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Alongside its exquisite pink sand beaches, balmy climate and luxurious, pampering resort lifestyle, beautiful Bermuda also offers outstanding opportunities for golfers. It may be small, but it's actually got the highest concentration of courses per square metre in the world, making it ideal for a golf holiday – with the opportunity to tee off at nine picturesque courses around the island. In fact, it's gained such renown it now plays host to the PGA Grand Slam. While I'm far from a pro myself, I certainly like a good game. In my many years coming to Bermuda, I've played on all the courses around the island, and the following are my tips on the best ones to try if you're looking for a challenging golf holiday. Port Royal Golf Course, Southampton This is widely acclaimed as one of the best public courses in the world so, naturally, it must go at the top of the list. Designed by Robert Trent in 1970, Port Royal enjoyed a multi-million dollar revamp in 2009 and encompasses a superb elevated course with uninterrupted, sweeping views over the Atlantic from every vantage. But, of course, it's not just about the views, and the vast, undulating greens present a thrilling challenge to even the most advanced players. The most anticipated hole is the par-3 16th, which stretches for 235 yards, including an exciting cliff-edge shot. Don't forget your camera to capture the most photographed course on the island. Mid Ocean Club, Tucker's Town If you're looking to rub shoulders with the rich and famous on your golf holiday, Mid Ocean is the place. This is a very exclusive private club, but it's also open to the public on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Consistently rated amongst the top courses in the world, it was designed by the famous course architect, Charles Blair Macdonald, in 1921. While the views over the Atlantic are outstanding in places, most of the holes are set a little further inland, amongst the lovely pine tree glades and picturesque valleys. The course was updated in the 1950s, and there are some extremely difficult holes – most notably the par-4 5th, which undulates for 433 yards over the top of a hill and a big, beautiful lake, earning it the title of "one of golf's greatest holes". Dress to impress: Bermuda length shorts are mandatory in this exclusive club. Belmont Hills, Warwick While it has a history dating back over a century, the modern course at Belmont Hills was designed in 2002 by the well-known Algie M Pulley Jr. The originally flat landscape has been contoured into a rich, challenging course with breath-taking views over Hamilton Harbour and the Great Sound. Set over 6,100 yards, this world-class 18-hole course takes in beautifully maintained narrow fairways, long, multi-tiered greens, man-made ponds and some very tricky bunkers. Even for the best players it manages to provide not just a very satisfying challenge, but also a most relaxing experience with those magnificent views to keep you company. A relatively short course, which experts will probably get through in around three hours. In my opinion, Bermuda is the absolute best place in the world for a golf holiday. Its relaxed ambience and welcoming environment make it a pleasure for everyone – from amateur to professional – to enjoy this hugely popular pastime. Am I biased? Maybe… John Dixon is an experienced world traveller and the Managing Director of Prestige Holidays. For over 30 years, he has been providing luxury accommodation in Bermuda for beach, culture and golf holiday enthusiasts, as well as holidays to Croatia, Sicily and many other destinations around the globe. John tries to visit each of the destinations regularly in order to ensure the quality of his properties, and stays up-to-date about the latest local news and events. He has a taste for the finer things in life and has an interest in the arts, history and culture.
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