas for Golfers

How can you find the most luxurious, well-located, well-serviced condos and rental villas on Barbados, St. Thomas, Nevis, Turks & Caicos and Anguilla? The prestigious home and villa rental company, Wimco, has surveyed its agents to come up with specific properties that are popular with golfers who visit these islands. On the Web site are complete descriptions, locations, availability calendars, photos and more information.

For instance, Villa Mac Cre on St. Thomas is a two-level, 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath home within a gated community at Mahogany Run Golf Course. Every room has glorious ocean views of Tortola and the Virgin Passage.

Wimco also offers concierge service, including airport transportation with refreshments provided, restaurants and tee time reservations, babysitting, catered meals and parties, private chef, snorkeling and scuba adventures--you think of it, they will arrange it. Link here for a complimentary 2009 guide to Wimco's villas on St. Barts.

Cruising to the Course

Golfers dream of playing Tom Doak's legendary Cape Kidnappers in New Zealand, Sandy Lane on Barbados, Casa de Campo's Teeth of the Dog, and Puerto Vallarta's El Tigre. In 2009, golfers can sail aboard Silversea's Silver Shadow and Silver Whisper, and play golf on top notch courses at nearly every port, in 30 countries and island destinations in the South Pacific, Mediterranean, Caribbean and Mexico, as part of the 2009 Silver Links program.

For example, the Silver Shadow will depart iln December on a 9-day Caribbean voyage from Fort Lauderdale to Barbados calling at Grand Turk, Samana, La Romana, St. Lucia and Grenada, with golf excursions to Casa de Campo, St. Lucia Golf and Country Club and Sandy Lane Country Club.

Getting ready for their rounds, passengers can work with an onboard, certified PGA professional, who offers private and group instruction, demonstrations, and high-tech swing analysis.

Among other accolades, Silversea has been awarded "World's Best" for several years, by both Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure.