Top Golf Holidays in Europe

With the warmer weather tempting golfers to organize more games, there’s no better time to plan an exciting trip to a great golfing destination abroad.

Europe boasts some of the most prestigious and breathtaking golf courses in the world. From the rugged Scottish Highlands to the idyllic countryside of Italy, there’s something to suit every golfer’s ability, budget and personal preference.

Most of the top courses listed below welcome non-members throughout the year, and have fantastic practice facilities, including driving ranges, putting/chipping greens in addition to their first-class academies and pro shops. Here are some of the top golf holidays in Europe, with each country offering unique courses!

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Scotland

Scotland is regarded as the birthplace of golf with championship courses designed by some of the world’s greatest designers and giants of the game.

The country has 587 courses, plus the most clubs per head compared to any country in the world. Scotland is rich in culture, and heritage with golf being one of the many reasons people visit.

From the rolling links along the Firth of Forth to secluded retreats, its golf courses have all been shaped and influenced by its dramatic landscape, lochs and rugged coastal areas.

—> Read More: Top 12 Places To Visit in Scotland

St. Andrews Old Course

St Andrews Old Course is a revered links layout that has hosted numerous Open Championships since the 15th century. A dream destination for golf enthusiasts, St Andrews is rich in golfing history.

With its iconic double greens, devilish pot bunkers, and the infamous Road Hole (17th), it presents a stern test of shotmaking amid the undulating terrain and coastal winds.

Open all year
18 holes | Par 72
Facilities: Clubhouse, Golf academy, private caddie, Pro Shop
Green fees: from $95-$230

Muirfield

Muirfield is located on the East Lothian Coast near Edinburgh and is a renowned classic links course by the sea that hosts numerous Open Championships.

Its narrow fairways, deep bunkers, and lightning-fast greens demand precision and strategic play from golfers. The treacherous closing stretch, including the formidable Winning Hole (18th), has witnessed many dramatic finishes.

Open all year
18 holes | Par 72
Facilities: Golf academy, private caddie, Pro Shop.
Green fees: from $425

Gleneagles

Gleneagles in Perthshire provides parkland-style designs incorporating lush forests and rivers. It is famously on the PGA Centenary Course circuit with an impressive fairway amid parkland and woods.

Open all year
18 holes | Par 72
Facilities: Pro Shop
Green fees: from $230

Royal Troon Golf Course

Don’t miss, the Royal Troon Golf Course with its striking seaside setting, this is a revered venue with towering dunes, cavernous bunkers, and gorse-lined fairways that require careful navigation.

The infamous Postage Stamp (8th Hole) is one of the most iconic and challenging par-3s in golf.

Open all year
45 holes | Par 71
Facilities: Pro Shop
Green Fees: from $325

Turnberry

On the Firth of Clyde, Turnberry is an undulating link consisting of deep bunkers, and frequent coastal winds that create a formidable test especially on the treacherous closing stretch along the rugged cliffs

Open all year
45 holes | Par 72
Facilities: Pro Shop
Green fees: from $465

Ireland

Ireland is world-renowned for its beautiful, challenging golf courses with a total of six courses on the Emerald Isle voted among the best in the world.

From windswept links to lush parklands, a diverse collection of revered courses are distinctly shaped by the dramatic natural landscape making Ireland a great place to travel to, and an ideal golfing destination.

—> Read More: 11 Places You Can’t Miss When Visiting Ireland

Ballybunion Union Golf Club

Located in Kerry on Ireland’s southwest coast, Ballybunion Golf Club’s Old Course is an exciting links course across coastal dunes with cliffside views (fees: from $235).

Open all year
18 holes | Par 71
Facilities: Golf school, pro Shop
Green fees: from €230

Lahinch Golf Club

Lahinch Golf Club in county Clare is an established club with an inviting sandy links course overlooking the sea.

Open all year
18 holes | Par 71
Facilities: Golf school, pro Shop
Green fees: from €195

Adare Manor Golf Club

Adare Manor Golf Club in Limerick is an inland and parkland gem. Its course incorporates rivers, trees and takes advantage of their beautiful Irish countryside surroundings.

The amazing golf setting boasts a challenging, yet playable championship 1 course in a fantastic and fairly challenging layout.

Open all year
18 holes | Par 71
Facilities: Golf school, pro Shop
Green fees: from €435

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Spain

Thanks to its popularity as a golf haven, southern Spain attracts players keen to play on stunning courses next to beautiful beaches or with striking views over mountains.

Spain is a golfer’s paradise thanks to its year-round sunny weather and variety of terrain, which allows for coastal, parkland, and desert-style courses. Most courses have undulating fairways, strategic bunkers, presenting a stern test for golfers of all abilities.

Golf lovers from across the continent visit Spain to play with some choosing to make the country their permanent or second home with dream properties dotted across the south.

La Reserva Golf Club

La Reserva’s course was designed by Cabell Robinson, and offers a scenic golfing experience with its picturesque setting in Cadiz and well-crafted design course. It is a unique championship course with ocean views.

Open all year
18 holes | Par 71
Facilities: Clubhouse, Pro shop, lessons
Green Fees: from €195

Valderrama Golf Club

Valderrama is one of the finest courses and was the Robert Trent Jones first course design. This iconic course has hosted numerous prestigious events, such as the Ryder Cup.

With its immaculate conditioning, strategically placed bunkers, and undulating greens, Valderrama demands precision and course management from even the most skilled golfers.

Open all year
18 holes | Par 72
Facilities: Clubhouse
Green fees: from $210 to $425.

Club de Golf Alcanada

This beautiful course has a perfect setting and with diverse and challenging holes. The course was built by Hans Peter Porsche.

Open all year
18 holes | Par 71
Facilities: Golf school, pro Shop
Green Fees: From €59

Portugal

Golf is undoubtedly one of the top activities in Portugal, and the Algarve is blessed with amazing golf clubs.

It has the highest concentration of premier golf courses, including some ranked among the best in Europe. Most benefit from the area’s natural beauty, and provide golfers with unique and challenging layouts thanks to the country’s lush dunes and pristine stretches of sand.

—> Read More: 14 Best Places to Visit in Portugal

Quinta Do Lago

Perhaps the most well-known Golf Club and Resort is the Quinta do Lago. This club is a golfer’s favorite thanks to its coastal links-style course and close proximity to the stunning Ria Formosa Natural Park.

Perfect for walking, this popular destination is close to the beautiful beaches of Garrão and Manta Rota.

Open all year
18 holes | Par 71
Facilities: Golf school, pro Shop
Green fees: from €190

Monte Rei Golf Club

For a taste of golfing royalty and undulating dunes, Portugal’s Monte Rei Golf Club in Tavira is a hidden gem. This incredible seaside links course is famous for being the first signature course by Jack Nicklaus.

Open all year
18 holes | Par 72
Facilities: Golf school, pro Shop
Green fees: from $135

Oitavos Dunes Golf Club

Oitavos Dunes Golf Club is set within the stunning Sintra-Cascais National Park in Cascais. Making it into the top 100 golf clubs in Portugal, this course provides a wonderful test with tricky holes that invites players to follow in the footsteps of golfing legends.

Its diverse holes and putting greens are down to the winning duo of links and parkland features.

Open all year
18 holes | Par 71
Facilities: Golf school, pro Shop
Green fees: from €95

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France

A great country to explore if you enjoy being outside and active at any time of the year, France has some world-class resort courses and historic championship layouts.

In addition to being rich in history and having some of the finest food in the world, France offers a diverse golfing experience.

—> Read More: 15 Incredible Places to Visit in France

Le Golf National

In Paris, the City of Love, this world-renowned course hosted the 2018 Ryder Cup. Set in the beautiful Île-de-France region, Le Golf National features a stunning backdrop of forests and lakes.

The challenging Albatros is known for its narrow fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and undulating greens.

Open all year
18 holes | Par 71
Facilities: Golf academy, driving range, private caddie
Green fees: from €120

Evian Resort Golf Club

The stunning Evian Resort Golf Club is situated in Évian-les-Bains: Nestled in the French Alps, this picturesque course offers breathtaking views of Lake Geneva and the surrounding mountains.

The 18-hole championship course has a unique layout, with many elevation changes and water hazards. Open April to October, with green fees from €120 to €200.

Open all year
18 holes | Par 71
Facilities: Golf academy, pro Shop
Green Fees: from €120 to €200

Italy

Italy’s mild climate and varied landscape makes it a golfer’s gift if you want to combine a holiday here with a great game.

From the Italian Riviera to Tuscany’s vineyards, Italy invites golfers to play on fairways that make the most out of a duo of breathtaking scenery and championship holes.

—> Read More: Top 10 Most Beautiful Cities In Italy

Argentario Golf Club

Built by Jaguar Land Rover, Argentario is the only PGA licensed golf facility in Italy, Argentario Golf Club is laid out amid the stunning Tuscan landscape.

This scenic course offers panoramic views of the rolling hills, vineyards, and medieval villages. The layout is challenging with numerous elevation changes and strategically placed bunkers. Awarded the “Agri Cert” certification for its eco-compatibility.

Open all year
18 holes | Par 71
Facilities: Golf academy, pro Shop
Green fees: from €60

Gardagolf Country Club

Located around Lake Garda, this scenic country club boasts a golf course that is set against the backdrop of the stunning Lake Garda and the Dolomites.

The course features narrow fairways, numerous water hazards, and well-guarded greens.

Open March to November
18 holes | Par 71
Facilities: Golf academy, pro Shop
Green fees: from €90

Switzerland

Golfing in Switzerland is a scenic delight, thanks to its magical mountain backdrops, fresh air and some immaculate courses winding through its famous Swiss Alps.

Andermatt

Nestled in the Alps, Andermatt offers an unforgettable golfing experience with stunning views and fresh mountain air.

Open all year
18 holes | Par 72
Facilities: Clubhouse
Green Fees: from CHF95

Crans-Sur-Sierre Golf Club

Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club, Valais: This iconic course, nestled in the Swiss Alps, offers breathtaking views of the Matterhorn and other towering peaks.

The 18-hole championship course is known for its narrow fairways, undulating greens, and frequent elevation changes. Open May to October, with green fees from CHF 180 to CHF 280.

Open May to October
27 holes | Par 71
Facilities: Golf academy, pro Shop
Green fees: from €70 to €150

Golf Park Zürichese

Golfpark Zürichsee can be found in the beautiful city of Zürich. Set along the shores of Lake Zürich, this course offers unbeatable views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.

The 18-hole layout features a mix of challenging and forgiving holes, with water hazards and well-bunkered greens. Open March to November, with green fees from CHF 130 to CHF 190.

Open March to November
27 holes | Par 71
Facilities: Golf academy, pro Shop
Green fees: from €70 to €150

Austria

Despite its shorter golfing season, Austria’s stunning mountain scenery provides a breathtaking backdrop for an incredible few rounds of golf on your visit here.

—> Read More: Best Places to Visit in Austria

Kitzbühel Golf Club

Situated in the heart of the Austrian Alps, this course lies in Tyrol and offers breathtaking views of the Kitzbühel Horn and the Wilder Kaiser mountain range.

The 18-hole championship course features narrow fairways, numerous water hazards, and elevated greens. Open April to October, with green fees from €80 to €160.

Open April to October
27 holes | Par 71
Facilities: Golf academy, pro Shop
Green fees: from €70 to €150

Adamstal Golf Club

This beautiful course located just outside Vienna is surrounded by forests and rolling hills.

The 18-hole layout features a mix of challenging and forgiving holes, with water hazards and well-bunkered greens. Open March to November, with green fees from €55 to €120.

Open March to November
27 holes | Par 71
Facilities: Golf academy, pro Shop
Green Fees: from €70 to €150

Europe’s range of first-class golf clubs provide unforgettable experiences for beginners, amateur and professional players. Whether you’re traveling with friends from your local club or working your swing, there are some great countries to combine golf and sightseeing.

These acclaimed courses are in beautiful settings and have been expertly designed by legends of the game. Whatever level you’re at, you can plan a memorable golfing trip that is as unforgettable for the places you visit as much as your winning shots.

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