Where to go in Europe if you love a round of golf? Europe is a dream destination for golfers from all over the world. With its vast open spaces, stunning landscapes and incredible courses, it’s no wonder that so many people come to play here every year.
25 European Cities That Golf-Loving Tourists Will Love
But with so much choice, which cities should you visit if you want to hit the greens? Here are 25 of the top cities in Europe for tourists who want to play golf:
St Andrews, Scotland
The home of golf has been welcoming visitors since 1552, making it one of the oldest and most famous golfing destinations in Europe. The 7 ancient courses are perfect for players of any skill level and there are plenty of other attractions nearby too.
Monte Carlo, Monaco
This glamorous city offers some seriously luxurious experiences on the green as well as off it. From championship-level courses to exclusive resorts, this is definitely a place where money talks when it comes to playing golf!
Madrid, Spain
Home to some of the best courses in Southern Europe, Madrid also boasts great weather and beautiful scenery that make it an ideal spot for hitting a few rounds before sampling tapas or exploring landmarks like El Prado Museum or Palacio Real.
Antalya/ Belek, Turkey
With its warm climate and stunning coastline, Antalya is one of the most popular golf destinations in Europe. Belek’s selection of championship courses make it a great choice for those looking for an unforgettable game.
Cannes, France
This chic city on the French Riviera has some fantastic courses right on its doorstep, offering views of the Mediterranean Sea while you play.
Where to Go in Europe if You Love a Round of Golf
Lisbon, Portugal
With so much to see and do in this beautiful city as well as world-class golfing opportunities, Lisbon should definitely be on your list if you’re looking for a European golf holiday with plenty of variety.
Munich, Germany
Home to one of the oldest known golf clubs in continental Europe (dating back to 1891), Munich is also renowned for its beer gardens and vibrant atmosphere that’ll keep you entertained long after your round ends!
Prague, Czech Republic
For something a bit different why not head to Prague? The capital is home to two top-notch courses set among spectacular scenery but there are plenty more options nearby too – perfect for exploring before or after your game!
La Manga Club Resort & Spa, Spain
This luxury resort in the south of Spain is home to three championship courses, making it a great choice for serious golfers looking for something special.
Algarve, Portugal
With miles of white-sand beaches and some of the best courses in Europe, this region on the southern coast of Portugal is a must-visit destination if you’re considering hitting the greens while abroad.
Rome, Italy
From ancient ruins to fantastic food (not to mention incredible golfing opportunities), Rome is one city that definitely deserves its place on any list of European destinations for golfers!
Dublin, Ireland
If you’re looking for a unique experience then don’t miss out on Dublin; with plenty of traditional Irish pubs around every corner as well as some excellent courses nearby this city won’t disappoint!
Helsinki, Finland
Although not usually associated with golf holidays, Helsinki has recently become popular among players due to its stunning scenery and world-class facilities at several local clubs – perfect for those who want an unforgettable game!
Barcelona, Spain
A top destination in Europe whether you’re playing or not; Barcelona offers spectacular courses alongside its many attractions, making it an ideal choice for a golf holiday.
Lausanne, Switzerland
This Swiss city is known for its stunning views of Lake Geneva and the Alps as well as being home to several excellent courses that make it a great destination for any golfer!
Vienna, Austria
From incredible architecture to legendary waltzes and of course some fantastic courses around the city, Vienna is definitely worth considering if you’re looking for a unique experience while playing golf in Europe!
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Although not typically associated with golfing holidays this vibrant city has recently become popular among players due to its growing selection of top-notch facilities – perfect for those who want something different on their trip!
Tenerife/Gran Canaria/Lanzarote Islands (Spain)
With lots of sunshine year-round and plenty of excellent courses on offer these Spanish islands are becoming increasingly popular destinations among European golfers so don’t miss out on them when planning your next getaway!
Rotterdam & The Hague (Netherlands)
Home to some beautiful parks and gardens as well as one of the best public courses in Europe, Rotterdam and The Hague are definitely worth considering for your next golf holiday.
Val d’Isère (France)
This resort town at the foot of the French Alps offers stunning views as well as some excellent courses; perfect for those who want to combine a bit of skiing with their golfing!
Salzburg, Austria
One of the most picturesque cities in Europe, Salzburg also boasts several top-notch courses that make it an ideal destination for any golfer looking for something special on their trip!
Europe’s Best Cities to Visit for the Avid Golfer
Budapest, Hungary
Offering panoramic views over rivers and hills alongside its world-class courses, this beautiful city is fast becoming one of Europe’s premier destinations for golfers – don’t miss out on it when planning your next getaway!
Geneva & Lausanne (Switzerland)
Home to two of the most spectacular lakes in Europe, these two Swiss cities offer plenty of opportunities to enjoy both indoor and outdoor activities while playing golf – perfect if you’re looking for something different during your stay!
St Moritz (Switzerland)
Located high up in the Alps, this luxurious resort town offers some of the most breathtaking views in Europe as well as a selection of top-class courses – perfect for those who want to combine their golf with skiing or other outdoor activities.
Porto (Portugal)
With its stunning coastline and plenty of great courses nearby, Porto is definitely worth considering if you’re looking for an unforgettable golfing experience while abroad!
Tips for Tourist Golfers in Europe
Golfing in Europe is a dream come true for many golfers. From the rugged coastlines of Scotland to the sun-drenched fairways of Spain, European courses offer something unique and special that you won’t find anywhere else. But if you’re planning on hitting up some European courses as a tourist golfer, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Here are some tips for tourist golfers looking to play great golf during their trip:
Rent Clubs
Most courses around Europe will have rental clubs available, but it pays to plan ahead and rent your own set before you arrive at the course. This way you can make sure they fit properly and get used to them before heading out onto the course.
Best Hours
The best hours to tee off depend on where you’re playing and when peak season is, so check with local pro shops or green fees for more information about when it’s best to tee off. Generally speaking, weekends tend to be busier than weekdays because of increased demand from locals and international tourists alike.
Best Months
Depending on where in Europe you plan to golf, different times of the year offer better conditions than others. Generally, spring and fall provide milder temperatures and less rain making them ideal for golfing in most parts of Europe.
Budget Wisely
Golf can be expensive if you’re not careful with your budget. Make sure to plan out how much money you want to spend on green fees, rental clubs, food, etc., before heading to the course so that you don’t overspend.
Dress Appropriately
Different countries have different dress codes for their courses so make sure to check ahead of time what is appropriate attire at each course you visit. Generally speaking it’s best to stay away from shorts or jeans as they aren’t usually allowed on European courses.
Weather
Weather in Europe can be unpredictable and storms are common during certain months so make sure to research local indoor options such as driving ranges or simulators just in case the weather doesn’t cooperate while you’re there. However, the weather in South Europe is generally quite mild and pleasant, with warm summers and mild winters. In Spain, temperatures range from 10 to 25°C (50-77°F) during the summer months of June through September. Portugal’s climate is similar to Spain’s but more humid due to its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. The summer months are typically hot and dry while the winter months can be cool and wet. Italy experiences higher than average temperatures year round, ranging from 15-30°C (59-86°F). Greece has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters. Temperatures here range from 12-32°C (54-90°F).
When we say golfing in Spain, we think of Costa del Sol or Costa del Golf as the locals would say. There are hundreds of prestigious golf courses with extensive 18-hole fields. Marbella on the other hand is home to the most elite, and luxury golf resorts in the country. pic.twitter.com/MtMjYXefhe
— Spain Homes (@spainhomescom) December 22, 2022
Conclusion
Following these tips will help ensure that your trip goes smoothly and that you get the most out of your golf experience while visiting Europe.
No matter which city you choose, one thing’s certain: a European golf holiday promises unforgettable experiences that will stay with you forever!