Father's Day Gift Idea: Golfing

Father’s Day is coming up and it’s in our nature to want to get a better gift for Dad this year than what we got him last year. Beating out our gifts of cologne, power tools, ties and golf equipment should be relatively easy. A round of golf at a world famous resort will be an experience Dad will never forget, even if he wanted to. On Father's Day, give Dad the gift of golfing at some of the world’s most exotic and dreamy golf destinations. 

1. Pebble Beach Golf Links

(pebblebeach.com, 800-654-9300, $495)

At the top of our list is Pebble Beach Golf Links, the most famous golf course in the world and also widely regarded as the most beautiful. It has hosted 6 major golf championships and even if you don’t play golf, you’ve heard of it. It’s known for its breath-taking holes, 40mph winds, and fairways that hug California’s rugged coastline. One of the most legendary courses in golf because so much history has been made here. Pebble beach is every golfer’s dream and it will only cost $495. 18-time major champion, Jack Nicklaus said, "If I had only one more round to play, I would choose to play it at Pebble Beach."

Related Article: Father's Day Gift Guide 2015

2. Spyglass Hill

(pebblebeach.com, 800-654-9300, $370)

Second on our list is Pebble Beach’s sister course, Spyglass Hill. Located only minutes away from Pebble Beach, Spyglass has its own share of magnificent coastal views and offers similar playing conditions. The first five holes run along California’s sandy shoreline while the next thirteen holes wind you deep into the Del Monte Forest. This is one of the toughest rated courses on the PGA Tour and ranks 5th on Golf Digest’s "America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses."

3. Half Moon Bay Golf Links at The Ritz Carlton

Coming in third is Half Moon Bay Golf Links at The Ritz Carlton. They offer two award-winning golf courses which play side by side but offer two completely different golfing experiences. The Old Course is one of the few true links style courses found in the United States. Extremely fast greens, firm fairways, rolling coastal mounds, and native grasses. The Ocean Course offers natural terrain that stretches from pine trees to cliff edge and the ocean can be seen from both courses on every hole. Both of these courses sit high on a bluff overlooking the roaring Pacific. The Ritz Carlton at Half Moon Bay is the perfect weekend getaway for any couple- mesmerizing views, luxury spas, dining, and accommodations. Read our review here. (ritzcarlton.com, 650-712-7000, $250)

4. Pasatiempo

​(pasatiempo.com, 831-459-9155, $260)

One of the best kept secrets of Northern California. This is an award winning layout designed by Alister Mackenzie, the architect who designed Augusta National. That’s really all that needs to be said. Lightning fast greens with incredibly large breaks, varied terrain, creative bunkering, and a design that forces a variety of shots. This is the closest that any of us are going to get at experiencing Augusta National. Pasatiempo is located in the Santa Cruz Mountains and ranks 13th in Golf Magazine’s "Top 100 Courses You Can Play in 2012." 

5. Saddle Creek Golf Resort

(saddlecreek.com, 800-611-7722, $92)

Saddle Creek Golf Resort is the epitome of tranquility and isolation. Golf architect, Carter Morrish, designed a golf course in which no two holes run parallel to each other. You will be tucked into the rolling foothills of Copperopolis and surrounded by the towering Sierras, Yosemite, native trees, and indigenous grasses. This course is both scenic and challenging- offering plenty of elevation changes, shimmering lakes, and water hazards on fourteen of its eighteen holes.