[Jack Marr]

What would you say is the world's greatest golf destination, in terms of architecture, scenery, ambience... what ever you choose to judge it on?

America, for example, is too big to be judged as just one destination, clearly, as is Europe and Earth.

[Brian Phillips]

Jack,

That is a wonderful question.  

Some would say Sand Hills for the complete relaxation yet near perfect architecture.

Others may say St. Andrews for it's history and old courses.

Forrest Richardson would probably say Cypress Point because that is a course he admires and loves to study.

I love North Berwick for the relaxed attitude yet respect for golf the town seems to have something that is missing in St. Andrews.  They seem to have sold their soul in that town.  As one local said to me, 'if wasn't for people like you Brian (tourist) then my yearly pass would cost a lot more than £120.

If I had a private jet and could fly into Sand Hills at will then Sand Hills it would be.

I am quite happy with North Berwick at the moment though!

Brian.

[Chip Royce]

I'd have to say Dornoch.

The area radiates a calmness that perhaps can only be achieved by sequestering yourself in such a quiet little corner of the world. The beautiful views, combined with excellent golf at surrounding venues, suggests that one sets up shop there for 7 days and enjoys the local scenery for the entire stay.

[A_Clay_Man]

Perhaps each continent could have it's own winner. For sure nothing can beat the Monterey Peninsula for all categories and for all pocketbooks.(ok most)

I'll assume the firth of fourth and Melbourne for two more continents but alas I never like leaving home soil.

[Paul Lorenzen]

That 25 mile radius around Times Square is a pretty decent destination.

[Robert Kimball]

Kiawah Island!!!!!!!!

[Bob_Huntley]

Chip Royce.

I had this out once before with my good friend, Rihc Goodale.

He did agree with me, that as Dornoch is on the same degree of latitude as Moscow, then some winter months might be a little unsuitable for enjoyable golf.

[ForkaB]

Bob

You're not trying to wrest the "Homer of the Year" award away from me, are you?

[Slag Bandoon]

GCA.com  of course.    

 Bootlicker Bandoon

 "Thinking is the best way to travellllllllllll."  The Moody Blues

In that vein, I nominate days of future past as the best destination.

[Jack Marr]

The amount of quality courses you could play if you were staying in Edinburgh makes it a contender for me. (It would not be fair for me to pick Ireland for reasons of objectivity)

[tmb]

The West Coast Golf Links in Ireland come to mind. The courses, the ambience of the Irish people and the unending list of charming villages all make for a consideration to this list.

[Bob_Farrell]

I'd agree with Paul Lorenzen but increase the radius to 70 miles. You can get everything you want out of the game in this area.

A_Clay_Man has a valid argument too.

But in the same vein, if you're talking about areas with courses that you can gain access to, and reasonably, I'd have to opt for the shire of Lothian (Muirfield, Gullane, North Berwick, etc.)


BF

[Mike Vegis @ Kiawah]

Thanks, Rob... Check's in the mail!  You'll be interested to know that I was speaking to a former UPI photographer the other day and he heard Johnny Miller say the same thing...  Just wait until our new Hotel is done!

[rpurd]

I think the northern half of Ireland would be a great place to end up.  A lot of great golf courses........where you can actually walk!  A close 2nd would definitely be Long Island.....look at all the great courses of different varieties you have!

[Shane Gurnett]

Guys, c'mon get serious.

Melbourne, Australia has no peer as a golfing destination. Quality architecture, affordability (especially with those $US), accessability, 365 days a year playability. What more do you want?

Weren't you all watching the Heineken at Royal Melbourne on the weekend. Its just the tip of the iceberg...

[Forrest Richardson]

I'm not sure I'd say Cypress Point Club as it is so very restricted. I believe my vote would go to St. Andrews. Why? Well here is some proof as written well before out time, in 1874, by a well-known scholar, Lord Cockburn:

The ‘natives’ have a pleasure of their own which is as much the staple of the place as old colleges and churches are. This is golfing which is here not a mere pastime, but a business and a passion, and has for ages been so, owning probably to their admirable links. There is a pretty large set who do nothing else, who begin in the morning and stop only for dinner; and who, after practising the game in the sea breeze, discuss
it all night. Their talk is of holes.

[Harley Kruse]

How does this sound?

Playing some of the best courses in golf (famous classic ones of the golden era, several  exceptional new links courses, and others of equal merit), picking up some world class bottles of wine from the cellar doors of  multitude of wineries, or better still drinking the wine matched with food made by international and local chefs who claim the produce from here  is by far the best in the world.

When not golfing catch an early morning ride on one of the surf breaks on one of many  white sandy beaches or catch fish nearby in the bay.

This is all with 1.5 hours of an International Airport and a modern sophisticated city which is  famous for golf courses and golf events and also for  hosting the country’s biggest horse racing carnival,  a Formula 1 race, a tennis major,  and  an International cricket test match each year.

This is a place where you get three times more for your  English pound or nearly twice for your US dollar.

Is this the best golfing destination in the world? Yes.

Is one of the best places to live in the world? Yes

And the place is………….?

[Justin hanrahan]

Well said, Harley

Am I biased? Absolutely!

I've tried and loved a few other locations, but for pure value and pleasure, Melbourne is hard to beat.

A tip for the international visitors to Melbourne? If you want to have a hit on a Sandbelt course, get a local voice to help you book your tee-time. You'd be amazed at the premium your accent will bring.

[Bob_Huntley]

Harley.

Apart from the Formula 1 race I'd say the Cape Province of South Africa. They have been growing wines there since 17 nought something. However, no course in South Africa compares to Royal Melbourne.

[John_D._Bernhardt]

There are two destinations which touch the golfer in me like no other on earth. The Monterey Pen. and St. Andrews stand above all the rest in such differnet ways. Monterey Pen has the combination of the great Pebble Beach and the other properties combined with what may be the private club of all private clubs in Cypress Point. The natural beauty of the area separates it from all the others except maybe SW Ireland, but has 12 month golf. St. Andrews has the home of golf and TOC, which may be the greatest course on earth. The  history of the game floats in the breeze to levels which are intoxicating to the senses. The public nature or the areas golf is not to be overlooked.

[Harley Kruse]

Good Ol Melbourne.

On the events front I forgot to add a round of the MotoGP bike race,  but more imortantly and getting back to golf the traveller could base his(her)self on the Mornington Peninsula in a B&B amongst wine country and rolling fields with the following only 40minutes away

Royal Melbourne GC East and West
Victoria GC
Kingston Heath GC
Metropolitan GC
Huntingdale GC
Yarra Yarra GC
Woodlands GC
Commonwealth GC
Peninsula CGC North and South
National GC Moonah, Old, Ocean
The Dunes GC
Moonah Links(2)
Sorrento GC
Portsea GC
Barwon Heads
13th Beach

Now thats 22 courses.  I guess you'd need at least 2 weeks to get through them all. Plenty of golf and in my book that equates to plenty of apres golf vino and the odd cleansing ale.

cheers

[Adam_Messix]

My answer is Suffolk County, New York.  

I'll take Shinnecock Hills, National, Maidstone, Atlantic, Westhampton, Friar's Head, Montauk Downs, and the Bridge.  I think Fisher's Island is also considered a part of Suffok County.  I think Bethpage Black does touch briefly into Suffolk County at the far end of the property as well.

Long Island is my favorite place to visit as far as quality golf goes.  

[paul p]

From my experience, I would say the south west of Ireland or the north west would be one of the best. Great golf and great fun.

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