The avid golfers in your family should look to the fairways of Europe for some exciting action and fun. Some of the best golf courses in the world are located across the pond. Visitors from around the world, flock to these popular and exclusive destinations for the chance to experience the sheer joy of playing the game of golf, while others hope to immerse themselves in following the footsteps of former and current champions.
The following top five European golf courses are without a doubt the best that the entire continent has to offer. Over the last several years, I was fortunate enough to visit these locations and was impressed with their level of service, green fees, accommodations and brilliantly designed golf courses.
The Ballybunion Golf Club (Ireland)
The Ballybunion Golf Club is located in County Kerry and is consistently ranked as a top European golf course. It features two impressive golf courses, the Old Course and the Cashen Course. Visitors who choose to spend their golf vacation here will not be disappointed.
The Old course was established in 1893. This Oceanside location is also one of the most scenic golf courses around and features a few downhill and uphill spots but overall can be described as a distinctly wild and natural landscape. There are a series of contours which make it quite challenging, but that’s probably why this golf club has been the center of many world-class tournaments. It’s certainly not an easy course to master and experienced golfers will have their work cut out for them. The Cashen course opened to the general public in 1982 and has been prominently featured in many golf magazines. Robert Trent Jones Sr. originally designed it.
Green fees for the Old course and Cashen course are 180 euros and 110 euros, respectively. Currently there’s an October special of 180 euros for reserving both locations. The phone number to call and make a reservation is 353 68 27146. The best time to visit this spectacular destination is July. It’ important to keep in mind, that in the summertime, the ocean air tends to keep the temperatures cooler and golfers won’t really feel the humidity while playing.
The nearby Ballybunion Golf Hotel features an excellent steakhouse. You may want to pay a special visit to their rooftop restaurant for some authentic Irish cuisine dishes. Their telephone number is +353 (0) 68-27111and the fax number is + 353 (0) 68-27166. Their email address is [email protected].
St. Andrews Old Course (Scotland)
St. Andrews Old Course is one of the top golf courses in Europe with a long and distinguished history. The Old Course is managed by the St. Andrews Links Trust and is considered public property. Its history can be traced as
far back as the 18th century and has had the distinction of hosting several high profile tournaments including the Open Championship in 2005. Beginner golfers may need to brush up on their iron shots from the greens before visiting this top European golf course. Playing a couple of rounds on a course steeped in history does put things in perspective. I’ve had the pleasure of playing here, while on a corporate retreat. Needless to say, not much in the way of work actually got done. Guests who choose to go on a golfing trip here will be able to pay reasonable rates and enjoy their stay without breaking the budget. The best time to visit is May.
The Old Course is available to the general public by submitting a ballot in person by 2pm the day before playing or calling +44 (0) 1334-466666. Green fees are in the range of 64-130 euros, depending on which time of the year you decide to visit. The telephone number is +44 (0) 1334 466666 and the fax number is +44 (0) 1334 477036. The email address is mailto:[email protected]. Additionally, visitors should go here for more information on green fees and booking arrangements. St. Andrews also offers group discounts for individuals who wish to spend part of their golf vacation, on the Old Course Experience. This program offers a three-day special rate to four individuals or more, a guided tour of the golf course, preferred tee times, instruction, free caddies and a whole host of other amenities.
The Old Course Hotel is within close proximity to the golf course. It’s rates start at 175 euros per night. There are several restaurants and bars within this establishment, notably Jigger’s Inn that serves traditional Scottish food specials. To make hotel reservations call +44 (0) 1334 474371 or you can email them at [email protected]. Reservations are accepted online and personnel are available for chat sessions between 8am-4pm GMT. Additionally, all guests may want to drop by The Duke’s Bar and Grill for a truly authentic Scottish cuisine experience.
Club De Golf Valderrama (Spain)
Club De Golf Valderrama is located in Andalusia, which is about 2.5 kilometers from the city of Sotogrande in Southern Spain. This highly distinguished European golf course has hosted many well-publicized tournaments including the 1997 Ryder Cup, the 1999 World Golf Championship and the Volvo Masters 1988-1996. The handicap for women is 36 and for the men it’s 24. This location has been consistently ranked as one of the best golf courses around. Three years ago, when I played here, the course was very challenging, especially around the 5th, 16th and 17th holes. The narrow greens were difficult to play through, which required me to make constant adjustments. Golfers should also take into account the frequent crosswinds. The best time to visit is October.
Their green fees are 300 euros on weekdays and 320 euros on the weekend. The email address for booking reservations and scheduling tee times is [email protected]. Their telephone number for reservations is + 34 956 791 200. The fax number is + 34 956 796 028.
Hotel Almenara is located nearby and offers a variety of different amenities, including a private terrace for each guest suite. Rates start at 179 euros per person. Reservation inquiries should be made through the hotel’s website.
Falsterbo Golf Club (Sweden)
The Falsterbo Golf Club is one of the most scenic golf courses in Europe. It was first established in 1909 and is situated in the town of Falsterbo. This property is adjacent to a wildlife habitat and as a result, it’s not unusual to see different, colorful species of birds nearby. The traditional links have for the most part, retained their original design. The breathtaking views of this natural setting, the wildlife and the surrounding open landscape can literally energize your spirits. Watching out for that 4th hole might be a good idea. The angle of the shot has to be carefully measured.
According to Golf-Information.info, this top golf course is ranked fifth in Europe. Guests who decide to spend their golf vacation at Falsterbo will be in for a treat. The maximum handicap for men and women is 27 and 30 respectively. The green fees for non-member guests range from 350-450 SEK (Swedish currency), while the best time of the year to visit is May. To make a reservation call +46 40 47 50 78 or fax +46 40 47 27 22.
The Skanor Gastgifvaregard hotel is about three or four miles away and boasts authentic Swedish food and reasonable rates. Customer should call +46 40 475690 or fax +46 40 6782549.
Corfu Golf Club (Greece)
On the picturesque island of Corfu is the famous Corfu Golf Club. One of the most unique features of this top European golf course is the interconnected system of lakes and streams that seem to perfectly intertwine with the fairway and the sand traps. Golf course architect Donald Harradine designed this amazing resort. The ocean breeze is noticeable when you’re playing, but also very refreshing during the hot summer months.
The green fees range from 35-90 euros per person. There’s a 60% discount on these fees if combined with a Corfu Palace Hotel booking. The best time to visit would be in September. To check for availability as well as special rates, call +30 26610 94220. The fax number is +30 26610 94221.
The Corfu Holiday Palace Hotel is located about four to five miles away from the golf course. Rates start at 90 euros per night. The hotel features two tennis courts, a racquetball court, a pool and a series of luxurious villas. The Eptanissa restaurant carries a full menu of Greek traditional favorites and on occasion sponsors a theme night.
Catherine Marien ” Top 10 Golf Courses of Continental Europe.” Golf-Information.info.
