Oceania is full of amazing courses that sadly don’t receive the same share of the spotlight as venues for golf’s major championships. Nevertheless, many of these courses are just as capable of providing the perfect location for a luxurious golfing getaway as anywhere in the United States or United Kingdom. Here is a nod to three of those courses, which not only offer a premier golfing experience, but also present plenty to enjoy in the surrounding area.
Australia - Royal Melbourne
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Both Royal Melbourne’s West and East courses are recipients of international acclaim. Golf Digest’s rankings of the top 200 golf courses in the world places East at 28th and West in 5th, an appropriate tribute to the beauty and complexity of each course. Royal Melbourne is firmly among golf’s elite when it comes to the finest locations to play the sport.
Royal Melbourne is the second most prolific host of the Australian Open, although it hasn’t held the tournament since 1991. Outside of tournaments, the Royal Melbourne is understandably a private club. Members can invite guests, while international golf club members are encouraged to ask about visitor tee times.
Nearby activities:
- Sport - the Melbourne Cricket Ground is one of the sport’s iconic venues
- Casino - the Crown Casino is in a stunning location on the Yarra River
- Entertainment - the Regent Theatre welcomes incredible productions straight from Broadway
New Zealand - Tara Iti, Mangawhai
Tara Iti is in the township of Mangawhai and the venue only opened in 2015 but it has kept a low profile, giving Tara Iti a certain mystique. As mentioned above, Golf Digest have conveniently ranked the best courses in the world - including Tara Iti which is ranked 11th - to make it easier for readers to decide on which luxurious places to visit. However, rankings such as this aren't just limited to golf, as it is common in many industries to provide a service that ranks the best options available such as casino online nz that examines the best online casino offers, while sites such as Skyscanner provide the cheapest flights to suit your needs. This course is seamlessly integrated into the coastal area, with amazing views at every turn.
Members are a rarefied group that can invite guests, but the best chance for ‘outsiders’ is to apply for a once-in-a-lifetime pass to Tara Iti. You’ll need a recommendation letter from your club, and it won’t be cheap to enter, but it is the height of golfing luxury in New Zealand.
Nearby activities:
- Sport – Mangawhai Boating and Fishing Club provides a unique view of the Northland area
- Entertainment – Mangawhai Movies is the township’s first cinema, with a converted church acting as a memorable film venue
Fiji - Natadola Bay
Fijian legend Vijay Singh, three-time major winner, was originally set to assist in the course’s design. That never happened, but Natadola Bay turned out just fine as Fiji’s fifth 18-hole course. It is arguably the most memorable, with stunning holes set against the nearby lagoon and elevation shifts that would challenge a golfer even as experienced as Singh.
The course has been the venue for the Fiji International since 2014, with American stars Matt Kuchar and Brandt Snedeker among those to taste victory. It may be expensive to play at Natadola Bay, but it is essential as part of a luxurious getaway to Fiji.
Nearby activities:
- Sport –the Coral Coast 7s rugby tournament takes place in Sigatoka
- Casino – there might not be any casinos yet in Fiji, but Cybernet in Laucala Bay hosts virtual competitions for keen video game players
- Entertainment – there are several Life Cinemas in Fiji which show the latest Hollywood and Bollywood hits
This just scratches the surface of Oceania’s most luxurious golfing getaways. If you’re heading to the area, be sure to check out what golfing attractions are nearby. If you’re going specifically for golf, then these three courses are a great place to start.