best golf courses in Europe
Choosing the best golf courses in Europe can take time and effort due to the large number of picturesque and challenging layouts established there. From the world-renowned PGA Camiral Golf & Wellness in Spain to the breathtaking Thracian Cliffs in Bulgaria, these courses are sure to impress golfers of all skill levels.
In the following article, we have curated a list of the top 12 best golf courses in Europe, celebrated for their unique designs, stunning settings, and exceptional playing experiences. Whether you’re planning a golfing getaway or looking to play at some of the most prestigious courses, our top picks provide an excellent starting point for your European golf adventure. Dive in and discover what makes these courses the best in Europe.
PGA Camiral Golf & Wellness – Stadium Course
Located just north of the vibrant city of Barcelona, the Stadium Course at Camiral Golf & Wellness Resort has quickly established itself as one of the top 12 best golf courses in Europe. Meticulously planned over more than a decade, the course has exceeded all expectations. Set against the picturesque foothills of the Pyrenees, it seamlessly integrates natural lakes and challenging yardages into its design. Measuring 7,200 yards from the tips, the course demands power but also offers various tee boxes to accommodate players of all skill levels, making it an accessible yet challenging European Tour favorite.
Valderrama Golf Club
Another wonderful golf course in Europe is the Real Club Valderrama in Spain, designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. This is a famous venue for the European Tour, which has hosted the Andalucia Valderrama Masters and the 1997 Ryder Cup.
Known for its immaculate condition, the course offers a consistently challenging round. The standout 17th hole features a green that slopes towards an emerald lake, with bunkers behind it creating one of the most testing bunker shots in golf.
Real Club de Golf Sotogrande
Real Club de Golf Sotogrande, located in the beautiful Andalusian region of Spain, is also one of the country’s most prestigious golf courses. Designed by the legendary Robert Trent Jones Sr., this course offers a blend of strategic challenges and natural beauty. The fairways are lined with mature trees, and the layout includes numerous water hazards and bunkers, a true test even if you are a professional golfer.
The club has hosted numerous international tournaments, showcasing its top-notch facilities and immaculate course conditions. Its elegant clubhouse offers panoramic views of the course, adding to the overall luxurious experience.
Playing at Real Club de Golf Sotogrande is a must for any golf enthusiast seeking a world-class golfing experience in Spain.
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Fontainebleau Golf Club
Nestled in the Fontainebleau forest near the historic town, Fontainebleau Golf Club is set on ancient imperial hunting grounds. This course is known for its narrow fairways lined with diverse tree species, creating a challenging yet enjoyable golfing experience. The presence of dense outcrops of brooms, lilacs, ferns, and jennets adds both beauty and difficulty to most holes, complemented by fine sand bunkers.
Regularly ranked among the best golf courses in France, Fontainebleau offers a unique and picturesque round of golf that blends natural beauty with strategic play.
Golf de Chantilly
Golf de Chantilly is a historic and prestigious golf course known for its classic design and challenging layout, located in the picturesque region of Chantilly, France. Established in 1909, it features two 18-hole courses designed by the renowned architect Tom Simpson. The Vineuil and Longères courses offer a blend of strategic holes, manicured fairways, and beautifully maintained greens set amidst lush woodlands.
The Vineuil course, often ranked among the best golf courses in Europe, is known for its demanding yet fair layout, a favorite for both amateurs and professionals. Chantilly has hosted several prestigious tournaments, including the French Open. The club’s elegant clubhouse, steeped in tradition, provides a perfect setting for relaxation and socializing after a round.
Thracian Cliffs Golf & Beach Resort – Signature Course
The Signature Course at Thracian Cliffs Golf & Beach Resort, designed by Gary Player, is a spectacular golfing destination in Bulgaria. It is situated between rugged coastal cliffs and the vast expanse of the Black Sea. The course offers breathtaking views and a unique layout. Each hole is meticulously sculpted to blend seamlessly with the natural terrain, creating one of the most dramatic and visually stunning courses in the world. Its striking beauty and challenging design have earned Thracian Cliffs a spot among the best golf courses in Europe, a must-play for golf enthusiasts.
Monte Rei Golf & Country Club
Monte Rei Golf & Country Club in Portugal is a masterpiece where every hole seamlessly integrates with the natural landscape, offering a unique challenge at each turn. This 7,182-yard course in the East Algarve features water hazards on 11 of its 18 holes and beautifully sculpted bunkers that enhance its impressive design.
The course provides unparalleled views of the Serra do Caldeirão mountains. Its exceptional layout and stunning scenery ensure a memorable golfing experience in one of Europe’s premier golf destinations.
West Cliffs Golf Course
Opened in June 2017, West Cliffs Golf Links has quickly established itself as one of the must-play golf courses in Portugal. This title is enhanced by the esteemed Praia D’El Rey Resort.
Designed by Cynthia Dye, the course seamlessly integrates with the natural landscape, preserving the terrain’s integrity. It is situated along the stunning Silver Coast and features rolling sand dunes and coastal vegetation, offering golfers a series of unique and remarkable holes. The exceptional design and breathtaking views make West Cliffs a must-play destination for golf enthusiasts visiting Portugal.
Troia Golf Course
Troia Golf Course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., is a premier destination on the Iberian Peninsula, located on the scenic Troia Peninsula near Lisbon. This championship course offers stunning sea views and an unspoiled setting, making it a top choice for golf enthusiasts. Suitable for all skill levels, the course is both challenging and memorable, with signature holes including the Par 4 third hole and the impressive Par 5 18th hole.
If you are seeking an unforgettable experience and lasting memories in Portugal, don’t miss out on the Troia Golf Course.
Carya Golf Club
Carya Golf Club is a part of the luxurious 5-star Regnum Carya resort in the Belek region of Turkey. It offers a unique golfing experience both day and night. Recently, the club underwent significant upgrades to install floodlights, making it the first fully lighted golf course in Europe.
Inspired by traditional heathland courses found in Surrey, Carya is designed to challenge even the most skilled golfers while remaining enjoyable for higher handicaps. Its picturesque 18-hole course, with its combination of challenging design and innovative lighting, ensures an unforgettable golfing experience. Come here to feel the excellence of golf if you have a chance to visit Turkey.
Golf Club Villa d’Este
Nestled among chestnut, ash, and pine trees, Villa d’Este Golf Club offers a picturesque and challenging golfing experience in Italy. This par-69 course was designed by Peter Gannon and quickly became one of the most difficult golf courses in Europe. Here, you will be treated to spectacular views of Lake Montorfano on several holes, enhancing the beauty and complexity of the game. The course layout winds through lush landscapes, ensuring a memorable round and making Villa d’Este a top choice for those seeking an exceptional golfing adventure in Italy.
Lofoten Links
Lofoten Links, opened in 2015, is a stunning golf course located on the island of Gimsøya in Norway. The course offers breathtaking views with the ocean serving as a water hazard on several holes and sandy beaches acting as natural bunkers.
Unique to Lofoten Links, golfers can enjoy 24-hour play between late May and late July due to the midnight sun. Additionally, from late August to mid-October, players can experience the Northern Lights, making it a truly exceptional golfing destination.
Above, we have introduced to you the top 12 best golf courses in Europe. Know any other courses that are worth visiting, don’t hesitate to share us in the box below. Thanks for your reading!
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