Win big with these golf vacations

The 2010 Ryder Cup is right around the corner. From Oct 1-3, the three-day series of golf matches will take place in Newport, South Wales. If you can’t make it to the event, no sweat: Take a swing at one of our top 10 golf destinations around the world. 

Portugal
European golfers flock to Algarve, Portugal, and it is slowly becoming popular among Americans as well. Portugal has a lot to offer by way of golf – visit San Lorenzo, Vale de Lobo, Vilamoura, and Quinta do Lago for the ultimate resorts known for not only luxurious courses, but also their food and wine. Search and compare flights to Portugal.

Spain
Known by some as Europe’s version of Myrtle Beach, Costa del Sol is full of A-list visitors who come for the sunny courses and beautiful coastline. The 1997 Ryder Cup was held at nearby Sotogrande, which adds to the reputation of the area. Also be sure to check out Aloha, Las Brisas, and Torrequebrada. Search and compare flights to Spain.

Florida
Orlando boasts the most tour pros per square mile than any other city, and has a huge variety of public-access golf, with Bay Hill, Grand Cypress, Orange County National and Disney, just to name a few. Ponte Vedra Beach is home of the PGA Tour, and is known for Players Championship Venue TPC at Sawgrass. Other greats include Amelia Island and the World Golf Village. Search and compare flights to Florida.

Scotland
Golf’s homeland, Scotland is an easy ace for this list. The sport has been played here since approximately the 15th century, and havens like St. Andrews, Carnoustie, and Gleneagles are ideal spots for anyone truly invested in golf. Some pros even joke that Carnoustie should be called “Car-nasty” because of its level in difficulty. Search and compare flights to Scotland.

Arizona
If you can’t take the heat, get out of the kitchen. In Arizona, locations like Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tucson crank it up and offer premier golf courses in the desert, and with ultra-deluxe accommodations to boot. While it’s advised to keep away from the cacti, we encourage you to take full advantage of the 30+ public access courses in each city. Search and compare flights to Arizona.

South Carolina
Golf meccas like Hilton Head and Charleston beckon athletes to enjoy its resort layouts, Ryder Cup venues and PGA Tour stops. Check out  Harbour Town or Palmetto Hall in Hilton Head, and Kiwah Island Resort in Charleston. Search and compare flights to South Carolina.

Ireland
Rolling green hills extend far beyond golf courses here. Two of the best courses in Ireland are Royal Portrush and Royal County Down in Northern Ireland. In County Kerry, Dooks, Killarney, Tralee and Waterville are the VIPs, and in Dublin, Portamrnock, Druids Glen, and the European Club are prime go-tos. Search and compare flights to Ireland.

California
Wide-reaching and full of variety, California doesn’t fall short when it comes to landscape and courses. For the serenity of nature, take a swing near Lake Tahoe, and for more luxurious amenities, head to Monterey-area locations like Pebble Beach and Spanish Bay. In Palm Springs, plenty of resorts do the trick for desert climate, and San Diego delivers for SoCal chill. Search and compare flights to California.

Canada
An ideal mountain location, Whistler is just 90 minutes north of Vancouver, and resorts like Big Sky and Chateau Whistler. In Prince Edward Islands, try the Brudnell River Resort, and (arguably) Canada’s best, Links at Crowbush Cove. Search and compare flights to Canada.

Hawaii
Few people need yet another reason to go to Hawaii, but golfers flock to the 54-hole complexes like Kapalua and Wailea. Other courses in Lanai and Kauai are renowned as well, and the Garden Isle boasts Pacific gems like the Princeville Resort, Kauai Lagoons, and Poipu Bay. Search and compare flights to Hawaii.

Want more travel tips? Read: How to pack for your golf vacation.