Golf hotels: The Big Six

From Gleneagles in Scotland to Clingendael in Sri Lanka

The Gleneagles Hotel Perthshire, Scotland

This exclusive resort, set in 850 acres of stunning scenery in Perthshire, celebrated its 90th anniversary in June. There are three championship golf courses, so it comes as no surprise that it was chosen to host the 2014 Ryder Cup this weekend. There are 232 rooms and suites, each individually designed, including several family rooms. Non-golfers can amuse themselves with various activities including shooting, fishing, falconry, off-road driving and horse-riding, as well as swimming in the expansive health club's two indoor pools.

The Gleneagles Hotel, Perthshire (0800 389 3737; gleneagles.com). Doubles from £245, B&B.

The Manor Inn, North Carolina

Built in 1923, The Manor Inn sits pretty within one of America's most revered courses: Pinehurst. The North Carolina resort dates back to 1895 and its world famous No 2 course hosted the US Open in June this year. The Inn has 42 guest rooms and suites, and visitors can enjoy access to the numerous restaurants, spa and fitness centre, as well as its nine golf courses.

The Manor Inn, North Carolina (001 855 235 8507; pinehurst.com). Doubles $392pp (£239), or $251 (£153) from 3 November. Rate includes breakfast and one round of golf.

Bovey Castle, Devon

Bovey Castle's championship golf course was recently named among the world's top five (top100golfcourses.co.uk). It was designed in 1926 by J F Abercromby and opened in 1930 to rival sister courses at Gleneagles and Turnberry. There is a fully-equipped clubhouse, driving range, golf academy and bistro for pre- and post-match use. And guests can stay in one of the 64 individually-designed bedrooms in the original manor house.

Bovey Castle, Devon (01647 445000; boveycastle.com). Doubles from £215, room only.

Heritage Awali Golf & Spa, Mauritius

Combine golf with glorious views at this Mauritian resort set within a former sugar plantation. The Heritage Golf Club has one of the region's most beautiful courses; golfers can admire panoramic views of crystal-clear lagoons and rugged mountains as they make their way around the 18 holes. There is also kite-surfing, mountain biking, swimming and archery on offer for those who like to get their adrenalin pumping in between rounds.

. Heritage Awali Golf & Spa Resort, Mauritius (00 230 266 9768; heritageresorts.mu). Doubles from £369, B&B.

Royal Westmoreland, Barbados

Golfing doesn't get much better than Royal Westmoreland's world-class championship course – a 7,045-yard, par 72 with ocean views from every hole. Even the most skilled golfers will find it a challenge to navigate the tropical landscape. And if you can't bear to be parted from the course, the three-bedroom Royal Villa has landscaped gardens overlooking it. Other facilities include tennis courts, a pool and gym, and the Spa at Mullins Beach, which is a short drive away.

Royal Westmoreland, Barbados (001 246 422 4653; royalwestmoreland.com). Doubles from £245, room only.

Clingendael, Sri Lanka

With the dramatic Knuckles Mountain Range as a backdrop, Clingendael's par-73 Victoria Golf Course has been named one of the world's 100 most scenic courses by Golf Digest USA. The boutique-style hotel has been carefully furnished with reclaimed Dutch antiques, and it is surrounded by plush lawns and vibrant bougainvillea, all within a beautiful hillside setting that's close to the colonial sights of Kandy, Sri Lanka's elegant second city.

Clingendael, Sri Lanka (00 941 77 251 5457; theclingendael.com). Doubles from £322, B&B.