VIV Says: Blog

Check out the Donald Ross course and the Old World charm at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, FL, near Miami.

Mark Twain once quipped, “Golf is a good walk spoiled.” No matter the state of your game, there’s no place better to take that walk than on the grounds of beautiful golf resorts — from Bermuda to Patagonia. Just remember — if Bill Murray happens to be in the area, keep an eye out for errant shots.

We’ve always wanted to check out the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, FL, where the 18-hole, par-71 championship course was designed by Donald Ross. You can relax at the spa, take a dip in the largest hotel swimming pool in the country, work out in the fitness center and dine in one of four hotel restaurants. Opened in 1926, it reminds us of bygone glamour — think Charlize Theron in The Legend of Bagger Vance.

One of our favorite places in the world is Bermuda, known for its pink-sand beaches and its plethora of golf courses. The Fairmont Southampton features a course with challenging par 3s designed to improve your short game — we suggest packing a good set of irons as well as a women’s-grip Heavy Putter. The Newstead Belmont Hills Resort & Spa has spectacular views of Hamilton Harbour and the Great Sound from the course, where you’ll get a complimentary round every day of your stay at the hotel!

For those who say they’d go to the ends of the earth for a great round, book some time at Chapelco Golf & Resort in Patagonia. Golf legend Jack Nicklaus and his son created the par-72 course nestled in the scenic Chilean mountains.

Old-school metal spikes are forbidden on most courses these days, so we like the lightweight, spikeless ECCO Life Fashion Premiere shoe, complete with crystal details. We also suggest packing some of Ralph Lauren’s Pink Pony products, which raise money for breast-cancer research. Nicole Miller also has a GloveIt Pink Ribbon Collection that includes a visor, water bottle, balls and gloves and supports Rally for the Cure.

We’re sure that even our rudimentary golf skills wouldn’t spoil a stroll on any of these scenic courses. What are some of your all-time favorite golf getaways?