Winter Golf Escapes: Sun-Soaked Fairways and Smart Style on the Course

Trading Frost for Fairways

For many golfers, winter at home means short days, long shadows, and courses that are more frost than fairway. Greens are heavy, bunkers are frozen, and practice sessions are squeezed between rain showers. Yet just a short flight away — or a more adventurous long-haul journey — lies another world entirely. A world where palm trees sway, where greens roll fast and true, and where the sun shines as reliably in January as it does in June.

Imagine this: you’re standing on the first tee in midwinter. The sky is a dazzling blue, the fairways stretch out emerald-green, and the air is a perfect 21 degrees Celsius. You swing freely, no layers restricting your movement, no cold biting at your fingertips. For a golfer, this isn’t just a holiday — it’s liberation.

But there’s a detail many overlook. At 21°C, it feels comfortable, even mild. And because it doesn’t feel hot, it’s tempting to think the sun isn’t dangerous. Yet this is precisely when UV radiation is at its most deceptive. Sunburn isn’t caused by heat — it’s caused by ultraviolet rays. Which means that while you’re basking in perfect golfing weather, your skin may be quietly taking damage that could have long-term consequences.

This is why winter golf travel calls for more than a passport, a set of clubs, and a few extra balls. It calls for smart sun protection that fits the lifestyle of a golfer: practical, stylish, and scientifically effective. Enter Blackheron hats — certified UPF50+, with a stiff 7.5cm peak and wide brim designed to shield face, ears, and neck. They combine elegant design with serious sun safety, ensuring that your memories of golf abroad are of birdies and beaches, not sunburn.

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Short-Haul Sunshine: Europe’s Winter Golfing Havens

For those unwilling to endure long flights, Europe offers an impressive selection of destinations where golf and winter sun go hand in hand.

The Canary Islands, Spain

Dubbed the “Islands of Eternal Spring,” the Canaries are a golfer’s dream. Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and Lanzarote all boast championship courses set against volcanic backdrops and sparkling seas. In Tenerife, Abama Golf, designed by Dave Thomas, sweeps across hillsides with ocean views from almost every hole. Gran Canarias's Anfi Tauro brings desert-style golf to the Atlantic, with dramatic bunkering and bold elevation changes.

At an average of 21°C, the weather is consistently pleasant, and evenings bring al fresco dining under starlit skies. Add in direct flights from across Europe and excellent value for money, and the Canaries make the perfect quick escape.

The Algarve, Portugal

For decades, the Algarve has been Europe’s golf capital. Golden beaches and whitewashed villages frame courses like Quinta do Lago, San Lorenzo, and Vale do Lobo, each offering a mix of challenge and beauty. The winter climate is mild, often sunny, and perfect for golf. With luxury resorts tailored to visiting players, the Algarve balances world-class golf with warm hospitality.

Costa del Sol, Spain

Nicknamed the “Costa del Golf,” this stretch of Spanish coastline between Málaga and Marbella is home to more than 70 courses. The jewel in the crown is Real Club Valderrama, once host to the Ryder Cup, renowned for its immaculate fairways and strategic challenge. Beyond golf, the Costa del Sol offers lively towns, fine dining, and a buzzing nightlife — perfect for groups of friends or couples seeking more than just golf.

Turkey’s Belek Region

On Turkey’s southern coast, Belek has emerged as a premier golf destination. With luxury resorts offering all-inclusive service and direct access to championship courses, it’s both convenient and indulgent. Courses like the Montgomerie Maxx Royal and Carya Golf Club have hosted European Tour events, and the region’s winter climate is reliably mild. Off the course, ancient ruins and vibrant markets await exploration.

Morocco’s Marrakesh

For a more exotic short-haul option, Marrakesh offers both culture and climate. Tee off at Assoufid Golf Club with the snow-capped Atlas Mountains on the horizon, then spend the evening wandering through souks filled with spices, textiles, and lanterns. With daytime highs around 21°C, Marrakesh delivers a blend of desert golf and cultural immersion that few destinations can match.

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Long-Haul Luxury: Where Winter Feels Like Summer

For those willing to travel further afield, the world opens up with destinations where winter sunshine feels positively summary.

Dubai & Abu Dhabi, UAE

Few places combine modern luxury with golf quite like the UAE. In Dubai, the Emirates Golf Club — home to the Dubai Desert Classic — offers lush fairways surrounded by skyscrapers. Abu Dhabi’s Yas Links, designed by Kyle Phillips, brings a taste of Scotland to the Gulf with its authentic links feel. Both cities boast five-star resorts, fine dining, and shopping that rivals any capital. For golfers seeking indulgence with their sunshine, the UAE delivers.

Florida, USA

Florida’s nickname says it all: the Sunshine State. With hundreds of courses scattered across Orlando, Naples, and Palm Beach, it’s a golfer’s paradise. Iconic venues like TPC Sawgrass, with its famous island green, are bucket-list stops. Off the course, theme parks, beaches, and a laid-back lifestyle provide endless entertainment. Winter temperatures hover between 20–25°C, making it ideal for golf.

Arizona, USA

Arizona offers a completely different flavour of golf. In Scottsdale, desert courses like TPC Scottsdale and Troon North wind through red-rock landscapes dotted with cacti. Sunsets paint the sky in pinks and oranges, and the dry climate is perfect for play. Beyond golf, Arizona offers Native American heritage, luxury spas, and access to natural wonders like the Grand Canyon.

The Caribbean

For golfers seeking pure escapism, the Caribbean is unbeatable. In Barbados, Apes Hill Club offers panoramic views over the island, while the Dominican Republic’s Casa de Campo is home to the legendary Teeth of the Dog course, often ranked among the world’s best. Combine morning rounds with afternoons on white-sand beaches and evenings sipping rum cocktails to the sound of steel drums.

South Africa

South Africa elevates golf travel into something unforgettable. Play at Leopard Creek, perched beside Kruger National Park, where giraffes and elephants roam just beyond the fairways. Stay at Fancourt, a five-star resort on the Garden Route that blends world-class golf with fine wine and cuisine. Add a safari or a tour of Cape Town, and a golf holiday becomes a journey of a lifetime.

Thailand

Thailand is fast becoming a must-visit golfing destination. Hua Hin’s Black Mountain Golf Club and Pattaya’s Siam Country Club combine championship layouts with tropical backdrops. Thailand offers incredible value, with green fees and luxury accommodation costing less than many European options. Away from golf, explore temples, beaches, and world-renowned street food.

Mauritius

For sheer indulgence, Mauritius is unmatched. The island’s golf courses are works of art: Ile aux Cerfs Golf Club, designed by Bernhard Langer, sits on its own island, requiring a boat transfer to reach. The combination of white beaches, turquoise lagoons, and lush fairways makes Mauritius not just a golf destination but a paradise.