Destinations for your golf bucket list exist without intercontinental flights or jetlag. A tour through Europe with selected examples.
At this point, we should avoid the old saying ‘Why wander far away?’. But ultimately, it comes down to this: In uncertain times marked by global societal shifts, inflation, and soaring energy costs, and out of consideration for the ecological footprint, long-haul flights or heavy-oil-fueled ships across the big oceans are less popular among sustainably minded sports enthusiasts than ever before. Or rather, they should be.
\”Everyone just wants to get out again\”
\”Everyone just wants to get out again,\” said a fellow passenger waiting in line at Edinburgh Airport after the official end of the COVID-19 pandemic. This sentiment still holds true today, with an impression of even more unrestricted travel since SARS-CoV-2 no longer grips the world.
Travel portals have noticed a stronger focus on eco-conscious traveling and sustainable accommodations among customers. For instance, Booking.com found post-pandemic that 50 percent of travelers in Germany and 71 percent worldwide want to travel more sustainably, with over 25 percent choosing destinations closer to home.
Golfing Pure and Simple
However, golf travel has not been specifically studied in these surveys. A specialist in exclusive golf long-distance travel shared, anonymously for understandable reasons, that the ecological aspect is hardly a concern for clients who can afford such destinations. They simply want to play.
Fortunately, there is a reassuring ‘indulgence’ for tee times on dream courses: Golfers can offset the CO2 emissions from their travel by contributing to climate protection, environmental, or sustainability projects via providers like Atmosfair or MyClimate. Spending a few extra euros for the trip is more than worth it.
