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THE JOY OF DISCOVERY

38 IN THIS ISSUE 13 • Editor’s Letter

22 • The Shortlist

32 • The Art of Submersion

Why the best golf journeys begin long before the first tee. By Farhad Heydari

The season’s finest discoveries, selected for the months ahead. By Ultratravel editors

Art’s most unexpected exhibition spaces lie beneath the surface. By Nigel Tisdall

17 • New Directions

29 • Green Light

64 • American Evolution

The Global Hotel Alliance portfolio is expanding — but not in the way you might think

A closer look at watchmaking’s most enigmatic shade. By Chris Hall

Meet the Chevrolet Corvette C8 E-Ray: familiar, but not as you know it. By Adam Hay-Nicholls

37 • In Full Sw ing

38 • New Territory

48 • Geared Up

The annual Ultratravel celebration of golf’s enduring appeal

The new courses and bold reinventions reshaping the future of golf. By Tom Mackin

The latest golf kit promising precision, technology and style. By Nick Bayly

AUTUMN 2026 C O V E R P H O T O : B A L LY B U N I O N , © J A C O B S J O M A N

EDITORIAL

PUBLISHING

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

CHAIRMAN

Farhad Heydari farhad@ultratravel.com @MrFarhadHeydari

Nick Perry nick@ultratravel.com @MrNickPerry

CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Andrew Cowan SENIOR EDITOR: Yasmin Harake

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CONTRIBUTORS

EUROPE

Nick Bayly, Chris Hall, Adam Hay-Nicholls, Tom Mackin, Nigel Tisdall

NEIL SARTORI neil.sartori@mediainterlink.com

ultratravel.com

@Ultratravel

© 2026 Published by PGP Media Limited on behalf of UHC Cayman Holdings Limited, Northside House, Mount Pleasant, Barnet, Hertfordshire, EN4 9EE, England, UK. All rights reserved. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information contained in this publication, no responsibility can be accepted for any errors or omissions nor for any unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or artwork submitted. The information contained in this publication is correct at the time of going to press. Views expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher or UHC Cayman Holdings Limited. Ultratravel is a registered trademark.

AUTUMN 2026

U LT R A T R A V E L

EDITOR’S LETTER

THE NEXT ROUND

TENUTA TOSCANA GOLF AND FIELD CLUB

Golf may be new here, but the landscape of Tenuta Toscana Golf and Field Club is ancient: archaeological evidence points to Etruscan settlement in the area

Fresh ground

Farhad Heydari EDITOR-IN-CHIEF @mrfarhadheydari

AUTUMN 2026

A golf trip often begins long before anyone reaches the first tee. A photograph catches the eye, an architect’s name prompts a closer look and a stretch of coastline suddenly becomes the reason to cross an ocean. Before long, friends are comparing diaries, flights are being investigated and a destination that barely figured in conversation has become the subject of elaborate plans. There is plenty in this, our fifth annual golf issue, to get those conversations started. Our survey of new and reimagined courses takes us from Kangaroo Island to Los Cabos, via Ireland and Tuscany, with spectacular settings and imaginative

designs offering fresh reasons to pack the clubs. Some are ready for play; others are worth planning ahead for. Then there is the pleasure of deciding what goes in the bag. Our equipment package explores the latest temptations and technologies for golfers whose curiosity extends from where they play to what they play with, all in the hope of scoring well and doing so with a little more flair. Whatever the scorecard says, a few hours outdoors with friends, family and loved ones remain among the game’s greatest rewards. And shorter days need not bring those pleasures to an end: as autumn settles over the northern hemisphere,

spring is gathering pace in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, inviting us to extend the golfing year. For those whose ideal escape takes a different direction, there is plenty beyond the fairways in this issue of . to inspire the next journey. A shared appetite for discovery, after all, is what brings us together.

U LT R A T R A V E L

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NEW DIRECTIONS Hotel transformations, creative collaborations and an

expanding range of benefits are broadening the possibilities across GHA’s global portfolio

AUTUMN 2026

U LT R A T R A V E L U LT R A T R A V E L

PAST & PRESENT

Previous page: Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel’s latest transformation preserves its distinctive heritage while rethinking the hotel for a new generation; Right: Capella Kyoto occupies the former site of an elementary school, reimagining a place of learning as a new hub for cultural discovery

CHANGING SCENE Established GHA addresses are entering their next chapter, with reimagined spaces and inventive experiences giving travellers more reasons to return

n Bangkok, Anantara Hotels & Resorts (anantara. com) is reshaping the experience at Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel. The landmark property is undergoing an extensive transformation intended to preserve its distinctive Thai character while updating the experience for a new generation of guests. The hotel remains very much part of the city’s social fabric, with its tropical gardens, celebrated restaurants and central location providing a counterpoint to Bangkok’s increasingly vertical skyline. Its refreshed accommodation is also being paired with experiences designed to draw guests further into the capital, including locally led encounters beyond the familiar visitor circuit. There has been an altogether more barefoot reinvention at Niyama Private Islands Maldives (niyama.com), where a year-long programme of enhancements has ushered in what the resort describes as a new era. Newly refurbished villas and facilities are joined by fresh dining experiences and an expanded approach to active wellness, while the resort’s larger Pavilions — including beach and overwater configurations — have also emerged newly renovated. The result builds on Niyama’s playful identity while

FRESH ARRIVALS GHA’s global footprint continues to widen with two homegrown European groups joining the alliance

he Marmara Hotels (themarmarahotels.com) brings six properties in Türkiye, including addresses in Istanbul, Bodrum and Antalya, while PURO Hotels (purohotel.pl) adds a collection of nine design-led hotels across Poland. The additions, announced in August, take GHA’s portfolio to 55 brands and around 1,000 hotels, further strengthening the alliance’s presence in two increasingly dynamic European hospitality markets. For members, they also open up a broader choice of independently minded addresses across both countries.

AUTUMN 2026

DETAILS TO DISCOVER

Above left: Raised 3.5 metres above the ground, Anantara Kafue River Tented Camp allows wildlife and seasonal waters to move freely beneath it; Above right: Beyond its panoramic Aegean views, The Marmara Bodrum houses a collection of sculptures by Turkish artist Mevlüt Akyıldız; Left: At PURO, each hotel’s art collection is curated to reflect its Polish setting

U LT R A T R A V E L

PLAY IN PARADISE

Right: Refreshed villas, dining experiences and wellness offerings add another dimension to Niyama Private Islands’ twin playgrounds of Chill and Play; Below: A tropical sanctuary in the heart of the city, Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel reminds guests that its most surprising luxury may be the chance to slow down

preserving the contrasting rhythms of its two islands, Chill and Play, whether the day calls for surfing and snorkelling or rather less strenuous pursuits. Elsewhere, the focus turns to the table. At Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin (kempinski.com), a new Guest Pastry Series launched in September with Belgian pastry chef Roger van Damme, named World’s Best Pastry Chef in 2017. For its inaugural weekend, Van Damme joined the Adlon’s Steffen Holle to reinterpret afternoon tea as a five-course experience, including the Belgian chef’s signature waffles — served outside Belgium for the first time — alongside a succession of savoury and sweet creations. Kyoto, meanwhile, is looking towards Brooklyn. Capella Kyoto (capellahotels.com) welcomed New York cocktail destination Bar Rêve to YOI on September 28 for a onenight collaboration that found an intriguing connection between two very different cultural traditions. Bar Rêve takes its inspiration from the artistic salons of Belle Époque Paris; YOI sits within Miyagawa-cho, one of Kyoto’s historic geiko and maiko districts. For one evening, the bar’s New York team worked alongside Capella’s Director of Mixology Mario La Pietra, bringing a little Brooklyn swagger to one of Japan’s most storied neighbourhoods.

BEYOND THE STAY eSIMs, local experiences and a growing network of partners are extending membership benefits throughout the journey

For more information or to join the programme for free, visit ghadiscovery.com or download the GHA DISCOVERY mobile app.

AUTUMN 2026

he boundaries of hotel loyalty are becoming increasingly fluid. For members of GHA DISCOVERY (ghadiscovery.com), benefits now extend well beyond check-in, as a growing network of partnerships connects the programme with the wider travel experience. The latest addition is Airalo (airalo.com), the eSIM provider covering more than 200 destinations worldwide. A partnership launched in July gives members a 10 per cent discount on eSIM purchases, providing easy access to mobile data while travelling. The tie-up follows another recent addition, City Unscripted (cityunscripted.com), which pairs travellers with local hosts for personalised experiences shaped around individual interests rather than fixed itineraries. The partnership also complements the programme’s longstanding Live Local philosophy. Together, the additions point to a broader evolution, with the programme increasingly accompanying members throughout a trip rather than simply rewarding hotel stays. Blacklane (blacklane.com) and SIXT (sixt.com) extend the offering to ground transportation, while Plum Guide (plumguide.com) provides access to more than 30,000 independently vetted private homes. Dining, aviation and cruise partnerships broaden that reach further. The hotel remains at the heart of the programme, but increasingly its benefits travel with the guest.

U LT R A T R A V E L

Graceful Luxury Sincerely Yours

At Pan Pacific London, the energy of the City meets a sanctuary of calm. Discover London’s vibrant markets, Michelin-starred dining and iconic landmarks, then retreat to refined contemporary luxury. 80 Houndsditch, London, EC3A 7AB T: +44 (0) 20 7118 6888 enquiry.pplon@panpacific.com @panpacificlondon Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Award 2026

The World of Pan Pacific Hotels Group | panpacific.com Singapore • Kuala Lumpur • Penang • Malacca • Langkawi • Bangkok • Yangon • Nay Pyi Taw • Hanoi • Phnom Penh • Siem Reap • Jakarta • Dhaka • Beijing Tianjin • Xiamen • Suzhou • Ningbo • Dalian • Sydney • Melbourne • Perth • Tokyo • Kyoto • London • Vancouver • Whistler, British Columbia • Toronto • Nairobi

O N O U R R A DA R

THE SHORT What’s hot, what to buy and what to know, as compiled by Ultratravel editors

SAIL AWAY

Richard Mille joins Britain’s America’s Cup challenger GB1 as Official Timekeeping Partner ahead of the 2027 contest in Naples Precision, performance and engineering pushed to the extreme: watchmaking and competitive sailing have plenty in common. Richard Mille’s latest partnership brings that connection into focus as the brand joins GB1, Britain’s challenger for the 38th America’s Cup, as Official Timekeeping Partner. Hosted in Naples in 2027, sailing’s most prestigious competition will see the British team return for its fourth campaign. Led by Team Principal Sir Ben Ainslie and CEO Ian Walker, GB1 builds on a historic 2024 performance, when the team became the first British squad in 60 years to reach the America’s Cup Match and the first ever to win the Challenger Series. Skipper and helm Dylan Fletcher MBE and key members of the sailing team will wear Richard Mille watches throughout the campaign. For the watchmaker, the partnership extends a longstanding involvement in sailing into a contest where advanced materials, foil technology and split-second decisions can make all the difference. richardmille.com

RICHARD MILLE

“Precision, performance and engineering pushed to the extreme: watchmaking and competitive sailing have plenty in common”

AUTUMN 2026

U LT R A T R A V E L

O N O U R R A DA R

LIST

SCENT SHIFT

A quartet of new fragrances finds inspiration in unexpected places, spanning desert landscapes and Scottish forests to Italian ateliers and a dram of Scotch

MAISON FRANCIS KURKDJIAN A study in contrasts, Maison Francis Kurkdjian’s OUD velvet mood tempers the intensity of oud with peach and osmanthus, before a suede accord adds tactile warmth. The Extrait de Parfum takes its inspiration from the texture of desert sand. franciskurkdjian.com

ACQUA DI PARMA Acqua di Parma’s Cedro Virtuoso puts an intriguing spin on cedarwood, co-infusing Virginia cedar and hazelnut essence for 30 days. Calabrian bergamot adds brightness to a composition that balances woody depth with an unexpectedly smooth, almost gourmand warmth. acquadiparma.com

JO MALONE Vanilla with considerably more swagger: Jo Malone London’s limited-edition Vanilla Scotch combines its namesake note with a Scotch whisky accord, roasted tonka bean and golden amber. A hint of smoky oak keeps proceedings decidedly more sophisticated than sweet. jomalone.co.uk

KINGDOM SCOTLAND The fifth fragrance from Kingdom Scotland takes the fifth element as its cue. ÆTHEREAL evokes a Scottish forest at dusk through mushroom, tuberose and iris, grounded by frankincense, cedarwood and sandalwood. Earthy, atmospheric and pleasingly unconventional. kingdomscotland.com

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U LT R A T R A V E L

O N O U R R A DA R

LIST

THE SHORT

PALACE INTRIGUE Boodles looks behind the doors of Britain’s royal residences for a high-jewellery collection inspired by centuries of architecture, artistry and decorative detail Britain’s royal residences provide a suitably rich source of inspiration for Boodles (boodles.com), which has partnered with Historic Royal Palaces on its new 2026 high-jewellery collection. The pieces look beyond crowns and ceremony to the architecture, gardens and decorative details of six extraordinary sites, including Kensington Palace, Hampton Court Palace and the Tower of London. Precious stones and intricate craftsmanship reinterpret centuries of royal history in distinctly contemporary form, transforming everything from historic textiles to heraldic beasts into wearable works of art. The collaboration has also inspired Boodles’ 2026 RHS Chelsea Flower Show garden, extending the conversation between jewellery, architecture and landscape. There is a pleasing Ultratravel connection too: both Kensington Palace and the Tower of London — familiar territory to guests of The ULTRAs — are among the Historic Royal Palaces that inspired the collection.

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U LT R A T R A V E L

O N O U R R A DA R

HIGHLAND PARK BETWEEN YOU AND I Artist Laila Gohar joins the Orkney distillery for a 17-year-old single malt marrying orange blossom, leather and warming spice with its signature aromatic peat. Gohar’s wonderfully surreal illustrated packaging turns the collaboration into a feast for the eyes, too. highlandparkwhisky.com

THE MACALLAN HARMONY COLLECTION The series bows out with a two-part Coconut finale. Fresh Coconut takes the brighter route, with lime, tropical fruit and vanilla, while Toasted Coconut heads towards crème caramel, white chocolate and frangipane — all derived through maturation rather than flavouring. themacallan.com

COMPASS BOX THIS IS A 10-YEAR-OLD WHISKY Refreshingly literal — and unusually transparent — this limited-edition blended malt combines 10-year-old Clynelish with peated and unpeated Ardnamurchan. Every component is exactly the age stated on the bottle, with just 3,610 numbered examples available. compassboxwhisky.com

NEW SPIRITS

Five Scotch releases loosen convention with unexpected casks, unlikely collaborations and fresh interpretations of some of whisky’s most familiar traditions.

THE GLENLIVET 12 YEAR OLD PROVENCE EDITION Sunshine meets Speyside as French wine casks, including rare Cru Classé examples, introduce peach, citrus and orchard fruit alongside crème brûlée, marzipan and warming spice — an intriguing meeting of Scottish whiskymaking and the flavours of southern France. theglenlivet.com

GLENGLASSAUGH 15 YEARS OLD An important milestone for the revived coastal distillery, this mature Highland single malt brings together Pedro Ximénez sherry and Spanish red-wine casks, delivering layers of dark fruit, caramelised sweetness and spice alongside Glenglassaugh’s distinctive maritime character. glenglassaugh.com

AUTUMN 2026

“Every component is exactly the age stated on the bottle, with just 3,610 numbered examples available”

U LT R A T R A V E L

Unforgettable Journeys Immerse yourself in a symphony of imperial architecture, Michelin‑starred cuisine, and an award‑winning spa experience at Vienna’s first urban luxury resort.

ANANTAR A PAL AIS HANSEN VIENNA HOTEL Schottenring 24, 1010 Vienna ANANTARA.COM

TEE TIME

GREEN LIGHT TO THE MOON & BACK

Look closely and the fern-green dial of Arnold & Son’s Perpetual Moon comes alive: the specially treated mother-of-pearl shimmers and shifts like a tropical sea

Whether on the fairway or the racetrack, this season’s standout watches reveal horology’s colour of the moment. By Chris Hall

AUTUMN 2026

U LT R A T R A V E L

TEE TIME

A 4

THE HUE OF HOROLOGY

1. Patek Philippe’s 5322G010 24-hour alarm chimes on a traditional gong, using a mechanism protected by four patents; 2. The 44mm ceramic case houses Hublot’s flyback chronograph, with its column wheel visible through the openworked dial; 3. H. Moser & Cie’s electric Matrix Green fumé dial was one of the colours that helped establish the Streamliner’s cult appeal; 4. Rolex’s Day-Date 40 achieves its pistachio-green hue thanks to a slice of aventurine stone, flecked with tiny unique impurities

AUTUMN 2026

very long time ago, when I was a fresh-faced watch writer returning from my very first visit to Switzerland’s annual trade fair, my editor demanded to know what the key trend was for the year. Overwhelmed by hundreds of watches at every price point and style imaginable, the best I could volunteer under pressure was that a slightly higher percentage than anticipated had blue dials. In my defence, it was entirely true; I didn’t necessarily appreciate how significant it was at the time, but the watch industry had only just started to loosen up its approach to dial design. Nowadays, you can buy a watch in pretty much any shade you care for, and once blue became something of a default choice, it was perhaps inevitable that green would be next. Unlike blue, however, green refuses to blend into the background: buying a green watch will always be a conscious act of non-conformism, albeit one that works well in so many situations. This year, there has been a vivid new crop to choose from. The colour has its own symbolic associations, of course; considered auspicious in many Middle Eastern nations, it is famously the colour of money as well as the natural world – and quite possibly the colour you’d be if you just missed out on one of these watches to a close friend. For us, and for this issue, it takes on another relevance: as a golfer, even hearing the word ‘green’ is enough to have you reaching for your putter. Hopefully these all evoke happy memories. Perhaps no watch brand is as closely associated with the colour, or with the sport, as Rolex (rolex.com), and fittingly enough it released the new 41mm Datejust with a rich lacquered dial this year. The brand is known for matching green and yellow gold, but this steel model (with a white gold fluted bezel) lets the dial colour really shine without distraction. If you do fancy something a bit more opulent, there is also the Day-Date 40 in an all-new alloy, ‘Jubilee Gold’ (created to mark 100 years of Rolex’s Oyster case) with a soft, green aventurine dial and diamond hour markers. Thanks to the muted pastel shade of the stone, it’s a lot more subtle than it sounds. Shaded gradient dials like the Datejust’s are popular across the industry. We find a similar effect at work on the Patek Philippe (patek.com) 5322G-010, an alarm-chiming watch updated this year with blue and green dials. These really stand out, thanks to a pronounced grainy texture (not unlike very finely cropped grass, it has to be said) and maybe it’s just me, but is there something of the golf scorecard about that white-on-green date wheel at six o’clock? Also employing a gradient finish and textured dial is H. Moser & Cie (h-moser.com), whose 1930s-inspired Streamliner Small Seconds uses grand feu enamel – a laborious and complex artisanal process that must be fired at high temperatures, with pieces frequently failing – for a beautifully glossy depth.

U LT R A T R A V E L

TEE TIME

“Is there something of the golf scorecard about that white-on-green date wheel at six o’clock?” 5

NATURE & PRECISION

5. TAG Heuer’s limited-edition Monaco is powered by calibre TH20-11, a version of its latest in-house movement adapted specifically for the square model; 6. Bell & Ross’ BR-03 GMT Green Lum takes its cue from the Northern Lights: the gradient green dial is designed to echo the otherworldly glow of an aurora; 7. The Zenith Chronomaster Sport’s El Primero 3600 chronograph can measure tenths of a second; 8. The olive edition of the Oris Divers Date is inspired by vintage military equipment; 9. Chopard’s Alpine Eagle features an intricate sunburst dial inspired by the iris of an eagle

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The use of traditional enamelling and hard stones forms part of a wider trend that has seen watch companies strive for the most decorative, unusual and painstakingly handcrafted dials. You see it at Chopard (chopard.com), with the swirling pattern of its Alpine Eagle dial, and Arnold & Son (arnoldandson.com), which uses mother-of-pearl coated with a semi-transparent pigment on its Perpetual Moon. The result is milky, shadowy and mysterious. Universal Geneve (universalgeneve.com), a much-loved brand revived under Breitling’s (breitling. com) ownership, has put a new spin on its classic Polerouter design with a fourquartered dial in shades of green and blue. But it’s not just the higher-end brands that are going green; sports watches are well represented, too. There’s the Zenith (zenith-watches.com) Chronomaster Sport, with a vibrant green ceramic bezel, the Hublot (hublot.com) Big Bang Reloaded in green ceramic (finished with orange and black details for a more militaristic look) and, equally camouflage-coded, the Oris (oris.ch) Divers Date in olive green. Aviation brand Bell & Ross (bellross.com) takes the theme a step further with its BR-03 GMT Green Lum, a pilot’s watch with a second time zone indicator that fuses a shaded green dial with bright, luminous numerals and hour markers. And back on terra firma, green watches have a proud lineage at the racetrack too, as the TAG Heuer (tagheuer.com) Monaco limited edition for the Goodwood Festival of Speed and Chopard Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph in British racing green demonstrate.

U LT R A T R A V E L

BLUE PERIOD

THE ART OF

AUTUMN 2026

U LT R A T R A V E L

BLUE PERIOD

TROPICAL TRAFFIC

A submerged evolution of artist Leandro Erlich’s Order of Importance, Concrete Coral transforms a traffic jam into a living artificial reef

From Florida to Queensland via the French Riviera, underwater sculpture parks are transforming the ocean floor into immersive galleries – as well as supporting marine conservation. By Nigel Tisdall

CORVETTE

We’re putting art to the service of nature,” explains Ximena Caminos, the ebullient Argentine curator behind the new REEFLINE (thereefline.org) underwater sculpture park in Miami Beach, Florida. Accessible by swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding or on guided boat trips, its inaugural installation Concrete Coral lies 20 feet below the waves at 4th St and presents 22 life-size concrete cars stretched across the seabed in a silent and bewitching traffic jam. Sitting bumper to bumper, this alluring work by Leandro Erlich, an artist well-known for his playful installations, is much more than a tourist attraction. Part-funded by the City of Miami Beach, it is the initial deployment in a planned seven-mile underwater gallery, lined with submerged sculptures that will draw attention to the importance of our coastal ecosystems while also providing an artificial reef where marine flora and fish can thrive. Come December 2026, Petroc Sesti’s Heart of Okeanos – an oversized replica blue whale heart – will be added to the ocean floor, with a third artwork inspired by the migration of starfish following in 2027. Concrete Coral is already attracting blizzards of yellowtail that flutter above its sunken cars like silver confetti, and part of the fascination of snorkelling or diving at these subaquatic exhibitions is to discover how the ocean patiently remodels such man-made interventions. One long-standing example is Il Cristo degli Abissi (Christ of the Abyss), a bronze statue of Jesus Christ by the artist Guido Galletti that was sunk off the Ligurian

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U LT R A T R A V E L

BLUE PERIOD

AUTUMN 2026

STEVE KEHAYIAS, @ERIC_BARNABE_PHOTOGRAPHIE, DESCENT PRODUCTIONS

DEPTH PERCEPTION

Above top: Designed to evolve with the reef, the Museum of Underwater Art’s sculptures are gradually being reclaimed by marine life; Above: Artist Leandro Erlich often removes familiar objects from their everyday context, inviting viewers to question what they think they’re seeing; Right: Beneath the waves, six real faces of Cannes — selected from 45 local volunteers — keep watch over the Mediterranean

U LT R A T R A V E L

BLUE PERIOD

ART FOR TOMORROW

Right: Once nursery-grown corals are ready, they’re carefully transplanted back onto damaged reefs; Right bottom: Installing Concrete Coral required a 159-foot barge to lower 22 concrete cars onto the seabed off Miami Beach; Below bottom: Beneath Grenada’s waters, 26 children face the current in a circle designed to symbolise unity, resilience and the future

TAYLOR GRIFFITH

coast at San Fruttuoso in Italy in 1954. Today it is intriguingly blotched and scarred by time, despite regular cleaning. Elsewhere, underwater works are intentionally left alone so that coral and marine organisms can decorate them naturally. This is the policy at John Brewer Reef, close to Townsville in Queensland, Australia, where the exhibits at the Museum of Underwater Art (moua.com. au) include the Coral Greenhouse, the largest underwater artwork in the world. Over 30 feet tall, it was designed by the prolific British sculptor and marine conservationist Jason deCaires Taylor, and features evocative gardens in which figurative sculptures of local schoolchildren nurture coral cuttings in a seascape of planter boxes and floating trees. Unlike land-based galleries and museums, which often suffer from noise and overcrowding, contemplating art underwater is a refreshingly quiet, personal and uninterrupted experience. Admission is often free, too, including Cannes’ Écomusée Sous-Marin (cannes.com)

ORLANDO K. ROMAIN

NICO MUNLEY

“Contemplating art underwater is a refreshingly quiet, personal and uninterrupted experience”

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in France. Located in a shallow, boat-free zone off the southern shore of Sainte-Marguerite island, it features six colossal masks – all of which are modelled on the faces of local residents from age nine to 80 – and reflects the creative energy of this festival-loving city. Jason deCaires Taylor has spoken of how diving allows you to “fly through an installation.” His best-known work can be admired off the Caribbean island of Grenada, where the Molinere Underwater Sculpture Park (puregrenada. com) has stood defiantly below the waves for 20 years. Its stimulating pieces range from the whimsical The Lost Correspondent, where a lonely writer sits at a desk with a typewriter, to the exuberant Coral Carnival, depicting 25 masqueraders from the island’s annual Spicemas festival. Fans can also visit the A World Adrift (puregrenada.com) underwater sculpture park near Hillsborough, on the sister island of Carriacou, which opened in 2024 and features a fleet of 30 large origami-style boats. With a new Dive Sculpture Park in development at Anse La Verdue in St Lucia, one thing is clear: when seeking out the most immersive travel experiences, it pays to look beneath the surface.

U LT R A T R A V E L

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ON COURSE

IN FULL SWING Landmark openings, inspired reinventions, the latest kit, considered style and essential reading: Ultratravel selects what matters on and off the green

COASTAL CONTOURS

Oleada Golf Links is Ernie Els’ first course in Mexico — and perhaps its most natural: the layout follows the site’s existing dunes and ridges rather than imposing itself upon them

AUTUMN 2026

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F R E S H FA I R WAY S

SHAPED BY TIME

Once a phosphate mine, Streamsong’s landscape was transformed by millions of cubic yards of sand, reshaped by wind and rain into a striking terrain of rolling dunes and lakes – an unlikely setting for Florida golf

AUTUMN 2026

U LT R A T R A V E L

F R E S H FA I R WAY S

NEW TERRITORY MARSH

A remarkable crop of original courses and imaginative redesigns is expanding golf’s horizons. Tom Mackin explores 14 projects around the world worth adding to your wish list

AUTUMN 2026

U LT R A T R A V E L

F R E S H FA I R WAY S

COURSES WITH CHARACTER

Left: Set amid the wild blueberry fields and maple forests of Nova Scotia, Cabot Wilds will offer a distinctly rural take on resort golf Below: Strategy is woven into The Links at Spanish Bay, where split fairways and carefully placed central bunkers offer different routes to the green, rewarding thoughtful positioning over sheer distance

olf courses are as individual as the swings of the people who play them. No two are exactly alike. The ingredients may be universal – tees, fairways, greens and hazards – but how, where and why they come together is what makes each new course, and often a renovated layout, worth seeking out. GROUND BREAKERS Kangaroo Island, located just off Australia’s southern coast, has long been home to an array of wildlife, from koalas and sea lions to penguins, not to mention the island’s namesake. Now it is welcoming a spectacular new golf course designed by Australian architect Darius Oliver: The Cliffs at Kangaroo Island (thecliffs.com.au). The routing crosses the cliffs above the Southern Ocean at Pelican Lagoon, with holes draped across rolling duneland and fairways framed by native vegetation. “It’s such an amazing island,” says Oliver on the Talk Birdie To Me podcast. “I want the golf course to do the island justice and the property justice.” Accessible by direct flight from Adelaide, the course opens to public play in late November 2026. At Bandon Dunes in Oregon, David McLay Kidd designed the very first course to rave reviews. Now he has become the latest architect to design a layout at Streamsong Resort (streamsongresort.com) in central Florida, following existing courses built there by a who’s who of modern golf architecture: Tom Doak, Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, and Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner. Kidd and his team relished the challenge of matching, if not exceeding, those highly regarded

“It’s such an amazing island. I want the golf course to do the island justice and the property justice” AUTUMN 2026

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ANOTHER LOOK

JACOB SJOMAN

Not many golf courses get a second chance at a first impression. Ballybunion’s Cashen Course now has precisely that following an extensive reshaping by a team featuring Tom Watson. Hence, a new name to go with the new look: the Watson Cashen Course.

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SANDS OF TIME

Pinehurst’s No. 11 course has an unlikely foundation: sand mining. Built across land once shaped by decades of extraction, Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw have woven its old spoil piles, ridges and contours into the course rather than smoothing them away

the former site of The European Club on Ireland’s southeast coast, 90 minutes south of Dublin and overlooking the Irish Sea, for a planned 2027 opening. Now called Brittas Bay Club (brittasbayclub.ie), it’s set to bear little resemblance to its predecessor. “This piece of linksland is some of the most grand linksland that you’ll find anywhere on the planet,” says Phillips. “I wouldn’t trust anyone more than I would trust Kyle Phillips to deliver what we believe can be a worldclass golf course here,” says Nicky Conlan, managing director of Brittas Bay Club. “We want this place to be a bucket-list golf destination.” To no one’s surprise, Cabot Golf’s course portfolio continues to grow, and it will soon include two projects in its home country of Canada. On the country’s east coast, the Nova Scotia town of Oxford has long been known as the wild blueberry capital of Canada. It will also be home to a new golf course called Cabot Wilds (cabot.com/wilds). Toronto-based architect Jeff Mingay is designing the layout along the River Phillip and among the foothills of the Cobequid Mountains. Over on the west coast, in the mountains of British Columbia, Cabot Revelstoke (cabot.com/revelstoke) will soon be unveiled. In an area already wildly popular for skiing and fly fishing, Canadian architect Rod Whitman has created a worthy third activity option, with a routing featuring wide fairways and opportunities to run shots up to many of the greens. Laos will soon receive its first Nick Faldo-designed course, a par-70, 6,007-yard routing at Thatluang Lake Golf Resort, very near the country’s capital city of Vientiane. Gareth Williams of Faldo Design described the setting to Golf

layouts with the Bone Valley course. “Because it’s Streamsong, because it was this beautiful sand we worked in, we all knew this was an opportunity above and beyond,” Kidd has said. “So everyone was giving their all to try and compete with the Blue, Red and Black (courses). They’re really good. You’ve got this benchmark that’s right here and you can’t mail it in. You have to be on your best game.” It’s a homecoming for architect Bill Coore, who – alongside his long-time design partner Ben Crenshaw – has designed course No. 11 at the famed Pinehurst Resort (pinehurst.com). A North Carolina native, Coore has been coming to the area since the 1970s – he and Crenshaw renovated the famed No. 2 course in 2011 ahead of its hosting of the 2014 US Open. But the brand-new No. 11, a short drive from the main resort, offers a very different landscape. “This course hunkers down. It sits among the piles and the ridges and big trees,” Coore says. “I think it’s going to be a really strong complement to No. 10 (the adjacent course designed by Tom Doak that opened in April 2024) and it can be a complement to the overall golf experience at Pinehurst.” Ernie Els makes his first foray into Mexico with Oleada Golf Links (oleadaloscabos.com), located just northwest of Los Cabos. It’s a close neighbour of Diamante Golf Club at the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja Peninsula, with a routing that offers sweeping views of the nearby Pacific Ocean. Els has applied a light touch to a landscape full of natural contours, rolling dunes and elevation changes. The course is part of Oleada Los Cabos, a new 860-acre oceanfront resort community. US-based architect Kyle Phillips is busy transforming

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Course Architecture magazine: “Given its location so close to the city centre, our vision was to create a course with an urban botanical park character that helps to soften its surrounding environment,” he said. “This includes a balance of formal and more natural areas, multiple water features, striking modern bunkers and changes in elevation that provide interesting green and tee locations.” The ever-expanding world of the Discovery Land Company, known for its high-end communities and amenityladen golf courses in nine countries around the globe, will extend into Italy next year with the debut of the Tenuta Toscana Golf & Field Club (tenutatoscana.com). The private club will be part of a luxury estate in Castelfalfi, almost 90 minutes southwest of Florence, in Tuscany. Architect Tom Fazio has created a new routing that moves through cypress groves, vineyards and olive groves, while amenities will include two on-course comfort stations, plus a Truffle Truck that will provide culinary treats.

“Our vision was to create a course with an urban botanical park character”

SECOND ACTS The Cashen Course at Ballybunion Golf Club (ballybuniongolfclub.com) in County Kerry, Ireland, has long suffered in comparison to its more famous and much older sibling (by 91 years), the Old Course. Maybe not any longer. A transformative project that included five-time Open champion Tom Watson working with Graeme Webster and Team Niblick has elevated the layout, now called the Watson Cashen Course, to new heights. “It was a full remodel,” general manager John Eggleston says of the work completed this past summer. “Every green was made 50 per cent bigger, with larger surrounds and also larger landing areas.” When The Links at Spanish Bay (pebblebeach.com) in Pebble Beach, California, celebrates its 40th anniversary next year, it will begin a new chapter thanks to an extensive makeover led by Gil Hanse and his team. “The Spanish Bay site is one of the best we’ve seen for golf, one where all your senses are stimulated by the crashing Pacific surf, and we are excited by Pebble Beach Company’s commitment to creating another extraordinary golf experience on the Monterey Peninsula,” says Hanse. “This opportunity truly brings out the golf fan in me as much as the designer.” The work will include relocating multiple green sites, creating an entirely new par-three, enlarging all greens, widening fairways and redesigning tee areas. In southeast Sicily, the former Donnafugata Golf Resort & Spa is beginning a new life as Costa Ragusa Golf (costaragusa.mangias.com). Major changes are taking place across the existing 36 holes, with that work being led by two Spanish golf legends. Opening this year is the Queens Course, where Miguel Ángel Jiménez will leave his mark on a resortstyle layout. In 2028, the Castle Course will open, with José

A WORLD OF POSSIBILITY

Top: Ernie Els allowed the Pacific-facing dunes and natural sandy ridges to dictate the layout of Oleada Golf Links with minimal earthmoving required; Above: Thatluang Lake Golf Resort’s upcoming course incorporates a network of lakes and waterways, with several holes crossing an existing canal that divides the site; Left: Tenuta Toscana Golf & Field Club will weave through cypress groves, vineyards and olive trees, with nine holes due to open in summer 2027 ahead of the full 18-hole course

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A ROYAL HAZARD

A fireplace originally commissioned for Buckingham Palace ended up at Matfen Hall after its decorative naked figures were deemed too risqué for royalty

María Olazábal working on a significantly longer routing than its sibling. At Matfen Hall (matfenhall.com), a luxury estate in Northumberland, England, The Douglas Course now features nine new greens as part of an 18-hole routing that moves seamlessly across the rolling countryside just west of Newcastle upon Tyne. Also new this year is a driving range with Toptracer technology, a short-game area, an 18-hole putting course and The Keepers – a new golf lodge featuring a restaurant and bar, pro shop and advanced performance technology. A rebuild of all the greens was the highlight of a recent renovation project on the Championship Course at Golf Club Bad Ragaz (grandresort.ch), located southeast of Zurich, Switzerland. Led by architect Peter Harradine, the work marked the first significant changes to the putting surfaces in seven decades, leading to much more consistent conditions and an elevated playing experience. The course is part of a resort noted for its thermal spa, which uses a water source first discovered eight centuries ago.

“The work marked the first significant changes to the putting surfaces in seven decades”

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DIFFERENT GREENS

URS BUCHER

Founded in 1905, Bad Ragaz has a rather unusual wartime chapter: its original nine-hole course was converted into farmland in 1942, with potatoes, corn and carrots taking the place of fairways

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ENDLESS HORIZONS

With panoramic vistas woven into the design of its public spaces, Regent makes the ever-changing landscape part of the experience

LINGER LONGER Regent Seven Seas Cruises® invites you to discover Europe at a different pace, with overnight stays and after-dark experiences that reveal each destination more deeply

ive a destination time, and it begins to reveal a different side of itself. Perhaps you stay a little longer at dinner, only to notice how the moonlight illuminates a distant cliff. Or you rise earlier than usual for a sunrise stroll, suddenly aware of the rhythmic waves lapping the shore – details that might otherwise be lost in rushed itineraries and the noise of everyday life. Wherever you find yourself, there is something to be said for wandering a little further, lingering a little longer and seeing a familiar destination in an entirely different light. With Regent Seven Seas Cruises®, a new

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PA RT N E R C O N T E N T

collection of European voyages invites discerning travellers to do precisely that. The Immersive Overnights collection is designed around a simple luxury: more time. With overnight stays in every port on selected sailings, guests can explore Europe at a more leisurely pace, going beyond the traditional daytime visit to discover the character of each destination after dark. And there is perhaps no better time to experience Europe this way than during the quieter shoulder seasons. As spring and autumn bring milder temperatures and fewer crowds, iconic cities and cultural treasures can be enjoyed with unhurried ease – and with a little more breathing room. There’s time to lounge over a long lunch, discover a tucked-away neighbourhood or watch the light fall across a historic skyline – without the pressure of being back on board by early evening. Consider the 10-night Sunset in Santander voyage aboard Seven Seas Grandeur®, departing Lisbon on 28 April 2027. Sailing roundtrip from the Portuguese capital, the itinerary includes immersive overnight calls in Lisbon, Santander, Bordeaux and Bilbao, creating opportunities to experience each destination beyond the conventional cruise itinerary. In Bordeaux, for example, guests might spend an evening immersed in the region’s celebrated wine culture with Dine in Elegance: a tour and tasting followed by dinner at Château du Tertre. Or, for a more hands-on encounter with local traditions, Cook at Château invites guests to master regional dishes during a cooking class near medieval Saint-Émilion before sitting down to savour the outcome. On 19 July 2027, Seven Seas Grandeur® bids Venice farewell as she begins her journey to Barcelona – a 10-night voyage with opportunities to explore the departure city, Dubrovnik and Tuscany along the way. In Venice, guests can take their seats in front of an esteemed orchestra at the Scuola Grande di San Teodoro – a majestic venue built in the 16th century – and enjoy music from the Baroque era. Later, in Tuscany, guests can visit Villa Dianella, an elegant Tuscan estate that will provide the backdrop to an evening of dining and wine tasting. These are the kinds of experiences that become possible when the destination is given equal billing with the journey. Guests can choose to explore independently or join carefully curated shore excursions, with the freedom to experience a city by day and discover its restaurants, culture and atmosphere well into the evening. And when the day is done, Regent’s signature ultraluxury, truly all-inclusive experience awaits. Spacious allsuite accommodation, speciality dining, premium beverages, included shore excursions, personalised service and an array of thoughtful inclusions ensure that every moment on board is as considered as those spent ashore. Because sometimes, the greatest luxury in travel is not where you go – but having the time to truly be there.

To order a complimentary brochure, call 023 8082 1375, visit RSSC.com/order-brochure or scan the QR code.

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LUXURY ON LAND & SEA

With Regent Seven Seas Cruises®, there’s no need to think about what comes next – simply return to your ship and settle back into effortless, all-inclusive luxury, whether in your private residence or one of the restaurants

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TAYLORMADE R7 QUAD £399 Reviving one of TaylorMade’s most iconic names, the R7 Quad Mini combines classic looks with modern technology. Adjustable four-weight tuning delivers custom launch and shot shaping, while the compact 305cc head inspires confidence from the tee or fairway.

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GEARED From breakthrough clubs and clever technology to stylish accessories and off-course essentials, Nick Bayly selects the new-season kit designed to raise your game, starting with a new breed of driver giving better players greater accuracy when it matters most

he old adage that if you wait long enough a thing will come back

into fashion is often applied to clothes (flares), music (soft rock) and food (prawn vol-au-vents), but it has rarely ever applied to golf equipment, which seems to have been on an exponentially upward curve of ‘bigger equals better’ ever since the first driver was fashioned back in the 1500s. A few golf club manufacturers experimented with 500cc drivers some 20 years ago – the industry standard head volume for a regular driver these days is somewhere between 430cc for a pro model and 460cc for a regular model for amateurs. And while many of us would shudder at the thought of going back to a smaller-sized head given how rarely we find the centre of the clubface with our current dinner plates, there has been a growing demand by better players for a club that sacrifices a little distance in return for greater accuracy. While good players looking for a ‘fairway finder’ off the tee would in the past have turned to a 3-wood, a hybrid or even a long iron, they don’t quite fill the yawning gap created by a driver, whose larger, deeper face and allround forgiveness is hard to match. Step forward the Mini Driver. For all intents and purposes, this relatively new breed of club category looks like a driver that you might have played with in the early 2000s, when they were around 300cc and had 43–44 inch shafts. But these modern-day miracles feature far more high-tech materials and boast a range of internal weighting elements that make them perform much better than the rusting Big Berthas that clutter up the garages of club collectors all over the world. Yes, a 460cc model may bat it 300-plus yards off the tee, but that often comes with a second shot from the rough or a sideways chip out from the woods. Much of the loss of control comes from shaft length – a typical driver’s shaft is around 45.75 inches long – and the gear effect created by a shallow-faced larger head that exaggerates slices and fades. The Mini Driver comes with a head size ranging from 300cc–340cc, lofts varying by model and a shaft length of around 43.5 inches, making it far easier to control, while also delivering the low-spin trajectory that good players demand. Expert advice has it that the Mini Driver requires a lower tee height than you would take with a standard driver, with the ball slightly further back in your stance (closer to the centre) and a swing more like a 3-wood or iron, hitting slightly down or level rather than trying to launch upwards. Here’s our selection of the best Mini Driver models.

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PXG SECRET WEAPON £429

CALLAWAY QUANTUM £429

With 13 degrees of loft, PXG’s aptly named Secret Weapon neatly fills the gap between driver and fairway wood. Adjustable weighting, low-spin performance and a confidenceinspiring shape make this 300cc model an ideal option for golfers seeking maximum control without giving away hard yards.

One of the larger minis at 340cc, the Quantum is built for golfers wanting driver-like distance with greater accuracy. Its AI-designed face produces fast ball speeds, consistent launch and excellent versatility whether you’re playing from the tee or attacking long par fives. It is offered in 11.5° and 13.5° lofts.

MIGHTY MINIS Compact, versatile and easier to control, these downsized powerhouses are proving that bigger isn’t always better

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TITLEIST GTS300 £499

COBRA KING TEC £379

In the bags of Cameron Young and Justin Thomas, the 13-degree GTS300 delivers the refined feel and precision we’ve come to know and love from Titleist. Offering penetrating flight, excellent workability and impressive playability, its 305cc adjustable weighted head – which boasts the same height forged face as the 280cc model it replaces – will appeal to better ball strikers.

Combining a compact, forgiving 303cc titanium head with adjustable loft and weighting for impressive versatility, Cobra’s mini boasts a PWRSHELL face with H.O.T. Face technology that helps preserve ball speed on off-centre strikes, while the adjustable loft range (11.5°–15.5°) and dual 12g/2g weights allow players to fine-tune launch, spin and trajectory.

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SPICE OF LIFE The pinnacle of Caribbean luxury. This breathtaking beachfront residence offers uninterrupted sea and Piton views, featuring nine luxurious bedrooms, world-class amenities, and the unparalleled service of Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort. Enjoy the expertise of a private chef and daily dining experiences tailored to you.

www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/sugar-beach sb.reservations@viceroy.com

PRO SHOP

CALLAWAY QUANTUM MINI SPINNER

TITLEIST VOKEY SM11 BLACK VAPOR WEDGES

Higher handicappers struggling to generate distance and elevation with their long irons should check out the Quantum Mini Spinner, a specialist ‘scoring wood’ designed to produce higher, softer approach shots from long range. Available in 7-wood (21°), 9-wood (24°) and 11wood (27°) lofts, it sits between a fairway wood and hybrid, offering confidence, control and stopping power when attacking pins from distance. Its compact head features a lightweight carbon sole that repositions weight higher to enhance spin and control, while the 41.5-inch shaft promotes more consistent centre-face contact. A taller, deeper face provides confidence from a variety of lies, while the step sole improves turf interaction for cleaner strikes.

Boasting a classy titanium carbide finish, these stunning new Vokey wedges feature three engraved markings on the hosel that are designed to help golfers achieve more repeatable setups for different short-game shots. The markings guide positioning for bump-and-run, pitch and flop shots, helping golfers adjust shaft lean and clubface position. Gold detailing, a Golf Pride Z Cord grip and Dynamic Gold Onyx shaft complete the striking look. They are available in lofts ranging from 48° to 60° with a choice of grinds and bounces to suit different swings and course conditions.

£219/£234 per club (st/g), vokey.com

£359 callawaygolf.com

NEW ORDER Fresh technology, sharper engineering and a few inspired extras bring new possibilities to the bag — and beyond it

SUN MOUNTAIN CLUBGLIDER3 Sun Mountain’s ClubGlider travel bag has revolutionised many a golfer’s holiday experience since it was first launched in 2008, with its patented extendable legs supporting all of the weight and its pivoting caster wheels allowing clubs to travel effortlessly across the floors of airport terminals and hotel lobbies the world over. Now the company has released an updated model, which has been strengthened in all the key areas to make it an even more robust workhorse for the travelling golfer. Made from a heavy-duty ballisticstyle nylon, with a DWR finish, it boasts thicker moulded foam padding in the top section to better protect precious clubheads, while two-way zips and internal straps have also been strengthened. External and internal pockets have been added to maximise storage, while an integrated TSA lock and internal AirTag pocket enhance security. It weighs just over 5kg and is available in eight colours. If you haven’t already got one, seriously, buy one now or put it on your Christmas list with it underlined three times in red ink.

£329 sunmountain.com

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BLUE TEES GOLF RAINMAKER LAUNCH MONITOR Joining the fast-growing market for domestic launch monitors among serious golfers, Blue Tees Golf’s new Rainmaker is a compact Doppler radarbased device that captures 13 key performance metrics, including ball speed, launch angle, spin rate and carry distance. Built for use at home, on the driving range or on the course, the portable unit features a 4.3-inch display that provides instant feedback without requiring a smartphone or internet connection. An accompanying app expands analysis to 21 data points, including shot dispersion mapping and long-term performance tracking.

£599.99 blueteesgolf.com TITLEIST GTS DRIVERS Titleist’s new range of GTS drivers builds on the split-mass concept first seen in the brand’s GT range, while introducing a full thermoform body that redistributes weight to optimise launch and forgiveness, with improved shaping helping to generate additional clubhead speed without any extra effort. Three models – all of which are 460cc – are designed to cater for different players. The GTS2 majors on forgiveness and consistent speed across the face, while the highly adjustable GTS3 offers greater control over launch, stability and ball flight. The GTS4, meanwhile, targets golfers who generate excessive spin, combining aggressive spin reduction with a more forgiving head. A matching set of fairway woods is offered in the GTS2 and GTS3 models.

£629 titleist.co.uk

TAG HEUER X TAYLORMADE GPS GOLF WATCH TAG Heuer has teamed up with TaylorMade to add an extra layer of authenticity to its latest golf GPS watch. The Connected Calibre E5 45mm x TaylorMade Edition, which combines luxury Swiss craftsmanship with advanced on-course technology, features a chunky brushed titanium case, a ceramic bezel engraved with 18 holes and a design inspired by the contours and detailing of a golf club. The latest TAG Heuer Golf app delivers automatic shot tracking, enhanced hole mapping and automatic ‘strokes gained’ analysis, enabling players to assess their performance in greater detail. Dual-band GPS technology improves positional accuracy, while battery life offers up to 12 hours of dedicated golf use.

MCLAREN GOLF SERIES 1 & 3 IRONS Supercar manufacturer and F1 team McLaren has transferred its expertise in engineering and high performance into the world of golf. It has kicked off what will eventually be a full range of clubs with two sets of irons – Series 1 and Series 3 – alongside a range of branded golf bags and accessories. Developed with input from Justin Rose, the Series 1 iron is a refined tour blade aimed at accomplished ball strikers, while the Series 3 delivers added speed and forgiveness in a players’ distance iron. Both irons employ an advanced metal injection moulding process, combined with structural mesh technology and tungsten weighting to enhance feel, stability and playability. They are available to buy through selected custom-fitting specialists, including Club Champion, and directly from the McLaren Golf website.

£2,150 tagheuer.com

£360 per club, mclarengolf.com

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TAYLORMADE TP5 & TP5X GOLF BALLS

GARMIN APPROACH Z10 RANGEFINDER Weighing less than 200g and fitting neatly into the palm of your hand, Garmin’s latest rangefinder can lock on to pins up to 350 yards away and boasts six-times magnification. As well as vibrating when your target has been located, the rangefinder’s standout feature is Garmin’s Range Relay technology, which transfers yardages to compatible Garmin smartwatches, handheld devices and the Garmin Golf app, providing additional information including front and back of green distances. Tournament mode, ‘Plays Like’ distance adjustments, and a magnetic cart mount complete the package.

£259 garmin.com/golf

PING I540 IRONS The latest iteration of Ping’s hugely popular i series irons, the i540 blends the clean aesthetics of a players’ iron with technology designed to deliver the greater speed and distance of a more traditional gameimprovement iron. Tungsten weighting in the long and mid-irons lowers the centre of gravity to promote higher launch, while a forged steel face flexes more like a metalwood to enhance carry distance and stopping power. An internal air pocket that first appeared in Ping’s iDi driving iron improves sound and feel at impact. Available in three loft configurations to support custom fitting, the i540 offers a compelling combination of performance and precision.

TaylorMade has improved the paint job on the latest iterations of its tour-level balls by introducing a new micro-coating process designed to deliver greater consistency from shot to shot. The ultra-thin, evenly applied paint coating prevents excess paint pooling in the dimples, helping produce more predictable flight, tighter dispersion and improved performance in the wind. The TP5 also boasts its largest ever core for increased energy retention and faster ball speeds, alongside a redesigned dimple pattern for a lower, more penetrating trajectory. The TP5x remains the faster, lower-spinning option, with updated mantle layers boosting speed while its urethane cover provides better spin control around the greens. Both models are also offered in Stripe, PIX and HI-VIS Yellow versions.

£47.99 per dozen, taylormadegolf.com

£200/£210 per club (st/gr) ping.com

FOOTJOY X HARRIS TWEED LEGENDS SERIES FootJoy’s sixth collaboration with Harris Tweed uses the Packard shoe from its Premiere Series as its canvas, with a stripe of tweed material running down the midfoot. As governed by The Harris Tweed Act, the fabric used in each shoe must be hand-woven in the Outer Hebrides using traditional methods. The herringbone pattern is a dark grey-blue colour that is inspired by the rolling landscapes of Britain’s links courses, while the rest of each shoe is finished in clean white leather making for a truly classic look with a Celtic twist. Each pair comes with a bespoke Harris Tweed shoe bag.

£225 footjoy.co.uk

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UNDER ARMOUR DRIVE PRO CLONE Worn and developed in collaboration with three-time Major champion Jordan Spieth, the Drive Pro Clone shoe is designed to adapt to the unique shape and movement of the foot, enabling the wearer to move more naturally and generate power from the ground up. The heel design delivers a locked-in fit throughout the swing, further enhancing the feeling that you can launch into a shot without fear of slipping or losing your balance. Available in spiked and spikeless versions, it is offered in four colourways, although you won’t go too far wrong with the classic white.

£160 underarmour.com

ODYSSEY DAMASCUS MILLED PUTTERS Roll your rock in style with the limited-edition Damascus Milled putter, which combines precision engineering with distinctive craftsmanship. Available in six models, including both mallet and blade designs, the lineup is built around a unique Damascus steel insert created by layering and forging multiple steel alloys, giving each putter an individual appearance. The insert also delivers a firmer, more responsive feel, while AI-designed contours help maintain consistent ball speeds across the face for improved distance control. Precision-milled heads and a counterbalanced shaft complete the impressive package.

£569 odyssey.callawaygolf.com

OGIO LIMITED-EDITION GOLF BAGS OGIO’s eye-catching bag ranges are guaranteed to get you noticed on the fairways. This season has seen the introduction of two different limited-edition themes – ‘Ham & Eggs’ and ‘Poker’ – which follow on from the popular tequila, rocket lolly and banana-themed designs introduced in recent years. Both the new designs feature across seven of OGIO’s leading bag models, including the All Elements Silencer cart bag, the All Elements Hybrid, Fuse, Featherlite and Funday stand bags, the Alpha Slim travel cover and the RIG 9800 travel bag.

£139–£299 eu.ogio.com

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THE TIP SHEET

ADIDAS ULTIMATE365 ELEVATED £70, adidas.com Made with 88% recycled polyester, the Elevated’s soft double-knit fabric delivers warmth, comfort and durability, while the fitted hood offers protection from wind and light showers. Finished with banded cuffs and hem, it’s a stylish choice for golfers looking to reduce their environmental impact without compromising performance. Choose from white or navy.

PUMA CLOUDSPUN FLEECE £65 pumagolf.com Blending athletic styling with all-day comfort, the Cloudspun Fleece is ultra-soft, lightweight and moisture-wicking. The fabric helps keep you comfortable while allowing complete freedom of movement. An insulated construction and practical kangaroo pocket add everyday versatility. White, black and coffee are the colour options.

PETER MILLAR PINE PERFORMANCE £125 petermillar.co.uk Available in 10 different colours, the Pine combines casual style with premium technical performance. Four-way stretch, moisturewicking technology and an easy-care fabric will keep you feeling comfortable from the first tee to the clubhouse bar. A smooth outer finish and breathable micro-waffle lining complete a hoodie that is wearable anywhere.

HOOD FORM Six lightweight layers that deliver warmth, freedom of movement and an easy transition beyond the 18th

UNDER ARMOUR DRIVE £59.95 underarmour.com Offering warmth without weight, the Drive features UA’s Storm technology, which makes it both wind-resistant and water-repellent yet also breathable, making it a dependable layer for unpredictable conditions. Four-way stretch fabric provides unrestricted movement. Available in white, navy and black.

J.LINDEBERG SOLE £94.50 jlindeberg.com

ORIGINAL PENGUIN PERFORMANCE EARL £75 originalpenguin.co.uk

Combining Scandinavian style with premium performance, the Sole hoodie is exceptionally soft, lightweight and surprisingly warm. Its tailored fit delivers a clean silhouette without restricting your swing. Smart enough for the clubhouse and comfortable enough for 18 holes, it’s available in beige, navy, brindle, red and black.

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The Performance Earl is built for golfers who want lightweight comfort without sacrificing freedom of movement. Its stretchy nylon-elastane fabric moves effortlessly through the swing, while moisture-wicking technology keeps you comfortable as temperatures rise. Choose from grey, black and navy.

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BAG A P P E A L

SEAMUS GOLF

PRG ORIGINALS

Oregon-based Seamus Golf specialises in cotton and wool-based headcovers, each one hand-crafted to ensure a bespoke finish. The Hiwahiwa range is made from densely woven cotton fibres to create a bark cloth fabric that is slightly textured, resembling the rough surface of tree bark. The timeless tropical design will add some Hawaiian flair to any bag.

This officially licensed Guinness Collection of golf accessories includes Pint and Toucan headcovers with designs inspired by the famous ‘black stuff’ and its iconic toucan symbol. The headcovers are made from leatherette featuring PrimaTouch, a specialist fibre that offers water and stain resistance to enhance performance and retain its smart appearance. We’ll raise a glass to that.

£109 seamusgolf.com

SINKING BIRDIES UK-based Sinking Birdies specialise in golf accessories, including an eye-catching range of headcovers with a humorous twist. ‘Fresh Slices’ boasts a pizza theme that combines a weatherresistant PU leather outer with a plush interior lining, while other designs include Birdie Train, Money Maker and Putt for Dough.

FROM £36 sinkingbirdies.co.uk

FROM £50 prg-golf.com

COVER STORY Leather, tweed, vintage canvas and a generous dose of wit turn clubhead protection into an opportunity for personal expression

MAIREAD HUME Handmade using authentic Harris Tweed sourced directly from the Outer Hebrides, a Mairead Hume headcover will add a bit of authentic Scottish heritage to any golf bag. Naturally weather-resistant and lined with a soft protective black fleece, these covers ensure your clubs remain safe from scratches, dings and the elements. Choose from 14 different tartans, checks and houndstooth finishes.

FROM £65 maireadhume.com

SENNA MADE STEURER & JACOBY Crafted from hand-selected tanned hides and waxed cotton duck canvas, the cushioned lining of S&J’s headcovers is guaranteed to protect your precious cargo in style. For an extra £20, throw in monogrammed initials for next-level personalisation.

FROM £44 sj.golf

GUMTREE GOLF AND NATURE CLUB Gumtree has teamed up with Nature Club to produce a range of headcovers that are upcycled from vintage waxed canvas camping tents from the 1970s and 80s. Some have original stitching running through, while others have more wear and tear. Choose from faded green or tan – all feature a felt interior with an elastic interior ring to hold the clubhead in place.

FROM $135.00 gumtreegolfandnature.com

AUTUMN 2026

Designed by US-based artist Matt Senna, who made a name for himself creating bronze sculptures of iconic trainers, Senna Made has branched out into the world of golf accessories with a range of headcovers made from genuine cowhide leather. The Bomber Jacket headcover, which is offered in black or brown, boasts a magnetic closure.

FROM $175 sennamade.com

U LT R A T R A V E L

Rooted in the tradition of Europe’s grand café culture, The Wolseley Hospitality Group is a collection of restaurants, cafés and brasseries serving a legacy of culinary excellence, timeless elegance and exceptional service. From icons like The Wolseley Piccadilly and Brasserie Zédel, to neighbourhood gems like Colbert and Fischer’s, our restaurants offer Londoners and visitors alike a taste of the good life. And now you can Dine With D$ at our nine sites.

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R EQ U I R E D R E A D I N G

BY THE BOOK

Seven volumes explore the people, places and passions that have shaped golf — and continue to make it endlessly compelling

s a new generation of tracks redraws the golfing map, there’s plenty of inspiration for what to play — and read — next. Stefanie Waldek’s 150 Golf Courses You Need to Visit Before You Die returns in an expanded XL edition, while Frank Hopkinson’s Golf: The Iconic Courses provides a suitably spectacular photographic counterpart. New for 2026, Stefan Maiwald’s lavish GOLF ranges across the sport’s history, personalities, equipment and destinations, while Tom Coyne chronicles the unlikely rescue of a Catskills nine-holer in A Course Called Home. Michael Arkush tackles the inevitably contentious question of the greatest players ever in The Golf 100, while Ann Liguori mines champions for lessons on sport and life in Life on the Green. Finally, DK’s updated The Golf Book offers an encyclopaedic sweep through players, gear, technique, championships and courses.

AUTUMN 2026

U LT R A T R A V E L

NIYAMA PRIVATE ISLANDS MALDIVES ls

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EVOLVEDAND ANDMORE MORE TANTALISING THAN EVER EVOLVED TANTALISING THAN EVER Niyama Private Islands Maldives is proud to reveal its THIS IS NIYAMA Niyama Private Islands Maldives is proud to reveal its THIS IS NIYAMA transformation - extraordinary with fully refurbished villas and facilities, heightened transformation - extraordinary with fully refurbished villas and facilities, heightened levels luxury, new experiences immerse guests all the beauty of the levels ofof luxury, new experiences thatthat immerse guests in allinthe beauty of the Maldives, and a newfound sense of freedom an invitation for guests to life liveon life on Maldives, and a newfound sense of freedom - an- invitation for guests to live their own terms, unscripted unbound. their own terms, unscripted andand unbound. Now, ups ante, effortless luxury is draped avant garde, the surreal, Now, it it ups thethe ante, as as effortless luxury is draped withwith the the avant garde, the surreal, a kind. thethe oneone of aofkind. The new Niyama sees stylish thoughtful evolution of the resort’s The new Niyama sees thethe stylish andand thoughtful evolution of the resort’s villas,villas, restaurants and leisure facilities across islands Chill, infusing restaurants and leisure facilities across twintwin islands PlayPlay and and Chill, infusing eacheach with energy uniquely Niyama. with an an energy uniquely Niyama.

POWER TRIP

AMERICAN EVOLUTION Forget everything you thought you knew about the Corvette. The C8 E-Ray is a hybrid, all-wheel-drive supercar with the performance and polish to surprise the sceptics. By Adam Hay-Nicholls

AUTUMN 2026

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POWER TRIP

ELECTRIC ADVANTAGE

The E-Ray uses an electric motor to power its front wheels, creating an all-wheeldrive system without a mechanical connection between the axles

CHEVROLET

or Chevrolet, the Corvette has long been an American institution: a muscular machine beloved of the Apollo astronauts, Templeton ‘Face’ Peck from the A-Team and generations of enthusiasts. But things have changed beyond recognition. Most significantly, it’s now officially available in the UK and Europe. The UK, Japan, Australia and New Zealand will receive right-hand-drive ‘Vettes for the first time in history. Furthermore, the signature long bonnet, the

AUTUMN 2026

cockpit that sits over the back wheels and the stubby rear end emblazoned with four glowing round lamps are gone. The seventh-generation car, the C7, was the last to conform to that recipe, ceasing production in 2019. Chevrolet tore up 66 years of Corvette convention and started from scratch, producing a mid-engined, all-wheeldrive supercar that looks neither Detroit-designed nor Kentucky-built. You’d assume it was born in Maranello or Sant’Agata. In other words, the C8 looks like a Ferrari or a Lamborghini and, praise the Lord, drives like one, too. There’s even a hybrid option, the E-Ray. Who’d have thought a Corvette driver might care about fuel consumption, emissions or silent city driving? In reality, it’s about boosting performance and improving traction. The C8’s heart remains a 6.2-litre naturally aspirated V8, but the E-Ray adds an electric motor to the front axle, taking combined output to an extremely eager 644bhp. Those mechanical biceps have rarely been bigger, and are comparable to those of the considerably more expensive Porsche 911 Turbo S. The electric motor and engine drive their respective axles, giving the E-Ray all-wheel drive and allowing the system to vary the balance of power according to the conditions. This makes it tail-happy in the way you’d expect if you were to slide it out from behind a highway diner as the sheriff’s sirens get closer. The ‘Vette fires from zero to 62mph in 2.9 seconds and charges all the way to 180mph. Far from being some kind of Smokey and the Bandit moonshine-running machine, though, the design, build, handling and power feel reminiscent of the Audi R8 (which ceased production two years ago). Like the Audi, you could imagine driving this car every day – even though the removable targa-style lid takes up all the rear boot space. The frunk will, at least, accommodate a few days’ grocery shopping. The car is placid at low speeds, and like a modern Ferrari there’s plenty of electronic assistance built in to keep you on the black stuff when

you’re pressing on, unless you choose to switch the nanny off. I was rather taken with the interior, which wraps around the driver like the cockpit of a fighter jet. To pick another 1980s reference, it reminds me of KITT in Knight Rider; lots of colourful and exciting graphics pop up on the digital instrument binnacle, and there are loads of switches which will delight those of us who yearn for an analogue experience. It could be a bit twitchy on some of the British B-roads I tested it on, but on a smooth, wide road it would hold its own against the best the Germans can proffer. Visually, it is arresting and proved very popular with all the oglers I encountered. It looks like a supercar should: ballistic and completely immature. The fever dream of a toddler or a madman. It lacks the elegance of the Mercedes-AMG GT and the Aston Martin Vantage, both of which cost only a little more in the UK and Europe and offer more tasteful alternatives. Having 1,900kg of American brashness on the driveway isn’t for everyone, but for the first time, Corvette has built a car that, under the skin, is as clever and sophisticated as the high-end kit the British, Germans and Italians produce. Think of it as sophisticated engineering wrapped in American brashness. The new ‘Vette is an unlikely contradiction – outrageous on the outside, yet seriously accomplished underneath. (chevrolet.com)

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Your key to the most exclusive hotels, resorts and palaces worldwide.

Castaway Island, Fiji Resort

Ultratravel Collection is where GHA DISCOVERY brings together its most exceptional stays, carefully chosen for travellers who know exactly what they like, and refuse to settle for almost. Expect luxury that goes well beyond the basics. Remarkable settings. Dining shaped by the local landscape. Spa and leisure experiences designed to restore, not just impress. Cultural access that feels personal, not packaged. Quiet elegance, impeccable service, and detail that never asks for attention because it never misses. All with GHA DISCOVERY generous rewards and exclusive privileges.

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