Europe is home to some of the best golf courses in the world with some of the most beautiful and challenging golf courses, making it a prime destination for golfers who want to play a round while visiting the area.
It's not easy to pick the top 10 golf courses in Europe, but here are our can't-miss choices if you're going to be vacationing or visiting for business!
1. Royal County Down Golf Club, Northern Ireland
Situated on the southeast coast of Northern Ireland, Royal County Down is considered one of the best golf courses in the world. The course has been designed to challenge even the most experienced players, with rolling fairways, undulating greens, and natural hazards such as streams, ditches, and bunkers.
You’d be hard-pressed to find a more beautiful golf course in all of Ireland! One of the oldest courses in the country, golfers can look forward to a true links experience and follow in the footsteps of legends. The undulating terrain follows the natural curves of the landscape, which is built on dunes. There are several demanding blind shots off the tee and very often, you’re playing into a crosswind.
This course will require scrutiny and accuracy, as the greens are raised slightly and an errant shot will have your golf ball running off the putting surface. There are many memorable holes on this course, but golfers may find the 4th and 9th holes to be unforgettable.
Location: Newcastle, County Down, Northern Ireland
Details: 18-hole championship course offering a total yardage of 7,206 yards from the blue tees.
Cost: Green fees range from $180 to $394 per person, depending on the time of year you play.
2. The Old Course at St. Andrews, Scotland
The Old Course at St. Andrews is one of the most historic golf courses in the world, having been established for public use in 1552. It is a true test for any golfer, with its links-style layout, wide fairways, deep bunkers, and undulating greens providing a unique challenge.
Location: St. Andrews, Scotland
Details: 18-hole championship course with a total yardage of 6,721 yards from the championship tees.
Cost: Green fees range from $163 to $358 per person, depending on the time of year you play.
3. Valderrama Golf Club, Spain
Valderrama is one of the most prestigious golf courses in Europe and has hosted some of the biggest tournaments in the world, including the 1997 Ryder Cup. The course has been designed to challenge even the most experienced players thanks to its narrow fairways, deep bunkers, and curvy, pristine greens. First-time visitors should take advantage of the caddy’s knowledge, as they’ll be able to provide insight about the course hazards.
Location: Sotogrande, Cádiz Province, Spain
Details: 18-hole championship course offering a total yardage of 6,990 yards from the championship tees.
Cost: Green fees are $476, and every group is required to hire at least one forecaddie at a rate of $63.
4. Golfclub München Eichenried, Germany
Located just outside Munich, Golfclub München Eichenried is one of Germany's finest courses and has hosted some of Europe's biggest tournaments. The course features wide fairways and large greens, making it suitable for players of all levels.
Location: Munich, Germany
Details: 18-hole championship course offering a total yardage of 6,545 yards from the championship tees.
Cost: Green fees are $100 on weekdays, $148 on weekends and holidays, with discounts if you play as a guest of a member.
5. Crans-sur-Sierre, Severiano Ballesteros Course, Switzerland
Crans-sur-Sierre is one of Switzerland's most famous courses and provides an enjoyable yet challenging experience for all levels of golfer. The Severiano Ballesteros Course features generous fairways and spacious greens that are surrounded by absolutely stunning views of the Alps. Note that a handicap certificate is required!
Location: Crans-Montana, Switzerland
Details: 18-hole championship course with a total yardage of 6,277 yards from the championship tees.
Cost: Green fees range from $53 to $192 per person, depending on the time of year you play.
6. Le Golf National, L'Aigle Course, France
Le Golf National is one of France's most well-known and loved clubs and has hosted some of Europe's biggest tournaments, including the 2018 Ryder Cup. The L-Aigle course is a true links-style game, set amongst beautiful views of the French countryside. While it’s suitable for newer golfers, it provides enough of a challenge for experienced players to enjoy their round.
Location: Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, France
Details: 18-hole championship course offering a total yardage of 6,937 yards from the championship tees.
Cost: Green fees range from $37 upwards, depending on the time of year you play, the time of day, and there are discounts for seniors.
7. PGA Catalunya, Tour Course, Spain
PGA Catalunya is one of Spain's most renowned courses. It’s challenging enough for both experienced and new golfers to enjoy, with spacious fairways and large greens. The course is laid out amongst stunning views of the Pyrenees mountains.
Location: Girona Province, Spain
Details: 18-hole championship course offering a total yardage of 6,561 yards from the championship tees.
Cost: Green fees start from $122 per person.
8. The Belfry, Brabazon Course, England
The Belfry is one of England's most iconic courses and has hosted some of Europe's biggest tournaments including four Ryder Cups between 1985 and 2002. The course features tight fairways and beautifully smooth greens set amongst stunning views of Warwickshire countryside.
Location: Warwickshire, England
Details: 18-hole championship course offering a total yardage of 7,255 yards from the championship tees.
Cost: Green fees range from $97 to $115 per person.
9. Bro Hof Slott Golf Club, The Stadium Course, Sweden
The Bro Hof Slott Golf Club’s Stadium Course is set alongside Lake Lake Målaren, offering stunning views but be aware that the wind coming off the water will make your round more challenging. It features pristine fairways and elevated greens that challenge golfers with runoffs. The back tees are reserved for professionals.
Location: Wishaw, Warwickshire, England
Details: 18-hole course offering a total yardage of 7,946 yards from the black tees.
Cost: Green fees range from $63 for juniors to $240 for adults, with discounts for guests of members.
10. St Leon-Rot Golf Club, Rot Course, Germany
St Leon-Rot Golf Club is located near Heidelberg in Germany’s Rhine Valley region and you can get a glimpse of the nearby Heidelberg Castle from almost every hole on the course. It’s a parkland course that offers a challenging layout with tight fairways, deep bunkers, fast running greens, and several water hazards throughout the course.
Location: Sankt Leon-Rot, Germany
Details: 18-hole championship course offering a total yardage of 7,203 yards from the championship tees.
Cost: Green fees range from $60 to $78, but guests must be accompanied by a member.
Conclusion
There’s no denying that Europe has some of the most stunning golf courses in the world. No matter your skill level, you can expect to find a happy challenge and have a great time on the course.
Whether you're in the EU for business or pleasure, these 10 courses are sure to provide you with an unforgettable experience. For those who are planning on traveling around Europe, try to get a round in at more than one of them, but be sure to double-check the green fees before you play as they can vary significantly from country to country!
