Winter Golf Escapes: Sun-Soaked Fairways and Style with Black Heron Headwear golf hats.

Trading Frost for Fairways

For many golfers, winter at home means grey skies, frozen fairways, and days when even the keenest spirit struggles to pick up a club. Yet just a few hours’ flight — or a long-haul adventure away — lie destinations where golf thrives under sapphire skies. Imagine standing on the tee in January, the grass lush and green, palm trees swaying gently, and the temperature hovering at a perfect 21 degrees Celsius.

But here’s a truth that catches out even the most seasoned traveller: 21°C might feel mild, but the sun at that temperature can still burn. UV rays, not heat, are the hidden force that cause sun damage, and they are just as present in winter sunshine as they are in summer heat. Which means that while you’re perfecting your drive under glorious skies, your skin could be taking a silent hit.

That’s why winter golf escapes demand not just a passport and a set of clubs, but also a thoughtful approach to sun protection. And it’s here that Black Heron headwear golf hats, with their certified UPF50+ fabric, 7.5cm stiff peak, and elegantly wide brim, become an essential part of your travel kit. Designed to shield face, ears, and neck, they blend technical performance with timeless style — the perfect companion for golfers who value both form and function.

Short-Haul Sunshine: Europe’s Winter Golfing Havens

Not all winter escapes demand a long flight. Europe offers a string of destinations where golf and sunshine come together beautifully, often at superb value.

The Canary Islands, Spain

The Canary Islands are Europe’s eternal-spring playground. With an average winter temperature of 21°C, these volcanic islands serve up more than just balmy weather. Picture a morning round overlooking the Atlantic, framed by rugged cliffs and black-sand beaches. Courses such as Abama Golf in Tenerife and Salobre Golf in Gran Canaria are as dramatic as they are enjoyable, offering both a challenge and an unforgettable backdrop.

The Algarve, Portugal & Costa del Sol, Spain

Few regions are more synonymous with golf than Portugal’s Algarve and Spain’s Costa del Sol. Blessed with year-round sunshine, the Algarve is dotted with world-class courses like Vale do Lobo and Quinta do Lago. Over the border, the Costa del Sol — nicknamed the “Costa del Golf” — offers more than 70 courses along its sun-drenched coast. Here, golf isn’t just a sport, but a way of life.

Turkey’s Belek Region

In Turkey, the resort town of Belek has become a premier golf hub, thanks to a combination of five-star resorts, European Tour courses, and a winter climate that’s comfortably mild. The Montgomerie Maxx Royal course exemplifies the region’s appeal — impeccable greens, pine-lined fairways, and the hospitality for which Turkey is famous.

Morocco’s Marrakesh

For golfers seeking culture as well as climate, Marrakesh delivers in spades. By day, tee off against the backdrop of the Atlas Mountains; by night, wander through vibrant souks scented with spices. The city’s courses, including Assoufid Golf Club, are as memorable as its ancient palaces and gardens. With average winter highs of 21°C, it’s the perfect blend of exotic adventure and reliable golf weather.

Long-Haul Luxury: Where Winter Feels Like Summer

For those willing to travel further, the choices expand to destinations that redefine luxury golf holidays.

Dubai & Abu Dhabi, UAE

Dubai and Abu Dhabi have transformed desert landscapes into lush golfing paradises. In Dubai, courses such as the Emirates Golf Club, home of the Dubai Desert Classic, are set against a futuristic skyline. Abu Dhabi’s Yas Links offers a taste of traditional links golf — only here, the fairways meet the Persian Gulf. Both cities combine perfect winter weather with ultra-modern luxury, creating an unforgettable golf escape.

Florida & Arizona, USA

The United States offers two contrasting but equally compelling winter options. Florida, the Sunshine State, has a staggering variety of courses, from the legendary TPC Sawgrass in Jacksonville to resort classics in Orlando and Naples. Arizona, by contrast, offers desert golf at its most captivating, with Scottsdale’s courses carved into red-rock landscapes. Both destinations pair golf with vibrant culture and world-class hospitality.

The Caribbean

Barbados, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica each bring their own flavour of Caribbean charm. Imagine stepping off the 18th green straight onto a white-sand beach, cocktail in hand. Barbados’s Apes Hill Club and the Dominican Republic’s Casa de Campo rank among the world’s most beautiful courses, offering not just golf but pure escapism.

South Africa

In South Africa, a golf trip becomes an adventure of a lifetime. Play at Fancourt or Leopard Creek, then head on safari to spot lions and elephants in their natural habitat. Add award-winning vineyards and coastal drives along the Garden Route, and you have a golf holiday that transcends the sport itself.

Thailand

Thailand is emerging as a golf destination to watch. With courses such as Black Mountain in Hua Hin and Siam Country Club in Pattaya, it offers challenging layouts, tropical backdrops, and exceptional value. Off the course, Thailand’s famed beaches, temples, and cuisine ensure your trip is as rich culturally as it is recreationally.

Mauritius

For sheer indulgence, Mauritius is hard to beat. This Indian Ocean paradise offers courses like Ile aux Cerfs Golf Club, designed by Bernhard Langer and set on its own island. With turquoise waters, palm-fringed fairways, and a winter climate that feels like summer, Mauritius is the definition of a luxury golf escape.

Enjoy but don't forget to pack your Black Heron Headwear golf hat.Thank you.