All sports have changed in some way over the years. Cricket isn't the same as it was when cricketing icon Alan Davidson played, and golf has similarly changed through the years too. Golf has come a long way from the days of Arnold Palmer ruling the green, and the sport has since cemented itself in popular culture in several ways. Today, there are also hundreds of courses worldwide attracting millions of tourists every year, especially in Australia, which has around 1500 courses.
Golf is a sport that welcomes a range of demographics due to its scenic nature, which is a reality that has caused many individuals to take golfing holidays. It’s a great way to see parts of Australia and the rest of the world while staying fit. Being able to cross off courses on your bucket list is also a very cherishable moment.
However, because golfing and travelling are two relatively expensive activities — flights, equipment, etc.— we’re going to explore ways to ensure you’re making the most out of your golf vacation. That includes if you’re staying in Australia and playing at The Royal Melbourne GC, or you’re jumping on a plane and going to Australia’s closest neighbour New Zealand, which hosts over 400 spectacularly beautiful courses.
Make Sure The Golf Course Doubles As Another Venue
The first recommendation is to select golf destinations that double as other things too. The reasoning is that if you’re going to go on a golf holiday, you may as well get your money’s worth, which could mean staying at a resort that not only has golf courses but other facilities too. There are plenty of venues that double as golf destinations in Australia alone, including the Country Club Tasmania, which has an 18-hole golf course in addition to a casino and on-site bars and restaurants.
New Zealand also has several golf resorts with casino facilities, which isn’t surprising considering golf is the sport with the highest participation from Kiwis, and casino gambling expenditure in the country has increased steadily since 2011. For example, in 2018, gambling spending reached NZ $578 million, which includes spending at online casinos like SkyCity New Zealand, which has everything from traditional table games like blackjack to live dealer games and video poker.
Pool Your Money Together With Your Friends
If you don’t want to stay at a resort, but there are several people in your party, why not rent a house or a cabin? That way, you can split the costs and do more activities. One day, half of your party can go to the course, while the other half play cards, go for a hike, or watch a movie. By staying under the same roof, you’re getting the most of your money while also getting to do other fun things outside of golf.
A golf holiday is like no other, but there are a lot of ingredients that can affect it. Plus, considering golf and travelling can be costly activities, you want to ensure you’re doing everything to make the most out of your money. Fortunately, in Australia and the surrounding countries like New Zealand, there are many ways to double a golf trip as something else.