When you’re booking a golf holiday, where and how you will be playing the game are perhaps the most important aspects of your trip. This list will give you a lovely overview of resorts all across Europe that feature world-class championship courses for you to try your hand at. Read on, and get green with envy that you’re not already on these fabulous greens.
Grand Resort Bad Ragaz, Switzerland
What are you in the mood for – playing nine holes at the Executive Course or 18 at the PGA Championship Course? You can find it all at Grand Resort Bad Ragaz, a resort known for its two greens. Whichever you choose, one thing is for sure: the game you play will only be enhanced by the gorgeous backdrop of arresting mountains.
Quinta do Lago, Portugal
It’s not difficult to see why golfers from all over flock to Ria Formosa, a nature reserve, to stay at Quinta do Lago. With a reputation for hosting the Telegraph Junior Gold Championship, courses created with flawless architectural designs and an academy where you can improve your techniques, this resort and all its facilities are truly world class.
Verdura Resort, Italy
For lavishness and relaxation, book a stay at Verdura Resort. When you’re not enjoying a putt on one of the three greens surrounded by mesmerising Mediterranean natural beauty or lowering your handicap with golf lessons, you can take in all the luxury this hotel offers. A spa, private beach and a range of delectable restaurants are just the beginning – head to Sicily and see if you can find the ending.
PGA Catalunya Resort, Spain
For one of the consistently best ranked courses in all of Europe, the challenging Stadium Course, take a trip to PGA Catalunya Resort. When you’re not getting out on one of their two first class greens, you can hit the tennis court, take a dip in one of their many pools or have a meal in the private lounge and restaurant.
Terre Blanche, France
Terre Blanche boasts two 18-hole championship courses that fit perfectly into its natural surroundings, making it a popular destination for golfers all over the world. Beautifully designed by the famous Dave Thomas, they are much more difficult than they look. Rounds can get hairy with traps scattered around, including water hazards and bunkers.
This green is sure to ramp up the appetite – and, as you’re in France, there’s no better place to indulge in some of the finest food around. Sate your hunger at Le Faventia, the Michelin Star restaurant this resort hosts. With world-class courses and world-class meals, what’s not to love?
These resorts, with their championship courses, are dotted all across Europe, from places as surprising as Switzerland to as predictable as Portugal. Whether you’re looking to relax in Italy, challenge yourself in France or simply play a great game in Spain, you’ve got options all over the world. Now that these delightful destinations have made it onto your radar, break out your clubs, book your tickets and get ready for the golf getaway of a lifetime!
Steve Frewin is the Managing Director of A Golfing Experience, a company with more than 29 years experience organising bespoke golf holidays and escapes throughout Europe for individuals, societies and groups. If you're looking to play on a championship course we operate in all the major European destinations, and if you'd like to explore options further afield, we can arrange holidays to the world's greatest golf courses in The Caribbean, Mauritius, Bermuda and USA.
This article is copyright free.