A golfer plays at TPC Scottsdale in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo provided to China Daily)
The U.S.
"The US is a top golf destination," a Ctrip officer says.
West Coast visitors can hit the greens of Cypress Point Club and Torrey Pines in California, and Bandon Dunes Golf Resort in Oregon. East Coast arrivals can visit TPC Sawgrass Stadium Course in Florida.
Bandon Dunes' five courses overlook the Pacific. Sweeping views meet wide-ranging challenges. Pebble Beach is on the coast and offers ideal weather.
But Chinese agencies have better developed comprehensive tourism products on the East Coast, making them better for families, Beijing-based golf expert Amos Chen says.
"For example, Florida has Disneyland, and is thus an ideal choice for mixing golfing and parent-child experiences."
Ireland
Mild weather and breathtaking scenery make Ireland an ideal golf getaway.
The country's courses are also challenging. About 30 percent of natural links courses are spread across the country's coastline. Ireland is home to more than 400 golf clubs.
During summer, days are long－the sun rises at 6:30, and sets about 10 pm, providing plenty of playing time.
Portmarnock Golf Club, north of Dublin, ranks among the world's top fairways.
It has 18 classic holes, each in different directions. It is a favorite of Tiger Woods. Paul McGinley called it "probably the fairest links-golf course I have ever played".
County Kerry hosts the globally celebrated Ballybunion Old and Cashen courses against rugged Atlantic shoreline.
Arnold Palmer designed a links course at Tralee, near Ballybunion.
The acclaimed Waterville Golf Links is set on the scenic Ring of Kerry. Dingle hosts the renowned Dooks and Ceann Sibeal courses.
Chinese mainland
Golfers looking to save cash or air miles and be cool－in every sense of the term－can head to Yunnan's provincial capital Kunming and Jilin province's Changbai Mountains.
Jilin's Birch Ridge and Pine Mountain clubs host 18 holes in forest surroundings.
Kunming's Spring City Golf and Lake Resort offers mountain-and-lake courses. The city's Stoneforest International Country Club has three 18-hole international-championship-level courses designed by Brian Curley－Yufeng Ridge, Masters' Resort and Leaders' Peak.
Ctrip's Fu says such coastal cities as Shandong province's Qingdao and Yantai offer ocean views and cool sea breezes.
On course
The more countries liberalize their visa policies, the more their courses will lure Chinese golfers.
Many of these providers agree their host countries' policies will prove a hole in one.
