Tag: golf

Private Golf Residences: Living a Golfer’s Dream

Posted on by Jennifer Sanchez

For golf enthusiasts, living on a golf course is the ultimate dream. Even if golf is not your sport of choice, being surrounded by sprawling green spaces and the amenities that come with a golf course community can be enticing. What’s more, those But these perfectly tended lawns offer more than just beautiful views. Property values are typically higher for golf course homes and tend to retain that value over time. Social opportunities and family activities abound, with on-site amenities fostering connection through restaurant experiences, sports offerings and nature adventures.

Four Seasons Private Residences give you the opportunity to access some of the best golf courses – and golf instructors – in the world. Located in idyllic destinations like Cabo Del Sol, Belize, the Bahamas and Las Vegas, these unique communities put championship-level courses right at your doorstep, along with a breadth of off-the-course amenities the whole family can enjoy.

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Play on a Cabo Del Sol golf masterpiece

When you look out onto the awe-inspiring mix of desert, mountain and sea found at the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula, it’s easy to see why Jack Nicklaus called this the “best piece of golf property I’ve ever seen.” He was, of course, talking about the location for his highly acclaimed Cove Club Course (formerly the Ocean Course), which has been recognized as one of the world’s Top 100 golf courses by “Golf Digest.”

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The 9-hole reversible course is the centrepiece of the exclusive Cove Club, where owners at Four Seasons Private Residences Cabo San Lucas at Cabo Del Sol gather to experience one of the area’s most swimmable beaches, sea- and farm-to-table dining, an abundance of land and water sports, and exclusive access to the course itself. Feel like going straight from the beach to the golf course? No problem. And no need to pack your shoes either – you can play barefoot. Be sure to keep an eye out for the specially equipped VW Kombi cruising the course offering up signature refreshments, or stop by the Airstream Bambi located feet from the waves on the 8th tee box for a mid-course taco break. You’ll also find two Chocitas (which translates to “little shacks” in English) – one after the 4th green and one before the 15th tee – each offering curated sweet and savoury treats as well as thirst-quenching delights, adding to the authentic experience in Cabo Del Sol.

For both avid golfers and those who are new to the sport, one of the most rewarding things to do is to spend some time with Cove Club’s renowned golf instructors, Erik Evans and Carly Schneider. Having worked with tour players, professional athletes and corporate executives, they are among the top PGA Teaching Professionals in the world. With personalized instruction, have fun while taking your game to the next level, knowing you’re in good hands.

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Horizon-to-horizon views on this Caye Chapel, Belize golf course

“I can’t think of anywhere else in the world you can do what you’re doing in Caye Chapel,” said Greg Norman, champion pro golfer and co-designer of the White Shark Golf Course at Four Seasons Private Residences Caye Chapel, Belize. “The owners today should consider themselves lucky; they bought a piece of paradise.”

Caye Chapel is a one-of-a-kind paradise. This private island resort and residential community offers six miles of pristine coastline surrounded by brilliant blue water, coral reefs and world-class dive sites, including the Great Blue Hole. It’s also the very first private island in the Americas managed by Four Seasons, and as such, it features signature services and an abundance of exclusive amenities. Residents of Caye Chapel will have access to an organic farm and restaurant, a dedicated adventure centre for kids, a full gym and sports complex, an open-air theatre, and a Golf Academy, just to name a few.

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For the White Shark Golf Course – which takes its name from Norman’s own moniker “the Great White Shark” – Norman designed a 10-hole course that meanders from horizon to horizon, highlighting stunning ocean views at every turn. “You want to make a player going on a golf course you design to remember every hole,” said Norman. “At Caye Chapel, it’s the Caribbean Sea, it’s the barrier reef system, it’s that fantastic change of water colour as you look out as the sun moves from the east to midday to the west – everything changes with the light.”

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A sense of belonging in a Las Vegas golf community

For many golfers, the sense of comradery and connections made while on the course are major draws of the sport. Residential communities with golf courses at their cores often share this focus on social connection. Just 15 miles from the Las Vegas Strip in Henderson, Nevada, MacDonald Highlands is one of those communities. Four Seasons Private Residences Las Vegas – the latest addition to the Four Seasons collection of standalone Private Residences – will soon welcome MacDonald Highlands’ newest residents into the fold.

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Residents at Four Seasons will have the opportunity to gain exclusive access to the members-only championship 18-hole golf course, swimming and tennis facilities, and an array of indoor and outdoor activities at the nearby DragonRidge Country Club. And that’s in addition to the abundance of resort-style amenities that owners already have at their disposal.

Entertain friends with a chef-curated dinner on your residence’s private terrace or with a family picnic in one of the multi-level pool’s cabanas. You can also invite your fellow golfers to join you for a round at DragonRidge, then break down the day over light bites and sundowners. A favourite of pro players and amateurs, this course invites golfers of all skill levels to try their hand at its scenic mountainside holes offering panoramic views of the glittering Las Vegas Strip.

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Your own tropical paradise in the Bahamas

Looking for a challenge? Residents at The Ocean Club, Four Seasons Residences, Bahamas, enjoy access to the nearby Ocean Club Golf Course. Designed by Tom Weiskopf, this 18-hole, par-72 course stretches over 7,100 yards on Paradise Island. The crosswinds here can be a challenge for even the most experienced players – but that’s all part of the fun.

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At The Ocean Club, it’s easy to make golf a part of your everyday. Stop in for private lessons from the PGA-certified instructors at the Ocean Club Golf Academy, get outfitted with the latest gear at the pro shop, and join friends for post-game drinks at one of The Ocean Club’s beachfront restaurants.

When you own one of the private, turnkey luxury residences managed by Four Seasons on Paradise Island, you’ll also have access to sublime residents-only amenities such as a private Lobby Lounge featuring a bar for entertaining as well as a store for light provisions, an owner’s library, co-working centre, private dining room, and a private wine and cigar cellar, along with round-the-clock concierge service.

Peace of mind no matter where you live

Just like the best golf courses, all homes require attention and care. Whether it’s your primary or secondary residence, when you live with Four Seasons, you can come and go knowing full well that your home is in excellent hands. From maintenance and housekeeping when you’re away to securing tee times, making dinner reservations and stocking your kitchen with your favourite items when you return, you’ll always have a dedicated residential team on call for your every need. It’s worry-free homeownership at its most intuitive.

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Creating a Modern Desert Oasis in Las Vegas

Posted on by Colleen Mitchell

How do you design a home that evokes a unique sense of place? When it came to dreaming up the look and feel of the all-new Four Seasons Private Residences Las Vegas, the answer was to look to the surrounding landscape. “Using the desert as the primary inspiration was essential, in addition to the glamour of the Las Vegas Strip,” says Hussain Kamal, Associate Vice President at Wimberly Interiors, the renowned firm behind the design.

Located on a private 11-acre elevated enclave with panoramic views of the city, the Red Rock Mountains and the iconic Strip, the brand-new standalone Private Residences – meaning not attached to a hotel or resort – provide the perfect amount of privacy and seclusion, along with easy access to the Las Vegas buzz and energy.

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Designing a modern desert home

Four Seasons Private Residences Las Vegas is a microcosm of the city itself – an oasis surrounded by the Mojave Desert’s rugged beauty. “The surrounding landscape is the hero of the story,” says Kamal. “The interior design reflects it through complementary colours and detailing, and the spaces emphasize how the interior engages with the landscape.” The design brings in the outdoors with natural materials, different textures and specially selected furnishings. Natural stone and wood set the palette, and touches of brushed metal add to the clean, modern luxury feel.

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“The goal was to create a resort-style experience with a seamless flow of finishes from the inside out,” adds Mark Yoshizaki, Senior Vice President of award-winning architecture firm Wimberly Allison Tong & Goo, “and to provide opportunities for outdoor living on the large terraces.” All 171 tower residences feature large outdoor living spaces with amenities such as built-in grills and areas for lounging and dining. Penthouse and Junior Penthouse residences have private plunge pools. And with every floorplan, residents can expect unobstructed views from the expansive windows throughout.

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Embracing the luxury resort lifestyle

Because loving where you live has to do with what’s outside as well as inside, the amenities at Four Seasons are just as impressive as the homes themselves.

Residents will appreciate the full-service Spa and Fitness Centre that offers personal training, men’s and women’s fitness lounges, sauna and steam rooms, an indoor lap pool, and private and couples’ massage rooms. And because pets are part of the family, too, they can enjoy some pampering at the pet spa.

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Outside, the resort-style multi-level pool lets you relax over unobstructed mountain and Las Vegas Strip views, while dedicated attendants ensure your every need is met. Hot tubs, private cabanas and barbecue areas offer opportunities for entertaining and family fun. Inside, a game room, Topgolf Swing Suite, private theatre and kids’ playroom are perfect for entertaining guests or mingling with neighbours.

Noble Heights, an exclusive restaurant experience curated by renowned restauranteur Elizabeth Blau, is also sure to be a dining hotspot. The restaurant highlights responsibly sourced dishes from local and regional purveyors, along with a selection of fresh seafood, in a modern indoor-outdoor setting. Prefer to dine in? Invite your friends over for an elegant dinner party they won’t soon forget. Four Seasons can help arrange it all, including a custom meal created by a private chef in the comfort of your own home. Celebrate with curated plates and cocktails on your terrace overlooking the moonlit desert landscape, or enjoy a cozy, romantic meal just for two. Whatever you’re in the mood for, the dedicated residential team will make it happen.

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Welcoming a sense of community

Four Seasons Private Residences Las Vegas, just 15 miles from the Las Vegas Strip, is set within the country club community of MacDonald Highlands in Henderson, Nevada – a neighbourhood nestled in the Black Mountain foothills and one of the most sought-after area addresses. Four Seasons offers the first and only residential towers in Henderson with dramatic views and a luxury resort lifestyle.

Being part of an established community also comes with its benefits. Residents have the option to access 140,000-plus square feet of amenities provided by the MacDonald Highlands community, including a private par-72 championship golf course. “These additional amenities and services will only add to the overall resort residential lifestyle that our residents are already experiencing with their Four Seasons–branded residence,” says Jim Reilly, President of Azure Resorts and Hotels and developer of the project.

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Bringing Four Seasons legendary service home

Las Vegas joins the portfolio of standalone Four Seasons Private Residences around the world, including properties in London, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Dubai, Austin and Marrakech. “Our standalone residential offerings present a unique opportunity to live with Four Seasons in destinations that are appealing to luxury homeowners outside the walls of our hotels and resorts, while still delivering the exceptional care and service to residents that is core to our brand,” says Bart Carnahan, President, Global Business Development and Portfolio Management, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. “This new project in Las Vegas is the perfect addition.”

As a standalone property, the community in Las Vegas offers even more privacy and exclusivity to residents. And because it’s managed by an expert Four Seasons team, you can expect the highest calibre of comfort and care. It’s worry-free homeownership at its most intuitive, coupled with premier amenities and exceptional Four Seasons service whenever you need it.

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The Art of Heli-Hopping

Posted on by Alycee Byrd

Some adventures can only be reached from the sky: Soar over the Andes mountains to discover remote historical sites, catch world-class waves off the coast of Bali, hop over snow-covered peaks in the Alps. The best way to reach new heights? A private helicopter.

Increasingly popular and prized for their privacy and the ease they offer, helicopters offer a convenient way to do more in less time, plus easy access to hard-to-reach destinations. We’ve rounded up some of the once-in-a-lifetime experiences that can only be enjoyed by helicopter. From Bogotá to Bali, follow our guide to take flight.

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Get A Bird’s-Eye View of Colombian Culture

According to legend, a mythical Muisca king covered himself with gold dust and plunged from a raft into the emerald waters of Lake Guatavita as a tribute to the gods. He was rewarded with an empire of gold, and the story grew into the myth of El Dorado. The lake – tucked away in the Andes mountains – is a long way from Colombia’s capital by car, but easily accessible by air. On an excursion offered exclusively to guests of Four Seasons Hotel Casa Medina Bogotá, set out to discover the ancient site. Your private Bell 206 L3 helicopter will soar over the lake and then land at the Zipaquira Salt Cathedral. Built in the tunnels of an old salt mine, the church was recently declared “the First Wonder of Colombia.”

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A helicopter ride also serves as your introduction to the Kogi community, hidden high in the forests of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains. Depart from Four Seasons Hotel Bogotá and head deep into the mountains, where you’ll catch a glimpse of the imposing platforms and circular terraces of Ciudad Perdida – the Lost City – built by the Tayrona people around AD 800. When you arrive in Mulkuakungui Village, you’ll meet the Kogi, an indigenous community whose rich culture and traditions have remained unchanged for centuries. After a morning spent learning about their customs, rituals and lifestyle, board the helicopter for your return to the Hotel. Along the way, detour to Mirador de la Reserva Natural for a guided tour of the reserve’s dramatic landscape. It’s a journey you’ll never forget. “Being a part of these cultural immersion experiences allows guests to really take in what Colombia has to offer in a short amount of time, maximizing truly local experiences and unparalleled views, both bundled in Colombian hospitality and Four Seasons luxury,” says General Manager Mark Bingle.

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Propel Yourself to the Best Waves

Bali is a surfing magnet – some of the best waves in the world can be found off its shores. Skip the most crowded surf spots with a day trip to Grajagan Bay for the place known to surfers worldwide as G-Land. A helicopter gets you there in a fraction of the time it would take by boat, so you can catch more waves. A bonus: You’ll enjoy unforgettable aerial views of Bali, Java and East Java National Park.

From Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay, join a Tropicsurf guide aboard a private chopper and head out to G-Land’s left-hand break, a bucket-list surf spot thanks to its ultra-fast, heart-thumping tubes. The remote location means the water is uncrowded and your wave count high, so experienced surfers can catch wave after wave with virtually no competition. Not a pro? Tropicsurf can help beginners dive into more mellow, playful waves and offer coaching to help them reach the next level. “Whether you’re a surfer or spectator, G-Land is a magical place for a day trip,” says General Manager Uday Rao. “While the surfers make the most of their time in the water, non-surfers can watch the action from the pristine beaches and explore the coastline and wildlife of the national park.”

Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay

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Take Your Game to New Heights in the Alps

Hop on a helicopter for an all-access pass to some of the best ski slopes. After trying the best runs near Four Seasons Hotel Megève, take a short flight to nearby resorts like Chamonix, Courchevel and Val d’Isère to experience a variety of ski terrains – plus breathtaking views of Mont Blanc and the surrounding mountains, a treat for both skiers and photographers.

As part of the Hotel’s Ski Safari package, the Ski Concierge will tailor your itinerary according to the weather and snow conditions, and can also arrange dogsled rides, snowmobile rides or snowshoeing walks. “Our heli-safaris offer a very unique way to discover the Mont Blanc area,” says General Manager Stephane Gras. “Based on the success of the ski version in winter, we have also developed a golf version for summertime, when we take our guests to the most famous courses in the region.”

Heli-golf excursions provide easy access to the greens at Mont d’Arbois Golf Course in Megève as well as Alpine courses in Evian or Esery. With expert coaching from the Hotel’s in-house Golf Valet or a pro from the Golf Academy, your trip will hit a hole in one.

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Elevate Your Golf Game on Maui

All good golfers know it’s important to get the lie of the land before taking your putt. The best way to get a look at the course? By helicopter. Join a pro for an aerial tour of Wailea Golf Course, set on the foothills of the dormant Mount Haleakala, with wide fairways and strategically placed bunkers – plus stunning ocean views and natural features like lush Hawaiian landscaping and lava rocks – before teeing off.

At Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, your day begins with breakfast and a drink from the Bloody Mary bar. After your private helicopter ride over the course, a local pro will fit you with a putter and join you on the greens. You’ll enjoy private tee times and a golf intermezzo after the ninth hole. Afterwards, return to the Resort and head immediately to the Spa for a massage designed to ease the muscles you’ve been using.

Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea

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Tee Time: Our Top U.S. Golf Destinations

Posted on by Austin Morton

“Golf is the greatest excuse in the world to hang out with people I love, enjoying incredible scenery – and you can play at age 5 and 95,” says Dan Budzius, who discovered his passion for the game as a 5-year-old growing up in Illinois. He’s been a PGA Professional for more than 30 years and is also the general manager of Troon North Golf Club – which offers special access to guests of Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North.

Here, Budzius reveals the courses he thinks every golfer should play, from Scottsdale to Orlando, as well as some of his favourite spots off the green.

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golf course in Orlando, Florida

Photo courtesy of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

ON THE GREEN: A COURSE TO RIVAL DISNEY

“You can fall out of bed at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World® Resort and it’s literally 300 yards to the golf course,” Budzius says of the Resort’s Tranquilo Golf Club, which was designed by Tom Fazio and is also an Audubon sanctuary, replete with shimmering wetlands. “The hospitality of
Four Seasons extends to the course – lots of daily fee courses don’t offer complimentary bottled water and fruit anymore, but they do, along with Titleist
Pro V1 golf balls at the driving range, the best quality range balls you can get.”

OFF THE GREEN: HIGH-FLYING THRILLS

Budzius last visited in January for the PGA show, one of the biggest golf trade shows on earth. “You’re in the middle of Disney World, so you don’t have to go far for entertainment and dining,” he says. His recommendation: the fresh catch and oysters on the roof at Capa and a ride on Space Mountain – the roller coaster was designed with the assistance of a NASA astronaut in 1975 and still thrills today. “It’s the ride you want to go on over and over again.”

Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World® Resort

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TPC Four Seasons Las Colinas is a treat for professional and recreational players alike.

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The Dallas skyline at night.

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The course was originally designed by Jay Morrish in 1982, with input from player consultants Byron Nelson and Ben Crenshaw.

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A shot of the 16th hole at TPC Four Seasons Las Colinas.

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Golf is a game best enjoyed with those you love, says PGA Pro Dan Budzius.

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Scenes from TPC Four Seasons Las Colinas.

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ON THE GREEN: SOUTHWESTERN CHARM

Budzius’s go-to golf course in Dallas is the 18-hole, par-70 TPC Four Seasons Las Colinas course at Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas. “It was one of the best stops on the Byron Nelson PGA tournament, a beautiful course in Irving, a suburb of Dallas,” he says. “It’s between Dallas and Fort Worth, which means you get to explore both authentic cowboy culture and the glitz and glamour of the big city. Plus, you’ll hear some of the best country music on earth.”

OFF THE GREEN: MARIACHI AND MORE

His favourite place to head for a meal when he’s in town: Joe T. Garcia’s, in Fort Worth, which has been family-owned since opening in 1935. “They’re known for tacos and burritos, but there’s a line out the door every Friday and Saturday night,” he says. “They have the greatest margaritas in the world and authentic live music, like mariachi bands.”

Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas

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view from a green at Ridge Castle Pines

Photo courtesy of The Ridge at Castle Pines

ON THE GREEN: MOUNTAIN VIEWS

Just 25 miles south of Four Seasons Hotel Denver, The Ridge at Castle Pines North is another one of Budzius’s preferred places to play. “It’s an immaculately manicured course designed by Tom Weiskopf, and you can see Pikes Peak, Devils Head and Mount Evans from the green.” In the winter, Budzius says, herds of elk often frequent the course. “They shy away during the warmer months, but in winter they just roam.”

OFF THE GREEN: SKI AND SPA

When he’s not teeing off at The Ridge, Budzius can be found skiing the 2,465 acres of terrain at Copper Mountain, 75 miles west of the city. “The mountains aren’t too far from Denver, so you have some of the greatest skiing in the world at your fingertips.” Back at Four Seasons Hotel Denver, the 10-treatment room Spa awaits to soothe tired muscles. Opt for the Evergreen Massage, which uses heated oils from indigenous evergreen trees – like lodgepole pine and blue spruce – for a deep-tissue massage.

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Troon North Golf Club is home to two celebrated 18-hole courses, Monument and Pinnacle.

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The rugged desert landscape and distinct elevation changes are part of what makes playing at Troon North so enjoyable, Budzius says.

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Golfers tee off at hole 15 on the Monument course.

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When Budzius isn’t golfing, he enjoys breaking a sweat at nearby Camelback Mountain.

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A view of Echo Canyon Trail on Camelback Mountain.

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The Monument course at Troon North was conceived by legendary golfer Tom Weiskopf.

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ON THE GREEN: HIGH-TECH AMENITIES

But Budzius says it’s hard to top his current home turf, Troon North Golf Club, just minutes from Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North. “It’s honestly two of the best desert golf courses that you’ll see here in the Southwest or anywhere in the world,” he says. “There’s typically beautiful desert on both sides of the holes, with huge rocks and distinct elevation changes.” And though you’re playing a centuries-old game, at Troon North you can expect 21st-century amenities: “Our golf carts have GPS that will give you exact yardage to the pin. Or you can order off the food and beverage menu and have it delivered to your exact location.”

OFF THE GREEN: LIVE MUSIC AND DESERT HIKES

Thursday nights are beloved at the club’s Dynamite Grille, thanks to live music and delicious barbecue. “The chef smokes unbelievable brisket, and the sliders are phenomenal as well,” Budzius says. The area’s unique landscape also offers ample opportunity for adventure. Budzius enjoys hiking the 2,704-foot-tall Camelback Mountain, about 40 minutes away. “In summer, be sure to go in the early morning when it’s cooler, but in high season it’s great all day. If you go all the way up and back, it’s as good a workout as you could ever get, with beautiful rock formation views to boot.”

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The Best Golf Courses in Asia: From Singapore to Shenzhen

Posted on by Larry Olmsted

Golfers travelling throughout the West often take it for granted that luxury resorts offer access to quality golf courses, an amenity as common in some regions as spas or swimming pools. But this has not been the case in many parts of the world—until now.

Golf is booming in areas relatively new to the sport, especially across Asia. According to the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, an organization known globally as the keepers of the game, there are more courses currently under development and construction in Asia than in any other continent—207 of them, in fact. China and South Korea are seeing the fastest growth, with the latter especially notable for the rapid proliferation of cutting-edge indoor golf simulators in addition to conventional courses.

With the golf boom in full swing (pun intended), we’ve found the best golf courses in Asia for lovers of the game from beginner to pro.

Seaside perfection in Hong Kong: The Clearwater Bay Golf and Country Club 

It was originally envisioned in the mid-1960s, but it took architects over a decade to transform a rocky, hilly site into the Clearwater Bay Country Club.

Originally envisioned in the mid-1960s, it took architects over a decade to transform a rocky, hilly site in Hong Kong into the Clearwater Bay Country Club. Photography courtesy The Clearwater Bay Golf & Country Club

There are several good golf clubs in Hong Kong, but The Clearwater Bay Club is the most dramatic. Sometimes called “Hong Kong’s Pebble Beach,” thanks to its unrivalled seaside location on a fishhook-shaped peninsula jutting into Clearwater Bay, it’s worth a visit for the views alone.

Most of the highest-ranked courses in Asia are located along this coast, and for good reason. The setting led Asian Golf Monthly to name The Clearwater Bay Golf and Country Club the best course in Hong Kong, while Golf Digest picked two of the holes—the third and 14th—for its list of the 38 best in all of China. The club has more than 3,000 international members from all over the globe, and though the course was built in 1982, it just underwent a renovation of all the greens and is in better shape than ever. It lies roughly a half hour from Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong, and the Concierge would be happy to assist in arranging a tee time.

With rocks and water guarding the right side of the course, the third hole at Clearwater Bay is one of the most picturesque and demanding in Asia.

With rocks and water guarding the right side of the course, the third hole at Clearwater Bay Golf and Country Club in Hong Kong is one of the most picturesque and demanding in Asia. Photography courtesy Tomo Bystedt

The most scenic course in Malaysia: The Els Club Teluk Datai in Langkawi 

One of the most stunning courses in the world, the 6,750-yard course at The Els Club Teluk Datai meanders through centuries-old rain forest down to turquoise waters.

One of the most stunning courses in the world, the 6,750-yard course at The Els Club Teluk Datai meanders through centuries-old rain forest down to turquoise waters. Photography courtesy Els Club Malaysia

Four-time major winner Ernie Els has quietly carved out a niche as one of the world’s best players-turned-designers, with courses around the globe. He recently launched a line of even higher-end golf facilities, the Els Clubs, which reflect his personal taste in everything from clubhouse style to menu. (There are three so far.)

Set within an 8,000-acre (3,200-hectare) nature preserve, The Els Club Teluk Datai was named by the World Golf Awards as Malaysia’s most scenic course immediately upon opening. It runs through ancient rain forest and down to the very edge of the Andaman Sea, where the penultimate hole is the course signature, a par-3 across a rocky ocean inlet.

The course features an abundance of tropical flora, teems with monkeys and is managed by Troon Golf, a worldwide leader in luxury golf service and course maintenance. Carts are included in green fees, and caddies are available as an option. The Concierge at Four Seasons Resort Langkawi is happy to arrange tee times.

The best golf course in Indonesia: Nirwana Bali Golf Club

Flanked by the rolling surf of the Indian Ocean, the 13th hole at Nirwana Bali Golf Club is deceptively difficult.

Flanked by the rolling surf of the Indian Ocean, the 13th hole at Nirwana Bali Golf Club is deceptively difficult. Photography courtesy Pan Pacific Nirwana Bali Resort

To give the top-ranked course in Indonesia a real sense of place, star designer and golf legend Greg Norman used rice paddies for the rough and set three holes on a clifftop overlooking the Indian Ocean. The signature seventh does not merely play across crashing surf, but is also uniquely framed by one of the most important temples on the island, Tanah Lot, rising from a hillside behind the green.

Besides rice paddies, the course includes streams, jungle and ravines, running down to the beach and up to the cliffs. It is one of just 10 courses in all of Asia ranked in the world’s Top 100 by Golf Digest. Caddies help first-time visitors navigate the gorgeous layout, and many players immediately book a second round upon finishing. Located an hour south of Four Season Resort Bali at Sayan, this course is well worth the drive.

Designed by pros in Shenzhen: Mission Hills Shenzhen Golf Club

Mission Hills Shenzhen Golf Club Clubhouse

The 300,00-square-foot Mission Hills Shenzhen Golf Club Clubhouse is the nerve centre of the Mission Hills complex, featuring a pro golf apparel shop, dining facilities, lounges, a foot reflexology centre and a spa. Photography courtesy Mission Hills Golf Club

Bigger is not always better, but at one of the world’s largest golf resorts, Mission Hills in Shenzhen, it is. There are seven world-class courses by top architects and champions here, all within easy reach of Four Seasons Hotel Shenzhen, or as an overnight trip from Hong Kong. Designers include Jack Nicklaus, Pete Dye, Vijay Singh, Jumbo Ozaki, Nick Faldo, Ernie Els and the first Chinese golfer ever to compete at the Masters, Zhang Lianwei.

The Nicklaus-designed World Cup Course, a daunting near–7,300 yards, was the first in China to be accredited by the US PGA Tour to hold major international professional competitions. Tiger Woods to Greg Norman have competed here, and the course hosted the 1995 41st World Cup of Golf.

Among recreational golfers, the Faldo course has proved the most popular at the complex, thanks to its signature island green hole and a secluded location apart from the others. Caddies are available on all Mission Hills courses, and all 2,500 of them happen to be women. Book a tee time through the Concierge at the Hotel, the ideal hub for exploring golf in southern China. 

History and prestige in Japan: Tokyo Golf Club

Tokyo Golf Club Aerial - Course & Bunkers - Hole #17

Alison-designed courses such as the Tokyo Golf Club are noted for their vast, irregularly shaped bunkers dug well below the surface of small, elevated greens. Photography courtesy Tokyo Golf Club

Japan has more courses than any country in Asia, but this is the capital’s oldest and most prestigious club, dating back over a century. With a classic parkland design, its immaculate fairways are flanked by towering red oaks and feature deep, intimidating bunkers. Though it’s not long, there is more than enough challenge here, and the course regularly hosts the Japan Open and Japanese Amateur.

It was originally designed by Scottish Golden Age legend Charles Alison, but his routing was torn up during World War II, and the course was rebuilt differently, with the daunting “Alison bunkers” included to honour the creator’s original layout and style. Located in Sayama, just over an hour from Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi, it’s among the most convenient of all the Tokyo area courses.

Highest ranked course in Singapore: Sentosa Golf Club

Sentosa Golf Club

With its trademark mounds, undulating terrain, and two mammoth lakes, the Serapong Course at Sentosa Golf Club in Singapore is a truly unique golfing experience. Photography courtesy Sentosa Golf Club

The highest-ranked course in the nation and site of the annual Barclays Singapore Open, Sentosa’s Serapong Course is that rare bird, a beautiful oceanfront golf course that is also very easy to reach from the city centre, just 20 minutes from Four Seasons Hotel Singapore.

Renovations for the tournament have stretched it into a 7,300-yard monster from the back, so it is very important to choose the right tees, especially since there are also plenty of water hazards, deep bunkers and undulating fairways. But players who can remain humble when choosing where to play from are rewarded with a fantastic course that plays right to the water’s edge, with dramatic views across to the city’s modern skyline. There are lagoons and inlets throughout, and visitors are constantly reminded they are playing golf on an island. They are also pampered, with a full-service clubhouse, optional caddies and a member-for-a-day experience at Singapore’s premier golf club.

Rain or shine tee time in South Korea: Golf Experience

TrackMan Radar Range

The easy-to-use TrackMan Radar Range is a self-service gaming and practice bay for both indoor and outdoor facilities, and available at Four Seasons Hotel Seoul. Photography courtesy Chris McEniry courtesy TrackMan Golf

South Korea has become the world leader in the use of high-tech indoor golf simulators, and the newest one is the Golf Experience at Four Seasons Hotel Seoul, which brings the world’s greatest courses to life in the beating heart of the vibrant city.

The facility includes five state-of-the-art 3-D hitting screens, each of which combines high-definition footage of iconic courses with the ultra-precise accuracy of the TrackMan, a radar launch monitor derived from military missile tracking technology that is widely considered best in class. The TrackMan reads the spin rate, angle and velocity of the ball coming off the club to compute exactly how far and with what path it would travel in the real world, and moves the player down the virtual fairways accordingly. This is real golf, with full swings and real balls, taken inside, on the 10th floor of the new Hotel. The technology is fun, but it can also be used very effectively for lessons, equipment fitting, posture and alignment, or to test clubs with instant and accurate data feedback.

Designed by golf royalty: Lotus Hill Golf Resort, Guangzhou

Bernhard Langer, Designer of the Course at Lotus Hill Golf Resort in Guangzhou

In 1986 Bernhard Langer, who designed the Lotus Hill Golf Resort in Guangzhou, became the sport’s first player to be officially ranked No. 1. Photography courtesy Keith Allison

This course was designed by Bernhard Langer, the first player ever to be ranked No. 1 in the world, a two-time Masters champion and five-time senior major winner. He does relatively few golf course designs and is known for being very hands-on, and this is one of his best—a parkland routing situated in the Pearl River Delta that manages to include water, in the form of lakes, ponds and creeks, on all but one of its 18 holes.

It features an exciting and memorable three-hole finish, including the signature island green par-3 17th, unlike all others in golf thanks to a massive cliff-like rock formation that towers over the putting surface. With a full-service clubhouse and caddies, Lotus Hill offers a first-rate outing that is only an hour’s drive from Four Seasons Hotel Guangzhou.

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