Heaven on earth

From stunning clifftops to tropical gardens, rolling fields, rugged coastlines and majestic mountainscapes, golf is blessed with scores of outstandingly attractive arenas. Join us on atour of 20 of the most beautiful courses on the planet...

-  Rob Smith

Golf is a game that is played all over the world and one of its many strengths is that the landscapes over which we play are very often extremely attractive. Even if we are playing poorly, we can still take solace in the setting and lose ourselves (and our golf balls) in nature. Beauty takes many different forms: natural or manmade; subtle or in-your-face; physical or cerebral. While some courses are strong strategically but perhaps less overtly beautiful physically, there are many that are sensationally good-looking all around the globe…

 • ANFI TAURO - SPAIN Anfi Tauro is a very fine course in the Canary Islands, the Spanish archipelago 60 miles off Morocco. It is also one of the boldest and, at times, most dramatic courses you’ll play anywhere. No expense was spared in carving through volcanic rock to create exciting holes and panoramic views. One of many highlights is the superb par-3 6th, with its palm-fringed green and a rocky peak then the glittering ocean beyond.

• KINLOCH CLUB - NEW ZEALAND Sitting in the middle of a volcanic crater, Lake Taupo is effectively the very centre of New Zealand’s North Island. Overlooking its northern shore, the Kinloch Club is a remarkable Jack Nicklaus signature  course. It covers a vast, undulating acreage with 18 individual and intriguing holes. It is also a feast for the eyes with some absolute crackers, including a closing quartet that’s as exciting and attractive as anywhere.

• FANCOURT (LINKS) - SOUTH AFRICA