Susan Bleecher
Over the past 20 years, I have golfed at many of the top courses in the world, from Mexico, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic, to Scotland and Ireland. I have also golfed across the U.S. and played in Hawaii, Thailand and New Zealand. As a golf specialist, I make it my business to be familiar with golf courses even in places I have not yet played. Plus, with my connections, I often can arrange hard to get tee times at the most desirable courses and handle everything from transportation and hotels to golf clubs and caddies.
In some cases, it is important to match players to layouts that suit their ability. For example, many people want to play at St. Andrews Old Course in Scotland, but it requires a maximum handicap of 24 for men; 36 for women, and you’ll need to present your handicap certificate. Similarly, while Pebble Beach Golf Course does not require a handicap card, if you are not a good golfer, you may have a hard time keeping up with the pace of play there.
Since golfers often travel with non-golfing partners and combine golfing with other bucket list activities, I enjoy helping couples and groups find the right combination of locales and activities so everyone can have their dream vacation. There are wonderful golf courses in many destinations where you would not expect them, such as China.
Golf, spas, great food, and stunning scenery usually go hand-in-hand, so it is usually easy to create a vacation that appeals to golfers and their families. The top course in the Caribbean, Teeth of the Dog at Casa de Campo in the Dominican Republic is extremely challenging. At the same time, non-golfers are spoiled for choices of activities, from horseback riding and spa treatments to shopping and exploring Altos de Chavon, a recreated 16th-century Mediterranean village whose cobblestone streets are lined with art galleries and artisans’ studios.
Hawaii’s courses are renowned for their beauty and challenges, and every Hawaiian island offers great golf and non-golfing activities for all ages. The Plantation Course on Maui is one of the top 100 golf courses in the world. Hosts of the annual PGA Tour’s Sentry Tournament of Champions, it runs along stunning seaside cliffs and is extra challenging because of the winds.
The Cape Kidnapper Course in New Zealand can be as intimidating as it is gorgeous. The course is laid out along 140-meter high ocean cliffs. Some holes play alongside deep ravines; others have deep cliff top bunkers and dramatic sheer drops. Accommodations are at The Farm at Cape Kidnappers, one of the Robertson Lodges, a working farm with a spa, wonderful hikes and other activities.
Among the other unusual courses that I love are the links courses in Scotland, built along the lay of the land along the land. Ireland also has a number of unusual courses. For example, in Northern Ireland, you can play the Nick Faldo-designed Course at Lough Erne Resort, which has a sign where native son Rory McIlroy drove the ball over 400 yards.
If you are looking for someone who understands golf and has far-reaching travel expertise to plan your next golf trip, please give me a call. I can take care of everything from tee times to afternoon tea.