The most underrated countries for golf, according to 2 golf-travel experts

When it comes to golf and travel, we’ve got one word for you: Wales. 

Not the mammals you see off Kapalua. We’re referring to the proud nation in the United Kingdom, which earns our nod as a sleeper destination for lovers of the game.

Often overshadowed by its nearby competition — looking at you, Scotland and Ireland — Wales has long been high on our radar, and it got bold-faced billing in a recent episode of the Destination Golf podcast, when co-hosts Simon Holt and Josh Sens gave their nominations for the world’s most underrated countries for golf. 

Sens selected Wales as one of his four picks, singling out such layouts as Royal Porthcawl, Royal St. David’s, Pennard and Southerndown as evidence of a country that doesn’t get its golf-y due. From championship venues to quirky courses set on common ground, Wales has it all. But its offerings tend to escape the notice of glossy magazines. 

Sens’ other choices were the Dominican Republic, where Teeth of the Dog and Punta Espada headline a lengthy roster of top-notch resort tracks; Portugal (if you think that golf there is restricted to the Algarve, you need to spend some time closer to Lisbon); and Canada, where the options range from Golden Age-classics like Highlands Links, Banff and Jasper to the modern-minimalist masterpieces Cabot Cape Breton. Next time you’re looking to book a trip, don’t forget our friends just to the north.

Holt countered with a quartet of his own. New Zealand topped his list. Te Arai and Tara Iti are two recent additions to a bulging portfolio of stunning seaside clubs that also includes Cape Kidnappers and Kauri Cliffs. Rounding out his recs, Holt went with Japan, the Netherlands and another unsung star of the United Kingdom: England.

To hear his reasoning, and the full discussion around underrated golf countries, you can listen to the entire Destination Golf episode here.