A Guide to the Best Golf Courses in Europe

Europe is home to some of the world’s best and most beautiful golf courses, including some of the most impressive Ryder Cup and European Tour hosts. Whether you’re looking for a thrilling golf experience right on your doorstep, or a relaxing coastal escape abroad, there are plenty of courses in Europe to choose from.

From the glorious Scottish coast to the spectacular Thracian Cliffs of Bulgaria, we’ve hand-selected our top 10 picks of the best golf courses in Europe, each a must-visit in your golfing lifetime. So, in no particular order, shall we begin?

Best Golf Courses in Europe

 

1. Alisa, Scotland
2. Real Valderrama, Spain
3. The PGA Centenary Course, Scotland
4. Morfontaine – Grand Parcours, France
5. PGA Catalunya – Stadium Course, Spain 
6. Monte Rei Golf & Country Club – North Course, Portugal
7. Thracian Cliffs, Bulgaria
8. Oitavos Dunes, Portugal
9. Les Bordes – Old Course, France
10. Montgomerie Maxx Royal, Turkey

 

1. Alisa Course, Scotland

 

The Alisa Course at Trump Turnberry is one of the most iconic courses in the UK and Europe. Known for having hosted the Open Championships and other esteemed tournaments on numerous occasions, and welcoming some of the world’s greatest, including the likes of Watson, Norman, Price and Cink, Alisa is certainly one to add to your bucket list. In addition to unparalleled championship golf, players can enjoy breathtaking views across Arran and Ailsa Craig at every hole.

Location – South Ayrshire, Scotland

Designer – Willie Fernie, Mackenzie Ross, Martin Ebert

Length – 6,810 m

Par – 72

 

 

2. Real Valderrama, Spain

 

Located in the Province of Cadiz, Real Valderrama is considered the best golf course in Spain and, as such, earns its place on our list of the top 10 best golf courses in Europe. Having hosted the 1997 Ryder Cup, 16 VOLVO Masters and 2 Amex Championships, it’s easy to see why. Not only does Real Valderrama serve a challenging game worthy of the most experienced players, but an idyllic setting, weaving through mature trees and beautiful lakes along the track. 

Location – Cadiz, Spain

Designer – Robert Trent Jones

Length – 6,390 m

Par – 71

 

 

3. The PGA Centenary Course, Scotland

 

Located in the home of golf itself at Gleneagles in Scotland, The PGA Centenary Course is the perfect choice for anyone looking to immerse themselves in rich golfing history and relish in true links-style golf. Boasting the longest inland track in Scotland, The PGA Centenary offers an exciting game on “the finest parcel of land in the world”, according to designer Jack Nicklaus himself.

Location – Perth, Scotland

Designer – Jack Nicklaus

Length – 6,232 m

Par – 72

 

 

4. Morfontaine – Grand Parcours, France

 

Located just outside of Paris near Chantilly, Golf de Morfontaine’s Grand Parcours is a stunning parkland golf course that dates back to 1913. Morfortaine is regarded as one of the most beautiful golf courses in Europe, characterised by its rolling fairways, tall pines, birches and abundance of heathers. Book a golf break in France and check it out for yourself!

Location – Mortefontaine, France

Designer – Tom Simpson

Length – 6,001 metres

Par – 70

 

 

5. PGA Catalunya – Stadium Course, Spain

 

The Stadium Course at PGA Catalunya is located just north of the happening city of Barcelona and is a firm favourite with both professional and amateur golfers from all over Europe. Although praised for its stunning setting and picturesque views, the Stadium Course was designed for high-level competitions, featuring merciless bunkers and strategically-placed lakes, so don’t let it’s beauty distract you from your A-game. 

Location – Costa Brava, Spain

Designer – Neil Coles MBE

Length – 6,500 m

Par – 72

 

 

6. Monte Rei Golf & Country Club – North Course, Portugal

 

The North Course at Monte Rei Golf & Country Club is another one of the best places to play golf in Europe. Built to flow seamlessly into the surrounding landscape, The North Course features a number of challenging water hazards, deep bunkers and overall exciting holes. It comes as no surprise that it’s consistently ranked number 1 in Portugal!

Location – Algarve, Portugal

Designer – Jack Nicklaus

Length – 6,567 m 

Par – 72

 

 

7. Thracian Cliffs, Bulgaria

 

Located on the remarkable coast of the Black Sea with beautiful ocean views, Thracian Cliffs is one of the most photographed and most beautiful golf courses in Europe. And, with multiple tee points and critically acclaimed course design, Thracian Cliffs makes the ideal choice for golfers of all abilities looking for excellent golf and even better views.

Location – Bozhurets, Bulgaria

Designer – Gary Player

Length – 6,452 m

Par – 72

 

 

8. Oitavos Dunes, Portugal

 

Splendidly designed to blend effortlessly with the surrounding nature, Oitavos Dunes is nestled between majestic sand dunes and the Atlantic Ocean. As such, Oitavos Dunes offers a tricky test of golf precision with the sea winds adding an extra obstacle in addition to the many natural hazards and thrilling holes. As one of the best places to play golf in Europe, we recommend booking a golf trip to Lisbon and testing it out for yourself.

Location – Cascais, Portugal

Designer – Arthur Hills

Length – 6,300 m

Par – 71

 

 

9. Les Bordes – Old Course, France

 

The Loire Valley is best known for its romantic charm and natural beauty, which is where you’ll find Les Bordes Old Course. The Old Course meanders elegantly throughout a complex of lakes and through the Sologne Forest, offering players a serene setting while they play. It is known as one of Europe’s most elite and exclusive courses and is also ranked among some of the best in the world for the last 30+ years.

Location – Loiret, France

Designer – Von Hagge

Length – 6,409 m

Par – 72

 

 

10. Montgomerie Maxx Royal, Turkey

 

Turkey is an up and coming golf hotspot, and as one of the best golf courses in Europe, Montgomerie Maxx Royal in Belek is a must-visit on your next golf break. Built as part of a multi-million euro golf and hotel project, no expense was spared when designing this stunning championship course. Boasting eight lakes, perfectly-manicured greens and fabulous views of the Mediterranean Sea and nearby mountain ranges, Montgomerie Maxx Royal offers a spectacular backdrop for a challenging game.

Location – Belek, Turkey

Designer – European Golf Design with Colin Montgomerie

Length – 6,522 m

Par – 72

 

If you’re looking for a hassle-free golf break, including luxury accommodation and rounds at some of the best golf courses in Europe, browse Golf Travel Centre’s selection of golf breaks in Portugal, Spain, Turkey and more.