Get Ready for the Ryder Cup - Top Five Golfing Destinations

LONDON, September 26, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Travel giant Thomas Cook offers their European alternative destinations for golf fans unable to make it to the US for this year's Ryder Cup.

This year, the hotly anticipated 39th Ryder Cup will take place in the USA at the Medinah Country Club in Medinah, Illinois over the period of September 28-30.

UK golfing fan's will be eagerly awaiting the biggest team tournament in the sport, particularly as Europe is defending the cup after defeating the USA in a hard-fought competition two years ago in Wales.

In preparation for golf's elite, including Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods, descending on the course, Medinah has undergone a $1.5 million renovation project on course no. 3 under the direction of golf course architect Rees Jones, with the addition of a two-acre lake and major work on eleven of the original 18 greens.

For those inspired by the golfing giants efforts and looking to get in your own tee-time and improve the handicap, here are five top golfing destinations nearer to home that you can book through Thomas Cook:

Portugal holidays are always popular for golfing enthusiasts; particularly The Algarve. In Vilamoura the Hotel Dom Pedro is situated close to the beach and marina and makes for a great base from which to explore the top class golf courses of the surrounding area.

Pestana Alvor Praia Golf and Beach Resort at Alvor is a sophisticated hotel in an ideal location which overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. If you are travelling with less sports-minded members of your party, the wellness centre there offers a different kind of relaxation, so there really is something for everyone when you are looking to book holidays to the Algarve.

A holiday to Spain should mean more than long golden beaches and plenty of sun. There are some great golf spots to explore in the country. For example, Hotel Guadalmina Spa & Golf Resort at San Perdo De Alcantara is a beachfront spa hotel surrounded by one nine-hole and two 18-hole golf courses owned by the Guadalmina Golf Club. Guests can also book start times at most golf courses in the area at discounted rates. There are a number of Spain cheap holidays available via Thomas Cook.

The 5-star Finca Cortesin Golf & Spa resort on the Costa del Sol is a top quality destination with all the facilities you would expect at this level, including both outdoor and indoor swimming pools and a spa. The Finca Cortesin course itself, at a length of 7,000 metres is one of the longest in Europe and makes for a full days outing on some of the best greens and fairways on the Costas.

Cheap Benidorm holidays are always guaranteed to provide all the requirements for sun, sea and sand but they might not be top of the list as an ideal for a golfing holiday. But did you know that there is in fact 15 top-class 18 hole golf courses on the Costa Blanca alone? The excellent Jack Nicklaus designed Real de Faula is worth checking out.

Thomas Cook Children's Charity  is committed to making dreams come true for sick and disadvantaged children in the UK & Overseas - to find out more about the work we do visit our website.

SOURCE Thomas Cook