The 20 Best Golf Courses in Europe
Europe is a beautiful, diverse continent and one of the best destinations for a golfing holiday. Here at Cyplon Travel we offer a number of different vacation types including specialist golf holidays – and great weather, luxury hotels and amazing natural surroundings all come as standard on our packages. If you’re looking for a golfing break in stunning Europe, read on to see 20 of the best European golf courses.1| Costa Navarino Dunes Course, Greece
This impressive championship golf course, which opened in 2010, is located in Messinia in Southwest Peloponnese. With the Mediterranean climate and the bright blue hues of the Ionian Sea, a golf break to this region of Greece is set to be truly spectacular. The golf course itself is the first of its kind and was designed by US Masters Champion, Bernhard Langer. With each of the 18 holes offering multiple sets of tees, players will find playing at the Costa Navarino Dunes Course challenging yet flexible. The Taygetos Mountain serve as a backdrop and the incredible Gialova Lagoon is also nearby.
2| Porto Carras, Greece
Originally designed by world-famous architects William G. Robinson and Geoffrey S. Cornish back in 1974, the Porto Carras Golf Course in Neos Marmaras is conveniently located just under 2 hours away from Thessaloniki Airport. With Thessaloniki being the second largest city in Greece, you will never be too far away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Recently renovated by the renowned Roy McRay, the Porto Carras course has become the first golf course in the North of Greece to host international championships.
3| Club de Golf Alcanada, Spain
It has been marketed as “the best golf course in Mallorca†and upon arrival, it’s soon very clear why; surrounded by rolling hills, tropical palms and enclosed by the Balearic Sea, this is a dream golfing destination. Listed on the Top 100 Golf Courses website since 2006, Club de Golf Alcanada is a Northern gem designed by the talented Robert Trent Jones Jr. Named after a neighbouring island, which can be spotted by its beautiful lighthouse whilst on the course, this is one of the most beautiful young courses in Europe.
4| Secret Valley at Nicosia Golf Club, Cyprus
This course has been cited as the “Best Course in Cyprus†by Golf Digest 2 years in a row. Located near Paphos, Secret Valley Golf Course at Nicosia Club is without a doubt the most prestigious place to play in the country. The world of golf is still relatively new in Cyprus and the country’s Golf Federation was only founded 15 years ago but this 5,000 metre course is very much worth a visit. After a moderate start, the course will gradually prove to be a challenge, with the back 9 holes being the most difficult.
5| Aphrodite Hills Golf Course, Cyprus
This all year round championship course was designed by Cabell Robinson and was officially opened back in 2002. Still a young course, the Aphrodite Hills resort has four PGA qualified resident instructors and a fully-fledged Golf Academy for anyone wanting to learn or brush up on skills. The fairways are challenging, with water hazards by holes 10 and 18, and the entire course has been strategically designed to suit golfers of every level. Located in Kouklia-Paphos-Zypern Village in Paphos, players will get to enjoy stunning panoramas of the Mediterranean Sea along the course.
6| St. Andrew Links (Old Course), United Kingdom
St. Andrew Links in Scotland boasts 7 different courses; for golfers in search of variety, this Fife based coastal resort is ideal. Of all the courses, the famous Old Course rarely drops out of the UK’s top 10 lists and no other course has hosted as many Golf Opens as the Old Course at St. Andrew Links. The area is steeped in rich history the course itself is an iconic part of golfing history. Follow in the footsteps of some of the world’s most renowned golfing legends; walk across the famous Swilcan Bridge and take on the notorious Hell Bunker.
7| Golfclub Adamstal Franz Wittmann, Austria
Set in Lilienfeld at the foot of the Unterberg Summit, golfers will be surrounded by the most incredible nature. But the romance of Austria’s outback is just but a small part of this golf club’s shining reputation; immaculately looked after, the course comes close to perfection. The dense wooded landscape of this 18 hole championship course makes it one of the most unique places in the world to golf, and course designer Jeff Howes (disciple of Jack Nicklaus) has seamlessly integrated the course design with the surrounding nature.
8| Thracian Cliffs Resort, Bulgaria
This dramatic course is situated in Bozhurets Village in Kavarna, Bulgaria – and has been claimed by Career Grand Slam winner and course architect Gary Player to be completely unique in every way. As quoted by the Thracian Cliffs Resort, Gary Player announced; “you will not find a golf course like this anywhere else on the planetâ€. With rugged cliffs and the Black Sea as your backdrop, golfing here is every holidaymaker’s dream. And with over 85 hectares, the course will prove to be a challenge in both difficulty and length.
9| Costa Navarino Bay Course, Greece
Six miles south of the Dunes course at Costa Navarino Resort, the Bay Course is Greece’s second signature golf course – one which is definitely worth a visit for any golf enthusiast. Offering a different setting and new challenges, it makes for a great second course once you have explored the Dunes. Only minutes away from one another, you will have easy access from the lavish Navarino accommodation. You will also have use of the luxurious Anazoe Spa, the traditional Pero Restaurant, the modern Eleon Restaurant, and the glamorous Romanos Pool Bar.
10| Buena Vista Golf Course, Spain
If you’re looking for your next golf challenge, head over to Buena Vista Golf Club in Tenerife. The greens are so close to the coastline that the water will prove to be quite the challenge – with many golfers losing their golf balls to the unforgiving Atlantic Ocean. Designed by the incredible Severiano Ballesteros, this is one of the most iconic courses in Europe. Winning more than 90 international tournaments during his distinguished career, the Buena Vista Golf Course is a lasting memory of the late Spanish golfing legend. Overlooked by the breath-taking Teno Mountains in the North West of Tenerife, this 18 hole course will provide the most spectacular sights.
11| Elea Golf Course, Cyprus
Discover Sir. Nick Faldo’s Mediterranean masterpiece in beautiful Cyprus; set in the grand and prestigious Elea Estate in Paphos, this course the crème da la crème in both style and atmosphere. Since the 2010 opening of Nick Faldo’s Elea Golf Course, Cyprus (which is still relatively new to the world of professional golf) has really raised the bar when it comes to quality and design. Without a doubt, the new addition of this impressive Par 71 golf course will put Cyprus firmly on the map for golf-obsessed holidaymakers. Integrated into the surrounding natural world, the Elea Golf Course creates a wonderful experience for golfers of every level – and with scrupulous attention to detail, a golfing holiday at Elea will be truly one of a kind.
12| Golf Son Gual, Spain
Another fantastic golf course in Mallorca; Golf Son Gual in the heart of the beautiful Balearic Island. Designed by the highly respected course architect Thomas Himmel, many golfers describe Golf Son Gual as a considered challenge; well thought out and ingenious in every way, this 156 hectare course of gently rolling land is created for serious golfers who want to put their skills to the test.
13| Garda Golf Country Club, Italy
The Italian Lakes are amongst the most famous lakes in the world. The largest of the Italian Lakes is the striking Lake Garda and golfing here is one of the most extraordinary golfing experiences that you could ever have. The 27 hole Garda Golf Course is one of the best courses to have been built in the past decade, stretching across Rocca di Manerba, Soiano Castle and the hills of Valtenesi hills. With outstanding accommodation/facilities and the most incredible natural landscapes – and having hosted the 1990 Women’s Italian Open, 1993 Kronenburg Open, 1997 Italian Open, and 2003 Italian Open – Garda Golf Country Club is a prestigious and exciting golfing destination.
14| Old Head Golf Links, Republic of Ireland
Old Head Golf Links in County Cork sits on the Southwest coast of Ireland and has a number of legendary names attached to it; Paddy Merrigan, Liam Higgins, Haulie O’Shea, the late Eddie Hackett and Dr Joe Carr just to name a few of the original course creators. From the amazing course to the luxury dining experience, Old Head Golf Links is dedicated to providing a once-in-a-lifetime golfing experience for its visitors. Situated on the coast of Kinsale, the coastal winds prove to be a real challenge, even for seasoned golfers. So be prepared to lose to the water a few times – the Irish Sea takes no prisoners when it comes to seizing golf balls from unsuspecting players.
15| Crete Golf Club, Greece
This is an 18 hole championship course in the village of Hersonissos, Crete – and it has hosted a number of small tournaments. Crete is the largest of the Greek Islands and is popular with tourists due to its varying landscapes. For those who are looking for an interesting holiday destination that can please large groups or families, you will find everything and anything on this wonderful island; from beaches and nightlife to five star dining, the island won’t disappoint. Between October 2014 and September 2015, Crete Golf Club will be undergoing refurbishment; the plans will put the new course firmly on the map to further build its already shining reputation.
16| Golfclub Am Mondsee, Austria
Golfclub Am Mondsee is another extraordinary golf course in the beautiful country of Austria. Set in stunning St. Lorenz, you will be encircled by the famous Drachenwand of the Salzkammergut Mountains, the glistening elegance of Mondsee Lake, and lush greenery divided only by quaint lodges and traditional cabins. The Golfclub Am Mondsee 18 hole course not only offers the most spectacular scenery, but it presents a serious challenge for all levels of golfers. After an exhilarating game, golfers can enjoy drinks overlooking the beautiful lake.
17| Corfu Golf Club, Greece
This course is set in the stunning Ropa Valley on Corfu Island. As one of the best kept golf courses in Europe, the course at Corfu Golf Club is a must-visit destination for avid golfers looking to holiday in Greece. The flat parkland course offers a variety of tees and is ideal for all levels and abilities, and players will encounter a number of streams / waterways along the course. As well as an 18 hole course, Corfu Golf Club also has a good driving range and a chipping and putting green for practice.
18| Golf de Morfontaine
Morfontaine in France dates all the way back to 1913 when the Duke of Guiche transformed an old Polo pitch in Valliere into his dream 9 hole course. In 1927, Tom Simpson designed a brand new 18 hole course to open up the club to a wider public. And by 1930, Golf de Morfontaine had accrued 350 prestigious club members – and to this day, it still remains as one of Europe’s finest clubs. The original course, though short, is worth a go also.
19| Noordwijk Golf Club, Netherlands
Formed in 1915, Noordwijk Golf Club is the most distinguished club in the Netherlands. Weaving through the Dutch sand dunes, this 18 hole course takes golfers through an exciting journey of discovery in Noordwijk’s quaint seaside resort. Hosting the Dutch Open 9 times before, Noordwijk Golf Club is an iconic part of the country’s golfing history; past winners have included the late Severiano Ballesteros, Bernhard Langer, and Colin Montgomerie.
20| Real Club Valderrama, Spain
Valderrama is famous from years of TV coverage but it also has an endless trophy cupboard of accolades; it’s home to the 1997 Ryder Cup, it’s been given the Audobon Environmental Award, and it’s consistently ranked on the Top 100 Golf Courses website. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr, Real Club Valderrama has been open since the 1970s and as well as the Ryder Cup, the course has also been host to the Volvo Masters, the Amex World Championships and the AndalucÃa Masters.
