For this reason, this list is the culmination of personal experience of several golf holidays in Portugal and a variety of forum surveys. The courses chosen are selected for their location, quality of greens & fairways and the sheer variety of game play they can offer through 18 holes of golf.

On a hot summer’s day the 6000 yard Estoril course is an enjoyable treat. The course requires skill around the 18 holes to navigate the well placed bunkers and difficult rough.

The Penha Longa course is finally playing host to the Portugal Open (in 2010) so has been receiving some recent modifications to tighten up the course design. Amateurs will enjoy the scenery around the course as some holes play through ancient ruins.

For fans of links golf for whom budget is not an issue, then the pricey Vale do Lobo Royal and Ocean golf club offers a championship golfing experience. The scenery of the neighboring 5 kilometer beach complements the well kept fairways and greens throughout the courses 18 holes.

Many day-trippers from Lisbon gravitate to the challenging Praia Del Rey. This is one of the newer links-style courses that provide a combination of forested fairways with ocean views and some holes with unforgiving bunkers and dunes waiting to punish errant shots.

A great many golfers will base themselves in Vilamoura town for their golf break. The highlight of such a stay would have to be playing the Vilamoura Old Course. The course has an array of trees running the length of some fairways, placed there to capture poorly placed drives and channel the gusting winds around greens. As one of the older courses in the area it probably has the smoothest & fastest greens in the region.

Given the range of courses in Portugal, and the proliferation of clubs in the Algarve, a top 5 list of courses will always be quite subjective. Hopefully this list gives you food for thought about your next golf break.

Looking for European golfing breaks? For the perfect golf holiday, the Algarve, Estoril and the other Portuguese regions have it all. Visit the Golf Holidays Portugal website to learn more.

This resort town is seeing a resurgence in popularity of late principally for the fact that it has held on to its old style charm and not given in to the waves of fast-food restaurants and caf bars. This factor has drawn in Irish & foreign visitors looking for a more traditional Irish experience.

The brunt of tourism to the area is drawn to the family-friendly beach and secondly to the local golf courses.

The central focus of the town in summer is the main beach. It is a family friendly beach with plenty of space and good quality sand. The local surf school has become popular in recent years offering equipment rental and surfing lessons for all levels (the waves are not particularly high so it is an ideal spot for beginners).

When the beach is crowded in summer, many visitors partake of the enjoyable cliff walk to take in the sea views and also visit some of the other beaches in the area. The ‘Nuns’ beach, with its overlooking nunnery, is a particularly nice spot for whiling away a relaxing summers day.

Ballybunion Golf Club, which consists of the Old Course and The Cashen course, is renowned as one of the most prestigious golf courses in Ireland, regularly making the top 25 courses in the world according to most golf magazines (and certainly in the top 5 of the world links-style courses). This links-style course was founded in 1893 and has panoramic views on all holes out across the Atlantic Ocean. Prices can fluctuate depending on the time of year and booking ahead is certainly recommended during summer. As is bringing good protective waterproof clothing!

Possibly the most famous visitor to Ballybunion has been former president, and golf enthusiast, Bill Clinton who played a round of golf here in 1998. The town was so proud of this fact that a statue now appears in the town main street of Mr. Clinton teeing off.

The town’s remote location does however result in a lack of Ballybunion hotels and guesthouse options. This has been touted as a principal reason why the Irish Open Golf Championship has not been played there. As a result, many visitors base themselves in hotels in the nearby towns around Kerry, Clare and the Dingle Peninsula.

In summertime the town and surrounding area has a number of festivals and fares which are well worth visiting. Details are usually available from your hotel or from the Ballybunion tourist office (located on the main street).

Visit the Ballybunion Hotels HQ website for independent advice about hotels, amenities, day trips and Ballybunion Golf Club

This list brings together courses from all corners of Portugal rather than just focus in on the Algarve region. As air travel and city breaks become more economical the Estoril and west coast area around Lisbon is fast becoming a golfing hot-spot.

Praia D’El Rey: Just a short drive from Lisbon, this tough links course provides challenges on each hole. Some are wide open to the Atlantic Ocean breezes. Others are partly sheltered by forestation. The quality of the greens throughout is consistent and this makes for a great setting on a summers days.

Porto Santo: Host to the 2008 Madeira Open, this course winds its way around the tropical island through a variety picturesque golf holes. The main challenge is not being distracted by the steep cliffs and trying to predict how the swirling wind will catch high-flying shots.

Monte Rei: Fans of Jack Nicklaus will savor playing this course on the East Algarve. Jack designed this course to make best use of the hilly terrain and it proves to be a tough course to play, even from the short tees.

Quinta do Lago: This estate sports 2 golf course, both of which regularly make the top 25 of courses in Europe. The one to play though is the links-style south course with its Atlantic views (and consequently, breezes) and well aged greens and fairways.

Parque Da Floresta: This is partly notable as being the most westerly course in Portugal. But once played, it will be the memory of how the courses 18 holes run along a steep hillside with magnificent views that will remain with you.

When it comes to having perfect golf holidays Portugal has the sun and scenery to complement the great courses that have sprung up over the past two decades. All holidaying golfers should make a point of including some of the above ‘showcase’ golf clubs as while the green fees can head north of 100 Euro, they are each memorable and at a par with many of the great championship courses around Europe.

Discover golf holidays in Portugal. For the perfect golfing holiday Algarve, Estoril and the other Portuguese regions have it all.

In the past thirty years the Portuguese golfing industry has really taken off and is finally maturing with a number of regions containing excellent golf resorts and a high caliber of courses to play.

The main golfing holiday regions are centered on the Lisbon region in the south west, the Algarve region in the south, the island of Madeira and the Oeste region.

Lisbon and the Estoril coast region offers the fullest range of accommodation price-wise, combined with the wonderful backdrop of the Sintra mountain range. Combine this with an array of dining options that you’d expect from a modern European capital.

For some, the Algarve region is the real home of Portuguese golf given its warm climate (making it an ideal year-round location) and the standard of resorts, villas, restaurants and golf clubs. Western Algarve has the added challenge of Atlantic breezes to contend with so clubs like the scenic Boavista, the Penina Championship Course and the two Oceanico courses (designed by Nick Faldo & Christy O’Connor) provide real golfing challenges.

Of all its areas, the courses and range of hotels around Vilamoura are some of the most popular – quite justifiably given the beauty of the region and standard of courses and hotels that are available.

The island of Madeira is something different in terms of golf holidays Portugal has on offer. Its location, 500 kilometers west of the Portuguese coast in the Atlantic Ocean, is something that could put some golfers off.

The Santo da Serra is a 27-hole course that can be played in 3 combinations which does offer some variation in the courses played. For most golfers though, it is the wonderful scenery that is a backdrop to the golf clubs that offers a unique golfing experience. Steep mountains cliffs surround the island and its isolation makes for a unique laid back atmosphere.

The one region that is lagging behind the others is the Oeste region which doesn’t have the championship clubs and plush resorts found elsewhere. But if you are seeking some tranquility then the pleasant golf clubs, scenic drives and charming villages could make for a relaxing golfing break.

On the subject of green fees, the cost can vary widely across the country. Expect to pay a minimum of 50 Euro for a regular quality course in low season and around 80 to 90 Euro during the high season (July & August).

The majority of courses can be booked online and it is highly recommended to book in advance. Dress codes are usually informal but it is worth checking club websites online.

Looking for European golfing breaks? For the perfect golf holiday Algarve, Estoril and the other Portuguese regions have it all. Visit the Golf Holidays In Portugal Guide to learn more.

So you have finally bought that brand new spanking set of golf clubs. You are raring to go out to the course and strut your stuff. But wait, aren’t we forgetting something? That’s right; you need something to fit your golf clubs in! Now you are not going to hand carry all your golf clubs around the course are you?

There are a variety of golf travel cases you can choose from when it comes to fitting your golf clubs in. Choosing the right one for you is important because buying a golf bag that is ill-fitted for your golf gear could mean possible damage to it if you have problems fitting them in. Or it might get knocked around easily. So what kind of golf bags should you look for to ensure that this doesn’t happen?

First off, there are a huge variety of brands you can choose from when it comes to golf travel cases. If you have the budget and are carrying expensive golf gear, then you definitely want to invest in something that has lots of room space and especially sturdy. Most golf-stores would have these in stock and you can ask the salesperson for a hard-sided golf travel case. These golf bags pack plenty of space and can hold up against rough handling (don’t go out of your way to test that though!). Even in airports where your luggage may be thrown about pretty roughly, it can still take quite a beating.

For those of you who are just casual golfers and have the standard golf clubs set, then investing in something cheaper would make sense. You don’t need a hardcore super expensive golf travel case, but something that holds enough space for all your golf clubs and accessories (this is an important point most golfers gloss over). The soft-sided golf travel cases will work just fine. Take note though, they are not as resilient when it comes to standing up against hard knocks. So be extra careful when carrying your golf bag around.

So there you have it, some quick tips and information you can use the next time you are out shopping for golf travel cases. Remember that there is no one golf bag that will meet every golfers needs. Assess your requirements and then select the most suitable golf bag for yourself.

There are many golf course scattered across Ireland including the Ballybunion Golf Club in Ballybunion, Co. Kerry, Ireland which was founded in 1893. The designer of the course was Tom Watson. The championship length of the course is six thousand six hundred and thirty eight yards. The course has seventy one pars in all. This particular golf course is extremely popular with golf enthusiasts all round for world and is even rated as one of the ten best golf courses in the world.

Located in Drogheda, Ireland is the Baltary Golf Club which is one of the most popular golf courses in all of the Ireland. The course is extremely popular among the locals. This course was founded in 1892 but the layout was changed in 1938. This golf course was designed by Tom Simpson. This golf course is a seventy three par course that consists of seven thousand and thirty one yards. The golf course can be found five miles north of Dublin and just five miles northeast of Drogheda.

Ireland also has the Castlerock Golf Club which is located in Castlerock, Co. Derry, Ireland. The golf course was founded in 1901. The course was designed by Harry Colt and Ben Sayers. The seventy three par course spans an area of six thousand seven hundred and forty seven yards in all. This golf course is found just a few minutes away from Portstewart and Royal Portrush. This is one of the most classic courses in all of Ireland which sits amid towering dunes.

The European Club Golf Club which is one of the newest golf clubs in Ireland was founded in 1993. The golf course was signed by Pat Ruddy. The course which is located in Brittas Bay, Co. Wicklow, Ireland is a seventy one par course which consists of seven thousand one hundred and forty nine total yards. The popularity of this course has increase greatly in a short period of time and is one of the finest links golf courses in all of Ireland.

Founded in 1997 the Old Head of Kinsale Golf Club is one of the newest golf courses in all of Ireland. The course can be found in Old Head, Kinsale, Co. Cork, Ireland. The course was designed by R. Kirby, J. Carr, P. Merrigan and E. Hackett. This seventy two par course consists of seven thousand one hundred and twenty one yards. Many people believe this is the most remarkable golf courses to ever be created in golf history.

The Royal Dublin Golf Club is a seven two par course that was founded in 1889. The course which consists of seven thousand three hundred and ten yards was designed by H.S. Colt. This is the second oldest golf course in all of Ireland. It is also among the list of the greatest Irish links courses. The course is located in Dollymount just about five miles northeast of Dublin City on the costal road to Howth.

The golf courses Ireland are known throughout the globe, from ancient golf stories to traditional golf drinks Ireland is immersed with golfing love. Find out more about golf on GolfCocktail.com

Contrary to popular belief around the globe, Hawaii does not only attract beach lovers but golf huggers, too. Hawaii offers more than 100 golf destinations especially in cities where you can choose more such as Honolulu, Kailua Kona, Oahu and Ewa Beach. While there are so many to select from, knowing the top sites would surely help you in having the best golf traveling vacation ever.

Named by the Golf Digest as the #1 Golf Course in Oahu, ranked 7th in Golflink.com as part of the 2008′ s “Top 100 United States Golf Courses”, rated in Golf Magazine’s “Top 100 Places You Can Play” and tagged as “The World’s Most Challenging Gold Course”, Ko’olau Golf Club presents a slope rating of 155 plus, 200-acre course, which was carved out of 1,500 acres of rainforest in 1991. Located just over the Pali Highway from Honolulu, the 20-minute drive can lead you to a spectacular view of the luscious forest, tropical green terrain, and majestic mountains of Hawaii. The 18-hole Ko’olau is a par 72 course at 7,310 yards, which features a course rating of 74.4 and a slope rating of 158 on Bahia grass. Declared by USGA (United States Golf Association) as the toughest course in the United States, Ko’olau Golf Club also offers challenging golf courses for all skill levels.

Another golf piece of Oahu is the Makaha Resort & Golf Club. Better known as “Makaha West,” this golf course has also been listed in 2002 as one of the “Places to Play” by Golf Magazine. It was also named by Honolulu Magazine as Oahu’s number one golf course. A few minutes from Honolulu, situated in the stunning Makaha Valley, surrounding Wai’anae Mountains, this resort also provides a 7,022-yard, 18-hole, 72 par championship golf course rated 73.2 by USGA. More than the course itself, guests and professionals can enjoy the classic, fresh looking valley, and the extraordinary scenery of the Pacific Ocean. Amateurs can avail of group or private golf training from PGA experts. Visitors can go for the cart access to all fairways, the driving range, and pro shop wherein you can purchase gold apparel and accessories, and rent shoes and clubs.

Golf Magazine included Hapuna Golf Course in its “Gold Medal Resorts” list in 1998. It was also ranked as the “Best Public Course” in 1995-1996 and placed 11th in 1997-1998. The USGA labeled Hapuna Golf Course as “The Course of the Future” in 1997 and rated as one of the most environmentally sensitive golf courses, not mentioning its 75th rank in Conde Nast Traveller’s “Top 100 Golf Resorts” in 2006. Over a decade ago since it opened, this 18-hole, par 72, 6,875 yards golf course, nestled 700 feet above sea level in the Big Island, has continued to deliver a “nature-filled” golf experience. It also offers a One Day Golf School program to let you enhance your skills and get acquainted with its golfing landscape.

After a review of some of Hawaii’s top golf courses, it will surely bring a dream golf experience combined with nature’s gifts. For avid golfers out there, taking a trip to Hawaii will definitely make you want for more inspiring holes.

Having a good golf travel case is beneficial for every golfer. The case must be fit to store their clubs and must be handy for their caddies.

Golf travel case comes in many sizes, designs and colors. If you are a lady golfer, a light-weight one is the right for you. But if you are a male golfer a bulky one is a practical choice. The choice of design and appearance is likewise gender-based. A dark-colored, golf case is right for a man while a trendy, flashy one is a good choice for a woman.

Another type of golf travel case that has become very fashionable is the Pencil bags or the Sunday bags. Designed thinner and lighter than the carry bag, this bag can hold up to 14 clubs.

Though many golfers nowadays have opted to mechanize the way they take their golf clubs and tools, it is still thrilling to do golfing the traditional way. In addition, using carry bags and cases allows you to tone your physical state a bit further which is one of the chief reasons why you play golf.

There are a variety of golf travel bags to select from, depending on the needs and wants of the golfer. The first type is elastic travel golf bags. The advantages of elastic travel bags are that they are usually lighter and more compact. These types of golf travel bags are great for people traveling by car. For people traveling by air it is generally advisable to travel with hard golf travel cases. These cases will protect the golf clubs all through the course of the trip and survive the abuse that comes to any baggage as a result of air travel.

Golf clubs are without a question, a golfer’s most precious asset while traveling on a golf vacation; their golf travel bag should and normally is their next most valuable possession on their golf vacation. Selecting the bag that is just right will make all the difference in a golf vacation.

If you are planning to be one of those avid golfers who often travel in search of the perfect golf course, it is high recommended that you invest in a good set of golf travel case. Golf travel cases basically come in two basic styles, the soft shell travel case that is well suited for short distance travel and the hard shell design that is designed for long distance and air travel.

Golf travel bags are usually much more expensive compared to normal golf cases due to the extra resources needed to fortify the bag. Whether you have a set of expensive golf clubs or a set of entry-level clubs, it is always a good idea to invest in a good golf travel case as they prevent damages to your clubs during travel and also make them last longer.

The price of golf travel cases can range from seventy dollars to thousands of dollars. On average, a high quality soft-shelled golf travel case from a reputable manufacturer would set you bet about $100. They usually come with a sling strap, additional external pockets with zippers for extra storage and roller wheels. You can easily fit your golf bags into these travel cases due to its soft shell, which offers greater flexibility. Soft-shelled travel cases are best suited for short distance and road travel.

On the other hand, we have the sturdier hard casing golf travel case. These cases have a hard exterior usually made of plastics and is heavily padded on the insides, offering maximum protection. They come in a variety of sizes that carry a large range or price tags too. Hard cases usually cost anything from two hundred to four hundred dollars per piece. If you often travel with an expensive set of golf clubs, you should definitely get your hands on a good travel case.

Recently, a new design of golf travel cases has been introduced to the market. They are called hybrid travel cases. These golf travel cases are designed to offer maximum protection for your golf clubs and yet, retain the versatility of a regular golf bag. They are usually have a hard outer shell and generally made of lightweight materials.

Many golfers are now resorting to using golf travel cases to store their golf clubs regardless of whether they travel often with them or not. This is becoming an increasingly popular trend for the simple fact that golf travel cases offer better protection for your golf clubs.

You may be living just 10 minutes away from your favorite golf course but a weekly 10-minute vibration of your golf clubs in your car trunk would surely take its toll after a few years. They may be costlier than regular golf bags but it will be well worth the investment as they would make your golf equipment last longer. That is why more and more people are using golf travel cases to store their golf clubs.

Golf travel cases come in a wide variety of colors and designs. Whether you are looking for a classic design or a more edgy style, there are no shortage of choices when it come to personalizing your golf bag. Due to their hard casing and heavy padding, golf travel cases are usually much more durable than regular golf bags.

With the amount of choices available out there, there bound to be some buys that are better than others. Generally, you would want to get your hands on a travel case that has a good balance between function and design.

If you travel often, it would be great to get yourself a lightweight model. If you prefer to travel with your whole golf set, it would be best to get a travel case that can fit your whole travel bag inside for convenience. If you would like to just bring a few of your favorite clubs with you, there are mini golf travel cases that are design to snugly fit three to six clubs for light traveling.

Like for many consumer items, the internet is the best place for you to hunt down the best bargains when it comes to golf travel cases. You can easily browse through the various features of different travel case models and choose the best one. You can also check out golfing forums to find more information and to look out for reviews written by real customers who have purchased and used a certain model.