Nina Caldwell
With over 40,000 golf courses worldwide, there are many cities that could be considered the 'golf capital'. While St Andrews, Scotland, is often referred to as the 'Home of Golf', other cities such as Myrtle Beach, Naples, and Scottsdale have also been named as contenders for the title.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of golf courses | 80-90 |
| Location | Stretching across 60 miles of the Carolina coastline |
| Notable courses | Dunes Golf & Beach Club, Long Bay Golf Club, Waccamaw Golf Trail, Moorland, World Tour Golf Links, Mt. Atlanticus |
| Other attractions | Resorts, restaurants, bars, entertainment |
| Notable mentions | St. Andrews, Scotland; Naples, Florida; Pinehurst; Scottsdale, Arizona; Northern Michigan |
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What You'll Learn
St Andrews, Scotland
St Andrews in Scotland is known as the "Home of Golf" and the "spiritual home of golf". Located on the Fife peninsula on Scotland's east coast, St Andrews is a pilgrimage that every golfer should make at least once. The town is built for golf and is surrounded by a series of famous and internationally renowned clubs.
St Andrews is famous for the Old Course, which features the iconic Swilken Bridge, Road Hole, Hell Bunker, and Valley of Sin, as well as being the site of some of golf's greatest moments. The course is built on common land with public access, so anyone can walk on its famous greens without a tee time. However, there is an 18-month waiting list for reserved tee times. The course is celebrated for its beautiful views and exhilarating playing conditions.
Other notable golf courses in St Andrews include Kingsbarns, Dumbarnie Links, and Carnoustie, which has been labelled 'golf's greatest test'. Kingsbarns, a newer course in the context of St Andrews, offers uninterrupted views of the rugged coastline and is rated among the top 50 golf courses in the world. After a round of golf, visitors can unwind at the R&A World Golf Museum and discover how golf has been played in St Andrews since the 1500s.
St Andrews is also a great destination for dining and accommodation. The Old Course Hotel offers excellent accommodation, while the Bistro Du Vin is known for its wine list and steaks, including its exceptional chateaubriand.
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Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Myrtle Beach, located in South Carolina, is known as the "Golf Capital of the World" due to its abundance of golf courses and golf-related attractions. With over 80 award-winning golf courses, it offers a diverse range of playing options for golfers of all levels. The area boasts a combination of championship courses, family-friendly mini-golf venues, and scenic oceanfront layouts.
The history of golf in Myrtle Beach dates back to the early 20th century, and the city has since established itself as a premier golf destination. The mild climate and extended season make it ideal for year-round golfing, with peak seasons from March to May and September to November. The area's golf culture is complemented by a range of accommodation options, dining experiences, and entertainment choices, making it a popular choice for golf vacations.
Myrtle Beach's golf scene is characterized by its variety, with courses designed by renowned architects and offering unique playing experiences. The Dunes Golf & Beach Club, ranked among the top public access courses in the country, provides a challenging and scenic golfing experience. The Caledonia Golf & Fish Club is another notable course, offering a blend of natural beauty and exceptional golf design.
In addition to the abundance of golf courses, Myrtle Beach also hosts major golf events, such as the PGA TOUR and the Myrtle Beach Classic. These tournaments attract golfers and enthusiasts from around the world, further solidifying the area's reputation as a golf capital. The city also offers golf packages, providing visitors with convenient access to tee times, accommodations, and other amenities.
The Grand Strand, an area encompassing Myrtle Beach and its surrounding towns, enhances the golf experience with instructional opportunities. Golfers can take advantage of tutorials and golf schools to improve their game during their stay. The TPC of Myrtle Beach, led by renowned coach Allen Terrell, is an example of the area's commitment to golf instruction and improvement.
With its vast array of golf courses, scenic beauty, and golf-centric culture, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, has firmly established itself as a golf capital, attracting golfers from all walks of life seeking unforgettable golfing experiences.
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Naples, Florida
While there is no clear consensus on which city is the global golf capital, Naples in Florida has a strong claim to the title.
Naples is often referred to as the "Golf Capital of the World". It has approximately 90 18-hole golf courses, with about 30 accessible to the public. Naples golf communities include 70 private and public golf clubs, offering over 1,700 golf holes.
Among the top-rated courses in Naples are Tiburon Golf Club, Naples Grande, LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort, and the Links of Naples. The city also offers high-profile golf instruction, with academies such as TOURAcademy at Tiburón, the David Leadbetter Golf Academy at LaPlaya, and the Wayne Dahlstrom Academy of Golf at Lakewood Country Club.
Naples' golf communities are not just about the game, but also offer an active lifestyle with resort-style amenities such as swimming pools, tennis courts, pickleball, bocce, spa services, and gourmet dining. The city enjoys mild winter temperatures in the 70s and 80s Fahrenheit, and over 300 days of sunshine a year.
Other cities mentioned in the context of the golf capital of the world include St. Andrews in Scotland, Myrtle Beach in South Carolina, Pinehurst, and Jupiter, Florida.
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Scottsdale, Arizona
Scottsdale's Sonoran Desert landscape provides a unique golf experience, with lush, green fairways surrounded by ancient rock formations and towering saguaro cacti. The Phoenician Golf Course, designed by architect Phil Smith, showcases this natural beauty. The 18-hole course offers a natural rhythm and flow, with no surprise bunkers or blind hazards, and is managed by Troon Golf Management, the world's largest golf management company.
The Scottsdale National Golf Club, an exclusive members-only club, also offers a stunning desert golf experience. With 45 holes, two clubhouses, and luxurious villas, it presents a challenging yet enjoyable golf experience.
Beyond these renowned courses, Scottsdale offers a variety of other golf destinations, such as the elite Troon North's Monument and Pinnacle courses, and the Grayhawk Golf Club, known for its rock 'n' roll vibe. The Boulders Golf Club features two championship-level, Jay Morrish-designed 18-hole courses surrounded by ancient rock formations. For a fun twist, The Westin Kierland Golf Club allows golfers to play 27 holes using a Segway, Ellwees, Kierland TurfRider, GolfBoard, or GolfBike.
With its rich history, diverse golf offerings, and unique desert landscape, Scottsdale, Arizona, is a strong contender for the title of 'Golf Capital'.
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Melbourne, Australia
While there is no definitive 'golf capital city' in the world, Melbourne in Australia has some pretty awesome golf courses. The city is home to the exclusive Capital Golf Club, which offers a magnificent golfing experience with 18 holes and top-notch facilities. The club is ranked among the top 100 golf courses in Victoria, Australia, and the world. It is also known for its impeccable course conditioning and facilities, as well as its highly respected greens.
Melbourne is also home to the Royal Melbourne Golf Club, a private members' club recognised as one of the leading golf clubs in Australia and the world. The club has a rich history dating back to 1891 and has hosted numerous national and international tournaments. Their courses, designed in line with the principles espoused by Dr Alister MacKenzie, offer generous fairways and fast and firm conditions that challenge both low and high handicap players.
In addition to these renowned clubs, Melbourne boasts other notable golf destinations, such as the Kingston Heath Golf Club, which is located less than a mile west of the Capital Golf Club. Melbourne's golf scene showcases a range of options, from exclusive and revered sandbelt courses to accessible and high-quality public courses.
While Melbourne may not be the only golf destination worth mentioning, it certainly holds its own in the global golf landscape. With its mix of prestigious clubs and diverse course offerings, Melbourne, Australia, is a city that any golf enthusiast would find captivating.
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Frequently asked questions
While there is no clear consensus, St Andrews in Scotland is frequently referred to as the "Home of Golf". Other popular answers include Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Naples, Florida, and Jupiter, Florida.
Aside from the aforementioned American cities, contenders for the golf capital of the United States include Orlando, Florida, Scottsdale, Arizona, and Pinehurst.
Aside from St Andrews, Royal County Downs in Newcastle, Northern Ireland, is considered by some to be the UK's golf capital.
