The Best courses for Christmas

While others dream of a white Christmas, it’s time for golfers in the Northern Hemisphere to head south for the winter, where there are no snow days to contend with, and the courses are open year round.

This week we take a look at some of the best courses in the Southern Hemisphere for those who like to play through December. Seventeen of the world’s top 100 golf courses are located below the equator, and these are just a selection of what you can expect.

New Zealand - Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club, designed in 1949 by former Australian Open champion Alex Russell, is held in high regard by prominent golfers such as Peter Thomson five-time winner of the British Open, and has hosted the New Zealand Open 12 times. The persistent breeze provides a constant challenge for players and the course is reputed to have no weak spots amongst an exceptionally scenic layout.

Australia – Royal Melbourne Golf Club is Australia's foremost offering. Designed by Dr Alister MacKenzie and Alex Russell, the course is full of dramatic undulation and is the most highly acclaimed course in the Southern Hemisphere.

South Africa – The Links at Fancourt, designed by Gary Player, was the scene of the 2003 President’s Cup, the 2012 Volvo Tour and the 2005 South African Open. The course features narrow undulating fairways with plenty of bounce and roll, overlooked by revetted pot bunkers. Gorgeous Western Cape scenery adds to the appeal while playing the Links.

For those that just can’t get down south for the silly season, there are plenty of places in North America that don’t see snow during winter and you can always have a shot at some excellent golf at the Royal Links Golf Club in Las Vegas, Oak Quarry Golf Club in LA and Boca Dunes Golf and Country Club in Boa Raton, Florida.

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