Design

9 Extravagant Golf Getaways Perfect for Celebrating Father’s Day

From a stunning property dotted with works by Botero to a centuries-old castle in Scotland, these remarkable properties combine artful endeavors with commanding courses

By Jill Sieracki

June 12, 2023

Scenic view of a golf course with sand traps and lush greenery, backdrop of mountains under a blue sky with clouds. — Golf course at Finca Cortesin in Spain. Photo: Courtesy of Finca Cortesin

For dads who have everything, an afternoon of together time can be the perfect way to celebrate Father’s Day. These stunning destinations not only offer exceptional courses for a round of golf, they also include scenic views, artfully appointed accommodations, gourmet dining, and restorative spas. Whether you’re looking for a day trip, weekend getaway, or more extensive vacation, these remarkable resorts are ideal for experiences both on and off the green.

Aerial view of a large castle surrounded by lush green landscape, gardens, tennis courts, and a river on a sunny day. — Photo: Courtesy of Ashford Castle

1. Ashford Castle

One of Ireland’s most celebrated sporting estates, Ashford has been welcoming prominent European families for fishing, falconry, and horseback riding on its 350-acre property for generations. Visiting golfers can enjoy the challenging 9-hole parkland course, then rejuvenate with an eight-course tasting menu, cigar on the terrace, or Irish whiskey in the Billiards Room before retiring for the evening in one of the 800-year-old castle’s sophisticated suites.

Scenic view of a coastal golf course with green fairways, sand bunkers, and ocean waves under a clear blue sky. — Photo: Casa de Campo Resort & Villas

2. Casa de Campo Resort & Villas

Tropical Dominican Republic consistently lures sun-seeking travelers; at La Romana hotspot Casa de Campo Resort & Villas, the mix of beachfront activities and award-winning golf courses make it a great getaway for those looking for both sports and serenity. Here, the late golf course architect Pete Dye conceived Teeth of the Dog, the top-rated fairway in the Caribbean. The property boasts two other courses as well as the opportunity for some out-of-this-world night golf with LED balls and targets.

Golf course with green fairways, trees, and a white house, set against a mountain partially covered by clouds. — Photo: Courtesy of Finca Cortesin

3. Finca Cortesin

This year’s Solheim Cup, taking place September 18 through 24, will be played at Finca Cortesin in Málaga, Spain. Before the American and European teams arrive, enjoy this world-class Mediterranean course with top-tier amenities, such as a state-of-the-art Jack Nicklaus Golf Academy with a Coaching Studio boasting the latest advanced technology for elevating anyone’s swing, fully-stocked buggy bar, and oceanfront clubhouse. Postgame, retire to one of the course-facing villas or refresh with a plunge in one of the four resort pools.

Wide view of a lush golf course with sand traps and rolling hills under a clear blue sky. — Aerial view of the 18th hole on Gleneagles’ PGA Centenary course. Photo: Courtesy of Gleneagles

4. Gleneagles

With its own train station, 850 acres, and three championship courses, Gleneagles in Scotland is a bucket-list destination for most golfers. Here, guests can tee off at the 18-hole James Braid-designed course first opened in 1919, play a round on the scenic Queen’s Course, then round out the visit with the PGA Centenary course, conceived by Jack Nicklaus and site of both the Ryder Cup 2014 and Solheim Cup 2019.

Scenic view of a coastal golf course with lush green fairways, sandy patches, and the ocean in the background under a clear sky. — Photo: Destination Kohler

5. Destination Kohler

Site of the 2021 Ryder Cup, Whistling Straits at Destination Kohler, in Kohler, Wisconsin, challenges even the most experienced players with its rugged, windswept terrain abutting Lake Michigan. Visitors can also play the beautiful Blackwolf Run course or work on their game in the Kohler Golf Academy and Swing Studio. Off the links, recharge in the American Club Resort Hotel or one of the more secluded private cabins, dine in one of the six on-site restaurants, or jaunt off property for a tour of the nearby John Michael Kohler Arts Center.

Aerial view of a lush golf course with rolling hills and scattered trees under a clear blue sky. — Photo: Courtesy of Omni PGA Frisco Resort

6. Omni PGA Frisco Resort

Just opened this past May, the Omni PGA Frisco Resort in Texas counts the headquarters of PGA of America as one of its neighbors, so you know the golf has to be top notch. Here, visitors can experience two championship 18-hole courses—the Gil Hanse-designed Fields Ranch East and Fields Ranch West by Beau Welling—as well as their joint efforts, the Dance Floor, a two-acre natural grass putting course, and The Swing, a lighted 10-hole par-3. Be sure to secure one of the resort’s 10 private ranch houses overlooking the PGA District for an overnight stay.

Historic white mansion framed by trees with a mountain backdrop and manicured lawn in the foreground. — Photo: Courtesy of Silverado Resort & Spa

7. Silverado Resort & Spa

California’s Napa Valley has become increasingly popular with cultural connoisseurs as top-tier wineries continue to merge thoughtful art programs with their viniculture. Those on an art and tasting tour can also enjoy 36 holes at the region’s Silverado Resort & Spa, co-owned by PGA Hall of Famer Johnny Miller and home to the Fortinet Championship.

Scenic view of a golf course with a bridge, palm trees, and mountains in the background on a clear day.

8. St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort

Meticulously restored after Hurricane Maria, St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort in Puerto Rico boasts robust tropical foliage in an exotic garden, inspired by the 28,000-acre preserve El Yunque National Forest, and a monumental collection of Spanish and Latin American art, including a selection of bronze works by Fernando Botero, installed amongst the lush flora. For those more enraptured by tees and pins, the resort is also home to a Robert Trent Jones Jr.-designed golf course, set on two miles of beach with views of the rainforest from nearly every hole.

Modern building with unique rust-colored lattice design, garden in foreground, and ocean view under a clear blue sky. — Photo: Courtesy of Ritz Carlton

Coastal golf course with green grass, sand bunkers, and ocean view under a clear blue sky. — Photo: Courtesy of Ritz Carlton

9. Zadún, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

Equally appealing to design aficionados and golfers, Zadún, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, in San José del Cabo, Mexico, houses a selection of artworks, furnishings, textiles, and other decorative objects made by artisans from Oaxaca, Yucatán, Campeche, Mexico City, Jalisco, and Puebla. For the latter, there are 27 holes, organized over three completely distinct courses, conjured by pros Greg Norman and Jack Nicklaus just minutes away.