Golf Tourism as a Way to Travel |ADDICTED

Golf is attracting more and more (young) people. Whether that’s due to people recognizing its value as a socially distanced outdoor activity, Netflix’s hit series Full Swing, or the latest craze with the sport’s fashion aesthetic isn’t entirely clear. But the fact is, the sport has an estimated reach of 119 million, with over one-third of the U.S. population older than five having played the game in 2022.

But what does the sport have to do with travel? The simple fact is that golf tourism is attracting travellers’ interest due to the activity’s rising popularity.

So, can golf tourism become the new in-vogue way to travel? Absolutely. And if you’re looking for your next dream vacation, consider combining the pleasure of exploring exciting locations with the opportunity to practice your swing and keep in shape.

Guest post by Sarah Kaminski

The Benefits of Golfing as Your Go-To Activity

If you’ve never golfed, the activity may seem a bit underwhelming. After all, what’s so great about trying to hit a ball with a stick and make it go into a hole?

But here’s the deal. In addition to being utterly addictive and exciting, the game also offers considerable health benefits. Research has found that golfers have a 40% lower mortality rate compared to non-golfers. (That probably has something to do with all that walking and spending time outdoors.)

Moreover, as a physical activity, golf offers considerable mental health benefits. It’s a sport performed outside, meaning it can help decrease anxiety. It’s a great exercise in focus as players need to focus on a physically and mentally challenging task. It’s a great way to spend time with friends. As an activity that engages muscles in the back, chest, and legs, golf is an excellent alternative (or, better yet, supplement) to gym sessions.

Top Golf Tourism Destinations

Have the benefits of golfing got you considering golf tourism as a way to travel? If that’s the case, it’s not a bad idea to familiarize yourself with the top golfing destinations.

Scotland is one of the best places to travel if you want to combine sports with pleasure. Famously, the country is ripe with architectural and natural gems. The Old Course at St Andrews is also considered one of the oldest courses in the world, with historical mentions of the game ranging back to the 15th century.

If you want to explore the Continent, Portugal is another excellent destination to add to your bucket list. Not only is it an affordable place to visit, but the country also offers the perfect combination of history, cuisine, culture, and some of the world’s best beaches.

Finally, don’t feel like golf tourism requires you to travel overseas. The U.S. and Canada both have plenty of gem courses. And even if you’re limited by budget, you’re still likely to find a driving range close to your home, giving you the option to do something exciting without breaking the bank.

Prepare for Your Golfing Vacation

If you’ve decided to plan your next trip around a couple of games of golf, it’s essential that you are well-prepared.

For one, make sure you research the courses at your destination. Ideally, you want great views and amenities. However, it’s also important that you feel challenged and enjoy the physical aspect of playing the eighteen holes.

Secondly, consider the question of equipment. If you’re taking your own, it needs to be in top form. For your gear, check for defects. And if you’re going to take your golf cart with you, make sure that you’ve done any necessary maintenance.

If you’re trying to travel light (or are going overseas), be open to renting clubs at your destination. Sure, they may not be your trusty set. But consider it an opportunity to try out some new equipment or accessories you could add to your collection back home.

Finally, if you’re not a seasoned pro (or are new to golfing), consider practicing (or taking a few lessons) at home before you leave for your destination. Remember, many courses, especially in Europe, won’t allow you to play unless you hold the required licenses. And some may even be too challenging if you’re out of shape. So make sure you know what you’re signing yourself up to and be prepared. That way, your vacation will be a source of enjoyment instead of a series of stressful events.

If you’re searching for exciting new ways to travel in 2023 and beyond, golf tourism may be the perfect option.

However, if going on the green isn’t your preferred way of spending a few hours, you can still make your holiday active and exciting. Watersports, hiking, and skiing are always great ways to add a bit of physical activity to your travels. And if you prefer more elevated experiences that don’t necessarily require you to break a sweat, consider booking a visit to the theatre, enrolling in a local cuisine cooking class, or treating yourself to a luxurious massage at a local wellness center.