Golf is played all over the world and one of its many strengths is that the land on which we play is very often extremely attractive. Even if we are playing poorly, we can still take solace in the setting and lose ourselves (and our golf balls) in nature. Beauty takes shape in many different forms; natural and manmade, subtle and in-your-face, physical and cerebral. While some courses are strategically strong but perhaps less obviously physically beautiful, there are many that are sensationally good looking, and these occur all over the world.
Payne’s Valley – USA
(Image credit: Big Cedar Lodge)
Opening in September 2020, Payne’s Valley is the first public-access course designed by the legendary Tiger Woods and just his third creation. It is one of five courses that make up the Big Cedar Lodge Resort in the south-west of Missouri, and is named after the much-missed Payne Stewart who was raised in Springfield, a few miles to the north. Rocky outcrops, mountain ridges, beautiful water features, generous fairways and fabulous far-reaching views feature heavily.
Anfi Tauro – Spain
(Image credit: Rob Smith)
Anfi Tauro is one of the finest golf courses in the Canary Islands, the Spanish archipelago some 60 miles off the western coast of Morocco. It is also one of the boldest and at times most dramatic courses you will find just about anywhere. During its construction, no expense was spared in carving the routing through volcanic rock to create exciting holes and panoramic views. Designed by Robert von Hagge, the result is a complete and thrilling rollercoaster of a course. One of the many highlights is the sensational par-3 6th (pictured) with a large, palm-fringed green, and with the backdrop of a rocky peak and the glittering ocean.
Kington – England
(Image credit: Geoff Ellis (golfworking.co.uk))
Golf is first and foremost supposed to be fun, and this is exactly what Kington is all about. Despite its hilltop setting, the walking is surprisingly easy at this wonderful and completely natural design that is situated pretty much, and very happily, in the middle of nowhere. From start to finish there are far-reaching, idyllic, pastoral views of England and Wales in every direction, and the modest green fee here represents remarkable value for a course where the vistas are priceless. Making the pilgrimage to Kington will reward anyone with an eye for natural beauty.
Kinloch Club – New Zealand
(Image credit: Kinloch Club)
Sitting in the middle of a volcanic crater,…
..
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Golf Monthly…