TOP GOLF DESTINATIONS

End the year glee at 10 of the finest places in the world to golf

WOLF CREEK Nevada, USA Located in Nevada, 77 miles north of Las Vegas at Mesquite, this is 18 holes of fantasy golf at its ultimate best. Opened in 2000, Wolf Creek’s captivating desert design immediately drew rave reviews and is now firmly established as one of America’s top public courses. There are precious few courses that can generate a genuine sense of awe for several holes at a stretch, and exceedingly rare is the layout that can sustain the feeling for an entire round.

Wolf Creek is such a place. Set high above the desert floor among red-rock canyons, teeming waterfalls and glistening creeks, it looks like strips of green velvet have been laid out on a Mars-like landscape. After teeing off at the par-5 opening hole it is a roller-coaster golfing adventure among sculpted hills and canyons with several elevation changes and forced carries over streams and ravines.

Developer Doug Clemetson was determined to leave the distinctive natural landscape in place, accepting that a number of non-traditional golf holes would result. On the 2nd tee box, for example, 90 granite steps lead up to the driving area, which is located some 11 stories high. The 3rd hole plays uphill to one of the highest points on the course with 70-mile views, and the green of the par-3 11th is an island in a sea of red rock and typical of Wolf Creek’s dazzling visual appeal.

 BALLYLIFFIN GOLF CLUB

Donegal, Ireland Situated close to Cardonagh and Malin Head on Donegal’s Inishowen Peninsula, Ireland’s most northerly golf club comprises a remarkable 36 holes that meander through the most beguiling of links land, with rocky outcrops, perfect greens and enchanting views.