Out of all of the things that make up our modern day society, one of the biggest interests of man is sports. Whether it’s played with a racket or by one’s feet, sports have always been engrained in most society and culture.
The first recorded game of golf was played at Bruntsfield Links, in Edinburgh, Scotland, in A.D. 1456.
Golf is now the one sport in particular that’s making waves both literally and figuratively. It is the subject of an exciting new program tied into a cruise holiday that aims to take the game to new heights.
For years, cruise holidays only offered the option of hitting golf balls into the ocean from the back of the deck. New developments on the horizon came next in planning what are known as golf cruises. This type of holiday allows players to improve on their game and still enjoy all of the luxurious amenities that a cruise ship provides.
VISIT SEVERAL DIFFERENT COURSES ON A GOLF THEMED CRUISE
Golf devotees can, on a week or more cruise holiday, visit several different courses in unique destinations and play golf.
Clubs, shoes and even golf carts are available to use on the best courses in the world, which mean that not only will amateurs and professionals alike will have access to the best equipment, they will also have less heavy luggage to take.
For novices or for those who make a birdie or two, PGA professionals both onboard or at the course will discuss the game and give out tips. Some golf cruises even go so far as to have miniature tournaments to show how much one has learned over the course of their trip.
Shore excursions for a day of golf can last approximately 6 hours or so. Truly, golf cruise holidays are something that will become even bigger as time goes on.
CHECK OUT THESE POPULAR GOLFING DESTINATIONS
BERMUDA
Take a trip onboard a Norwegian Cruise Line holiday to Bermuda which offers excursions to the best clubs alongside fabulous pink sandy beaches. Gain some personalised instructions and priority tee times to the finest golf courses with their Comprehensive Onboard Golf Academy.
THE BRITISH ISLES
U.K based travellers could easily drive to Scotland. However, a cruise holiday allows one to play in various ports without having to change hotels.
In 2015, Azamara Club Cruises will be presenting a 14 night British Open cruise that begins in Southampton heading for the British Isles and includes playing at the Royal Clubs, home to the Open Championship and Ryder Cup.
THE CARIBBEAN
The Caribbean is a favourite destination during the winter months and there are plenty of golf courses to take advantage of. RCCL offers numerous golf shore excursions to top notch clubs in the Caribbean such as famed Mahogany Run on St. Thomas.
THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS
Have the chance of a lifetime by seeing the isles of Hawaii aboard NCL’s Hawaii Golf Cruise sailing to all 4 Hawaiian Islands in 7 days and putt on the green of some of the best and world renowned courses.
THE MEDITERRANEAN
Play golf and visit Portugal, Spain & France in 2014 on board premium cruise line Azamara Club Cruises teeing off at several courses in all three countries.
Fred.Olsen‘s program “Flagship Golf” consists of excursions of golf ashore played on carefully selected courses next summer in nearly each port of call. Passengers will receive tips and hints from an on-board PGA professional, obtain practice sessions and have social get-togethers with other golfers and their travelling partners.
VIRTUAL REALITY COURSES
The facilities on Princess Cruises have gone high tech with virtual golf simulators on most of their ships. It is all computer-driven with all types of weather thrown in with resident PGA professional on-hand to take you through the ropes with private and group lessons and seminars.
After a full day on the links, return to the floating hotel for a fine dining experience, followed by choice of live music, casino action or simply polishing the clubs for the next day’s adventure at a brand new destination.
The best part is all the details for a cruise holiday are taken care of and one can concentrate on the really important things like shaving a couple of strokes off a game.
Written by Veronica Shine
