The Most Extreme Golf Hole in the World

Are you ready to take the challenge of the world's most talked about and unique golf hole in the world? Then on your next golf trip, visit Par 3, the Extreme 19th Hole at the Legend Golf and Safari Resort in South Africa's Limpopo Province. The resort took top spot for the 2010 Travel Award as Africa’s Leading Golf Resort and was named Africa's Leading Sports Resort. 

Situated on the bulwark Hanglip Mountain and accessible only by helicopter, the hole is 430 meters above the green below, making it the longest Par 3 in the world. It takes about 20 seconds for the ball to drop to the green, which has the shape and contours of Africa itself.

 

Even those who might pass on the 19^th hole will find something exciting about the first 18: every single one was designed by a different internationally golfing legend! This is the only course in the world that can say that.   Its wide fairways and USGA-standard greens seamlessly incorporate holes designed by such golfing luminaries as Trevor Immelman (former US Masters Champion), Padraig Harrington (two-time Open Champion and US PGA champion), Vijay Singh, Sergio Garcia, and Justin Rose, among others.

 

Meanwhile the innovative Tribute Course comprises 10 holes, each one from a different existing famous venue, from the 10th at Pine Valley and the 11th from the St. Andrews Old Course to the 12^th “Golden Bell” at Augusta and the 6^th at Royal Melbourne. 

 

When you are contemplating luxurious golf vacations, this definitely fits the bill. The lodgings and attractions complement the fabulous golf. You can opt for the boutique hotel or one of the luxury resort villages, wander through its world class botanical gardens, indulge in the Wellness Centre with its fountain of youth and African spa treatments.

 

Set in the 22,000 hectare Entabeni Safari Conservancy, the resort boasts no fewer than five eco-systems, with breathtaking scenery and diverse wildlife, all just two hours’ drive from Johannesburg’s international airport.

 

Even if you don’t want to plunk down roughly US$200 for the 19th hole (which includes the copter ride and DVD of your shot), you are sure to have one of your most memorable golf vacations ever here. You might want to practice your swing first--if you get a hole-in-one on the 19th, you win a million dollars!   Imagine the golf trips you could take with that!

Glamor and Golfing in Vegas

One of the great things about golfing is that you can let it be the gateway to so many other adventures! Your golf travel can take you around the world, from seascapes to mountain panoramas, from near-wilderness to the most hip places on the planet.

If you want to swing more than your clubs, the really hip place for your golf vacation is Las Vegas. Just a dusty frontier town a century ago, Las Vegas continues to amaze visitors with ever more things to do.  Transformed from the old “Sin City” to “The Entertainment Capital of the World,” Las Vegas offers something for everyone, including families, couples, groups, and more!

 

Gambling and Fun. Gambling made Vegas famous, and the ever-more luxurious establishments lure not just gamblers but big-name headliners for entertainment, including the breathtaking Cirque de Soleil, museums, and more. Choose from any of the dramatic or more modest casinos for slots, black jack, and other games of chance.

 

Shopping. If you are lucky at the tables, you can go wild at the three casino arcades. The Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian, where you can browse in a faux St. Mark’s Square or take a ride on a gondola. Go back in history architecturally at the Roman-inspired Forum shops at Caesar’s Palace. Watch the high-rollers as you check out the designer shoes and fashions, glittering jewelry, and other high-ticket items.

 

Nightlife. The great thing about golfing vacations in Vegas is that you still have plenty of time to enjoy the world-famous nightlife. For a memorable stroll along “the Strip,” start at what Frommer’s calls “the world's largest sound-and-light show.” Begin at Luxor, meander past the faux Eiffel Tower and Coliseum and marvel at the erupting volcano at The Mirage. If you are still game, finish with a view of overhead acrobats at Circus Circus.

 

Fine Dining. Las Vegas now claims international fame for its award-winning restaurants (over a dozen with Michelin stars) and celebrity chefs. At the MGM Grand, savor French delicacies under crystal chandeliers at Joel Robuchon’s, which boasts three stars. Buffets are standard casino fare, but Le Village Buffet at Paris Las Vegas will satisfy the more demanding diners.

 

The Golfing. Las Vegas is also on a quest to become the golf capital of the world, with over 50 options and more on the way. The contrast between lush fairways and desert panoramas is just part of the beauty. For example, the Painted Desert Golf Course

just north of the strip has become a favorite for those less interested in heroic maneuvers who just want to enjoy good golf in a great atmosphere. Golf Digest has recommended the Las Vegas Golf Club as a “best place to golf,” while the Dye-designed Desert Pines offers lakes and evergreens for a cool golfing experience.

 

So when you plan your golf vacations and want to add some glitz, go Vegas!