This tour of Europe by golf was designed with two of my favorite golfers in mind, my parents. They also love traveling. So I put together this list of the most scenic golf courses in Europe for them to dream about and hopefully, one day to visit.
Note: All green fees are listed in Euros. As of October 18, 2009, 67 euros was equivalent to almost US $100.
1. Sperone, Corsica, France
A unique and extremely beautiful course set on the island of Corsica located off the southern coast of France and Italy. This rugged course was carved out of the mountainous and rocky island to provide not only spectacular views but challenging golf. Hours of operation change according to the month. The high season is June 15-September 15 and the low season is January to March and November and December. Playing 9 holes will cost you 42 euros in the low season and 53 euros in the high season. For photos and further information visit the Sperone website.
2. Old Head Golf Links, Ireland
This unbelievable golf course built upon 220 acres of land with cliffs jetting out over the Atlantic ocean creating dramatic plays and views. If you are timing is right, from the clifftop portions of the course, you may even spot some whales cruising by. Not to miss is the 17th hole also known as the Lighthouse. The golf course also features suites and a spa, but there is alternate accommodations in nearby Kinsale. October 2009 fees for 18 holes are 295 euros and 2010 fees are 200euros. If you wish to save money try the twilight 18 holes for 75 euros in October 2009 and for 2010 between 95 and 115 euros. For photos and further information, visit the Old Head Golf Links website.
3. Golf Club Castelconturbia, Italy
One hour from Milan in the Piedmont area of Italy, this beautiful course, back lit by the nearby mountains provides challenging golf. The course is peppered with woods and in fact, its two most famous courses, the Blue and the Yellow are also called the Chestnuts and the Pines. These two courses comprised the Italian Open played here in 1991 and 1998. From February to December, you can play here with reservations for 78 euros on weekdays or 105 euros on Saturdays and holidays. The course is closed on non holiday Tuesdays. For photos and further information, visit theGolf Club Castelconturbia website.
4. Campo de Golf El Saler, Spain
Set in the Albufera Nature Park among the sand dunes and Mediterranaen Pines, this course offers wonderful views of the blue sea waters. Only miles from Valencia, it is a long and challenging course. 9-holes can be played for 57 euros during the low season (January, February, July, August, September, November and December) and 63 euros during the high season (March, April, May, June and October). For photos and further information, visit the Campo de Golf El Saler website.
5. Royal Zoute Golf Club, Belgium
Located among pines, silver birch and poplar trees on the North Sea coast, this excellent course serves as the site for The Belgian Open.The caretakers of this course have an attention to detail which is reflected in the superb maintenance of the course. Although you do not need to be a member of the Royal Zoute Golf Club to play here, you must be a member of a golf club somewhere. You will be asked to show your membership card (so don’t forget to pack it). The fees for the Championship course is 95 euros and the Executive course is 36 euros. For photos and further information, visit the Royal Zoute Golf Club website.
Sources:
Top 100 Golf Courses in the World. http://www.top100golfcourses.co.uk/index.asp> Accessed on October 18, 2009.
