If you’re planning a holiday in Europe, and you plan to get a few rounds of golf in during your travels, then several courses stand out as worthwhile. Let’s run through a few of the best courses that Europe has to offer – and what you should be doing to give yourself the best chance of enjoying the experience.
Table of Contents
Where are the Best Courses?
PGA Catalunya
The Stadium Course here is often called the best course in all of Spain, and for good reason. It’s gorgeous to look at, and deceptively tricky – which is why seasoned golfers come back time and again to apply their newfound skills to this part of the world.
Valderrama
Another famous Spanish course, here. Valderrama is among the more challenging courses in the Costa Del Sol, but you can flatten the difficulty curve somewhat with the help of the different tees available.
Thracian Cliffs
This Bulgarian course is unique on the continent, thanks to its cliffside location. Like the best courses, it’s shaped by the surrounding landscape, and offers something completely different, with every fairway being lined with thick forests and soaring cliffs.
Monte Rei, Algarve
If you’ve golfing in Portugal, then this resort is well worth investigating. It’s packed with tricky water features, and interspersed with some well-designed bunkers. The North Course has actually been designed by Jack Nicklaus himself, and it’s a favourite among visitors to the Algarve.
Carya, Turkey
This course is to be found right in the middle of Turkey’s tourist country, and it’s among the best anywhere on the continent. Designed in 2008, it’s distinct for a variety of reasons, including the presence of heather all over the course.
Travel Tips
If you’ve planning on taking your own clubs, then you’ll need to read the airline’s small print. There might be a weight limit, which you can get under by leaving a few choice irons at home. You might not be compensated for damage, and there might be limits as to what items you can stash in your golf bag.
Try to keep sentimental items (like lucky charms) on your person, if possible, and travel as directly as possible to minimise the chance of a problem developing. For minimum stress, it’s best to book your airport transfers in advance. You don’t want to be looking for a taxi while you’ve got all of your luggage, including clubs, in tow.
